Update On Tower Zone Race / Divine Intervention Pt. 2

To The Runners,

I just got off the phone with Disney and the news is good. Anyone interested in running the Tower Zone Race on October 27 has two options; you must register for the 13k. At that point you can either run the 6.5k or the 13k. The way it will work is the race will have a u-turn for the 6.5k that will take those runners (including me) back towards MGM Studios. Those who wish to test themselves (and get their heads examined, Roger, Carla) can keep going and finish the 13k. Those of us who are sane will be back at the party drinking a cold one and waiting for those who decide to run the half marathon. The only catch is that you must pay the $65 dollars for the 13k. Disney will not reimburse the $25 dollar difference. For those who are interested I have set up a block of rooms at the Celebration hotel. (407-566-6000) What is normally a $200 dollar room they are going to give to us for $160. The tax rates etc. will all be lower as well. All you have to tell them is that you are member of the Sams Party. At this point I would recommend that if you are considering running the race go ahead and register before the race fills up. I look forward to seeing all of you there.

Now to all family and friends,

I had promised another story of divine intervention. Here it goes. Early on in my treatments my brother-in-law, Lionel, had sent me an e-mail concerning a gal in Tampa who had been diagnosed with GBM IV 2 years prior. The E-mail included this girls name and number. I looked at the name and thought that I recognized it but was not sure. I called her up and we immediately began talking about her diagnosis and treatment. (It's funny how those of us with this disease skip the pleasantries and get right down to business.) After listening to her for 5 minutes I stopped her and asked where she had grown up. She immediately asked me, "Is this Danny Sams?" It turns out that she and I had grown up together as kids. This was a very close friend of mine when I was younger. We went to summer tennis camp together and lived in the same neighborhood. We used to be fierce competitors on the tennis courts. When I was able to I used to ride my bike over to her house to hang out. Talking to her now and knowing what she was going through blew me away. I could not beleive that this girl I had grown up with and I share the same prognosis. And to know that she is 2 years out and doing great! She is a true inspiration to me and keeps my spirits up on days when I get to feeling down. I still thank Jesus for putting these people in my life. If there was ever doubt about this being a God thing it was gone.

Anyway, time for me to go and get ready for my treatment. Love to all of you!

Dan

I'M BALD!!!

Hello all! Well, as the title states, I am bald. Last Wednesday my head started to really itch. I began scratching my head in earnest and then realized a large area was losing hair! The spot in question was where I receive the majority of my radiation. I get hit with five blasts of radiation that focus on the area where my tumor was. (This area is left frontal lobe.) I had always said that when I lost a little, all of my hair was going. As soon as I was able, I had Leah shave the rest of my head to even things out. (Take a look at the pictures.)

I know that I had promised what I consider to be stories of God's hand at work. Here is one for you. When I had my initial consult with Dr. S, (who is my radiation oncologist) the first thing he said to me was, "Could you have picked a worse tumor?" Now, imagine my reaction. This is the man who is going to be in charge of my radiation therapy for the rest of my life. He already sounds defeated. I am not liking his attitude. I am sure he saw the look of anger start to cross my face because he immediately states, "...but I've got a patient who is living in Texas who is 6 years out and doing great! He is a lot like you. Young, energetic, triathlete, positive attitude, hope, etc." Now, all that is true except for the triathlete part. I ask Dr. S to go on and he says that this individual had the same tumor I did, received the same treatments I am about to start, and is now 6 years out and very healthy and active. Wow! Great news! I almost forgave him for asking me the question about "choosing" my tumor.

Well, 2 days go by and I see a post on our guestbook from someone who identifies himself as a, "brother in brain cancer survivorship." He goes on to explain who he is, what he is doing, and oh, if I would like to contact him, here is his e-mail. I couldn't believe it! This was the same gentleman that Dr. S was telling me about a few days before! I fired off an e-mail right away and at the end ask him how he, in Texas, heard about me and our website. (I initially thought that Dr. S had contacted him and asked him to contact me.) On his reply, said gentleman informs me that his sister knows a girl who knew my cousin at Ohio University. Holy smokes! Talk about the hand of God! Not only is it totally cool that I get in touch with a 6 year survivor, but he also recommended several alternative medicines that I am currently taking that are probably the reason my immune system is doing so well. This individual is the main reason I signed up for the Tower Zone Race. He convinced me to have a focus and goal in mind during my treatments so I did not get down and out. I have had several phone conversations with this friend and have really enjoyed his upbeat attitude and spirit. As a matter of fact, he and his family are coming in town on October 18th and staying on Disney property. (He is coming back for his annual MRI with Dr. Nick and Dr. S.) We plan on getting together and comparing our scars. (Just kidding.)

This whole story really gave me the goosebumps. When I post next time I will share another story that is equally incredible. Praise Jesus, I see his work every where I look now.

As for me, all is going as expected. My side effects are present but manageable with medication. Being half way there is a big blessing. I want to thank everyone again who have helped us out in so many different ways. We are still receiving several meals a week which has been great. I even had some very good friends steal my truck on Sunday and detail it! I have had several people drive me down to my treatments so the burden is taken off of Leah. All in all, everyone has been truly wonderful during this time and I thank all of you. Those of you who keep signing the guestbook, we love your comments. Keep them coming.

As for the race, I contacted Disney a week ago and still have not heard back. I called several times today and got nothing but voicemail. I did find out that the 13k and 6.5k start at the same time in the same location. The 6.5k just stops at a halfway mark. If I can't get Disney to respond, my thoughts are that we will just begin the party a little bit sooner. Is everyone good with that?

Well, I am going to sign off for the night. God bless all of you and we love you.

Thanks again.

Dan and Leah

1/2 Way There!

Dear Friends,

This week will mark the middle of Dan's chemo/radiation regimen. I feel like this is a crucial point for reflection and prayer. We have been enveloped in wonderful fellowship over the last three weeks. It has been such a blessing to our whole family.

I have been taken aback by the strength of Dan's treatments. Of course, we want to annihilate this cancer! We are praying for the chemo to target the cancer cells and for Dan's healthy cells to remain so. We are praying for the radiation to be pinpoint and precise (sparing the healthy brain and destroying the cancer).

Sunday is my favorite day of the week. We focus on our family in order to strengthen ourselves for the week ahead. It is a day of rest! The chemo is 7 days a week, but the radiation is only 5...believe me when I say that a body couldn't take more than 5 days without a rest. I am praying that this weekend allows Danny to heal and rejuvenate in order to face the battle again on Monday.

The radiation only takes about 10 minutes (except for Wednesday which is about doubled for mapping purposes). Dan goes into the "vault" at 11:45 and is usually out by noon. If God puts it on your heart to do so, this would be an awesome time to ask God to really direct the treatment efforts and to strengthen and protect Dan.

Thank you all so much for your posts, cards, phone calls, meals, outings and prayers. Thank you for opening your hearts, cupboards and homes to us. As we face the week ahead it is impossible not to be anxious over the possible side-effects, but we do not have hearts of fear, and we lay our worries down at the feet of Jesus. We are able to see the power of God in the perfection of his plan, the strength of Jesus in the sacrificial love of our friends, and the peace of the Holy Spirit filling us and preparing us to enjoy each day as it comes.

Happy Sunday!
Leah

The Race Is On...

(Make sure to look at the comments area at the bottom for future race updates. A link to this thread appears on the right side of the page under LINKS.)

Hello! Some of you have already heard the good news. Disney is having a race on October 27th for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The race starts at 9:00pm and has a party afterwards with access to a few rides at MGM Studios. (Click here to register for the race.) I contacted the Tug McGraw Foundation last week and asked if I could raise money for their foundation. (The Tug Mcgraw Foundation is a Glioblastoma IV specific foundation based out of Duke University. Check out the link for more info.) They were delighted! They even went so far as to offer sponsoring me for the race! So far several of my family and friends have signed up for the race. (Unfortunately right now the only race available is the 13k but i am attempting to get us in the 6.5k.) Duke University is one of the three best brain tumor centers in the U.S. A lot of incredible and groundbreaking research is being done there. Thank and God bless all of you.

I have started my third week of treatments and so far so good. I am experiencing some mild side effects but all is manageable with proper medication. (Sometimes drugs really are a God send.) We have had a solid week of family in town which has been a lot of fun. Our house feels somewhat empty after all of the adults and children have gone. Thanks to all who continue to keep touch and stop by and drop off food, etc. Your generosity has been wonderful. I know I promised some stories about divine intervention but with the race info that will have to wait until my next posting. (This one would have been done sooner except Comcast was down all day yesterday. Sorry)

Once again God bless you all and please keep praying for total healing! We love you!

Dan and Leah

<Team Dan gear now available!
(Dan mentioned that he was going to do a shirt for the race so I put one together for him. Once I found a site that could print shirts on demand I just added a bunch of their other items. This is just for fun and is not a fund-raiser of any kind.
- Lionel)

Sorry For The Delay...

Dear Friends and Family,

I am sorry that it has been so long since my last post. We have been very busy recently. I have had people ask me what I do with my days now that I am not working as much. Just for the record, I am still doing some consulting and office work on a part time basis. I do plan on going back to work for Stryker once I get this cancer in remission. Even without my work, though, Leah and I have had a lot of family at the house lately. If you know about my family, they are all from out of town. (the exception being my Grandmother who lives in Sun City and is not able to come to Celebration, so we go to see her) When they are here for a visit, they stay with us in our apartment. For example, last Saturday my aunt, cousin and cousin's wife and children all came for a visit. My sister and brother-in-law and their 2 children arrived a little bit later. (see photo) My aunt and cousin left around 4:00pm and my sister and her husband are here at the house until early Thursday morning. My brother and his wife will be coming in the following Friday for the weekend. We also have planned visits from my old college roommates, and other cousins and assorted family members. Please, do not misunderstand. We LOVE the attention. I am just trying to make excuses for my laziness.

O.K. The first week of treatments are over and done with. All things said and done, they went well. The only problem I have had so far was and is the chemo and my head. If my anti-nausea meds were off, I feel the chemo in a bad way. I don't feel like I am going to vomit, I just feel bad. My head is a bit strange. I do not have the headaches like before, but my head still has moments when it hurts. (usually toward the end of the day) The pain, I think, is still from the surgery. All I can is thank God for good meds!!

I have begun my second week of treatments and all is good so far. I had blood work done on Monday and I met with my radiation Oncologist. The blood work is to determine what the levels of my anti-seizure meds are (I haven't had a seizure, this is just preventative)and also to check my white cell count as well as my platelet levels. Radiation is going smoothly. I get to play my own music during the treatment. Thanks to my brother-in-law, Sean, I have 6 great CD's to choose from. (I am currently listening to a live Widespread Panic CD)

Thanks to everyone again for all your prayers and support. The next time I post I will share a story of the Lord's hand doing incredible things for me and Leah. I could not imagine going through this experience without believing in God and his son Jesus. I have had so many divine experiences that one would not be able to explain by coincidence. To walk this journey without faith would be a very lonely walk.

Love and prayers to all!

Thank you,

Dan and Leah

Dan's Daily Dose...

Thank you Thursday--again!

Dear Friends,

Dan and I are simply in awe by the outpouring of love, support and nurture that we have received this week. We haven't had one need that has not been met. Our children have not had one hour that they weren't in loving care. Our bodies have not had one day without nourishing food lovingly prepared. Our needs for fellowship have always been met. God has not left us and neither have you. Thank you.

This has been a busy, topsy-turvy week for us. I think that we will hit our stride soon. The only thing that we have come to expect is the unexpected.

Wednesday was Dan's first day of full treatment. He is doing well, but we were both a bit surprised by the strength of the medicine. I guess it was a bit naive to think that this would be a walk in the park. We were kind of thinking that it would take a few days/weeks to "feel" the effects of the chemo and radiation. Not so. It is POWERFUL medicine.

Dan seems to be managing his medication a little better today. There is a large learning curve with all of this. In fact, we sat down with our patient education coordination nurse today (try to say that fast). She gave us a lot of practical help and information.

Dan was able to smell the ozone as the radiation was being administered today and see the "lights" in the radiation machine (apparently not all patients can do this--we are assuming this is good?!?). The tech seemed a bit surprised that Dan could do this. Any info out there?

As I sign off for the night, I leave you with this comment from a new friend, a 6-year-survivor of the same grade/level tumor, "the treatment is needed to give you an edge, but God's miracle (you) is the only thing that can beat [your cancer]."

Thank you, again,
Leah (and Dan)

After The First Treatment...

Hello to all! Thanks again for reading this blog and signing the guest book. We love reading your posts. The last few days have been amazing! Leah and I spent quality time with our children and we have had some great visits with friends. I actually got into the gym yesterday and today! (If any of my Doctors are reading this, please ignore that last sentence) Thanks to all who have brought us snacks, desserts and dinners. I am told the last 2 weeks of chemo are going to be difficult. Apparently my taste buds won't work from the radiation. Weight loss seems to be inevitable and fatigue will take over. Long story short, all the great food being delivered is much appreciated!

I had my first treatment today. I took my anti-nausea medication at noon and then the Temodar (chemo) at 1:00pm. My radiation was scheduled for 2:00pm so we left the house around 1:15pm. Upon arrival at the Florida Hospital Cancer Center we were taken into the back and shown the room were I will be receiving my radiation treatments. (take a look at the picture) I was informed by the technician that today would be a "dry run" were they would map my brain and make sure the markers on the mask were in the right spots. I would not receive any radiation. I laid down on the table and my mask was bolted over my face. (I had a moment of panic as the mask was secured in place) The technicians then left the room and the machine came to life. It started humming and twirling and lights were flashing. I felt like I was in a 1970's disco club. It was at this point that I decided If I did not close my eyes I was going to get sick. (I use the same technique with MRI machines. Just close the eyes...) I became so comfortable that I started to fall asleep! Right as I was about to drift off the techs came back in and snapped off my mask. This whole process took only 15 minutes. Apparently this is the same duration of time the actual radiation will take. We then met up with Dr. S's nurse and went over a few questions we had about the remainder of the week. The schedule for the next 3 days will be as follows; Wednesday is 2:00pm, Thursday is 2:30pm and Friday is 3:00pm.

We ask for your continued prayers and support. Once again, the next 3 to 4 weeks are still good for visits. My last 2 to 3 weeks of treatments are not supposed to be a walk in the park. Feel free to call or leave a message on this site. God bless all of you.

Love,

Dan (and Leah)

Off to treatments

Dear Friends,

Dan starts his treatments today. I think that he will probably post tonight or tomorrow about the experience. I just wanted to put out a quick request for extra-heavy-duty prayer over the next 6 weeks. I am praying that God uses our gifted doctors, nurses, and technicians to administer healing care to Danny. I am praying that the chemicals and radiation effectively destroy the bad cells and spare the good ones. I am praying that God performs a healing miracle. I am praying for strength and peace to fill my dear Dan. I am praying for you, our friends and family, that you are blessed through your gifts of love, time and devotion.

I praise God for the gift of Dan! I praise God for the gift of today! I pray that we are used in God's will for God's will, "...for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14).

Love,
Leah

Saturday Morning Update...

Dear Friends and Family,

I meant to post last night but I was not able to connect to the internet for some reason. (comcast does that to us from time to time...) We had a very nice week full of friends and family visiting us at the house. My treatments start on Tuesday and for the first 3-4 weeks I should still be in good shape for visitors. Anyone who would like to stop by, just call the house or e-mail us and we will schedule a time with you.

As many of you probably know, we got news that our beloved pastor Patrick will be leaving Community Presbyterian Church at the end of September. I was heartbroken when I first learned of Patrick's departing. Over the last 5 years Patrick and Kelly have become good friends of ours. I no longer look at Patrick as my minister. I see Patrick as a buddy and someone I am able to confide in. He was with me early on the morning of my surgery and was there when I woke up. He gave me the confidence I needed at that time to get through the unknown of what condition I would wake up in. (the neuro surgeon initially thought that I could wake up to paralysis on the right side of my body with a limited ability to speak)
As the son of a Presbyterian Minister, I can understand what Patrick is going through. Believe me, I will miss him very much as I start my treatments and go through my journey over the next few months without him at my side. We as a church community need to support pastor Patrick from now until his departure. We love you Patrick. You will be missed. We do wish you the best in your new church and will pray for you.

Thank you, Patrick, for all you have done over the last 10 years. Thank you also for leaving Nancy. She is truly a blessing to us.

Sincerely,

Dan and Leah

Good Friends = Great Days

Dear Friends,

How wonderful is it to read Dan's own words? I hate to even post after him, but I want to honor you and your time by "filling you in" between his powerful posts...

We are taking this week to really enjoy our friends and family. We have just been covered in love!!! Dan, the children, and I are excited to see so many of our faithful friends each day. Thank you for the many gifts that you are all using to minister to our family.

Yesterday, we had a visit from my grandparents, aunt and uncle. They showed up with food, drink and care packages for the children. In fact, there was so much food that I didn't have to make dinner (and we still have enough left for lunch today!!!). While I am talking about food, I must thank the women of our community for the steady stream of DELICIOUS treats. It is so nice to to feel your love through your gift of food throughout the day.

In the afternoon we visited with our gifted associate pastor, Nancy. What a blessing she is to our family!!!

After we put the children to bed, a few of my girl-friends came over to love on us. What fun! Again, my hands were stilled as they showed up with food, drink and conversation. They even brought their own wine glasses and garbage bags (can you imagine?!?).

I was struck by hearing how so many people are reading this post! I was also surprised to hear how many people want to say or do something, but feel unsure of whether or not their overtures of love would be invasive or intrusive. I want to assure you that Dan and I are not the least bit sensitive. There is nothing that you could say or do out of love for us that God wouldn't turn into a blessing for us (because we love him). As Dan's wife, I encourage you to share the burdens that are put on your hearts with him. I see the joy he gets from reading your guest book entries and comments to his posts--and it is tangible.

Well, I am off to be with my family! I wonder what miracles God will reveal to us today? Please join with me, if you are so inclined, in praying for Dan's total healing (whatever that may look like). As one of my dear friends said to me last night, "God doesn't make mistakes!"

Your sister and friend,
Leah