Thursday, June 19, 2008

June 19th, 2008

Hi Everyone!

There isn't a whole lot to update, the MRI was cancelled, they think Sharon doesn't need one at this time. We are waiting for the doctors from London Hospital to call and set times to start the treatments, should be in the next couple of weeks. For now, Sharon has to continue taking steroids which has some side effects, she tires easily and her bones are sore. If you do call, please do so before 8:00 pm or I have to deal with a "grumpy wife"! We will not be home for a week and a half, gone camping.

Thanks again for all your continued support, we surely see the communion of Saints in all of this.

Thank you!
Pete, Sharon and kids.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

June 14,2008

Hi Everyone!

Yesterday, Sharon was called to come to the hospital. She was put on a special IV because they found out that she has a high count of calcium in her blood. She has to do this every 4 weeks and it takes about 3 hours per time. Most of the results are in, it is confirmed that she does have multiple myeloma, which is cancer of the blood and it's attacking her bones. In theory, it is not curable but the doctor said they have come a long way with medications and they are going to do everything they possibly can. They also started her on steroids, which is to try and start fixing the blood problem almost like a mild chemo. They also want an MRI done, they're hoping for Wednesday, June 18. For further treatments, she will either have to go to London or Toronto, for radiation, bone marrow stem cells transplant of her own or worst case, bone marrow donor transplant.

We feel a little more relieved now that we have some answers and know what direction we are heading. We, as a family, are very thankful for all the support given to us in this time of need. "Nothing happens by chance."

With much love,
Pete, Sharon, Natasha, Heather and Shaun

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

June 10, 2008

Hey Everyone,


Yesterday (being Monday), I was scheduled for a CT Scan which I had to fast for, for four hours. My brother Walter and his wife Deb were down from B.C. so they took me. Once there I was informed that instead of a CT Scan the radiologist wanted me to have an ultrasound. With a CT Scan they would have injected me with a dye so that they could better see results. With this dye and being put in the machine it could make the cancer worse and being young the radiologist thought we should take a safer route and check all my organs through an ultrasound. So I fasted for my thyroid, liver, kidneys and abdomen! The ultrasound tech's husband had been diagnosed with a form of cancer last year so she talked me through the ultrasound . She told me each organ looked good. The doctor hasn't looked at anything yet. Tomorrow I'm scheduled for a biopsy in my hip to take out some bone marrow. Originally I was told that I would be put to sleep for this but now they seem to think just a little bit of freezing gel on my hip will do the trick. I'm planning on taking a bag of ice cubes to sit on during my drive down to the hospital just to help the situation a wee bit (and than I might even put an extra blob of gel on the hip for extra measure). Once the biopsy is done I think that will be it for all my testing. The doctors will have a little meeting together and figure out the plan for all my treatments.

Otherwise I'm doing pretty good. I do have days that I'm more sore than others but the doctor's have given me wonderful pills that make you sleepy and your ears ring and head a bit dizzy - basically I zone out. Once I took the pills a little too close together and Pete got a real kick out of my "conversations". I avoid these pills in the day because I have kids to take care of and want to look normal. The doctors told me to stay on top of the pain though because bone pain is painful and pain can do things to you psychologically. They don't want me exhausted before the real treatment starts.

I can still do all my housework and cook and do some running around. I do get tired pretty quick, even from visiting. The young people from church came to my house last Monday and cleaned out all my gardens and planted all my flowers. Everything looks amazing, that's one job I couldn't have done. It's great to see everyone caring, even the teenagers at church. Thanks so much for all the cards and phone calls even from people who don't know me very well but want to share their experiences with cancer too. It's very encouraging especially during this time of not knowing everything. It's amazing how Satan can work at you through all the unknowns but it's even more amazing to experience God's grace and peace when you need it most!

I hope to write in the blog soon. I just got dial up internet at home (that's all I can get right now with all the trees around, I still have to hook it up).

Love Sharon

Thursday, June 5, 2008

June 5th,2008

Hi Everyone!

Yesterday was not a very good day for Sharon. She had very bad chest pains, we went to the hospital and all was well with her heart. They figure it was stress and anxiety due to not knowing what exactly is going on. It's not a 100% sure but the blood work shows Multiple Myeloma, which the red blood cells are attacking her bones. More test are to be done this week, CAT scan June 9th, and biopsy and morrow bone test after that (date unknown yet). Once these are done, we should have result and see which direction to go for the medication.

Thank you all for your continued support!

Pete