Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Catch up time...

Many of you have been looking for an update - I apologize for not posting one sooner. Mom hasn't had the energy to do much of anything, other than sleep :-) So, I'll do my best to fill in the details of the last couple of weeks...

The cancer that has spread to mom's hip and lower back (metastatic disease) is causing her a great amount of pain. She has spent the last few weeks adjusting and readjusting her meds trying to get some comfort and relief. We take turns heating up her two trusty beanbags that she keeps on her hip and leg which also bring some comfort. The pain continues to increase every few days which then means another readjustment to her meds. Last week, she had an appointment with the pain management control team from Juravinski. They re-evaluated her pain level and made some new adjustments to her drug regimen. This seems to have helped somewhat, but her pain still continues to be uncontrolled at times. There is no "cure" for metastatic disease. The only thing that can been offered to her are drugs to help prolong and enhance her quality of life.

Mom has also been very pale and tired. Some of this can be attributed to the pain medication she has been taking, but after some blood work they've discovered that her hemoglobin is low. This means she needs a blood transfusion. Today she went to the hospital for the preliminary appointment. She will be receiving the blood transfusion tomorrow (Thursday) which will take most of the day. Please remember her in prayer during that time.

It is difficult watching a wife, mother, grandmother, family member and friend suffer. And yet, her unwavering faith and confidence in a God who loves her more than any of us can, encourages us to press forward and trust the One who holds her safely in the palm of His hand. Mom continues to allow God to lead and guide her in EVERY decision she makes and holds firm to the hope in her Lord and Saviour, Jesus.

Please do not hesitate to ask us any questions you may have. We will do our best to reply to them :-)

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Joy and Scott my Prayers and thoughts go out to you and the family I pray everyday that god helps Joy with everything she is going through and that he s with you all through this if there is anything we can do please call we are here for you guys and we Love all of you so Please do call Love always Eva

Anonymous said...

Hi Andrea...my heart and prayers are with you and your family. It seems like just yesterday my sister and myself were taking care of our mother the way you describe yourself doing.

It's the hardest thing in the world to watch, but continue to trust in God that his plans for your mom are far beyond what you could ever imagine.

Just love and show your unconditional love to your mom...that's all you can do....it breaks my heart to hear the stories, and I know what you're going through.

Jeff Marchant

Anonymous said...

We'll continue to pray!!!!

Rachel & Bram

Anonymous said...

We are thinking of you often and praying for you...
we love you,
roxy and james (oshawa)

Anonymous said...

Jesus be with Joy today and everyday, give her the strength she needs. And continue to be with Scott and the family. Contiune to be their rock and their strength. Amen
Joy and Scott.....I am here for you at anytime needed.
I was praying this morning and Proverbs 3:5,6 came to mind and it has been going through my mind all day....
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways acknowledge him,and he will make your paths straight.
It is so easy to try and understand why things happen or why God don't work in the speed or the way that we want him to. But keep leaning on him and believing in his great wisdom and power and he will continue to guide you and give you strength. We continue to pray and belive with you.
Love ya guys.
Chris,Rose & Girls.