Fun Times and Serious Times

Prayer Requests and Updates

Friday, I went to the doctor with Dad and Mom to their appointments at two different doctors.  First, we arrived at Dad's appointment.  The doctor came in and come to find out Dad's stress test results, echo-cardiogram and chest x-ray results were not to be found.  After the doctor left the room a couple of times, he returned with some results.  He said, "He doesn't have any heart issues other than having an 83 year old heart."  Somehow Dad got out of the stress test without them taking a chest x-ray.  Therefore, he had to go have one done after his appointment.  Thanking the Lord Dad has no serious heart issues.  He wants him to do some walking to get some exercise.

After Dad's appointment, we went directly to Mom's doctor which is located two floors from Dad's doctor.  The doctor said her second biopsy came back as malignant squamous cell just as the previous one.  The doctor is still baffled as to why she has this type of cancer in her mouth.  For a good laugh, Mom said she must have smoked too many cigars in her younger days.  (Mom has never touched an ounce of alcohol or tobacco products of any sort.  Usually, people that do drink or smoke are more apt to have this inside their mouth.)  She will be referred to another oral surgeon, who specializes in reconstruction of the face/jaw and who also pulls teeth, along with a referral to an oncologist.  Both appointments will be in Grand Rapids.  If she has something done, surgery or radiation therapy, she will be able to come to our house afterward and not have to drive back and forth everyday to Muskegon. 

Mom's options:

1.  Surgery:  at least two teeth pulled and some upper jaw bone removed and reconstructed.  This would include time in the hospital until she can get back to eating.  This would be done in Grand Rapids.  She will be meeting with an oral surgeon to discuss her questions regarding this extensive surgery and recovery time etc. 
2. Radiation Therapy:  Also done in Grand Rapids (other choice would be Muskegon).  This would most likely be 4 times per week for about six to eight weeks.  She will be meeting with an oncologist to discuss her questions regarding the treatment itself as well as side effects and long-term issues as well as quality of life afterward.
3. Do nothing.  She is considering her age and wonders if it may be even better to not do anything regarding this cancer and have Dr. Hengy keep an eye on it, since this is the type of cancer that is slow-growing.  She's also considering her quality of life following either of the above options etc.  Please pray for the doctors to have wisdom in treating her, and wisdom to give her clear and concise answers to her questions and to be able to talk in a way she will understand what is going on.  Also pray for Mom to be able to have strength to go through whatever she does decide to go through and strength and wisdom to make the decisions to come.   

We just want to thank our wonderful friends and family for keeping us all in prayer.  It seems like every week, Mom has been seeing a doctor for one thing or another these past months.  We are also thanking the Lord, her pneumonia is clearing up and she's feeling so much better.  Her strength is getting better as well.  We do ask you continue to pray as we all go through this journey with her and Dad.  I just have to add, I had a very sweet time with Mom and Dad the last few days.  Sweet memories for sure.

Fun Stuff!

Mom had received some photo frames for Christmas and has been waiting the photos to put in them to hang on her freshly painted living room walls.  After deciding how she was going to arrange them, we decided to make templates out of paper and then hang them in place of the pictures to make sure we would hammer the nails in the proper place without making Swiss cheese of the wall.  For her birthday, Keith and I gave her another collage frame and put family photos in that as well.  In order to do that, I had to scan some old photos in order to finish the frame to hang.  We had fun hanging the pictures!  We even had to drive by her old house where she was raised to snap a photo for the collage frame.  

Yay!  The final template is measured!!!

The finished project!!!

 More fun pictures!!!

The house where Mom grew up.

MORE FUN STUFF:

 

My Easter Weekend Adventure

Thursday afternoon, I left Grand Rapids and flew to Washington, D.C. to visit Jess and Andy for the weekend.  Jess picked me up and we headed to Andy's office in the city and picked him up.  They were so gracious to let me stay on their "spare" sofa bed in Andy's office.  Thanks Andy, for sharing your space!

Friday evening, we were invited over to Ben and Candice's for a cookout along with Sam and Veronica.  We had such a great time with delicious food and wonderful evening of fellowship....and a lot of laughs!  Thanks Sam!  : )  Keith called and we got to talk to him briefly.  He was having a good trip.

Saturday, Jess and I went out and shopped for a little bit.  Then, came back and Jess planned her Easter dinner menu.  Then, she and Andy went grocery shopping while I stayed at their apartment.

Unfortunately, because of my daily health issues, I was not able to attend Easter service with Jess and Andy.  However, I was able to watch the live service from Calvary Church in Grand Rapids via the Internet.

Sunday, after they returned from church, we took photos of each other.  Jess talked me into doing this photo challenge through her friend, Allie Lehmann's blog.  The first challenge was to take a portrait of someone. We took each others photos.  Then, we took some pictures of Jess and Andy downstairs in the lobby of their apartment building.  

Jess took this pic of me for submission.

I took this one for submission.  (By the way, we had a fun time with Andy's nice Nikon D-300.

Jess made a delicious ham with brown sugar glaze along with a delicious peach ginger sauce for the top.  She also made roasted potatoes with green beans in a tarragon sauce, and Pepsi Cola salad.  They made homemade pies in their pie maker for dessert.  YUM!  I just have to add, Jess is probably the only person I know that would try something new on guests.  She loves trying new things, especially on the weekends when she has time to make things from scratch.  Easter dinner was definitely another success! 

I awoke to this beautiful sight every morning. 

 Monday was a day of mixed emotions.  It was the day I departed for home, and also the day that Keith and the Dominican team were making their way home as well.  However, they wouldn't get back until the wee hours of the next morning, 4:30 a.m. or so.  Jess dropped me off at the airport and my flight had been delayed about an hour.  Apparently, they had serious mechanical problems with the original plane, so they had to make a switch of planes.  I didn't end up getting home until around 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, before I left the house, I had left a spare key hidden in my car which was parked inside our garage.  I also made sure by using the key several times before I left to make sure I could get back inside the house.  My very good friend, Pat, had volunteered to pick me up from the airport.  She waited until I got the key and unlocked the door to the house.  I went to unlock the door of the house and it would not unlock!  Oh no!!!  Now what was I going to do?!?  I jimmied the lock with the key several times and still it would not work.  Pat called her husband, Steve, to come.  He also tried it, but ended up going through a window and unlocking the door.  What a fiasco!  So, Steve left.  Pat and I stood at the door for a bit and I showed her the original key and put it in the door.  Then, I put the new key in the door and it worked!!  Pat and I stood there and she said, "That is bizarre!!!"  I had her try it as well, and yes, it did indeed work!  Unbelievable! So, I got inside the house at 9:00 p.m.  I am so grateful that I had Pat pick me up as I had originally planned to just take a taxi.  I would have really been up a creek, if I would have done that.  I most likely would have gone to my neighbor's house.  Sometimes you just have to wonder why things such as this happen.  

All in all, I will have to say I had a wonderful trip to visit Jess and Andy.  I loved just spending time with them.  We didn't really do any sightseeing this time.  I did get a chance to do a little bit of shopping before I left.  I just soaked in every moment I had with them.  It was great!

Keith arrived home the next morning very tired out, of course.  He came in and we talked for some time and then went to sleep.  He took the day to rest and try to regain his energy to prepare to return to school today.  He had an excellent trip.  I don't have photos as yet to post from the trip.  The one day they worked at a house pouring cement, etc.  Well, apparently they were served some juice and that's the culprit that made 5 out of the 7 kids working there sick; Keith also was sick for part of the day, but did feel better in a short time.  He ended up going right back to work the next day.  The kids all worked very hard and did accomplish very much.

Thank you all for praying for Keith and myself while we were both traveling.

A Little Bit of Everything

MARSHA'S ADVENTURE
 

On Thursday, I left for Ludington so I could be there for Mom's doctor appointment on Friday with her ENT.  Friday, we went to the appointment and met this doctor for the first time.  We all were very pleased with the initial visit.  He ordered a second opinion on the pathology report and then ordered a CAT scan for Mom.  She was able to get the CAT scan done immediately following her appointment.  The doctor looked at the area that had been diagnosed as Squamous Cell Carcinoma and said it looks like it's healing nicely.  On Friday, April 13, will be her follow-up appointment with the results of her CAT scan and second pathology report. 

Also, on Friday, Mom started coming down with this horrible upper respiratory infection.  I felt so bad for her! Through the next day, it seemed to be getting worse.  Since the pharmacy was closed, I sent Dad to get some Robutissin DM.  Her symptoms hah improved, thankfully.  Saturday night, Mom and Dad were up in the night with Mom's coughing and just didn't get a good night of sleep.  I decided it would be better for me to come home so she could have her own bed so they could get rest, since Dad was also fighting off his virus as well.  In the meantime, I was literally praying a bubble around me, so I wouldn't catch it!  I came home yesterday (Sunday).

On Saturday, I was able to take my dear Aunt Merna to do her grocery shopping and then to McDonald's so I could briefly use the Internet.  Aunt Merna lives alone in her Senior Citizen apartment highrise.  She has always been such a sweet spirit to others.  Her children all live out of state and has moved to the towers about 2 years ago.  She's also lost her independence in selling her car, so she doesn't drive anymore.  However, she sure does well for a lady that is 89 years old!  Anyway, it was a joy to spend a part of the afternoon with her and to try to encourage her in her life.  Love you, Aunt Merna!  You ARE a blessing!  


KEITH'S ADVENTURE

Keith Dominican Trip 2010

Keith left the house at 4:00 a.m. on Friday.  They arrived in the Dominican approximately 10:30 pm Saturday night after a very long day.  If you are wanting to keep up on their adventure here is their link directly to the Freedom blog:  http://www.partnersnchrist.org/blogs/freedom_chr_2012.html There are two students that will be doing the updates to let parents and friends know about their adventures.  :)

I did receive a short email from Keith that he's having a good time and the weather is HOT! 

I don't have any photos to post as my camera is in the Dominican.  However, when I arrive in the District, I'll borrow one of Jessica's or Andy's cameras.  ;)


ONE FINAL NOTE:
I have learned that our plans are not always God's plans.  It sure didn't turn out like what Mom and I would have had planned for a fun time.  One of these times I get up there, we'll have our good time together.  Thanks to our family and friends who are praying for Mom's skin cancer...and also for Keith while he's away and also for myself with all my health issues.  No matter what, God is so good and for whatever reason somethings don't work out as planned.  God is in control!

Update on Mom

Thanks so very much, dear friends and family, for your continued thoughts and prayers.  You are all such a blessing to us.  

Yesterday, Mom had her doctor appointment in Muskegon at the oral surgeon, who found the cancer in her mouth.  He had contacted her Primary Care Physician to refer her to an Ear Nose Throat specialist in Ludington.  He had wondered if she had her appointment for that doctor.  As it would be, she didn't yet hear from any of them for her appointment yet.  Before we left, we had an appointment scheduled with the ENT for May 10, in Ludington.  Of course, we were quite disappointed with the long wait.  Dr. Cilla told me to be persistent and just keep calling to see if there was a cancellation.  I decided to call them back today and make it clear that she had already been diagnosed and it is urgent that she see someone as soon as possible.

I called this morning, and the girl told me Mom had an appointment scheduled for March 30, at 2:00!  I was really surprised, and told her Mom wasn't informed of that.  She said they had just received an "Urgent Referral" fax this morning from her PCP office.  Praise the Lord!  That is the day I was planning to be there anyway.  We know the Lord has His plan.  He has everything worked out and now we must trust Him for every single detail of it.  

Mom's Dr. Appointment in Muskegon

This is just a quick update for all of you that are remembering to pray for Mom.  Today, Dr. Cilla, the doctor that took out the sore in her mouth, checked to see how it was all healing.  He said it was healing up good.  He then asked if her Primary Care Physician had called with her referral to an Ear, Nose, Throat specialist.  She hadn't yet received that information from the PCP office, as she was told the girl that did referrals wasn't in until Wednesday.  Dr. Cilla wanted her to know that information before we left his office.  He then called that office while we all waited.  After some time, getting through to the doctor, he finally got the information he was after.  Then, I called West Michigan ENT for an appointment for Mom.  The very next available appointment wasn't until May 10.  Please pray she'll be able to get in sooner than May 10.  I did ask for her to be put on a cancellation list. 

After we were finished with the doctor appointment, we drove over to Lakes Mall and enjoyed a little bit of shopping.  We finished the day with a bite to eat at Bob Evans before departing our ways for home. 

Thanks so much for your continued prayers.

News and Prayer Requests

Since it has been quite some time since I have updated, I thought it was time for me to do so.  I have some things to bring before you and ask you to be in fervent prayer.

FREEDOM CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

STUDENT MINISTRIES MISSION TRIP 

About a month ago, Keith was approached by the Head of School to see if he would be interested in accompanying the High School students on their mission trip to the Dominican Republic over Spring Break (like he did two years ago).  After thinking and talking it over with me, Keith and I decided this is something the Lord would have him do.  He immediately mailed out some support letters.  With the late date of joining the team, he had to act quickly in order to raise his needed amount.  The Lord has blessed in various ways to provide just about all his needed support in less than 3 weeks!  Why do we question the Lord's provision?  He promises He will, indeed, supply our every need.  Keith and the team will be departing on March 30 and return on April 9.  Below are a few pictures from his previous Dominican Republic trip.

Home away from home

Restroom

Guy's bunk room with mosquito netting

This year Keith will not be going in the same capacity as he did before, as a leader.  There are four other adults going as well as 32 students.  He's looking forward to ministering to the people in DR as well as our high school students.  It seems whenever I have gone on a mission trip to minister to others, I ended up being the one ministered to.  Praying for a fruitful time for Keith and the students.

MOM

Mom standing in the remodeled part of their kitchen

My dear sweet precious Mom will be soon celebrating her 85th birthday.  {April 5}  This past week, she was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, which is a type of skin cancer.  To make things a bit more difficult is that it was found inside her mouth.  The doctor that did the biopsy (in Muskegon) has referred her to another doctor.  We will find out more details Tuesday when we visit the doctor for her re-check where he did the biopsy.  She has had this for about 4 months and thought it was something like you get when a person would chew the side of their mouth.  Please keep her and my Dad in your prayers.  Thanks so very much for uplifting her at this time.  I will post again after her visit on Tuesday, to let you know the plan.

MY PLANS

While Keith is gone on his trip, I made plans to go to Ludington to spend time with Mom and Dad

from Friday through Tuesday, and also celebrate Mom's birthday early.  Then, I would head back to Grand Rapids for a couple days and pack my suitcase, board a plane and head to Washington, D.C. to visit Jessica and Andy for Easter weekend.  These plans were all made, however, before I had any idea of Mom's diagnosis.  We are also praying that I will be able to go with her to her upcoming doctor appointments, even though, we want her to be able to get to a doctor as soon as possible for treatment.

HEATHER

Finally, I just want to also mention to pray for Heather, a former Freedom student of Keith's.  A few years ago, she had a heart transplant.  Following her transplant, her mother was diagnosed with cancer.  Just a week ago, Heather has been diagnosed with lymphoma.  This morning tears came to my eyes as I read Heather's update.  Heather wrote:  "I am reminded in II Corinthians 12:9-10 which says 'But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.'"

Thank you for taking the time to read this today.  I know it was longer than usual, but I just needed to share.  Love to you all!

Happy Birthday, To My Very Best Friend

Today, my very best friend for the last 38 years celebrates his birthday!  Keith, I just want to tell you what a wonderful helpmate you have been to me, especially dealing with my chronic health problems.  The Lord certainly knew that I would need you in my life.  He gave you a special life in that you were blessed with such godly and loving parents who raised you to love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul.  In turn, you have blessed others through that same love.  Thank you for loving me unconditionally.  Thank you for being the husband that I have needed in my life.  Thank you for being a great father through the years to Jessica.  May God continue to bless your life for many years to come, as you are such a blessing to others as well as your family.  I love you!  Happy Birthday, Keith!