12th Chemo Treatment

Sam started his 12th chemotherapy treatment today after his full blood count and urine test results are certified OK by the docs.

He started his self-imposed fasting after lunch. This is his usual routine, to combat the nausea effects induced by the drugs. Not the best method though, as he needs a lot of fluid to help purge the toxins.

Picture on the left showed Sam enduring the chemo treatment, with mummy giving him a light massage.

He managed to get thru the day with 1 bout of vomitting. Thank God for making it an easy day.

A POSITIVE REPORT

Samuel completed his 11th Chemo treatment last week, and also has another CT Scan done on his chest and lungs. The report from the scan is positive. Everything is cleared. Praise the Lord.

GCSF jab was done to boost up Sam's white cell growth and improve his immunity. The health situation at home is not ideal. Claire and Caleb have been coughing and I am on antibiotics for an inflamed throat. So we need prayer for protection for Sam. Thanks.

The next chemo...

My eyes well with tears when I thought of a friend who lost his 18 years old son suddenly a few weeks ago. The pain and sorrow that he and his wife is currently undergoing is beyond words.

It reminds me of the devastation that both Claire and myself went thru almost 9 months ago when Samuel was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma. I looked at Sam now, and I can't help but to give thanks to the Lord for keeping the boy with us. It has been a 9 months journey, with 10 chemo treatments, 1 major surgery, countless consultations and rehabilitation visits to the hospitals and Sam is on his way to recovery. There are 4 more chemo treatments to go, but we are convinced that the Lord has already healed.

This week, Sam will go for his 11th chemo treatment, and there will be a follow up CT scan during his stay in the hospital. Although the dosage of the chemo drugs has been reduced, the anti emetic drug was also correspondingly reduced. That results in Sam constant vomitting during treatment. Please continue to uphold Samuel I prayer during his treatment this week.

Thank you.

happy times in school

Thank God for seeing us through CA1 ... NEVER had it been so relaxing
for me... for once, I just let Samuel do what he wants though still
with some nagging to study. Samuel NEVER wants to miss school like before.

I have to go to school with him everyday, making at least 3 trips
fetching children to/from school. Have to spend time in school
even as I wait for him to finish his lessons(MATHS and SCIENCE only).







No complains at all just a heart of gratefulness to GOD to let Samuel
return to school finally. Thank HIM for all that HE provides -
supportive school (see toilet reserved for his sole usage),
classmates very tenderly 'babysit' him, and the laughters in the sun.

A lot of challenges ahead but we can trust HIS faithfulness.

Prayer requests

Pray for protection even as we prepare for chemo #10 this week.
Pray Samuel to be motivated for his studies ... even as we treat
his BIG 'C'(ancer) and the other small 'C'(omputer gaming).

finally... chemo #9 over ...

Thank God that this time sam's 24hr cct on 5/2 to 6/2 yielded a good BSA.

So chemo #9 proceeded uneventfully and we are to discharged on 8/2.

5 more chemo to go and we should be on the way to normalcy... though
with 1 week delay now...

However, we are cautioned to cut down his salt and step up on hydration so that
the chemo will not take a toil on his kidneys...

Prayer request

Sam to be able to adjust to school with so much going on and the right help to come to cheer him on to work hard but smart... with CA1 coming soon:>

That there will be God's joy and strength to run this race and be thankful
for all things...

chemo withheld...

Thank GOD that saw us through a week with me taking up the driving part finally...

Sam did a chromium EDTA at SGH as an outpatient was not good. This test is a
check on the functionality of his kidney.

As a result, upon admission on Wed, instead of chemo, we did a 24hr CCT
(collection of his urine sent for lab test). However, this time the result
was very good.

Which contradicts the test results of chromium EDTA and a previous 24hr CCT.

Therefore, the oncologists cannot ascertain clearly if chemo has taken a toll on
his kidney or not. There is even talks about changing a particular chemo drug
which may damage kidneys.

Now, the doctor decided that we should do another 24hr CCT (collection of urine)
on Sunday before admission on Monday again for chemo. In the meantime,
they will further investigate the findings of the EDTA with SGH.

Prof Tan suspected that while the chemo drugs are still strong in Sam, the
chemo drugs may have weakened his kidneys but as they wear off, his kidneys
recovered. However, she needs further test to ascertain this. They are very
cautious with proceeding as while there is a need to administer chemo drug
to eradicate the any lurking cancer cells, they do not want to permanently
damage his kidney.


Prayer requests

God's protection upon Samuel both physically and emotionally. He was initially
quite upset over the delay and perhaps also a bit anxious too.

Pray for God's healing hands to be upon the oncologist to decide on the
right and best course for treatment.

With so much disruption and activities going on, it is difficult for Sam to
focus on his studies. Pray for God's wisdom and help even as we try our
best to juggle all his needs.

Preparing to go back to school...

Sam was down with cough and running nose last Saturday.
Thank God he has recovered even faster than Caleb.

Much negotiation with the School and social worker,
Sam should be set to return to School on 25th Jan,
it is a meaningful milestone in the recovery pave for him.

To safeguard his health, we have decided to let him do only 2
subjects at school. Tutors have been sought out to help him
to self study at home and make up for potentially-to-miss
lessons due to his inpatient treatments.

Prayer request:
Good health, love and unity at home.

Meaningful and fruitful school and tuition sessons as Samuel
re-start his engine after nearly 7-month break.

Wishing all Samuel's supporters and prayer partners:

'HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR AND

MAY THE GOOD LORD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY IN THE NEW YEAR !'