Chemo is the least of Sammy's problems. Samantha continues to battle the leg and phantom pain, though things appear to be getting somewhat better. The medication she takes causes her to become drowsy and she doesn't always feel quite like herself. For that reason, she hasn't been up for visitors though she still enjoys receiving mail and email.
As for future medical events: Samantha will have another round of chemo in 3 weeks. Then, approximately 3 weeks later, she will have the lung nodules surgically removed via thoractomy (I know this is a "kid friendly site" and the kids don't know what that is, so we'll leave it to the parents to explain ... after they read about it online :)). We're not sure yet whether one or both lungs will be operated on at the same time, and we are hopeful that the surgery can be done at Dartmouth. Within the next few weeks we will meet with the surgeons and learn what options there are. Once removed, the nodules will be examined to determine whether the cancer cells are dead. The results will guide Sammy's oncologist into determining how to proceed with the chemo.
Sammy is a really tough kid who's going through a really hard time. Just when she got used to standing out because of the hair loss and wheelchair, she is now getting stares for new reasons. This is not an easy adjustment. While she realizes it's natural for people, especially children, to be curious, it is still hard to feel like a "museum exhibit" (that's the term Shari uses when the stare exceeds 5 seconds). Samantha is always relieved when people ask her questions about what happened. That sort of breaks the ice and gives everyone a chance to see that Sammy is still Sammy. SO, the way you can help the most is through education and candid discussion with your children. Please remind your children that cancer is not catchy, Sammy didn't get cancer because she was "bad," and that she is still the same old kid she was before she got sick. Most importantly, please let your children know that Sammy is doing a great job fighting this battle and that she is winning.
Thanks for listening and checking in. We continue to gain weight. Thank you!
Shari and David
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12 comments:
We are all hoping easier days are nearby for everyone in your family, you all have been through so much, you deserve a break:)
Sammy, Emily says hi and can't wait to see you!
Love,
The Lane's
Sammy, i hope you are feeling better, after hearing that you still love attending events i thought that you would like to come to a "Dance-4-Cancer" event at my school. Me and a couple of my groups from Concord Dance Academy will be there dancing. It is Friday, April 6th from 7:00-8:30 P.M. it will be held in the auditorium at our school, which is Hopkinton High School and is located on 297 Park Avenue. I hope you can attend! && i also hope that you are feeling so much better! dancing with you was so much fun and i hope to do it again. and our student council is providing a yummy dinner and desert on April 3rd. i hope you like that too!
Sincerly,
Lindsay (here comes the sun big girl)
Hey Sammy,
I know being stared at stinks -- but you better get used to it -- because when people (especially boys) finally forget about your leg they are just going to keep staring because you are so amazingly beautiful and special!
So I guess you are stuck!!!!
Hang in there kiddo -- we are all thinking about you.
Love,
Big Andrew from Camp Sunshine
Hello Becca,
We were all just talking about you -- hoping we get to see you soon (Camp Sunshine?)Milo said if you want to email her her email adress is: puppylovermilo@aol.com. You can reach Logan at trainloverbob@aol.com -- but he is not very good about checking his emails.
Love,
Big Andrew from camp Sunshine
also, back up to the lindsay (here comes the sun)you can e-mail me at lindz1593@yahoo.com to ask any questions about that event.
Good morning, Sammy and family!
I hope you are enjoying this beautiful spring day! Breathe in the fresh air and put your faces to the sunshine. This will warm your hearts and give you hope. You are a courageous and loving family. My best to you all!
Love,
Mrs. S
Hi Sammy,
This is your old friend Sandy from OPG, of M&M fame. I have been following your progress almost every single day and thinking about you all the time. I heard that you are having a little trouble because sometimes people stare at you. I did not go through half of what you are going through, but when I had chemo and lost my hair, at first I bought a wig and hid under it. But you know what, I finally gave it up and went out and realized a lot of people stared at me because even though they didn't know me, their eyes showed that they understood I was going through a hard time, and as time went by, I was really proud to go out in public. To show them that although I had to fight a disease, I was strong and spunky and nothing was going to get me down!! You hang in there, kiddo, the pain will be gone someday and you will be dancing around on the new leg of yours and will barely remember that it used to hurt. The whole world is watching you....show them what you got!!!!! Love You,
Sandy Scott
Hi Sammy
Sarah Reinertsen here. I wanted to tell you that I remember my phantom pains when my leg was amputated at age 7. It does go away and the pain will to. I think you are a very brave girl and I know that great things will come your way. You will dance, run,swim,ride a bike do all the things you put your mind to. Remember never give up-- always try--you are more powerful than you know.
Cheers
Sarah Reinertsen
Always Tri Inc.
Fear Less Live More
Hi Sammy, We hope that you are feeling better. We cannot even begin to imagine what you are going through, having never gone through this ordeal ourselves. But we do know that you are very brave and that you are hurting a lot and want you to get better soon. We are always thinking of you and your family. What a great family you have.
Love,
Fern and Bob
Sammy:
Hope you are feeling better each day - we think of you so often and are not at all surprised that you were selected to be a spokesperson for CHaD; you and your family are amazing and you've taught us all a lot through your journey.
Gianna and Anthony can't wait to have you back full time in Spanish class!
The Celenza Family :)
Sammy
All of us at BES are missing you and pulling for you! Hang in there my friend. You are such an example to me. You are many things that I hope I can be: brave, strong, smart, funny, beautiful. I agree with a previous comment that pretty soon the boys will be staring at your beauty. Tell Becca that someday I will try to make her a blueberry pie - it is not a specialialty of mine (yes, I have some cooking specialties), but I will try to make one for her some time. I hope to see you very soon.
Love
Mrs. Prescott
Hi Guys! I finally figured out how to do this! You have been in my thoughts and prayers every day. You guys are rocks-let me know if I can help in any way. Love Mary
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