Relay for Life, Sam & Maddy Update

Madelyn
This morning, Maddy and I went to see Dr. Smith, her pediatric urologist, for a checkup and ultrasound. I had secretly been hoping that the ultrasound would show that her kidney had magically repaired itself, but unfortunately, the results were the opposite of what we had wanted. Her kidney is now at 55mm - about triple the size of her right kidney - and now her ureter has become enlarged as well. Yesterday, she was crying in pain for about 30 second, and then urinated and stopped crying, so we are thinking that it is beginning to be painful for her as well. So, tomorrow Madelyn is going to go for her 4 month check-up, and then off to the hospital for some pre-op testing. Her surgery will be scheduled as soon as we get the results; Dr. Smith would like to get the surgery done as soon as possible. We're obviously nervous about our little girl having surgery and being put under anesthesia, but we're also relieved that we are finally going to get this done, and that it will be one more medical issue that we can put behind us.

Sam
Sam began chemo last Friday, and unfortunately did not do well this round. By Monday, he was so uncomfortable that he called Dr. Rubin, his oncologist, late Monday night, and Dr. Rubin cancelled the rest of the chemo for this round. He has still not recovered - he spent most of yesterday and today in bed. He has had no appetite or energy. Dr. Rubin did some blood tests, which didn't reveal anything, so we are all thinking that it is a combination of the chemo, blood thinners, and pain meds. He is still on Dilaudid and a high dose of Oxycontin. So per Dr. Rubin, we are going to wait until Sam has weaned off of these meds and feels normal before discussing chemo again. We will talk with Dr. Rubin later this week to get more information on what he thinks is the best course of action.

On a happier note, Sam was able to go to the MCHS Relay for Life this Sunday, which raised $13,000 for cancer research! He had a blast visiting with his students and fellow teachers. His mom, brother, and nephew came out to see him as well, which he loved. We were very proud of him for making it out and doing the Survivor Lap.

Just a quick note to all of our friends and family: Sam really LOVES visitors, texts, emails, and phone calls from everyone! He apologizes for messages he hasn't returned, but know that he loves reading or listening to them all, and they really brighten his day. Please keep contacting him as much as possible. I know that everyone is very busy, but we always welcome visitors as well - friends and family have a way of getting Sam out of any kind of funk he might be in. Our doors are open!

And finally, we are SORRY for any thank you notes, emails, or phone calls that we have yet to make. We have received some amazingly generous gifts, and we are very touched by everyone's thoughtfulness. We also apologize for anyone whom we have forgotten to email, call, or text back. Please know that it is not deliberate, and that we appreciate all of it!