The life of Barnes

We lost a good man today

2006-08-05T10:04:00.000+12:00

Hi all,

the worst news.

Sam passed away yesterday afternoon surrounded by his family. Sadly Sam had been quite ill over the previous couple of days and had been unable to rest suitably. His body has been through so much already. In the end his breathing got shallower and breaths further apart and eventually he drifted away, painlessly and quitely. His loving family were at his side.

I extend my heart felt sympathies to his family at this time and ask you all to remember him as the charming, loving and beautiful man that he was.

A service for Sam will be held at the Newstead Crematorium on Wednesday at 11 a.m.

If any one has any photos that they want to contribute to the service you can send them to me sargent.mark[removethis]@gmail.com

Love Sarge

Sam, I miss you already.

Down a goal

2006-07-02T10:12:00.000+12:00

Hi all,

Yes it has been a logn time between posts, and much has happened since my last.

I guess a large part of the lack of posts has been the due to the lack of good news. While Sam has been well looked after (his family are doing an incredible job) his body and his cancer have not been responding as we would like. There has been a chemo round of treatment which in truth hammered Sam pretty hard. His white cell levels dropped predictably but also did red cell levels leaving Sam with no immunity and very little energy. I know that some of you were trying to contact him during this period and in most cases were turned away. This illustrates a simple truth about Sam 'The Communicator' ; if he ain't talking it ain't good.
The chemotheropy trial results were reviewed about a week ago and the MRI scans confirmed that the tumour in his back has grown. This has once again placed pressure back on his spine and has left him unable to walk. As a result the trial has been suspended.
Words fail me in my own disappointment at this news and my reaction is incommparable to the head space that Sam finds himself in. While there is still the option of the immunotherapy I think the community needs to understand that the options have dwindled and the odds are heavily against him.
On a brighter note, in speaking to Sam I am constantly amazed at how is spirit is and how he still enjoys a story and a laugh; a remarkable man by any measure.

Sam is a fighter and a naturally competitive character, but if anyone has a hookup with any deity put in a special request for assitance, he could do with a hand.

Peace

Sarge

UP, UP AND AWAY!!!

2006-04-22T08:38:00.000+12:00

Its Saturday morning, Hamilton. Im wondering if i will endeavour down to the Frankton markets this morning. Fun and amusing times down there. The markets are quite a feature on the weekly Hamilton events scene. First i must write this post and a little apology for the lack of posts. Im new to the personal editorial genre and its a little difficult to know what to put out there to all you lovely people (yes Hayden you have forced me to make this point).

I have been home a week and my recovery from the operation is going really well. Im up on the crutches and moving around, the staples in my back have come out and i am managing the pain without much effort. I couldnt ask for more really. The other big news is that i am moving to Christchurch to take up a position with the Canterbury Crusaders as they have obviously become crap due to their drawing with the Western force. Okay thats a bit of a stretch because i dont think ts they will let me play with crutches. But i will be moving to Christchurch as this is where my parents currently live. I feel it is the right move as i am able to get the right support from my amazing family. Me and my Mum will be flying down Sunday 23rd April.

Hope you all well

Sam and The Wellness Centre

Recovery

2006-04-10T18:57:00.000+12:00

Hi all,

Sam is out of surgery and so far is recovering well. Sam's operation lasted a mammoth 8 hours! The doctors have reported that is has gone as expected and there were no complications. Karen (Sam's mum) mentioned he could wiggle his toes which is a good indication. Hopefully over the next few days that wiggling should work it's way up to his calves, knees, thighs and then to his pelvis, from there it's best not say where the wiggling goes (maybe something to picture in ones mind).

Of course this sudden input of crass humor can only mean it's Sarge here and not Sam referring to himself in the 3rd person (did get that right Ms Andrew? [my 5th form English teacher]).

It has been an anxious day for me today as I'm sure it has been for all of you. I know the communication dried up there for a while but I will endeavor to post at least every other day and keep you all up to speed as Sam makes his way through his post op recovery.

That's it from me

Be well everyone and big ups to the surgical team for getting him through in one piece.

Sarge

Surgical Situation

2006-04-09T09:19:00.000+12:00

I just want to let people know that i will be under the knife from tommorrow (Monday 10th) and in hospital for at least the week. The best course of action at this stage is to perform (perform makes it almost sound like some light evening entertainment) surgery on my spine to release pressure of the spinal cord, remove tumor and generally aim to help my mobility. Obviously there can be no guarantees in this type of venture, something to accept early on. This is some reasonably serious surgery and there will be a period of recuperation and rehabilitation.

The 'caption competition' is still running as we have had to extend the length due to the poor turnout so far. I am sure there are some bright wits around the world who could spice it up a little.

Be well

Sam + The wellness centre

Feast your eyes!

2006-03-27T10:07:00.000+12:00

Welcome to the 'Relay for Life' Caption competition!

Photo 1

Photo 2 Photo 3

Well it seemed like the only way to start the blog!

The Relay for Life has come and gone (Yes quite a few weeks ago) and i am finally offering up the booty from that day. These particular photos of 'Queen Trevor' and some other idiots deserve the creative minds out there to conjure up appropriate captions . Please send in your efforts via the comments part of the blog and i will post the winning entrys. There is no prize just the endless pleasure of mockery.

It becomes quite obvious as to who stole the show!

There have been men that set out to conquer new worlds or the frontiers of space and then there are the others!

It would take bigger wings to get that man(?) off the ground!

The evening cometh!

The morning was a little on the wet side!

The Team

Hopefully these images allow a little insight into the spirit of the event. It was a truly grand effort not only by the 24 Hour Team but also by he people of the Waikato/Bop area. There was over two thousand competitors and support crew on top of that and over $200,000 raised. A big ups to Erin Brown, a former Hillcrest High student, who was the key organiser of the Relay. Great to see a community come out and support each other!

Love to all from the '24 HOUR PARTY CREW' and THE INSOLL WELLNESS CENTRE

"24 HOUR PARTY"

2006-03-06T16:07:00.000+13:00

Another week passes at the Insoll Wellness centre. This last one has ushered in the beginings of some sort of normalacy for those of us who live here. Its been a full on over the last month and a half, as expected, but now we can relax and dedicate our time to Sky Tv and the Super 14.
My brother, Adam, is another new addition to the flat. We seemed to get him when we signed up for Sky, some new package deal they have. He is here helping me out untill i am a bit more independant. Its tough for him as im a bossy older brother and have never really been able to transcend the role for any great length of time.

This weekend of the 11/3/06 is 'THE WALK FOR LIFE' which is an event organised by the Cancer Society. Many of the local crew are part of it under the watchful eye of the team captain Leanne Sargent, who with alittle help has led the organisation/creation of the '24 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE' (team name). Basically someone from the team of 15 people will be walking around the Porritt Stadium (a local stadium) track at all times over the 24 hour period. There is entertainment, a general party atmos, feature laps where some people, meaning Sarge, will be dressed up as what i can only describe as 'Neptunes Psychedelic Drag Queen brother'! You really have to be there! Everyone has been fund raising and making signs and all sorts of other stuff, its going to be quite an event with something like 100 other teams there also.

Thanks to all the kind messages sent through the blog. I am doing well and am extremely positive about my situation. That could be hard to comphrehend but i can tell you it is the only way you can be. There are many decisions to make about a host of ways i can do good for myself, quite a process but such a vital one. I am fortunate also to have people who help me filter the sea of info that surronds cancer. Special thanks to my friend, Jamie, who has offered his time and energy in the best of ways to help with some of my decisions.

Be well everyone

Sam

Wellness Centre Garden Revamp

2006-02-25T09:03:00.000+13:00

Its all on round here! 8am Saturday morning and the house is alive with the sounds of work. The Insoll Wellness Centre Gardens are being treated to a facelift. Sarge leads the way with Jonty Barnes (Dad) offering subtle advice as to what should 'really' be dispensed of. The younger Barnes are out there, impressively, being fueled by coffee and jam toast. Reg Duirs and Pauly Smith are here soon and a small host of other kind souls will be offering a green finger. Its not all work though, there has to be a carrot at the end of a pole for these donkeys! Unsurprisingly it is manifested in the form of a wee afternoon event,

The Pot 'o Gold at the end of the Rainbow Potluck Lunch'. Food is the greatest motivator!

I am feeling exponentially better as compared with a couple of weeks ago. The healing after the operation has gone well and my strength is building each day. The main aim is to get the goodness back in my body (im finding food helps), get my weight back up and strengthening my legs is a prority. Yet again i am fortunate to have such a supportive crew of people around me to offer help at any point i need it. Its a Barnes family renunion here at Insoll ave, Hamilton and im loving it!

Thanks for all the comments and thoughts. Especially to Nicki Hessell for her visit (representing all the lovely Hillcrest Girls) and to Danny Wyatt for being a supportive mate (and bringing round some lovely fresh snapper)

I hope everyone has a grand weekend wherever you are! A big healing high Five from all of us round here at the Insoll Wellness Centre!

P.s Blackie we love you.

from Sam

Barnes on the Blog

2006-02-21T07:33:00.000+13:00

Firstly, i would like to express my excitement at the opportunity offered to me by Sarge (Founder of the 'Insoll Wellness Centre') of a 'Life of Barnes' co-editor position. Yes , this will be somewhat of a partnership. I cannot imagine taking such a masterful scribe, as Sarge has shown, away from his adoring readership. It would be cruel and thoughtless and not to mention completely at odds with the foundation philosophys that the 'Insoll Wellness Centre' is built upon.

Thankyou to everyone who has visited, called, text, emailed, blogged, sent cards/flowers/food, thoughts, love and positive vibes! I have been humbled by the wide community of people who care and really cannot express how important this is to me right now. I am a truly fortunate human who has the best that anyone could want from friends and a family who love and support me in the greatest of ways.

I have been home for a week and am building strength each day after the operation as i lost about 12kg of muscle/a bit of fat, maybe more than a bit/ hair, they shaved my entire stomach and thats alot of hair and stomach. Those of you who know me well will have wittnessed my deep love of 'food'. Being in the unfortunate situation of an enforced ten day fast stirred the deepest culinary fantasies from my psyche. This was compounded by the fact that the popular cooking show, 'Rick Steins French Odyssey', was airing on TV. I watched masochistically and drifted into a longing melancholy that could only be described as obsssesive. Yes you do find out things about yourself during those tougher moments and it has become obvious that i should have become an assistent chef to Rick Stein.

However, i am home and getting stronger with good food and my loving Mum and Sister being amazing support to me. Also a big ups to Sarge who has steered the tide of commiunication like a seasoned captain of the cyber-seas and also made the home a restful and relaxing space (with the help of my mother).

As i am writing this i realise i could keep on thanking away for another few pages. I will just say that i am getting stronger and will be up for a few more visits in the coming week or so.
Im keen to get my strength up first. To all those who are far away the blog will be there and Sarge and i will endeavour to keep it entertaining and informative.

Love to all

Sam

Return of the King

2006-02-15T07:30:00.000+13:00

Hi all,

good news Sam has left the hospital! I think I must have been a good 10-12 day stay this time round. Sam is feeling a whole heap better and over the next few days will get the chance to catch up on missed sleep and 40 or so meals he couldn't eat.

In all seriousness, Sam has loss a bit of weight during his recent ordeal and now will be a time where he can regain some condition. Sam did have radiation treatment yesterday afternoon and he is experiencing some positive results. His general walking stability has improved and some 'toe reflex thingy' is now responding correctly. Truly great stuff.

The Insoll house is undergoing the transformation from bachelor pad to wellness centre. Meditation classes start at 6 a.m. in the garden followed up by a small tea ceremony at 7. By the way you can now refer to me as Moonriver.

Sam has been receiving a number of thoughtful gestures recently. Notably some lovely flowers from the ex Hillcrest ladies and a large amount of fresh fruit and other goodies from Zoe, Nic and Kath. Impressively Zoe organised this from Brisbane which just goes to show why she is the reigning 'Admin Queen'.

Thanks for all your support

Cheerio

Sarge

Wind

2006-02-13T11:58:00.000+13:00

Hi all,

exciting news!

Farts have been detected.

While the Ritcher scale readings are still to come through this is great news. I received an early morning text alerting me to this new development; I could not help but smile at excited tone running through it. Proving the old adage "Better out than in!".

I think it is safe to say that things will continue to progress along in this manner, I'm not sure how much detail you want to hear about the continuing progress of Sam's bowels. Perhaps it would be best to track his recovery via his current diet (of course if there is a strong out cry from the community for more detail I will ablige).

Sam's Current Diet:
Water
Soup (sieved)

It should not be underestimated how well Sam has come through this major surgery. And is a testament to his mental resolve and the care that he has been receiving. The general plan for the next couple of weeks is to let his body recover before heading back into radiotherapy. His body needs to heal completely as during the radiotherapy much of the bodies own healing processes will be disrupted.

As an aside, if you have any specific questions about Sam's health or condition let me know and I will post what I can.

Bye for now

Sarge

Soup

2006-02-12T20:28:00.000+13:00

Hi all,

short post today. Sam has been up and about in the effort of stimulate his digestive system back into action. Reports of soup being consumed have come through, sieved at this stage, far too early for lumps the doctors say.

Good progress

Sarge

Sam's Current Diet:
Water
Soup (sieved)

Re: Contact

2006-02-11T19:33:00.000+13:00

Hi all,

I have a small favour to ask, and it is a bit of a hard one to word without causing offence.

Over the next couple of weeks could visits, phone calls and texts to Sam be kept to an absolute minimum. There have been a few complaints from the nursing staff about having to field so many phone calls from friends wanting to see how he is doing. And Sam himself at times does not have the energy to read or reply to text messages.

I stress that this is just for the next couple of weeks until he is back on his feet.

The more energy Sam can put into healing the sooner he will be out of hospital and back to fighting the real source of his ills.

I will let you all know when he is contactable. Better yet, I hope he will contact you.

Until then I will keep you up to play and keep passing on your thoughts to him.

Thanks for your undertanding,

Sarge

Post OP briefing

2006-02-11T17:06:00.000+13:00

Hi all,

Sam is doing very well post surgery.

He has a very fashionable scar down the middle of his stomach you might almost think that this was an elective operation. The best part is that he is no longer feeling constantly nauseous. He has been up and walking briefly which at this stage is extremely good news and shows that he has come through the surgery without any side effects.

Sam still has plenty of healing to do. The plan is over the next few days to slowly introduce food back into his diet and monitor that it is travelling through his system to the correct destinations.

Stay tuned over the next few days as I recount in detail the foods that Sam is eating and the current workings of his gastro intestinal system. Should be fascinating stuff.

Moral victory to Sam. Great work!

Operation

2006-02-10T22:43:00.000+13:00

Sam is doing well, now.

The last 24 hours have been a little rough for the poor fulla. As a consequence of the steroid drugs and radiation therapy his digestive system has suffered somewhat of a shutdown. While initially this could be seen as good news(Barnes farts are notorious), as the situation continued, it appeared that there was a serious issue with his bowels.

Unbelievable! I sat with Karen (his mother, whom I shall write about soon) shaking my head as she told me the news that somehow his digestive system had become twisted and required corrective surgery. Sam was placed on the acute surgery list and was eventually operated on this morning at 10:20.

The surgery required that the stomach area be opened up and the affected piece of bowel located and removed, a serious operation that resulted in around six inches of bowel being cut out and the remaining sections being rejoined. The doctors also took the opportunity to extract a sample of a tumour which is to be sent to Sydney for use in making a vaccine. As I understand it this vaccine can be used after the radiation and chemotherapy to aid the immune system to kill any remaining cancer cells that may still be roaming in his system.

As it is now Sam is recovering in the post surgery ward. Hopefully over the next few days his digestive system will resume normal function. We are awaiting his first fart with mixed enthusiasm!

Will let you know more soon

Sarge

Welcome

2006-02-10T00:07:00.000+13:00

Hello and welcome to Sam's cancer diary.

My name is Mark, most of you reading this will know me already but for those of you who don't I am a good friend of Sam Barnes and have know him for over 15 years. Yes sadly it is true that Sam has cancer. The details of which I will describe later, but for now I wish to declare my reasons for writing about his life in such a public way.

To put it simply Sam has a lot of friends.

A lot of friends who care deeply about his condition and wish to follow his progress and offer him support along the way.

Not a surprise I imagine to any of you. I am sure you can appreciate, if you took a moment to consider, the sheer amount of communication it would take to keep you all informed of his progress and to be able to relay your messages of support. Simply Sam does not have the energy to reply to you all individually, his energy must be focused on repairing his body.

So, yes the geek in me had to get a little IT on you all, I hope for any of you less comfortable in this arena it will be a pleasant experience, and set up this blog to provide you with regular updates on his health and allow you to share your thoughts with him. You can do both here. I will pass on all messages for him to read as his treatment continues. As Sam's condition improves I expect that he will wish to reply in kind to his friends and keep you updated himself. Until then I will do my best to keep you all informed of his progress.

Considering such heavy subject matter I will do my best to keep the content as light as possible. It is my intention that this be a positive experience for all concerned and will use as much (inappropriate) humor (and misspellings) as possible to lighten this serious situation.

I think that is enough of an introduction, please read the next entry for further details on The life of Barnes.

Please stay tuned and send Sam your thoughts

Cheers

Mark a.k.a. Sarge