Update from Sam

Superhumans…

7 Jan , 2015  

Spent the day in the hospital this past Monday. Here’s what went down:

Had that chest tube taken out, have had it in since Dec. 8. Glad to be done with it. YouTube was taking on a new meaning.

Had a successful biopsy done on my lymph nodes in my chest, and they took some more lung tissue as well. This was sent to a lab at UNC to see if my tissue jives with the new PDL1 immunotherapy drugs I mentioned a few days ago. It is a once every 3 week treatment, via infusion, and it puts your immune system into hyper-drive, fighting off the bad cells. Should know by next Monday (at the latest) if I am a match. Hoping this is what we start with, as I’ve had many oncologists tell me they are seeing good success with this new trial. That’s where we stand. Hope to be back there next week finalizing a treatment plan. *GP, big thanks for the surprise visit at the hospital, and the tasty juicer treats.*

Speaking of hyper-drive, the support I’ve had over the last few weeks has been out of this world. There are superhumans surrounding me! Between all the contact from friends and family, financial support, good deeds, gang signs (yes, MW has gone gangsta, see pic of my niece and look for coming MW post), caring acts and loving remarks, I’ve got enough to be thankful for, and write about, for a long time. Will post more on some of these superhumans in coming days.

Keep the mojo flowin’.


34 Responses

  1. Merlyn Crawford says:

    Feeling strong about you Sam!! Much MOJO within and around you sweetie!!!!

  2. Pedrina says:

    Sam,

    You had mentioned you were hungry, are you able to eat what ever you want or do they have you on a diet restriction? Will you post some things we can send you please, for those of us watching and praying from the East. So glad the CT came out. I hear they hurt.

    Pedrina MW

  3. Austin Adams says:

    Getting that chest tube out is great progress, my man. Keeping you my thoughts and prayers. Don’t hesitate to let me know if you need me to do anything for you here in Wilmington, unless it involves me selling anything for WECT.com…..HA!

  4. Neal says:

    Hey buddy, hang in there! Let us know if Brian or I can help out in any way.

  5. Christine (O'Connor) McNelly says:

    Glad to hear things are progressing and that you got the tube out. Sounded horrible. I’m thinking about you every day Sam and praying things continue to move in the right direction for you. If anyone can fight this, its you!! MOJO thoughts (and recycling) from NJ!! xoxoxox

    Keep the updates coming!!

  6. Amber Grumbles says:

    Sam,
    Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers daily. I think about all our fun times at UNC-W. You are loved by many and have many many friends keeping the MOJO flowing. ♡♡♡

  7. kristin kash says:

    Shazam. You are inspiring.

  8. Sheila B says:

    Sam – thank for the update and so happy to hear you are feeling the power of positive support! We are pulling for ya always. Will be hoping and praying for the best treatments and quickest paths to health. Much love!!

  9. Christie Vann says:

    Let us know if you need anything at all! We are thinking about you…….Love you! Christie and Chad

  10. Emily Madison Baucom says:

    Sam,
    just wanted to tell you that I’m sending you positive thoughts every single day although you’ve always been one of the most positive people I’ve ever known–so much the better for you! Thanks for keeping all of your friends and family updated. Lots of love from one of your oldest fans.

  11. Quint Clayton says:

    Sam,
    Your attitude is incredible. Positive Energy , Positive Thoughts!
    Keeping you in my prayers…!! Anything we can do from you on the WB Grid, let us know!

    Q

  12. Heather Grigsby Causey says:

    Sam- My thoughts and Prayers are with you every day! Your amazing strength and great attitude is such an inspiration! You’ve got this!

  13. Carla Auman says:

    Sam,
    You let me know if there is any comfort food you desire and I will get it to you. Buddy and I are praying for a match. We are so in awe of your strength (yet not really surprised.) Love you!

  14. Mary dukebarnwell says:

    You are such an inspiration.. You have got this!! We had some fun times at UNCW…let’s continue the fun

  15. Maria Fernanda Setti says:

    Sam Sam,

    You are in my thoughts and prayers every day!

    Xoxo

    Maria

  16. Nicole Gallimore says:

    Great post. Glad your Mojo is going strong. Keep up the good fight and the updates coming.

  17. jody in Cali says:

    Sam, glad to hear you are feeling the love and are remaining positive. Say the word whenever you want something form the wine country and I’ll have it sent overnight! Stay strong. I’m sending prayers up every day. :o)

  18. Whitney says:

    Sam!!! I’m so sorry you’re going through this ordeal. Happy to hear things are progressing on a positive note. I’m praying for you and know that your amazing spirit, love and kindness has created good karma for your healing!!! Loving the mojo warrior signs – contagious. Looking forward to more positive news. Xxx, Whitney

  19. Tricia Smith says:

    Praying for you and sending good vibes your way!

    -Tricia and Rob Smith

  20. Chad Merrell says:

    Praying for ya Brother!! You are in my daily prayers but I know your going to kick this thing’s ass. Positive vibes you way.

  21. Chad Merrell says:

    Praying for ya brother. You’re an inspiration man and we all know you’ll kick this thing’s ass. We’ll have to get together for a ‘stinky’ or 2 when you are feeling up to it. Love ya man!!!!

  22. Sam!
    You’ve made billions of deposits in the goodness bank during your lifetime! The outpour of love, mojo, and support for you coming in, is simply all of us saying thank you for being such a kind, happy, positive force in the world:)

  23. Emily says:

    Thanks for the update! Continued prayers for you! Glad to hear the chest tubes out-don’t forget to use your IS like a real MW!

  24. Julie Spangler says:

    Dear Sam,
    I was so sorry to hear that you have joined the crappy cancer club. It is strange to be on the other side of the healthy peeps. Please EAT anything you can that is fattening. Forget the healthy stuff and pig out on burgers and milkshakes just for now. I mean it! And, KEEP MOVING! Eat and drink when you don’t want to and move as much as possible. Trust the docs and give up control to them. You are in the hearts of all your old neighbors in Shell Road Village. xoxoxoxoxoxox

  25. Tammy Seaton says:

    Thanks for the update Sam! Love the pictures of MW from your niece and David. Where can we send cards of well wishes and support my friend?

  26. Rena says:

    Hi, Sam!! Don’t think that I can express it any better than your friends before me. You will kick butt and we will be there to celebrate with you. Just keep us posted on when we can plan a party with you in Wilmington!!

  27. Judy Woody says:

    You know you’re one of my favorite people and you are certainly at the top of my prayer list. I so hate this has fallen to you, but you can handle it. You have great perserverance and positiveness on your side. Call me when you need some egg salad!!

  28. Casey says:

    Just wanted to tell you im sending positive thoughts and prayers. Keep fighting, dont ever give up! Youll get through this! Just a bumpy part of the trail.
    Peace and love to you and your family .

  29. Susie Sumner says:

    Sam you are in our thoughts and prayers.

  30. Diane Shelby says:

    Sam,

    Your positive attitude is an inspiration to all of us, even cute A-M. Praying that the immunotherapy is the route you can take. Much love.

  31. Ellen Gardner says:

    Sam- Jimmy Woody just told me about your challenge. Jim Gardner and I are praying for you! You have such strength and determination and lots of angels around you!! Positive attitude wins and you are a winner! Sending lots and lots of love and hugs your way!!

  32. Debbie Pickles says:

    Sam,
    We are Sam and Diane’s neighbors across the street in Pinehurst. Words from family and friends are powerful. Know we are asking our Ultimate Warrior , our Sovereign God to intercede for you. Read how Psalm 97 describes Him:
    ” Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne, a fire goes before Him and burns up His enemies. His lightning lights the world; the earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord. The heavens declare His righteousness and all the peoples see His glory.”
    Wow. This is who hears our prayers! Jeremiah 33:3 says, ” Call to me and I will answer you and show you mighty things.”
    If you don’t know this Mighty Warrior, ask Him to reveal himself to you. Jeff and Debbie

  33. FLorence McGlohon says:

    Sam,
    I am Melinda McGlohon’s mother. She shared this blog with me after explaining what was going on with you. I ask if I might send you a message and she said she thought it would be fine. She told me you were the most positive person that she has ever known and your blog certainly backs it up. I would like for you to know that you have my greatest admiration! Please know that you will be in my prayers daily and that I care!

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