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 :-)

Moving forward...

Thank you for the wonderful prayer support. As I was struggling so much with the pain Thursday morning, it suddenly occured to me that I was failing to use one of the greatest assets available to me...the body of which I am a part.

Part of the learning experience for me has been how important the whole body (regardless of our background) is. WE NEED EACH OTHER!!!

Currently, I have a few "tools" to work with. I had a good night last night and this morning was the best morning I have had in some time. This weekend, I continue to experiment to find the best solution.

I certainly long for the moment I am released from this challenging season. In the "fullness of time", God WILL reveal His glory!

HELP!

I really need your prayer support right now. I am struggling to keep pain under control. I have been on 3 different medications over the past week and nothing quite works. Please pray with me for divine intervention.

Today's news...

Since the last update, we had the opportunity to have a week's vacation in Florida. We took in a few revival services in Lakeland, FL and spent lots of time relaxing. It was a great time of refreshing. While on vacation, we had computer problems and have been unable to keep the blog up to date.

Upon returning, the MRI and Cat scan appointments had been set and were completed earlier this week. This was done to verify whether or not the cancer had spread.

We went to see the oncologist (Dr. Tozer) today. He informed us that the cancer has spread to the bone, but nowhere else. It has been detected in my back and hip. He has recommended an oral chemo and "bone builder" drugs. These are to help prolong and enhance quality of life as the bone cancer is incurable. Surgery is no longer an option...

HOWEVER, man is not the one in control of my life, God is! I believe with all my heart that He has wonderful things yet to accomplish. He is not finished with me yet. I am not leaving here until I have fulfilled and experienced every plan and purpose He has for me.

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.

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.

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.

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.