A Long Overdue Update

First of all, sorry to have been so long in updating this blog.  I know many of you check back often to see how Dad is doing and it makes everyone wonder when nothing new is posted.

Dad began radiation on his lung on February 14 and received the last treatment on February 20.  That same week the radiation oncologist confirmed a large mass on Dad's leg pressing up against the bone, finally explaining the pain he has been feeling for so long.  So on the third day of radiation, they began the first of five treatments on Dad's leg to shrink the mass and he received the last treatment on February 22.

Dad was very thankful when the radiation treatments were completed, as the daily drives into Abbotsford were becoming very tiring.  Thankfully, Dad suffered little side effects of the treatment.  In fact, the treatments seemed to have the desired effect as later in the week Dad was getting up and walking with no pain.  Maybe the fact that his oldest grandchild, Philip, arrived the day before the treatments were done was enough to give Dad an extra boost of renewed energy! 

Philip, on a university reading break, decided to leave Carman, MB for a quick visit to his grandpa.  We all had a few wonderful days while he was here -- the sun was shining, Dad played a few games of crib with Philip, and we all got together for a family potluck. 

This week has been a little more difficult, however.  On Tuesday we met with a chemothery doctor and it was decided that Dad will not be receiving any chemotherapy treatments.  “ 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the LORD.  As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."  -- Isaiah 55:8&9

And that brings us to today, where we find ourselves visiting Dad at his hospital bedside again.  At home yesterday evening he had great difficulty breathing (he described it as like an elephant sitting on his chest!) and was ambulanced to the Langley Memorial.  He was given oxygen immediately when the paramedics arrived at the house and that brought immediate relief.  However, the doctors do wish to determine what caused the sudden lack of breath and excelerated heartrate.  At this time we have no definite answers.  Dad is not in much pain but he is patiently waiting for the doctors to tell him he can go back home where he is much more comfortable.

We continue to feel supported by so many people -- almost everyday a new card or two comes in the mail for Dad & Mom with words of encouragement and support and words of God's grace and love.  What a comfort it is knowing that when our hearts are heavy, so many people are lifting us up in prayer.  How great our God is!


"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life."  -- Psalm 143:8