It’s been a roller coaster of a ride, but 8-year-old Sam Hoffman of Tahanto Trail is on the mend after a bone marrow transplant in mid-September. Sam’s mom, Judy, and sister, Caren, were in Harvard last weekend, visiting friends. Sam stayed behind with his dad, Jeff, in New York City, since he’s still very susceptible to infection.
Sam’s recovery has been impressive, according to his doctors at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Although the transplant procedure itself was simple and straightforward, preparation and recovery have been physically taxing. Sam has experienced painful allergic reactions to the bandages used to cover the mediport implanted in his chest.
Sam’s been in virtual isolation in the family’s single room at the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) since he was released from Sloan Kettering on October 24, leaving it only for doctor’s appointments. Keeping an active 8-year-old boy occupied has been a full-time job. Sam continues to love video games and karaoke. Although TV is an essential form of entertainment, Jeff said that if he never sees another episode of Sponge Bob Squarepants again, it will be too soon. Jeff has a studio apartment located about 20 blocks from the RMH at which Caren and Sam spend their weekends. Thankfully, this location is less congested and Sam can get out for some fresh air and exercise. The kids bicker, as siblings do under any circumstances. Judy said that she offered Caren the option of returning to Harvard earlier than the rest of the family, and staying with friends. Caren rejected the idea as she appreciates fully how vital her companionship is to Sam’s recovery.
Judy said that there’s plenty of good news to share too. Sam’s teachers at HES have worked with tutors in New York City to keep him abreast of assignments, so he’ll be ready to academically rejoin his third grade classmates. Sam’s hair is starting to grow back in. Judy said that he’s eating well and has gained over 10 pounds since the transplant, growing from a size seven to size ten. His doctor intends to remove Sam’s mediport by the end of December, if his T-cell count, white blood cell count, and hemoglobin counts all continue to climb as they have been.
The Ronald McDonald House has been a godsend, Judy said. Not only does the RMH offer reasonably priced accommodation, but she’s found invaluable the companionship and understanding offered by parents of children who are also undergoing treatment. Judy said that the RMH is a true United Nations, with families in residence from all over the world. The RMH offers welcome distractions as well, including frequent celebrity visits. Whoopi Goldberg assured Judy that she too had trouble operating digital cameras. Sam told Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, that the Black Eyed Peas are his favorite singing group. Ferguson told Sam that she was the original “Fergie” and that the lead singer of “The Black Eyed Peas” was simply “Fergie 2.” Judy said that Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens was wonderfully warm and interested in the kids, despite his bad boy reputation.
If Sam’s recovery continues as it has to date, the Hoffmans will be back in Harvard at the end of February, two months earlier than originally anticipated. Although their stay in New York City has been productive for Sam, Judy emphasized that she thinks there’s no place that offers a better quality of life than Harvard, and that the family can’t wait to return. Sam’s parents maintain a daily diary about his medical journey at www.caringbridge.com/visit/samhoffman and encourage anyone who’s interested to read it and to leave Sam a note of encouragement.