Hello to all. I am typing this for my Mom as she is laid up in bed with a broken ankle. She has received many emails asking for an update on my Dad (Sam). Week 3 went well. Sam got medication for his swallowing problem but is still drinking those milkshakes he so loves. His blood counts are good but most of all his spirit is strong and his sense of humor has never been more apparent. His energy level is still high. Continue reading →

This was a short week, since Monday was a holiday radiation and chemo were moved to Tuesday. Things went well with the treatments. Radiation oncologist met with us Thursday and said blood work for the past two weeks looked good, and that another CT scan would be given at the end of 4 weeks. Sam noticed a little difficulty in swallowing at lunch on Friday and this morning at breakfast. We were told that this is to be expected. Otherwise he feels good and is in good spirits. He plans to play golf in Couples on June 5. We won’t plan to play in MACC as it will be week 6.

Thanks for all your calls and cards, and especially for your prayers.

Sam had his first chemo and radiation treatments today. He is scheduled for radiation 5 days a week Mondays-Fridays and chemo once a week, preferably on Mondays, to last for 5 to 7 weeks. Radiation takes only 5 minutes, and chemo takes 3 hours. His progress will be evaluated often during the course of treatments. His first time went very well. As always the sociable guy he is, he enjoyed talking to the other chemo patients and trading “war stories” with an ex-navy guy in the next chair. There are about 10-12 comfy recliners in the same room for the patients and table and chairs for the “waiters” which makes it a relaxing, friendly atmosphere–as much as such a situation can be relaxing. Juices, bags of snacks, and hard lemon candies are at the ready.

Thank you all for your concern and prayers.