Prayer & Fasting

The last few days have been a whirlwind, so I will quickly try to bring everyone up to speed...

Wednesday afternoon, the Pain management team (from Brantford) made a house call to see my mom. They reviewed her meds and made some changes. They also determined that there were numerous adjustments that needed to be made at home (ie - getting a hospital bed for her to use) to make things easier and more comfortable for her.

By Friday evening, mom's pain became out of control and so she was brought up to the hospital early this morning. They decided to admit her for a few days to get the pain back under control and to run a few tests. As of this evening, she is resting comfortably but is exhausted from a long and painful day. Her attitude continues to be encouraging as she trusts that God has everything figured out and that He knows the plans he has for her...plans to prosper her, not to harm her...plans to give her a hope and a future!!! (Jer 29:11).

A number of people have felt an urgency to make tomorrow (Sunday) through Monday a time of prayer and fasting specifically for mom. If you are led to do so, please feel free to join the many others who are setting this time aside to pray for mom's healing. We thank you so much...your prayers are always felt and help strengthen us day to day!

When the storm rages on...

The appointment with the oncologist went well on Friday. Since mom will not be receiving any more chemo, she will no longer be seeing the oncologist and instead will continue to see the doctor from the pain management team at Juravinski.

Mom struggled with a lot of pain this past weekend. Her pain meds were increased again and we were finally able to get it somewhat under control for a few days.

Today however, she has experienced an increase in pain...again. The pain is now radiating into her left hip and today she is finding it unbearable. It is getting difficult for her to move around the house. She is weak and is having to rely on us more for assistance.

This summer we have had our fair share of rain and some friends have even had exciting storm experiences. Storms are often dark, noisy, blinding, frightening and sometimes even violent and messy. But, with the storm comes the rain. It's interesting to watch as a dry and barren earth can respond to just a brief moment of refreshing rain.

Amidst the storms we encounter in life, God wants us to experience His rain. We can find provision in the rain, peace in the rain, strength in the rain, healing in the rain...we can find EVERYTHING we need in the rain. God, rain on us today!!!

We're watching for rain mom...

Transfusion day

Today mom's day started earlier than usual. She had to be to the hospital at 8:30am for her blood transfusion. She woke up this morning feeling the best she has in a long time. She even commented to my dad "if only I could wake up feeling this way every morning! ..."

I joined mom at the hospital around noon and stayed with her until the transfusion was complete. The nurses told her that she would most likely notice a difference over the next few days. She should become less tired and will regain some strength. Already by the time I saw her, some colour was beginning to return to her face and cheeks. The blood transfusion lasted until just after 1:00pm and went as expected. Thank you for your prayers! The day went well and mom went home for a well deserved nap.

Tonight, Mikaela and I stopped by to check in on mom. She had finished her nap and was feeling pretty good. After supper [By the way - thank you to the countless number of people who have brought meals to mom & dad over the last number of months! It has been such a blessing to them!], she felt well enough to go with us for a visit to see my grandfather at the nursing home. Trips outside the house have been few in recent weeks (other than hospital/doctor appointments) so she welcomed the chance to get out while the getting was good. The visit to see my grandfather was short, but enjoyable for both him and my mom.

Tomorrow (Friday), mom has another appointment at Juravinski to follow up with her oncologist. Then she'll have the weekend to relax and recover from a couple of busy days.

One last thing....
Thank you for the many encouraging words, prayers and various ways so many of you have supported mom and the rest of our family during this trying time. God continues to be so faithful and strengthens us day to day. We continue to hold on to His promises for life, healing, strength, peace, comfort and EVERYTHING we ever need we can find in His name!

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.