Bone scan results came back this week and are very suspicious. I have been referred back to the Medical Oncologist. Scott and I went to see him on Friday. Because the results are not definite enough, I will be booked for CT scan and MRI over the next 2 or 3 weeks. Surgery, which was scheduled for May 30, has again been postponed. Interesting how surgery keeps getting postponed, eh? I commented to Scott on Friday, as we made our way to Hamilton, that the words we hear the doctor speak are words spoken from human understanding but there is One who alone knows exactly what is going on and what is about to unfold. I rest securely in the hands of my omniscient (all-knowing) and omnipotent (all-powerful) God.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Day 174 Another Turn in the Road
Radiation treatments are completed now. No more daily trips to Hamilton!!! The team of individuals who have worked with me at the Juravinski Centre are incredible.
Friday, May 2, 2008
DAY 165 - THANK YOU!!
We had a great time last Saturday evening. It was wonderful to see so many, both longtime friends and those we have met recently. We enjoyed a delicious prime rib dinner and then more people joined us for a musical concert followed by a dessert buffet. Unfortunately we were not able to speak with everyone but appreciated everyone who was able to be there.
The concert began with a sing-along of well known love songs led by Paul at the piano. Special numbers were performed by Paul, Mary, Fran, Tim and Ellie. Paul, Johnny, Joel and Steve formed a live band. Tedra wrote and performed a very special song for us. Scott surprised me when he also sang. There were a few wet eyes when he sang a love song to me -"You Light Up My Life".
We are very appreciative of everyone who has been so supportive. A special thank you to those who planned and organized such a beautiful evening and to those who were able to attend.
On another note - radiation treatments are nearly over - only three more next week. My skin has done very well. It has only recently had the "sun burn" affect. Also, concerning the back pain - Wednesday, I had a bone scan and x-rays. Bone scan results will not be in until next week, but x-rays indicate that the back pain is due to disc degeneration NOT from cancer.
I am so blessed...I have wonderful family and friends and a wonderful wonderful Lord.
Friday, April 25, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, April 11, 2008
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! :)
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! :)
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Pre-surgery day?
Today mom went to the Juravinski centre to meet with Dr. Whelan, the radiation oncologist. After speaking with Dr. Liaconis, mom's surgeon, they concluded that surgery is NOT an option at this time. In just a few days, the tumor has grown back to the size it was prior to chemo. This is not a typical response after chemo. (Mom says that's because she's an exceptional woman - I have to agree!) Instead, they are hoping to begin radiation treatments next week.
Mom and dad had to stick around Juravinski for the afternoon for preparations for radiation. After numerous Cat scans, repositionings and X-marker spots she now possesses not ONE but FOUR new tatoos!!! (we always knew she had a little rebel in her!) She will be scheduled for an information class in the next few days and they hope to begin radiation treatments some time next week...yet to be determined. For now, all we know is that they expect the treatments to last 5 days a week for 5 weeks, possibly more. All of this is pure speculation as they do not know how she will respond to the treatments.
So for now, we rest assured that God is in control and only HE knows the future. Although this path may not have been one that we anticiptated, God will still use all of it for His glory. He has written the book with our life story. Every chapter, every paragraph, every sentence He wrote. It comes together creating beautiful poetry, pointing to the awesomeness of our Saviour!
Mom and dad had to stick around Juravinski for the afternoon for preparations for radiation. After numerous Cat scans, repositionings and X-marker spots she now possesses not ONE but FOUR new tatoos!!! (we always knew she had a little rebel in her!) She will be scheduled for an information class in the next few days and they hope to begin radiation treatments some time next week...yet to be determined. For now, all we know is that they expect the treatments to last 5 days a week for 5 weeks, possibly more. All of this is pure speculation as they do not know how she will respond to the treatments.
So for now, we rest assured that God is in control and only HE knows the future. Although this path may not have been one that we anticiptated, God will still use all of it for His glory. He has written the book with our life story. Every chapter, every paragraph, every sentence He wrote. It comes together creating beautiful poetry, pointing to the awesomeness of our Saviour!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
DAY 111 - 128
Well - life continues to be interesting.
Though I feel quite well and am able to get out and about more, regaining my strength seems to lag behind. It doesn't take long for the knees to get wobbly. BUT it feels good to feel good and to be able to be more social.
The weekend prior to Easter, Scott and I went to Orillia and enjoyed a couple of days with Tedra and Jesse. Sunday, we had a wonderful dinner with Jesse's family (and one of Tedra's special desserts). We were able to attend church with them as well. We enjoyed the time at Hope Christian Community Church. It was nice to meet some of the people from there who have been praying for us.
Easter weekend, Tedra and Jesse were home. We had good family time, food and fun.
Life also continues to be unpredictable.
The weekend that we were at Tedra's, I developed a rash. A visit to the doctor the Thursday before Good Friday caused him some concern. However, surgery was scheduled in a few days so I was to keep an eye on it and advise him if there were any other concerns. Within a few days, the cancerous area appeared to have blossomed again, becoming hard, tender and quite large.
A visit to his office today (Wednesday) has resulted in a possible hold on surgery scheduled for Friday and a visit tomorrow to the Juravinski Centre.
The growth caught me by surprise, but it was no surprise to the One who holds the future in His hands - the One who knows the number of hairs missing from my head! :-) He remains my hope and my help.
I owe so many "thank yous" to many of you but please know that not one word or act of kindness has gone unnoticed or unappreciated. Each one has been a blessing and an encouragement to us.
We cherish your continued prayers as we wait to see what lies ahead. My prayer is that above all the Lord will be glorified. He is so good!
Though I feel quite well and am able to get out and about more, regaining my strength seems to lag behind. It doesn't take long for the knees to get wobbly. BUT it feels good to feel good and to be able to be more social.
The weekend prior to Easter, Scott and I went to Orillia and enjoyed a couple of days with Tedra and Jesse. Sunday, we had a wonderful dinner with Jesse's family (and one of Tedra's special desserts). We were able to attend church with them as well. We enjoyed the time at Hope Christian Community Church. It was nice to meet some of the people from there who have been praying for us.
Easter weekend, Tedra and Jesse were home. We had good family time, food and fun.
Life also continues to be unpredictable.
The weekend that we were at Tedra's, I developed a rash. A visit to the doctor the Thursday before Good Friday caused him some concern. However, surgery was scheduled in a few days so I was to keep an eye on it and advise him if there were any other concerns. Within a few days, the cancerous area appeared to have blossomed again, becoming hard, tender and quite large.
A visit to his office today (Wednesday) has resulted in a possible hold on surgery scheduled for Friday and a visit tomorrow to the Juravinski Centre.
The growth caught me by surprise, but it was no surprise to the One who holds the future in His hands - the One who knows the number of hairs missing from my head! :-) He remains my hope and my help.
I owe so many "thank yous" to many of you but please know that not one word or act of kindness has gone unnoticed or unappreciated. Each one has been a blessing and an encouragement to us.
We cherish your continued prayers as we wait to see what lies ahead. My prayer is that above all the Lord will be glorified. He is so good!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
AN EVENING OF LOVE SONGS
In honour of Pastor Scott and Joy Bacon. Please join with friends and family on Saturday April 26th, 2008 to show your love, support and appreciation for a couple who have touched the lives of many!
For tickets and information, please contact one of the names listed on the poster above (click on image to enlarge).
Hope to see you there!
Friends and Family of Scott & Joy
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Day 103 - Day 110
Well, it's been 10 days since my final chemo treatment and my strength and energy are slowly beginning to increase.
Yesterday, was my final Neupogen injection. We celebrated with a late lunch at "My Thai". Scott also took me shopping for shoes and some cards. It didn't take long for me to start feeling a little wobbly. It's amazing how much we take for granted the strength to do simple, everyday tasks.
This past Wednesday was my appointment with the surgeon, Dr. Liaconis. Surgery is scheduled for March 28. The next three weeks are to give opportunity to somewhat recuperate from the chemo - blood counts to rise, body regain strength.
I have to admit I'm cautiously anticipating the next couple of weeks - no chemo, no dexamethasone (steroid), no needles, no appointments in Hamilton.
I'm hoping I will soon be able to eat the foods I have had to avoid while on chemo. Don't know how long it takes for food to taste normal, but at least I can tolerate most foods.
I am also looking forward to seeing people more often though I have to admit, as much as I love talking, conversation is energy-draining. One of those things we take for granted when we're well!
Again I find I have to keep my focus on today. I have already caught myself with unrealistic expectations for tomorrow.
No amusing stories to tell on myself (yet, anyway). My wig has stayed in place and, Diane, you'll be happy to know I haven't had any more fries (yet! :-))
Well, our journey continues. Thanks for travelling with me.
Yesterday, was my final Neupogen injection. We celebrated with a late lunch at "My Thai". Scott also took me shopping for shoes and some cards. It didn't take long for me to start feeling a little wobbly. It's amazing how much we take for granted the strength to do simple, everyday tasks.
This past Wednesday was my appointment with the surgeon, Dr. Liaconis. Surgery is scheduled for March 28. The next three weeks are to give opportunity to somewhat recuperate from the chemo - blood counts to rise, body regain strength.
I have to admit I'm cautiously anticipating the next couple of weeks - no chemo, no dexamethasone (steroid), no needles, no appointments in Hamilton.
I'm hoping I will soon be able to eat the foods I have had to avoid while on chemo. Don't know how long it takes for food to taste normal, but at least I can tolerate most foods.
I am also looking forward to seeing people more often though I have to admit, as much as I love talking, conversation is energy-draining. One of those things we take for granted when we're well!
Again I find I have to keep my focus on today. I have already caught myself with unrealistic expectations for tomorrow.
No amusing stories to tell on myself (yet, anyway). My wig has stayed in place and, Diane, you'll be happy to know I haven't had any more fries (yet! :-))
Well, our journey continues. Thanks for travelling with me.
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