Hi Kids

 

Good news! Dad's cancer is in complete remission. We spent the morning at the Cancer Clinic, getting blood work done and cleaning the PICC line, and then off to see Dr Dao. She explained that Dad's aggressive cancer is in complete remission, but the latent cancer is still there, which they will treat every two month over the next two years. New studies have shown that if the latent cancer is monitored, the chances of the aggressive form to come back is much lesser. If not treated, there is a 50% Dad could have it back again within five years. The daily radiation treatments will continue for the second week. Back to clinic to get his PICC line removed and tell all the nurses he has built up a relationship with the good news. They had hugs and smiles for Dad.

 

We are praising God for His healing hand in our lives! We don't know why God chooses to heal some and not others, but we do know that His purpose for Dad is not finished. Even yesterday, Dad is looking at other things that he could get involved with. 

 

Tonight we are going out for supper to celebrate. He has the choice to go anywhere, but not for an Angus burger.  

 

Thank you for holding us in your prayers for healing since January.

Love, Mom & Dad

Before Dad is able to get his PT scan this afternoon at 2 pm, he had to go on an all protein diet for 24 hours; eggs, cheese and meat. No fruit, veggies or sugar. No honey in his tea. No cream in his coffee. While he had steak for supper, I enjoyed my veggies and toast, and again cereal for breakfast while he had an omelette. I am amazed at all the things you can do with an egg. Six hours before the scan, no food or water. I will pick him up when he’s done and then we get to celebrate! This scan is to show if there are any active cancer cells in his body.

July 18 will be the beginning of his radiation. He came home last night after the doctor painted lines on his body; long green lines on both legs and blue ones on the top of his right thigh with a bull’s eye target where the radiation is to centre on. The lines are already beginning to fade, and I wanted torecolour them, but I only have red; Dad wouldn’t let me.

July 25, we should get the results of the CT scan, which measured the size of the cancer cells.

We had a marvelous time with the kids last weekend. What a gift God has given us through grandchildren. It is so precious that they want to spend time with us, and that Dad had the energy this time to do things with them too. We went on lots of hikes, swimming, played board games and of course, read stories. And of course, getting to meet Benjamin Charles. He is so full of love; staring at you with big, blue adoring eyes and a grin so big, the dimples appear in both cheeks. He loves to be held and cuddled.

Love, Mom

Pics of the new patio and Dad's garden

Hi kids

Dad had his last chemo treatment Friday, June 17. We are praising God for His healing touch, and that only six treatments were needed, instead of the eight the doctors first anticipated. Monday he met with the oncologist to set up a schedule for radiation. Each day for two weeks, treatments on his right hip will begin July 18, after we come back from Benjamin’s baptism. The doctor does not think there will be severe side affects. Good thing since Dad already lost most of his hair, and its just beginning to grow back on his head like a fuzz ball. Tomorrow he will have his CT scan to see how affective the chemo has been. We pray that Dad is totally healed and will not need any more. After each treatment, it takes that much longer for him to bounce back. We can count on the first ten days, that his energy level steadily declines.

The house renovations for this year are nearly complete. The roof was reshingled last month; the fascia, soffit and eaves were replaced two weeks ago; and now the back porch is nearly done. The old one was torn down, the fence pushed out, new patio stones laid. All that needs to be done is having shingles and fascia added. We are already enjoying our after work cup of tea and dinners on the patio, and look forward to entertaining our friends as soon as Dad has the energy to do so.

We thank our friends, Hennie Slikker & Gerry Wyenberg for providing transportation to and from the Cancer Clinic on Dad’s chemo days, allowing me the peace of mind to be at work. We also thank those who sent cards of encouragement, prayers of healing and food when we were both too tired to even think of eating. God is good.

Love, Mom & Dad

Hi kids

We had a good weekend, praise the Lord!

May 27, Dad fell asleep during the majority of his chemo treatment, right through lunch. Good thing he brought a sandwich along to snack on later. That evening, he could already feel the affects with an upset stomach. Saturday he wasn’t up to doing much, and continued loosing energy or the desire to do participate in any thing. Sunday after church, we went straight home and even cancelled out on Small Group that evening. During the week, he would go into work and come home shortly after 1 pm for his “nap”, and then be back in bed again before 9 pm. Friday was the change around day with him slowly getting his energy and appetite back again. When he wanted an angus burger for supper, (his favourite), I told him to stay home, while I went through the drive through at MacDonald’s. Saturday he lent his support at the Spence Neighbourhood street festival. After a short nap, he still had energy to work in the garden and dig out dandelions. Sunday, Dad surprised me by asking if friends could come for lunch after church, a rarity. I made a pot of lentil soup Friday, which went perfectly with home made bread and sundaes for dessert. That afternoon, we went to Assiniboine Park which held the Annual Dutch Tulip Festival the day before. We were pleasantly surprised at how many different colours that were still blooming. There must have been thousands and thousands, but we only saw those in the English Garden, and the new duck pond. Very nice that there are many benches in shaded areas giving Don a chance to sit before we carried on.  It was a beautiful sunny day.

We are also happy to announce the birth of our eleven grandchild; Leah Estee was born Sunday, May 29. We are truly blessed! We are so thankful for Skype, as we were introduced to both Benjamin whom we will see in July and Leah in August at their baptisms. What darlings.

Love, Mom & Dad

Hi Kids

Dad had his fifth chemo treatment today, from 9-3pm. In spite of his good intentions to do some work on his laptop, he slept through most of it because of the drugs they give him.  Tonight is a “stay at home” night, allowing him to rest, and a good excuse to watch Hockey Night in Canada. We have come to notice that his pattern is five good days after the treatment and then he slowly goes downhill in energy and with it, frustrations that he can’t do all that he would like to. This peaks (what’s the opposite: valleys?), five days later and then slowly he begins to get back to his “normal” self, with five days before the chemo, the best. Dad is slowly beginning to resume things he used to do. We are thankful that he is able to increase his hours at work, though not working full time. Last weekend, we bought plants for our flower and vegetable gardens. He putters away with it, putting them in, moving others from last year to another location, and digging out dandelions. I wanted to buy a chemical to get rid of them, but he won’t hear of it. But I did hear that vinegar works wonders on those who have taken root in the patio. And YES! It does work. Later I read that a solution can be made by mixing a gallon of water, ¼ cup dish soap and ½ cup vinegar. Why bother when you can use it full strength? Just be careful you don’t pour it near the plants (grass) you want to keep, as it will kill them too.

Now, how did I get onto that? Yesterday, Dad met with the doctor who wants him to get radiation on the hip, as he still has a noticeable limp, even more so when he is tired. The other day we went for a walk together, and I tried to match my stride to his. He has a long left stride and a shorter right; one that you can’t notice until you walk with him. When next Dad sees the doctor, she will give him a date of when the radiation treatment will occur. I don’t think he is yet convinced that this is the route to take. Dad has been feeling remarkably well with the chemo, but is afraid the radiation will make him very ill, and if this is just for “cosmetic” reasons…… I am trying to convince him that this is also for his bones, muscles and nerves sake, as it is not good to put uneven pressure or stress for a long time on one part of the body. But the decision remains with him.

Good news! We have another grandson. Benjamin Charles was born May 19; 7 lb, 9 oz, 20 in long. Thankfully Charles was able to take the week off work to be with the family, while everyone adjusts to a new one in the family. Thank you to all who have given support and encouragement to them through casseroles, looking after the kids, etc.

Love, Mom

Greetings from St. Boniface Hospital where I am on my fourth chemo journey.  So far it has gone very well, very little nausea and only some fatigue.   A week before treatment, my white blood cell count is low but during the week the count usually increases to healthy levels and I am able to get my treatments on time. 

Fortunately, I am able to continue working at about ¾ of the time.  With sick days and holidays there is no decrease in income.  So, after turning 65 in April, we are still full speed ahead but, with my pension starting this month, I am looking at working fewer hours.

A scan done about and half ago showed that the lymph nodes have decreased in size and there is suggestion that I may need only 6 instead of 8 treatments.  The 80% promise of a good response to treatment is happening.  

On the other side, the doctor told me that there is a 50% chance of the cancer coming back during the first 5 years after treatment.  There is no way that I can call myself cured until those five years are up.  So prayer for a cure is long term endeavour.     

The doctors and nurses are great and always up beat.  The chemo nurses always have stories to share and encourage participants to share their.  The weekend of the Royal wedding, they all wore tiaras and talked about where they were in the early hours of the morning.

Friends too are outstanding.  Hennie took me to hospital each time of get a treatment.  The treatment includes Benydrill and I’m not allowed to drive.  Gerry will pick me up this after.

Dale gave me some deer meat and I cooked it up Thursday night.   It went well with mashed yams, brussels sprouts and a glass of red wine.  According to Dale, deer meat is great for improving the white blood cell count.

So I’m well cared for and take good care of myself.   I know how to spoil myself. 

We can see many answers to prayer.   Please give payers of thanks along with the petitions.

 Both Dad & I went to see his cancer doctor this morning. We discussed the issue of him being very tired and pain in the stomach area. They took three different blood samples. His white blood cell is ok, the red blood cell is also fine, but the neutrophil count is down. It needs to be up before they will give him chemo, so he needs to go in again Thursday. We also discussed the possibility of coming down at Easter, but she advised against it, as that is when his neutrophil count would be the lowest. There is a 20% chance that Dad can get an infection with a fever. He then has hours to get to the hospital, and when there, we need to tell him about his neutrophil count, which would bump him to the front of the line. If his neutrophil count is too low this Thursday, they will wait till next week to give him his chemo. If that is the case, we can come down.

Dad has been feeling great until Wednesday when he overdid it. He got a call at work about a house four blocks from work that he needed to take a look at, and since it was such a nice day, he decided to walk. When he got there, it wasn’t a house under his program, and he had to turn around and walk back again. Later that afternoon, he came home exhausted. Since then, he has not got his level of energy back. Dad feels it’s because he is not getting enough exercise, and thinks parking the car further away will help. This morning Dad was up at 7:30, dressed and ready to go for a walk around the block. I convinced him to wait for the sun to take the frost off the road first, giving me time to go with him. It was a pleasant walk with the sun shining and people getting ready to go about their activities. It was just a short walk, but when we got home, Dad had to sit while I got breakfast ready. We just finished listening to the Vinyl Café, and Dad is laying down again. I’m also concerned with his lack of appetite and his lack of wanting to do things. We got him a MP4 Player, but it is still sitting there, untouched. That is so not like Dad.

Dad is loosing his chest hairs. This morning when he was washing up, it was coming out in handfuls. This is his first evident reality check that he is taking note of. His sleeping patterns are going crazy. He went to bed at 9:30 last night, but couldn’t get to sleep and got up at 11 to read for 2.5 hours. Of course, this morning he was hard to get out of bed. Not at all his usual self, as he is the first to get up and make tea for me. I think he was hoping to sail through this unscathed.

Yesterday, Dad had his PICC line flushed out, and everything looked fine. The rash has cleared up, which we are very thankful for. This is Dad’s quarantine weekend where he can’t expose himself to bad germs. Today, we slept in and had another nap in the afternoon. We are so thankful for being able to communicate over the phone, internet and Skype. Right now, Dad is doing work for SNA while I made a big pot of chicken soup. The snow is slowly melting, tomorrow is the first day of spring and Katrina’s birthday.  We continue to give God praises.

Dad had a setback this weekend. He was vacuuming the house (he likes to stay active, but doesn’t know his limits yet), and twisted the wrong way, hurting his hip. The pain is slowly going away, so that is good. His rash still isn’t gone. It’s worse at night and is the best first thing in the morning. We’re not sure what is triggering it off, as I haven’t changed the laundry soap. The pain has also come back in his diaphragm and sternum. Dad’s next treatment is the 25^th. He has also been losing weight, from 175 to 160. He sure is looking pretty skinny, but still hugs real fine.

This morning we didn’t go to church; opting out to sleep in and have a leisurely morning getting up at 9:30 (Daylight savings time). We had a good time last night with Len & Hennie who came for a relaxing evening. I made meatloaf, something Dad was craving for, and it turned out quite well, along with mashed potatoes and fresh asparagus, and for dessert apple pie and ice cream with a tall cup of coffee. It was good getting caught up in our friendship again.

Dad was hoping to present at an audition for the Dragon’s Den on Saturday, but he was just too wiped out. He had permission from the Board of Directors from his work to present an idea on providing housing for the homeless, that would still be able to bring a profit that could be generated into more housing. I know Dad would have done well, handling the pressure of the questions coming from different directions and keeping a clear mind. Perhaps next time. Apparently they come to Winnipeg once a year.

Three things to pray for: pain, rash and weight loss.

Dad had his next visit at the Cancer Care today, instead of tomorrow, as he developed a rash on his right arm, around the PICC line. It began earlier this week, but he was hoping it would disappear. Last night it was huge, red, raised and hot to the touch. We put some ointment on it, and then left it bare, hoping it would clear up by morning. When he went in, they determined that he may be allergic to the disinfectant and used iodine instead, or to the sock that he wears to protect the PICC line. Tonight, he is to wear one of his own socks, with the foot cut out, and see if it makes a difference. While there, they flushed out the line, so he is ready to go for another week.

We praise God. Dad doesn’t need to take any pain medication. Isn’t that amazing? Also, we are very thankful for the continued support from our many friends and family. We have received orchards (Dad’s favourite), cards, phone calls and today in the mail, Dad got a fuzzy warm housecoat, which cousin Marlene sewed. Aunt Paula tucked in a praise DVD to watch later. We are so encouraged by the number of people that stop and tell us that they are praying. Every time I hear that, I feel like the Holy Spirit is giving me a hug.

Dad had his first round of chemo Thursday, and it went well. I had to drop him off early as his appointment was at 9:30, and I need to be at the office by 9 am at the latest. He needed to get some paper work done before, so all was not lost. The PICC line went in well, and at 2:30, he called me to pick him up. Tomorrow he goes for another 4 hour treatment. We are so glad, as he felt the cancer growing in his back where the two spots were noticed in January. Dad is sitting in his recliner in the living room with a cup of tea at his side and a book in his hands.

next day : Friday morning, Dad’s treatment began at 8:30 am. In anticipation of a short day, we arranged one of our friends to pick him up shortly after noon. Imagine my surprise when she called the office to let me know a voice message was left on her phone, not to come. Because this was Dad’s first time getting these drugs, they decided to inject them at a slower rate. He also had to stay in a bed, just in case he got a reaction and they could whisk him off; where, I do not know, but it does add confidence to what they are doing. Dad called around 2:00 pm to let me know that he should be finished at 3. Great timing, as that is when I would be finished at the office too.

They gave him a “happy” drug to top it off, so when we were home and relaxing with a cup of tea, getting updated on email, he decided that we should go out for supper. Wow, he must really be feeling good! We had to pick up a prescription, which we combined with grocery shopping and then went out for burgers (yum, one of my favourite foods), and then rented some videos. If you ever get a chance to see Temple Grandin, let us know your reactions. Dad & I both agreed it is one of the best films we have seen in a long time.

Dad was also informed that because the drugs break down the cells, he needs to be careful with spicy foods, hot drinks, brushing his teeth and shaving. He has decided not to shave when his face is sensitive and feeling raw. Also, it takes approximately 15 days for the cells to die, which is when he will be most susceptible to diseases. So, he can go to church on the 6^th, but not the 13^th. Then his body will begin to produce healthy cells, in time for his next treatment on the 25^th. Something to keep in mind if we want to visit you.

Dad received a phone call today, confirming that the PICC line will be inserted Thursday, Mar 3, 9:30 am. He will need to remain in the hospital as they begin his chemo treatments, to continue Friday, Mar 4, 8:30 am. We are so thankful as we were told not to expect to hear from them for another week or so. This is an answer to prayer, as Dad does feel that the cancer is growing.

Another praise is the many wonderful people in our church who came forward to let us know that they would be willing to help with bringing Dad to appointments.

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

Hi Kids

Monday afternoon and we are ready for our cup of tea. Yesterday’s cold temperatures were a good excuse to stay home and just relax. Dad was fighting a low grade fever and thought it best not to go to church. When I saw it was -32C, I decided to stay home too. And we went back to bed and slept another two hours. Around 12:30 pm, Richard came to drop off a CD from the morning’s sermon, so of course we invited them in for coffee and a time to get connected. Later that afternoon, Don had another visitor for tea. From the response of all those who phone, email, send cards & flowers, we are not short of support. And all the messages are so encouraging, referencing us back to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. What would we do without him.

Dad had a restless sleep last night, having a lot of pain. I think it was a combination of doing his exercises too much, and not wanting to become dependent on pain killers. Tonight I will make sure he takes them, so we can both get a good night’s sleep. Finally after midnight, he fell into a sound sleep, and so did I. The alarm went off at it usual time at 6:15 am. I rolled over and woke up again at 8 am; both of us felt much rested.

Once a month, a group of ladies go out for breakfast. It’s an event that I look forward to, and even -25C couldn’t keep me away. While the car was getting warmed up, our good neighbour Roy took the time to clean off all the snow and ice. Am I spoiled? It is so nice to connect with other women, sharing joys and concerns, tidbits of knowledge as some have been on the path that I am now venturing for the first time. And we continue to share our dreams for the future.

Afterwards, I picked up Dad as he needed to go to the Immigration Office to verify when his family landed in Canada. This is needed for him to apply for his old age pension, even though he has a birth certificate. When we got to the forks, found a parking spot and got out of the car, Dad asked me where the envelope that contained his documentation was. It was at home on the table. I did not realize it was needed, and he assumed I was taking it with me. No sense in getting frustrated, so we got back in the car and finished off the other errands on our way home. One advantage of leaving him in the car when I run in, is returning to a nice warm car, LOL.

When we got home, we both felt tired and took another nap. It’s now tea time. I want to leave you with a reflection received from Ida Mutoigo, director of CRWRC, from a book called "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. She writes from the perspective of God talking to us in reference to passages from Psalm 18:29, Psalm 91:11-12 and 2 Corinthians 5:7:

"Follow me one step at a time. That is all I require of you. In fact, that is the only way to move through this space/time world. You see huge mountains looming, and you start wondering how you're going to scale those heights. Meanwhile, because you're not looking where you are going, you stumble on the easy path where I am leading you now. As I help you get back on your feet, you tell Me how worried you are about the cliffs up ahead. But you don't know what will happen today, much less tomorrow. Our path may take an abrupt turn, leading you away from those mountains. There may be an easier way up the mountains than is visible from this distance. If I do lead you up the cliffs, I will equip you thoroughly for that strenuous climb. I will even give My angels charge over you, to preserve you in all your ways. Keep your mind on the present journey, in My presence. Walk by faith, not by sight, trusting Me to open up the way before you."

Love, Mom & Dad

Hi everyone;
This Dad/Don writing. I'm at home in my easy chair looking out on a -32 C day. The sun is shining bright and we count each day a blessing.
Things have happened fast here. Wednesday I had a pin put in my hip/upper leg. I think it was just an excuse for taking a biopsy. Friday afternoon I was back home. The intent is to go from the crutches, to the cane and then to normal walking. (I am at the cane stage.) I am debating but I think I will take a few days of disability so that I can go through this process. There are several exercises and I need to walk around the house every 45 mins minimum.
The results from the biopsy should be available in a week and a half. At first things look very dark. the doctors thought that there was a primary sources inside my abdomen that had moved to the bones. This does not appear to be the case and the hopeful scenario now is that I have Lymphoma which relatively easy to treat with chimo. Eva and I feel we have been give a second chance.
Who knows where this comes from. Over the years, I have come in contact with a lot of stuff especially when growing potatoes. When we were dating I would pick up Eva and her co-workers would tease her about my orange hair. I was spraying a top killer that could have been related to agent orange.
The Lord is good. We see this as a valley we need to go through. At the other end we hope to come out better understanding others. Some of us are tough and it takes a hard hit on the head to mellow us. Thanks for taking this trip with us to the other side of this valley. Keep praying, there is a big journey ahead and I cannot go though it alone.

Hi Kids

Dad is home again, and we are happy. I told Dad that I feel that we have been given a second chance.

Yesterday, Dad called the church office to let me know that I could pick him up at 5 pm. I wasn’t too sure this was possible from the reaction of the dr when I was there the day before, so told him to call me back after the oncologist came. I think God was saying, “get him” by sending a snowstorm, dumping eight inches of snow in six hours. Pastor Don had to go out for an appointment, and when he came back shortly before noon, told me to leave as the driving conditions were so bad. I had trouble getting out of the church parking lot, and when got home, asked our neighbour Roy if we could pick up Dad in his SUV. Good thing, as the snow ruts would have over taken my little car, adding to the stress. Dad was dressed and ready to go, and even had the flowers wrapped up against the cold. 15 minutes later, we were in the car, heading home again.

Dad spent the rest of the day in his chair in the living room, snoozing off when he wasn’t reading. I spent it close to him. Thank you to everyone who prayed. God answered.

Today, we slept in till 9:00 am, unheard of, but we needed it. It’s now 11:00 am, and we are still in our pj’s with no hurry to go any where.

One of my favourite songs is playing right now, “O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus”, song by Selah: Hiding Place. It portrays how we both feel right now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hzYKovRsJ8

O the deep, deep love of Jesus,

Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!

Underneath me, all around me, is the current of Thy love

Leading onward, leading homeward to

Thy glorious rest above!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus,

Spread His praise from shore to shore!

How He loveth, ever loveth, changeth

Never, nevermore!

How He watches o’er His loved ones,

Died to call them all Huis own

How for them He intercedeth, watcheth

O’er them from the throne!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus,

“Tis a heav’n of heav’ns to me

And it lifts me up to glory, for it lifts me up to Thee!

As of early this evening Dad is at home and resting comfortably. Dad called and said he's feeling ok, but pretty tired. He squeezed in a nap this afternoon and is going to bed early tonight. :) One of the tests they ran today was to check for a serious infection as the possible cause for all of this. They are gonna keep checking things till they find out what they are dealing with for sure. Dad said one of the reasons he wanted out of the hospital so soon was that his roommate was a nightowl and he got woken up 3 or 4 times last night so wasn't getting enough rest.

Mom's more detailed update of last night's visit with Dad and the Doc:

Now I know for sure they are testing for lymphoma, myeloma (here is a good link for info on this one http://www.emedicinehealth.com/myeloma/article_em.htm ) , and infection. Dad’s blood pressure is a low, which is a minor concern. Dad is eager to come home, but the doctor said they would like to see his leg heal before then.

Earlier that day, they had Don up, using a walker. I asked him why it wasn’t in his room now, and he said it hurt too much, and that he needs to go for physio, beginning today.

This morning I got a call from Dad, saying I can pick him up at 5 pm. He knows I am very reluctant. Not that I don’t want him home, but I know he is pushing for it. He promised me that he would wait for the oncologist before leaving.

this afternoon: "Hennie just called. She went to see Dad this morning. He had breakfast, first time Since Tuesday’s lunch. They also had him up, using a walker. They want him to put his full weight on the leg. He is being given something to handle his pain. When she left, two more people from church were on their way to see him."

This evening: Mom called tonight to update us. She went to see Dad after work. Dad is in much better spirits and really wants to get out of the hospital tomorrow. Both Mom & the Dr. think that's not a good idea since he could have trouble taking care of himself at home yet. The Dr. also wants to keep Dad in longer so that they can get to the bottom of where the cancer is coming from. They are still waiting on those biopsy cultures from yesterday, but they are also going to be doing any testing they can at the hospital to narrow it down. Hopefully they can figure it out soon so they can get a treatment plan set up.

Wednesday, January 26

Dad went into surgery at 11:30 am, and came out at 2 pm. I was there at 2:30, but could not see him till 5 pm when they put him in his room. One reason is bc were so many surgeries and the patients needed the full attention of the nurses. I stayed with Dad till 6:30. He was doing fine, falling in and out of sleep. I plan to see him again today after work.

They put in a pin, and took a biopsy. The culture takes two weeks for results. They expect that he will be in for 5 days.

-Mom

Welcome!

In November, Don began to experience pain in his hip. He expressed his concern to our family doctor who took tests, but could not find anything and recommended pain killers. In December, the pain became severe enough for Don to use a cane. Again he went back to the doctor who ordered an x-ray, but could not find anything. In January, Don was using crutches. Our family doctor referred him to an orthopedic surgeon who ordered another x-ray. Two weeks from the first one revealed the tendon had separated from the top of the thigh bone, which was now discoloured. A few days later, Don had a bone scan, which revealed lesions on his thigh, vertebrae, elbow and sternum. The following week when Don & Eva met with the doctor, they were told it was cancer. He then had a ct scan on the body tissues, which revealed spots on his lungs and bowels. Tuesday, Jan 25^th, we met with the oncologist who determined it was necessary for Don to have surgery. Wednesday, he had a pin placed in the thigh to stabilize the bone. We are now waiting to hear back from the doctors as they need to establish staging and the primary so they can determine the best course of action and chemo. Chemotherapy isn’t standard across the board, it’s essentially a cocktail and what’s in the cocktail is dependent on what type of cancer we are facing.