Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Changes Every Day

Sunday, May 20th, a week ago, out on the deck

Hi Family and Friends,
The last note I posted was at the beginning of May for our anniversary. At that time Gary was still getting up everyday and we were still able to go to his doctor appointments.
He was started on his second round of chemo 3 weeks ago. His blood work was good so they had no reason not to continue the treatment.

Gary has been experiencing more headaches again. It is getting harder and harder to get him out of bed as he is experiencing some type of fainting spells when he sits up. The doctor has prescribed anti-seizure drugs thinking these spells might be mini-seizures. When he can get up he uses a walker for support.

Gary is now spending most of his days in a hospital bed that was delivered this past Tuesday afternoon. We need to help him more and more each day. Homecare nurses are coming out each day to help with morning care. Our son Ryan is home from college and has been a great help around the house as well as with Gary's care.
It seems like a lot has happened over this past week. He doesn't read or talk much any more. He seems very comfortable in his new bed and still has an appetite (which has been decreasing over the last few days).
He said he likes visitors and a lot of people talking about his bed does not seem to bother him.

The book Gary has been reading the most (May 13)
Not long ago we asked Gary what texts meant a lot to him. He quoted the following:
Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Romans 8: 38, "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

                                                          Thanks from all of us!


We are receiving visitors everyday and lots of prepared meals. We are so grateful as a family for the tremendous support we are getting from family, friends, church, and neighbours.
I know many, many people all over the place are praying for us and we can feel the support of your prayers. 
Most of all I want to thank God for all the provisions and care He is providing. He is also keeping us strong and holding us up as we face new challenges each day. 
We continue to covet your prayers.
Love Joanne and the rest of the family.

Psalm 29:11 “The Lord will give strength to His people, The Lord will bless His people with peace.
                                                  

Thursday, May 3, 2012

27th Wedding Anniversary Today


Enjoying the beautiful weather sitting on our back deck
It is hard to believe that when we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary 2 years ago Gary was well and healthy as far as we knew.  A lot of things have changed since then but God has been gracious.
We are very thankful that we could celebrate our 27th wedding anniversary together today however in a very different way. 

Breakfast in bed has become a daily routine.



     Gary has been very tired and weak for the last five months and things have not changed. Getting up each morning is the most difficult. Most of his days are spent sleeping in bed or on the couch. He has a lot of books on the go but is mostly reading magazine articles. Gary is not going out much except to schedule appointments with doctors.

     At this time we have no idea what the new chemo is doing for him but God does and He knows what is best. God is providing for all of our needs and I know He will continue to do so.

    Thanks to all for your love and prayers, cards, calls, emails. visits, dinners and offers to help in many ways. Please continue to pray for us as we need a special measure of patience and strength for each new day.

Joanne for us all

The family cats have become very attached to Gary (maybe its because he likes to share some of his meals with them)
Gary often tells me how good I'm taking care of him. He especially enjoys his meals served on this special tray :)



 Family update : A before picture of the new pup (beginning of Feb)
Sadie Today--puppies don't stay small for very long!