DAY 158

I have now begun the fourth week of radiation. Eight more trips for treatments. Radiation is definitely easier to take than chemo was. The main side effect so far is tiredness but that seems pretty normal :-) and a little bit of tenderness. I have been having trouble with back pain. It may be from lying on my back on a hard surface for the treatments. They are planning to do some x-rays to check it out. (Just what I need - more radiation. They have assured me I won't begin to glow in the dark. :-) )

It amazes me how faithful and good you are to continue to check out how I am doing, to continue to pray for me and to encourage me through gifts, cards and words. Treatments began 22 weeks ago. We didn't know how the journey would go then . . . nor do we now, but God is true to His word and I am grateful for His strength and many other benefits each day.


Psalm 103
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

DAY 144

I CAN'T BELIEVE I FORGOT TO SHARE THE GOOD NEWS!

Last week I was looking in the mirror and after very close scrutiny I discovered "peach fuzz" (aka hair) covering the top of my head. It's about 1/8 " long now. If you look carefully you will be able to see tiny, very fine lashes framing my eyelids. I can't see them yet, but Scott assures me that eye brows are also beginning to form. I AM SOOOO EXCITED! :)

Event Reminder...

"An evening of love songs for Scott and Joy" - Saturday, April 26th - is quickly approaching!

Just a reminder that all dinner tickets MUST be purchased by next Sunday, April 13th. If you are planning to attend, and haven't already done so, please call one of the contacts this week to purchase your ticket! (see info here)

Thank you to so many of you who have already shown an interest in attending. We're looking forward to honouring Scott & Joy with each of you!

Thank you for your support!
Friends & Family

DAY 141

Last Thursday, April 03, I began receiving radiation treatments. They are expected to continue every Monday to Friday for five weeks. Radiation is given in Hamilton at the Juravinski Centre. Yesterday I had a new driver. My brother, Keith and his wife, Shirley, took me down - a nice break for Scott. Thanks Shirley and Keith.

Positioning me for radiation takes about 10 minutes. They are very precise. A little tug of the sheet here, then there, etc. until everything is perfectly lined up. Then I must not move for the next 15 minutes or so or they will have to start all over again. No side effects are expected until after the first week.

This weekend I received a prayer quilt from Bethel Reformed Church. The ladies knit or crochet squares that are joined together. Pieces of yarn and ribbon are tied on to the quilt. Each knot represents a prayer made on my behalf. As others come and pray, I have them tie a knot as well. Imagine if I could have each of you who are praying for me come and tie a knot! What a wonderful reminder of the love that makes us all one and the privilege we have of supporting each other in prayer.

Please pray for our granddaughter, Mikaela, as well. She has been battling a fever for over two weeks. She was admitted to hospital last Thursday and Friday in order that numerous tests could be done. The results confirmed what is NOT wrong but were inconclusive as to the cause of the fever spikes.