The next test for Sammy was the EMG (Electromyography, or EMG, involves testing the electrical activity of muscles. Often, EMG testing is performed with another test that measures the conducting function of nerves. This is called a nerve conduction study.)
Sammy was amazing as ever. The doctor was very gentle with him and proceeded to look at muscle strength and his ability to walk, grip etc. The "claw" of his fingers was noted (Sam cannot straighten his fingers and they are permanently set in a claw-like shape), and his strange gait was noted. Then it came time for the electric shocks.
Sam became very angry that the doctor did not wait for him to ask the questions he had about the test. He was experiencing pain from the shocks, but his gripe was more that fact he had not been allowed to talk about what was going on. He kept asking, "Why don't doctors ever let me ask them about things, I need to speak before you do this..." Mummy instinct told me he was right, but at the same time, the test was almost over and I didn't want the pain prolonged. I tried to explain this to my very determined and angry young man, but he was too upset about being ignored himself. Once the test was over, Sam sat in my arms, disgruntled, but willing to forgive.
Unfortunately the news wasn't as good as I had hoped. The chemo has caused muscle and nerve damage which will be a long-term issue for Sammy. He may return to his former self, but it will probably take years. He will need therapy for a long time and then his walk and grip may not return to normal.
Sammy's wish is to be able to run with his friends in the playground. I now have a new mission...to help grant that wish for him!
Hi
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments. It's heartbreaking to read what you and your son have had to go through. I know it will kill me if my little girl had to go through what I am going through now. As far as food ideas go, I'll do my best to post recipes and ideas on the blog. Hopefully that will give you some ideas as well. :)
I'm sorry about the EMG results, but glad the MRI results were good! Small victories are so important. I wanted to pass on the CaringBridge site of a friend whose daughter developed AML when she was 3. She is now 6 and has come through treatments to have a "normal" life. I know that my friend was helped a lot by the community she found on CaringBridge, and I was hoping it could do the same for you during Sammy's fight, and that Taylor's story could bring you hope. Your family will be in my thoughts as Sammy kicks ALL's ass.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.caringbridge.org/visit/taylorjones
Funhouse Diary, you are going through so much yourself..thank you for checking in on Sammy.
ReplyDeleteShannon, you are right about the small victories and I will certainly check out the CaringBridge site....thank you for passing it on to me. I'm glad to hear Taylor has come through everything so well.
Katy xxx