Mom is Now at Peace

This morning, Mom passed away at home, surrounded by her family.  We will dearly miss Mom, but are thankful that she will no longer experience pain and is now in glory.

The funeral visitation will be held at Vineland Free Reformed Church, 3685 King Street, Vineland, Ontario on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m..  The funeral service will take place on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Vineland Free Reformed Church.  If you wish to attend at the cemetery, we will be meeting at the church between 9:00 - 9:15 a.m. and then will drive to the Vineland Cemetery.  

We would like to thank everyone for all the kindness that has been shown to Mom and Dad and all of us during the course of Mom's battle with leukemia.   Even though Mom lost her fight against this disease, she is victorious, in the sense that she is now with her precious Saviour, never to experience pain and suffering again.

God is our refuge and strength,

A very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Though its waters roar and be troubled,

Though the mountains shake with its swelling. 

Psalm 46:1-3

Mom's Health is Declining

Mom has taken a turn for the worse.  She is experiencing more difficultly breathing, so we have had to increase her medication dramatically.  We are thankful that she is very coherent during the times that she is awake.

At this time, we'd like to ask that anyone who is interested in visiting Mom, please call first to see if Mom is able to have company.

Thank you all for your prayers, kind words, meals and offers to help in a variety of ways.  It means so much to us!


The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me;
The snares of death confronted me.

In my distress I called upon the Lord,
And cried out to my God;
He heard my voice from His temple,
And my cry entered His ears.

2 Samuel 22:6-7

Our Time With Mom

Today will be three weeks since we brought Mom home from the hospital.  We found out that the nurses and personal support workers had been told that Mom likely only had 1 1/2 to 2 weeks to live from the time she left the hospital.  We are so thankful to be given this precious time with Mom and are cherishing every moment.

Mom is getting weaker and more pale every day.  She has had some episodes where she experiences shortness of breath, to the point where she begins to panic.  Thankfully, we are able to administer medication to alleviate this feeling.  She continues to remain pain-free and is very alert during the time that she is awake, allowing us to have such meaningful conversations with her.  It has been a blessing that the children, grandchildren, family and friends are able to visit at anytime.  The grandchildren, especially, have brought a lot of joy to Mom and Dad.

So many of you have sent Mom encouraging e-mail messages, cards and flowers, left telephone messages, made quilts, shawls, picture frames, etc..  All of these have been passed on to her.  She is too weak to respond to your specific messages, but she wanted us to assure you that your kind thoughts and actions have meant so much to her.

We are thankful that we were able to bring Mom home and that the transition has gone so smoothly.  The nursing care and personal support workers have been so caring and helpful.  Our church community and friends have continued to uphold us all in prayer and the offers for meals, babysitting, etc. have been overwhelming.

Please continue to pray for the following:

miraculous healing;

that Mom remains pain-free and at peace with the plans that God has for her;

that Dad is able to care for Mom while feeling God's everlasting arms carrying him through this difficult time;

that we all continue to experience peace and rely on our heavenly Father for strength.

To everything there is a season,

A time for every purpose under heaven:

A time to be born,

    And a time to die;

A time to plant,

    And a time to pluck what is planted;

A time to kill,

    And a time to heal;

A time to break down,

    And a time to build up;

A time to weep,

    And a time to laugh;

A time to mourn,

    And a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones,

    And a time to gather stones;

A time to embrace,

    And a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to gain,

    And a time to lose;

A time to keep,

    And a time to throw away;

A time to tear,

    And a time to sew;

A time to keep silence,

    And a time to speak;

A time to love,

    And a time to hate;

A time of war,

    And a time of peace.

Eccl. 3:1-8

Precious Time

Mom has now been at home for eleven days.  We are thankful that the transition from hospital care to home care has gone very smoothly.

In some ways, Mom is doing better than she was in the hospital.  She no longer has fevers, the pneumonia seems to be under control, she is very alert and she seems stronger (even though she is unable to leave her bed).  She loves being in the comfort of her own home, with Dad by her side and a constant stream of family members and friends visiting.  The peace that Mom has is beyond our comprehension.  

In the past few days, it was necessary to increase Mom's pain medication.  She is unable to eat very much and throws up most mornings.  She had one bad episode where she was in a lot of distress, but providentially, the nurse came at that moment and gave medication to Mom to calm her.

Though Mom is doing so well at home, it's hard not to experience so many emotions:  hope, when she's doing well; discouragement, when she's not; joy and laughter, as we talk about every day things (especially the grandchildren); sadness, when we discuss her passing; comfort, when we speak of heaven.  We all continue to pray for a miracle, but humanly speaking, we know that the leukemia is getting stronger every day and our time with Mom is limited.  At times, it seems impossible that Mom will not recover from this disease when we are able to have such precious moments together right now.  We are cherishing every minute of the time together that God gives us.

Last Sunday, all of the grandchildren came and sang to Mom while Aaron played his guitar.  This was a very special time for all of us.

Please pray for the following:

miraculous healing;
that the pain medication keeps Mom comfortable;
that Mom continues to experience peace; and
that Dad, all of the children and grandchildren, Mom's father and sisters are able to find their strength in our loving heavenly Father.


Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Mom is Now Home

We are thankful to let you all know that, with a coordinated effort by Juravinski staff, CCAC and family members, we were able to arrange for Mom to come home today.  The smile on Mom's face as she lay in her hospital bed at home brightened everyone's day.

Mom is very weak, not really able to move much and spends a lot of time sleeping.  Her pain and shortness of breath are being well managed by her medications.  We are grateful that Mom will be receiving nursing care throughout the night and will have a personal support worker with her for eight hours during the day.  The remainder of the day, she will be cared for by family members.

We have been told that Mom's leukemia is progressing and that she likely only has a few weeks to live, maybe less.

Thank you all for your encouraging words, cards, babysitting, offers to help in a variety of ways and especially, for your prayers.  What a privilege it is to belong to a community of believers who uphold us all in prayer!

Please pray for the following:

that this time at home may be a blessed one;
that Mom's pain continues to be well managed;
strength for Mom, Dad, Grandpa Schoeman, Mom's sisters, in-laws, children and grandchildren; and
that when times are tough, we continue to remember to bring everything to God in prayer and to find our strength and comfort in Him.


Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12

Mom Cannot Receive Any Further Treatment for her Leukemia

Mom's medical team has advised us that they are unable to give Mom any further treatment for her leukemia due to her weakened state.  The leukemia cells are multiplying every day and her treatment is now focused on end of life care.  The primary concern is pain management.  Mom's oxygen and pain medication have been increased, and will continue to be as needed.  The effects of the pneumonia are being managed by the pain medication.

The doctors cannot predict how much time Mom will have left on this earth.  It partially depends on if the pneumonia gets worse and how aggressive the leukemia is.  Mom has repeatedly told us of her longing for heaven.  She has fought the battle against leukemia courageously, always finding her strength in God.  Her body is simply too weak to respond to any kind of treatment.  She is sleeping more and more, but when she is awake, she very aware of what is going on and able to testify of the peace that God has given her.

We are very thankful that Mom is receiving such compassionate care at Juravinski Hospital.  The staff always take the time to answer all of our questions, tell us of their love for Mom and Dad, and sit with Dad late at night to comfort him.   

Please keep our family in your prayers during this difficult time.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

Mom Continues to Weaken

Mom is very weak now and is unable to get out of bed. Even small movements require a tremendous amount of effort. On a positive note, she is quite comfortable, is eating a little at every meal, her oxygen levels remain the same and her blood pressure and blood counts are relatively stable.

We found out on Saturday that there are blast (leukemia) cells showing up in her blood work.  When she was admitted two weeks ago, there were none.  They started appearing about four days ago.  We have no idea how bad the leukemia is, as the only way to tell is to do a bone marrow test, but Mom is too sick to even consider doing one.  The priority now is to deal with the pneumonia. 

Today a doctor switched Mom's medications to substitute a new antifungal drug.  As far as we know, the doctors have tried every antibiotic and antifungal drug that they can to fight the pneumonia and so far, nothing has been effective.

The past two weeks have been extremely hard for Mom and Dad and the entire family.  It seems unbelievable that just two and half weeks ago, Mom and Dad were camping, going on hikes, biking, etc..  We are so thankful that they were able to have that special time together before Mom became sick.

Mom continues to testify of her love for God and her trust that He is in control and His plan is good.

Please pray for the following:
blessing on the treatment; 
miraculous healing;
physical, emotional and spiritual strength for Mom and Dad and the entire family; and
if it is not God's will that Mom's health is restored, that we may all be given a special measure of God's grace to accept that.


Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!
For my soul trusts in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge,
Until these calamities have passed by.

Psalm 57:1


Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Matthew 10:29-31




   

Mom's Condition has Worsened

Mom has been very sick now for almost two weeks.  She continues to have high fevers, is on oxygen and is becoming progressively weaker.  Mom and Dad were told today that tests revealed that the pneumonia is getting worse/larger.

During the past few weeks, Mom has continued to testify of the peace she has received, knowing that God is in control and His plan is good, while acknowledging that it is not easy.

Please continue to keep our family in your prayers during this difficult time.

7 

In my distress I called upon the Lord,
And cried out to my God;
He heard my voice from His temple,
And my cry entered His ears.

1 Samuel 22:7

Urgent Prayer Requested!

Mom's condition is serious.  The pneumonia is not responding to the various antibiotics and antifungals that Mom is on.  She is still experiencing high fevers, is extremely weak and remains on oxygen.

So many of you have asked how you can help our family.  Our request would be that you pray urgently for Mom, for healing, for blessing on the treatment, for strength for her and Dad and the family.  

Thank you all for your prayers and support.

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth."

Psalm 121:1-2

A Difficult Time

Over the past few days Mom has been battling high fevers (over 40 degrees celcius), low blood pressure, coughing, shortness of breath, weakness, etc..  She has been on oxygen since Tuesday.  A CT scan revealed that she has a large area of pneumonia on her left lung.

Please continue to keep Mom in your prayers as she goes through this difficult time and pray for wisdom for her doctors and blessing on the treatment.

"He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength."

Isaiah 40:29

Please pray for Mom!

A lot has happened since Mom's last blog update.  Mom's doctors had given her permission to go up north for a week, so Mom and Dad packed up the camper and headed up north, spending time at Manitoulin Island and Tobermory. They had a wonderful time together enjoying God's magnificent creation.  This past Thursday, they returned home.

On Friday, Mom had bloodwork done and then met with her doctor who advised that she could not start the next round of treatment on Monday (today) as planned because her white blood cell count and netrophils (immunity) were too low. One encouraging sign was that Mom's platelet number had jumped. They tentatively scheduled the next treatment to begin on the following Monday, September 28, 2015.

On Saturday, Mom developed a fever, which has steadily gotten worse.  Dad took her to Juravinski today and she has been admitted.  Tests showed that Mom has pneumonia and her white blood cell number has dropped lower.  She is very weak, feverish and is not eating much.  It is unlikely now that the next round of treatments will be able to start on Monday.

Please pray for the following:

wisdom for the doctors to determine the best way to treat these complications, as well as the leukemia;

blessing on whatever treatment Mom is given; and

strength for Mom and Dad, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

"My flesh and my heart fail;But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Psalm 73:26

Kidney Transplant Update
We are so thankful that Wes Roelofsen and Rachel Kiers are doing well after the transplant.  Rachel's new kidney started working right away and her creatinine levels are already normal.  Praise God for such a good outcome.  Please continue to pray for a good recovery for both of them.
"It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night,"  Psalm 92:1,2

Update on Elly
I had bloodwork done today and did not require blood products.  My next round of seven days of chemo injections will begin on September 21 and a bone marrow biopsy will be done on October 8.

Kidney Transplant : Wes Roelofsen and Rachel Roelofsen Kiers

The kidney transplant is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday September 9, 2015.  Our son-in-law Wes, who is married to our oldest daughter Rachelle will be donating one of his kidneys to his dear sister Rachel.  Rachel is married to Bryan Kiers.  She has suffered from Lupus for many years and her kidneys have shut down quite some time ago.  Wes and Rachel are the children of Ray and Willy (Meeboer) Roelofsen.
The surgery to remove the kidney from Wes is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. and the transplant for Rachel is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
Please uphold them and their families in your prayers especially today and tomorrow.  Pray that they may experience the peace that surpasses understanding.  Pray that God will guide the surgeons hands, that all will go well, and that the kidney will function perfectly in Rachel's body, so that she may experience good health which she has not had for a long time.  Pray for a good recovery for Wes as he will be home for 2 months while his body heals.  May we all storm God's throne with our prayers that His name be honoured and glorified in all of this.
May Wes and Rachel be strengthened by God's promise to us in Philipians 4:6 and 7:

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Murray and Elly

Treatment has Started

Mom started her new treatment this Monday.  She receives the medication by injection for seven days (Monday to Friday of this week and Monday and Tuesday of next week).  Blood work will be done next Tuesday, with Mom being monitored closely for the next few weeks.  After one month has passed, another round of injections will begin.

Mom is handling the treatments well, other than feeling exhausted.  She has been told that this is a side effect of the medication.

We are thankful that, even during these hard times, Mom and Dad are able to enjoy special moments with family and friends and have experienced many blessings.  Mom and Dad just found out that they will be grandparents again - Matt and Jen are expecting their second child!    

Please pray for blessing on the treatment, strength for Mom and continued peace for Mom and Dad.  


The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Exodus 14:14

  

A New Treatment Plan

Mom’s appointment with her doctor on Thursday was more hopeful than expected.  Her best chance of a cure remains to get into remission and then to proceed with a stem cell transplant as soon as possible. 

Mom has the following treatment options available:

1.  Begin trials (not ideal, lots of paperwork, not proven effective yet);

2.  Begin full strength chemotherapy next week (this is the last time that Mom would be able to receive high dose chemotherapy and it carries significant risks);  or

3.  To start taking a drug used for MyloDysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a pre-leukemia condition.  Sometimes this drug will reduce the blast cells down to 5-6%, or even 0%.  Mom will be closely monitored while on this drug, so that if it is not effective, she can start the full strength chemotherapy instead.  Mom will be able to start this drug on Monday, August 24, 2015.

We are thankful to God that He has upheld Mom and Dad, especially during the past few difficult weeks, and that they could continue to testify of their hope in Him.  Considering all of the chemotherapy that Mom has endured so far, we stand amazed that tests have shown that her organs are very healthy.  In this regard, the doctors continue to say that Mom is different from their typical cancer patients, so they are hopeful that this new drug could be effective.

Please pray for continued peace and strength for Mom and Dad and for blessing on the treatment.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”

Ephesians 6:10

The Stem Cell Transplant Has Been Cancelled

Late last week, Mom received the discouraging news that the blast (leukemia) cells are now at eleven percent and therefore, the stem cell transplant was cancelled because it simply would not help.

Mom has an appointment later this week to discuss what treatment options are available.  At this time, Mom continues to look well and feel strong (she was even going on amusement park rides with her grandchildren last week!)

We were thankful that Mom and Dad were able to celebrate their 39th anniversary on August 6, 2015 and that the whole family was able to come together for this occasion.  We are grateful for the example that Mom and Dad have shown us of a loving marriage with God at the centre.

Mom and Dad with their "Family Tree Anniversary Cake" made by Nancy.

Mom and Dad, their 7 seven children, 14 grandchildren and Grandpa Schoeman

Please pray for the following:

that God will grant healing mercies for Mom;
that more effective treatment options will be available;
that Mom and Dad will continue to be strengthened spiritually and physically; and
that God will provide them with peace and grace during this great trial.

The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

James 5:16b

The Leukemia has Returned

Yesterday we had a scheduled family meeting at Juravinski with the doctor in charge of the stem cell transplant.  This meeting was intended to give family members information regarding the transplant process and the risks involved and to give us a chance to ask questions.  It was during this meeting that the doctor advised us that the bone marrow test done the previous day revealed that the leukemia had returned.

We were all in a state of shock, as Mom has been growing stronger and stronger each day and was feeling great.  She even had a stress test done last week, where she scored a 94% for her age group!

The best chance for a cure would be if Mom went into the transplant in remission.  The bone marrow test showed that there were 8-9% blast (bad leukemia) cells in her bone marrow.    If this number reaches 10%, they will not proceed with the transplant because it will not work.  More testing will be done in the next few weeks, the results of which will determine future treatment. 

We were so thankful that Mom and Dad could be surrounded by their children, Mom’s sisters and father as well as Pastor Joel Overduin while receiving this heart-breaking news.  Thank you to Pastor Joel for praying with us all after the difficult meeting.

It would be so easy to become discouraged at this time, but we keep reminding ourselves that nothing is impossible with God.  He is all powerful and able to do more than we ask or think.  It is such a comfort to know that He will never leave us or forsake us as we face this trial.

Please pray fervently for the following:

miraculous healing;
that the leukemia does not progress and Mom is able to proceed with the stem cell transplant;
that Mom continues to feel well physically, emotionally and spiritually; and
that Mom and Dad and family experience peace and the comfort of been carried in God’s fatherly arms. 

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
² When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
³ For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

Isaiah 43:1-3a



In Mom’s own words:

It’s been a difficult day, but our trust is in God, that He is in control and He will go with us through this.  We were encouraged as we read this afternoon from Psalm 32   vs. 6, 7, 10:

“For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You In a time when You may be found;  Surely in a flood of great waters They shall not come near him.  You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.  Selah.  ...   But he who trusts in the LORD, mercy shall surround him.”

Please pray for us.

 

Murray and Elly

 

Stem Cell Transplant

Yesterday I had my appointment with the transplant doctor and transplant co-ordinator.  We are thankful to God that I am already scheduled for all my appointments, which start next week, and a date for transplant.  The doctor said this is very unusual for the first visit.  The wait list for stem cell transplants has made headline news this week.  The chemotherapy and radiation treatments start on August 17 with the transplant date set for August 21.  This means that I will not have to have another round of chemo before that, for which we are very thankful.  Yesterday was a difficult day for us as we faced the reality of all the risks involved, but God blessed us with His encouraging words from Philippians 4.

vs. 6  "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
7.  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8.  Finally , brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy --meditate on these things.
11.  ...I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
13.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
19.  And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
20. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen."

We covet your prayers,
Murray and Elly

Mom is Home!!!

We have had so much to be thankful for over the past few days!  Mom has been getting progressively stronger and her blood counts have continued to rise.  Praise God!

On Saturday, Mom's doctors allowed her to come home to join all of us for a Father's Day celebration which had been scheduled prior to her hospitalization.  Mom was looking so forward this event and we were all grateful that the doctors were so willing to accommodate her.  Mom enjoyed every moment, especially finding out that there is another grandchild on the way!  Kevin and Vanessa are expecting their fifth child :).  It was a special day that we will all treasure.  

As of Sunday, Mom's blood counts reached the levels that her doctors wanted to see and Dad was allowed to take Mom to a park.  Today, Mom begged the doctors and nurses to let her come home .... and they agreed! 

Mom will continue to be on medication for next six weeks for the infection in her lungs.  She is gaining more strength each day is thrilled to be in her own home once again.  At this time, we do not know when Mom's next appointments will be or when more treatments will begin.  We are so thankful to God for the healing mercies that Mom has experienced so far and the peace that he has given to Mom and Dad.

The following passage has been special to Mom:

"You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."

Psalm 4:7-8

Continued Improvement

Mom has continued to slowly improve over this week.  She has not experienced any fever since Monday and has had relief from her headache.  Her blood counts are slowly coming back up for which we are very thankful.  Her white blood count (immunity) has risen slightly, but has stayed the same for the past two days.  This has been somewhat discouraging for Mom, but this is to be expected when her body is busy fighting infection. 

Today Mom had a procedure called a bronchoscopy done.  It is very unpleasant because it involves putting a camera down her throat to get a better look at her lungs.  Some tissue samples were taken to help determine exactly what kind of infection is causing the pneumonia.  This will help the doctors treat it effectively now, as well as help prevent this type of infection for Mom in the future.  
Mom did very well with the procedure and was eating and drinking again as soon as she was allowed!  She also has not needed any oxygen.  She was even able to go and sit outside in the courtyard with Dad tonight.  
Although physically very weak, Mom continues to get her spiritual strength from the Lord.  Psalm 125:1-2 especially got her through today:

"Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abides forever.  As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the LORD surrounds His people From this time forth and forever."

An Update on Mom's Condition

For some reason, Mom's previous blog was shut down, so we have started this new one.

On May 26, 2015, Mom began her latest round of chemotherapy.  These treatments were completed on May 31, 2015.  Mom was admitted to Juravinski Hospital with a fever on June 7, 2015.  Since that time, Mom has been dealing with high fevers, persistent headaches, pneumonia, weakness, and has had numerous blood and platelet transfusions.  She doesn't have any immunity at this time and has been on oxygen for the past few days.  Mom has been in isolation (for a hospital bug) during her entire stay.

Mom continues to remain upbeat and optimistic about returning home as soon as possible, while relying on the Lord for strength and peace during this time of weakness.  

Please continue to keep Mom and Dad and our family in your prayers and pray specifically for the following:

1.  that Mom could experience relief from fevers, headaches and shortness of breath;
2.  blessing on the medications;
3.  that Mom's blood counts begin to rise, she develops some immunity and regains her strength; and
4.  that Mom and Dad will continue to experience God's nearness during this difficult time.


^"And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”

Deuteronomy 31:8