Hi kids:

Friday, Dad stayed home from work wanting to get enough rest for the procedures he would need to have done in the afternoon. Because I would need to take the afternoon off, and since Dad wasn’t going into work, I was able to be in the office at 7 am. May sound torturous, but in fact I was able to get a lot of work done, as there were no phone calls and no one coming to the door that early. Believe it or not, but the bulletin was printed at 9:30 am; first ever!

Dad’s first appointment at the St Boniface Cancer Care was at 1:05 pm, but they wanted him there half an hour earlier. We were able to register him in, and then off to the nuclear department. He received his first radioactive injection in the right arm, and 20 minutes later in the left arm with a scan shortly after to see if the ventricles in his heart would be strong enough for one of the drugs. Then off to another department to meet with the oncology nurse who explained how the chemotherapy would be injected. She took an ultrasound of Dad’s veins in his upper right arm, as that is where the PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) would be inserted. A soft, thin, flexible tube is inserted in the large vein, leading directly to the heart. This way, the chemotherapy can attack all the cancer cells in the body. Down side is, that it also attacks the healthy cells. That is why Dad must go in every three weeks, allowing the healthy cells to repair themselves in between sessions. We were home again by 3:30, time for cup of tea and for Dad to lay down again for a rest before the evening.

Dad was having trouble sleeping, just not able to find a comfortable spot, and moving around is difficult and painful. He was also taken off one of his pain meds in preparation for the chemo treatments. Consequently, neither one of us was getting our proper sleep. My friend, Laurie suggested that we get a memory foam mattress topper. It arrived Thursday afternoon. Imagine a four inch thick, queen size mattress squished into a box 12x12x12 inches. Instructions said to gently unpack it and let it unroll naturally, which could take up to 72 hours. It also said that heat would help it to expand more quickly. So after getting it out of the packaging, placing it on a large surface (living room floor) and pumping up the furnace, we sat there with a cup of tea and watched it literally expand. Twenty minutes later, we had it on our bed and tried it out. Of course, Dad fell asleep while I snuggled down and read my book. Since then, we have had a very good night’s sleep. Thank you Laurie for one of the best suggestions yet! We enjoyed a home cooked supper of cannelloni from one of our church members, Mike.

Saturday, we woke up to temperatures of -30C, -20F and decided it was a good day to spend inside. Trouble is, you can’t get too much exercise in a small house, so we walk down the stairs, around the perimeter of the basement, back up again and around the dining area, and back down five times; gets the blood going.

We are now waiting to hear what the next step will be. We are hoping the scan proves that Dad’s heart is strong enough and that he can get the PICC, hopefully next week. We will keep you all posted.

Love, Mom & Dad

From Mom:
Today, Dad & I are having a very relaxing day at home. Of course, with the weather with blowing snow and freezing temperatures helps to cozy up inside.

We had a wonderful time with Charles, Angela & kids last week. They picked a perfect week to come, between Dad being in the hospital and before the next procedure. Pake & Gabriel had fun playing catch in the living room, building lego and playing with the matchbox cars. Once Chloe got over her ear infection, she joined in the fun. All too soon, on Thursday they had to return back to MN.

Friday, we received news of Don’s next appointment which will take place on February 25 and two procedures are expected. He will be receiving a nuclear medicine injection and they will install a tub in his vain and that will most likely be there for the next six months. The second is a MUGA scan (Multiple Gated Acquisition Scan) to check his heart to make sure it can handle the chemo. We are both relieved and a little apprehensive; relieved that action is finally beginning, yet apprehensive as this is an invasive procedure.

Don has been losing sleep as one of his pain reducing medications has been removed, as it is also an anti-inflammatory. It was good, as he would take it at night time before going to bed and it lasted twelve hours. Presently, he needs to take Tylenol 3 every four hours. I am adjusting to his frequent trips out of bed, and am sleeping right through it. Also adjusting to sleeping on the other side of the bed (first time in 40 years), as it is more comfortable for Don; one of many adjustments we must constantly make as they come our way.

Tomorrow is Sunday and we look forward to being in church and sharing in the Lord’s Supper. Another reminder of what Christ has done for us, and how we constantly find our hope and peace in our Risen Lord and Saviour. We have our Small Group that evening. Another reminder of caring friends; we are not alone through this battle. People have stopped by, sent us food, cards, flowers. Don loves the prayer shawl that keeps him physically cozy and warm and spiritually reassured of the love of others through Christ

Long Road Ahead;

The visit with Dr. Dao went well today. I feel that she is a very competent doctor. The cancer is medium aggressive and thus must be treated. Lymphoma is a cancer of the blood but the type I have is common and good treatment is available. The cure rate is high and we look forward to returning to our regular life style at some future date.

However the process is long and, starting next week, I will have to go for chemo every three weeks for six months. The drugs can damage the veins so they will put a long tube into the veins and it will stay there for the six months. I will most likely take off work the week I am in treatments. The weeks I work will be part-time as I am exhausted after working a half a day.

The drugs also attack the white blood cells and that means my immunity will be down; a 38 degree fever means a trip to the hospital. No trips to the US during this time or three months after the treatment. So, if we want to see the children and grandchildren they will have to come to us. Charles, Angela and the kids are here now so the visiting process has begun.

Once the routine starts, there will be few changes and there may be less to write about. Thank you for your continued support. The outlook is much better now than at first but we have a long way to go. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

Dad/Uncle/Don

The Pace is Picking up Again

As most people have heard, on Thursday we were told that I have lymphoma cancer and we expect it to be the non-Hodgkin’s type which is good news. However, that has also put the health system into high gear again. The surgeon said I was healing well and the leg was able stand radiation. Monday morning, I have to go to the haematologist for blood work and in the afternoon to the Cancer Clinic to see what the treatment regime is ahead.

I will be under the care of Drs. Dao and Bashir. These are names of talented people who came to this country after I did and I for one am grateful they did. It means that doctors are available to meet my needs and that there are younger people around who maintain the pension base so that I can draw money in the near future. Manitoba receives about 12,000 new Canadians every year.

We are thankful that things are moving forward: the sooner the better. Please pray for the coming week that things will go well. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Some Answers to Prayer: Some encouragement
Today was the day that I had to get the staples out of the cuts where the doctors inserted the pin in my leg. Gerry took me and waited for the whole three hours. Hospital staff made me dress up in one of those hospital gowns that are open at the back. Then I got a thread bare house coat to wear over top. Imagine this handsome and debonair gentleman hobbling on his cane to the X-ray department. However, the results were positive and the staples removed – healing is going fast and I’m back to driving. woot
As expected, the biopsy report arrived yesterday and I was given the results today. Again we are encouraged in that we are dealing with Lymphoma, a cancer that is more responsive to treatment. On Monday I go to the Cancer Clinic and find out what treatment regime will be used. Dr. Graham, the surgeon indicated the leg was healing well and would stand up to radiation. Other tests have shown that all my organs are healthy, and that my body should be able to handle whatever treatment is necessary.
Canada’s medical system is working well. Treatment has been timely and hospital staff considerate. Spence Neighbourhood Association has given the time off to rest and attend appointments. On Monday, we will be able to put a plan in place that will most likely last the next two months. So far, the only cost to us has been a few painkillers.
This is a far better picture than two weeks ago and an answer to prayer. Thank you for your support and please continue praying. How does one count all the blessings? Please join me in giving thanks – our God is good.

Hi Kids

Tomorrow is a big day for Dad, as he gets his staples removed and hopefully will receive news that he can drive again. It’s been hard for him to go without his license since his surgery, but friends have been great, willing to drive him to appointments, etc. Monday, I dropped him off at work at 8:30, and he got a ride home with one of our church members at 3 pm, but it proved to be too much for Dad. He came home exhausted. Tuesday, I brought him to work where he got his materials and back home again, in time for me to be at work by 8:30 am. This was a much better arrangement, allowing him to lay down when tired. This morning we had to get up earlier yet, as Dad had to do get a package ready at work and hand deliver it. Mission accomplished and back home again for me to be at work at 8:30 am. He has decided not to go in to work tomorrow. Gerry will pick him up at 11:30 am and stay with him till he is ready to come home again. Personally, I am very thankful, or I would have to take time off work, which I don’t really mind, but this is a busy time of the year at the office, doing year end financials, plus getting out reports and letters to the committees to help them plan for the 2012 budget. Talk about being organized eh? Our treasurer is very efficient.

Saturday, Charles, Angela and their two children arrive from MN, to be with us for a week. Both Dad & I are so looking forward to them being here. It will bevery nice to have the kids playing and reading them stories. We will need to go to the library Saturday, not only to get books for ourselves, but books and audio books for them as well. Charles & Angela will have to look after themselves J. I baked banana nut muffins and plan to have Gabriel & Chloe help bake cookies when they are here.

Monday, Dad has an appointment with Dr Bashir, the oncologist to find out what the next step is. Dad also has another appointment with our family doctor later in the afternoon, but I am hoping that it won’t be necessary. We will keep you posted.

A Good Week

Here is a quick up date to the past week. It has been a good week even though it was a week of waiting. We do not expect to hear about the results of the biopsy until Thursday. However, we remain optimistic that it will be treatable. The search for effected tissue in the body only showed that some lymph nodes may be infected.

A large part of this optimism is due to the prayers, visits, phone calls and support of family and friends. Tuesday a group of inner city coworkers brought a meal and we had lunch together. Friends from the church dropped by and just the usually weeks activities filled up the days. Various people have offered or given rides, brought food and played games. I read three novels in as many days. All the attention and relaxation grows on me.

On the weekend, Eva and I joined our very supportive neighbours for a senior’s dinner with the 55+ members of our church. Sunday we were able to go the church and, in the evening, get prayed over by the members of our small group. Today, I had some urgent things to do at work and was there from 9:00 to 3:00. At the end, I was tired and when I arrived home, went directly for a nap. Maybe I’ll try a half day tomorrow.

Thanks again for your payers and support.

Don Miedema

Tribute to Moms and Spouses

I woke up this morning from my second sleep, warm and cozy in the blankets that Eva had just washed yesterday. I felt the luxury of it all and the joy of being alive. The extra sleep just made my day.

The sun was shining on the snow on the wooden fence we built this summer with four of our neighbours. The snow looked like icing on a spice cake.

Little things like that send my minds wondering. It made me think of the homemade spice cake that my Mom gave me every day when I came home from high school. I was the fourth child and the first to go to high school so these were special time of the day we had together. Moms just have great ways to touch and form the lives of their children. A cup of tea, a slice of spice cake and loving company just made a home regardless of the house we live in.

Today Eva makes the cup of tea when I come home from work. It gives us a chance to wind down from the day and talk together. I am deeply thankful for that and all she does to make our house a home regardless of where we live.

Every day I do my exercises. The goal is to get me walking without any support. I was down to crutches but have now graduated back up to a cane. I try without sometimes but we are not quite there yet. A little time off from work will do me good though I am thankful that I can do some stuff from home, keeps me involved and planning for the future.

That I can do all this is a blessing and we praise the Lord for it.

Dad/Don