Picnic Food is Magical!

Almost every year, my relatives on my father's side (Maglicco) put together a family reunion and Sam felt well enough today, August 9, 2008, to attend. Was it the thought of all the food that encouraged him to want to go? I could be wrong, but I'm gonna say yes. Food is magical!

Sam has been struggling to eat for the last several weeks because the chemo; medications and pain have kind of turned him off to eating. But today, he seemed to have an appetite. Hooray!!! He ate a meatball, a little chicken, some green beans and even a couple of cookies. That's in addition to two tube feedings totaling 1 can of formula. This is one of those two steps forward days. On Tuesday, when he gets his next chemo treatment, it will be a giant leap backwards - but we still have a few days to go and I'm really hoping Sam can continue to get some nourishment - like he did today.

Sam with Deanna & Eric

Sam with Maddy's parents

The visiting nurse was here today and Sam's pressure and temperature was normal. He gave us some good information on what to do to try to keep the digestive tract in motion. That's apparently important since the medications put your gut to sleep, so to speak.

I can say that God deserves a PRAISE today for the beautiful weather; the blessing of having my daughter and her very significant other , Eric, here; and for the opportunity to spending time with family. It's the basics that keep you grounded, but I'm lifted up today. Thanks God.

Maddy