Well now that Christmas is over we hope everyone had a wonderful time.

We had a nice quiet Christmas.  Mom Pawelko spent Christmas Eve with us.  Had a nice visit with us and Randy.  A wonderful lady from my work delivered a Turkey dinner.  Thank you so much Gail your gift allowed me to have a stress free day as we had to go to the hospital that afternoon for our chemo appointment.  Jeff, Shelly, Kyle and Jaret came over later that evening to finish off Christmas Eve and open gifts. 

Christmas day was a nice family day at home.  We had a visit from Mom and Dad Orr.  Spent the evening watching all the Indiana Jones movies.

Boxing Day the kids and I went to my folks house for another yummy turkey dinner and open gifts with my family.   Randy really wanted to come but was unable to because his back was so sore.  He could not get comfortable in any position. 

He is still having issues with his right leg.  The pain is like a knife being stabbed into his thigh.  If he doesn't move it doesn't hurt. 

Monday we have our appointment with the Oncologist and blood work at the Foothills hospital.
Tuesday will be our 3 hour chemo appointment.  Going to have a nice quiet and restful New Year's eve.

A New Year’s Prayer
Author Unknown

 

May God make your year a happy one!
Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain,
        But by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes;

 

Not by making your path easy,
        But by making you sturdy to travel any path;

 

Not by taking hardships from you,
        But by taking fear from your heart;

 

Not by granting you unbroken sunshine,
        But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows;

 

Not by making your life always pleasant,
        But by showing you when people and their causes need you most,
and by making you anxious to be there to help.

 

God’s love, peace, hope and joy to you for the year ahead.

Quick update:  It all worked out great today.  Had appointment for blood work and on the way there the hospital called and had appointment with Radiology right after to get the tube fixed.  They ended up having to replace it with a new one.  So now we just have our appointment tomorrow to get the chemo bottle changed and all should be good. 

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas. 

Love and God Bless,

Randy, Kim Dan, Andrew, and Matthew

Luke 2:11

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

.

Well it's been an eventful few days again.  Seems Randy cannot get a break and have a few days where he feels ok and has no issues!!  $#&@# makes you want to scream!!

Thursday he woke up with a pain behind his right knee.  It was annoying but manageable.  Friday the pain moved to the inside of his thigh.  Again annoying but not to bad.  Saturday he woke up and the pain was intense in the thigh.  He could not put weight on the leg.  Felt like a deep bruise so we feared another blood clot.  Decided to go to the hospital emergency ward to get checked out.  6.5 hours later we found out that it is not a clot because he is already on the correct medication for blood clots so the likelihood of another one is very minimal.  The doctor figured the pain is just muscular due to inactivity.  Again long day but at least we can stop worrying about clots.  Yeah!!

Then this morning after Randy finished feeding overnight he flushed the feeding tube and took his pain relief medicine around 8 am.  Fell asleep and when he woke up at 9 am to flush the tube with more water found the feeding tube was plugged.  We tried everything to un-plug it but nothing worked.  Called the on call nurse for the Home Enteral Program and was told there is nothing that could be done today for Randy.  This issue is not considered an emergency so they will be calling us, hopefully tomorrow, with a time to get the tube fixed again. 

Thankfully the tumor in his esophagus has shrunk a bit because Randy is able to swallow small sips of water which means he can take the pain medicine orally.  Says it tastes worse that gasoline.  But at least he didn't have to suffer all day with pain to bad. 

I pray Randy will get a break, once the tube is fixed, and be able to enjoy Christmas as best as he can. 

God,

Thank you for another day! Thank you for our lives and the purpose you have given each one of us.  We come before you tired and ask for a refreshed spirit.  We are exhausted and we need your strength to carry us.  Fill us with joy, so that no matter how tired and depressed we are, we rejoice because you are good and your love endures forever.  Help us not to complain amidst our weakness.  Restore our minds so that we can still function properly.  Give our bodies the energy needed to get through each day.  We claim healing in Jesus Name!  Help us to prune things that are hard to let go of that suck the energy from us.  Lord, we lay our lives down at your throne and praise you! AMEN!

Randy has been struggling with pain (intense) and fatigue (overwhelming) since I last posted an update.  The pain is in his back and lower abdomen area.  He has told me it is a sharp stabbing pain.  Dealing with this pain zaps all of his energy so spends most the day resting or sleeping.  Going out for our appointments takes all he can muster.  The car ride on the bumpy, snowy roads make it very uncomfortable and he is so thankful once we get home.  I try to avoid as many bumps as I can while driving but some are unavoidable.  Tomorrow we head out again to get the bottle changed and the port-a-cath flushed out

Randy is overwhelmed at the amount of people praying for him and wishes to send his love and thanks to all of you. 

I had a wonderful lunch on Sunday with a beautiful and caring woman who has gone through a trial in her own life.  She has enlightened me the fact that there is a light at the end of this long dark tunnel and that you can come out the other side.  Thanks so much Gail, in my moments of despair I will remember what we talked about and use that to pull myself up. 

As Christmas Eve is a week away Our Family would like to let you know as you pray for us we send our prayers out to all of you. 

    Love Randy, Kim, Dan, Andrew and Matthew.

It's been very busy these past weeks  Lots of appointments, I think we had something every day, plus traveling in this yucky weather but we are now done most of them.  Just weekly blood work and chemo appts for now. 

Yesterday was a long hard day for Randy. He woke up and discovered his feeding tube was plugged again and so we had to rush to the Foothills Fluoroscope department to get it fixed, desperately trying to unplug it before our chemo appt.   They ended up having to insert a new feeding tube.  For a while Randy had two tubes as we were running late for chemo and the Radiologist still hadn't had permission from a doctor to remove the old tube.  Crazy.  So we ended up in the chemotherapy ward still not sure if Randy would be going home with 2 tubes.  After I made a call to the Home Enteral Program nurse she spoke with our chemo nurse who then was able to pull out the old tube, thank goodness. Took me a while to find the phone number as I had not brought it with me to the hospital.   I have now put all phone numbers into my phone.  Randy feels much better with the new feeding tube as it is made of softer material.  Doesn't rub the back of his throat so bad.  Only issue is that it is shorter on the outside so it hangs down in front of his mouth to the chin, not long enough to tape it on his cheek out of the way.  :(

The first Chemo treatment went good.  It's a 3 hour process.  1 hour of saline 1 hour of Chemo drugs and 1 hour of saline.  They use lots of saline as the chemo drugs are hard on the kidneys so Randy requires  lots of hydration.  We will be going for these long treatments every three weeks.  In between we have weekly appts for the bottle change and flush of the port. These shouldn't be too long.  Randy now has another tube and bottle he has to wear all day and night.  This is a slow release drug and because Randy cannot swallow pills this is how it is administered.

So far today Randy is not feeling very well.  Just an overall sense of un-wellness through out his whole body.  Has slept for most of the day recovering from yesterday and loss of sleep for the last couple nights.  Hoping it will improve.

“No matter how intense your struggle may be, someone is being inspired by your fight. Your story and your courage is equipping them to see life through a completely different lens.”

Have had a nice weekend together as a family. Got the Christmas tree set up and watched some movies all the while keeping warm during this cold spell.  Jeff stopped by on Friday and had a wonderful visit with his brother.

Right now I have to say the hardest part for Randy is managing the pain of this disease.  It zaps all his energy.  Us, as outsiders watching him, struggle with the feelings anger and uselessness. We try to think of ways we can help and the reality is there is nothing we can do. 

Monday we have our family counselling session and appointment with Dr. Tam.  Wednesday will be Randy's first chemotherapy treatment.  Praying for the chemo to do it's job and slow down the cancer to allow us more time together with our beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle.....

Thanks for keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers.  It warms the heart to know you all care so much. 

Love and God Bless.

"When the world pushes you to your knees, you’re in the perfect position to pray"

Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive push. A smile. A world of optimism and hope. A 'you can do it' when things are tough.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_positive.html#7rM3oe7iZdlHAXz9.99

Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive push. A smile. A world of optimism and hope. A 'you can do it' when things are tough.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_positive.html#7rM3oe7iZdlHAXz9.99

Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive push. A smile. A world of optimism and hope. A 'you can do it' when things are tough.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_positive.html#7rM3oe7iZdlHAXz9.99

Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive push. A smile. A world of optimism and hope. A 'you can do it' when things are tough.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_positive.html#7rM3oe7iZdlHAXz9.99

Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive push. A smile. A world of optimism and hope. A 'you can do it' when things are tough.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_positive.html#7rM3oe7iZdlHAXz9.99

Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive push. A smile. A world of optimism and hope. A 'you can do it' when things are tough.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_positive.html#7rM3oe7iZdlHAXz9.99

Well we made it through this week with all the appointments and the awful weather.  The last big one was today where Randy had the Port-a-Cath put in.  It was a 4 hour day down at the new hospital in south Calgary.  So now we are good to go to start the chemo.

Yesterday he had to go in for a heart scan because the chemo drugs can be hard on the heart so in two months they will do another scan and compare it to yesterday's. 

Now we just have our appointments on Monday and Wednesday will be the first treatment.  Randy will be on a 3 drug treatment plan.  ECF.  But starting out they will only administer the last two drugs due to his condition and to see how he handles them.
Epirubicin is the one drug they are holding off as this one is the hardest on patients. It has the most chance of causing side effects.
Cisplatin is the next one, it is used because it interferes with the growth and spread of tumor cells
Fluorouracil it the last one.  It will be in the bottle that Randy has to wear all day/night.  It also interferes with the growth and spread of tumor cells.

Some side effects Randy could have are loss of hair, mouth sores, nausea, fatigue, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.  We are hoping that he will be blessed and not have side effects.  They have a lot better drugs to counteract them and statistically most patients don't have bad side effects.  Fingers crossed.

We send out our thoughts and prayers to Uncle Jerry. 

A Prayer for Healing Cancer

Heavenly Father, I come before you with a solemn heart and in need of your intercession. I pray that the cancer that has come into my life soon fades into a quick remission. I believe in your capacity for miracles, and ask for this on my behalf. As we grow older, I know we become closer to the day you accept us back into your kingdom. I ask that you delay that holy union if it be your will. In your name I pray, Amen.

Here is the update from out appointment with our Oncology Doctor. (Dr. Tam) We are going to have a busy couple weeks to get the chemo treatments going.

On Dec 2 Randy and I will be attending a Chemo teaching seminar at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre. It's about 1.5 hours long.  Gives us information on Chemo and side effects and what to do in case of extreme side effects.

Randy will be going on Dec 5th to the South Calgary Health Centre to have a Port-a-Cath put into his upper chest area.  This will be used to inject the chemo medicines.  It's an hour procedure with 1 - 2 hours after to make sure everything is okay, no bleeding etc...

Monday Dec 9th we have a family counseling session in the morning for 2.5 hours for us and the boys and then in the early afternoon we have an appointment with Dr. Tam to touch base and see if we have questions before starting the chemo treatments.  If any of you have questions you would like us to ask let us know.

Wednesday Dec 11th Randy will get his first chemo treatment and then every week after that we will be going in.  One of the chemo drugs is a time release type of medication so it has to be given to Randy in a bottle that he has to wear all the time.  If as some point he can start to swallow pills they could switch to pill form.

In between all this Randy still has to have blood work done twice a week to monitor that the "blood thinner" is not causing issues.

We are praying that this next step in this journey will help give some relief and comfort for Randy and slow down the growth of cancer.

Lord, we acknowledge that you are the King of kings and the Lord of Lords. We know that you are still in the business of healing your people and that you are not only willing but you are able to heal cancer and destroy every pain for those undergoing through chemo this day in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen. Father, make whole every dear one that is in chemotherapy now. Today, we ask for your healing power and we shall certainly not forget to give you all the praise and all the glory. Thank you for hearing this prayer in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen.

Well it's been a busy week for Randy and I.  Lot's of appointments.  We had the CT scan on Tuesday.  On Wednesday the Doctor called as he had the results of the scan so bumped up our appt with him to Thursday afternoon at the Richmond Diagnostic Center (old Children's hospital). 

Here is what we found out:

• the tumor in his esophagus is showing signs of shrinking - Yay!!
• Randy has some small blood clots in his lungs - now having to give himself shots of  Tinzaparin everyday to get rid of them.  We had our teaching appointment on Thursday at the Foothills in the morning.  This drug therapy will not effect any of the other treatments and it also means Randy will have to go for blood work for the next couple weeks twice a week.
• the tumors on the liver are growing and there is a lymph node close to his spine at the level of the stomach and esophagus that has grown. This could be the one of the reasons for his back pain along with the blood clots.
• we have now been referred to the Oncology Specialist for a Chemotherapy consult.  This is booked for Thursday Nov 28th.  Now begins our next step on this journey with cancer.

Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it.” ~ Groucho Marx

Love to all
Randy, Kim and boys.

Randy has been experiencing more pain through out his right side of his abdomen and into his back.  As this pain is awful he spends the time sleeping as it doesn't hurt while sleeping.  It is very difficult to watch as there is nothing you can do.  No matter how much you love him you cannot take the pain away. 

We are going for the CT scan tomorrow and the will have to wait for the 28th to have the results.  You do feel discouraged that he still cannot swallow.  Trying to remain positive.  Your continued prayers are greatly appreciated. 

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.





 

Its been a tough few days for Randy.  He has experienced more shooting pain throughout his lower back and abdomen.  Nausea and dry heaves continue to happen out of the blue.  He is also experiencing low levels of energy, praying all his energy is going towards shrinking the tumor.  As this is week 8 after radiation treatments have ended maybe the side effects are going to get worse and then better.  He tried to swallow water on Tuesday.  It did not go down.  We are keeping positive thoughts that his body is just taking longer to react to the radiation treatments.  When they say 6-8 weeks that's just an average so some people are quicker and some are longer.  Fingers crossed.

Thankfully the phlebitis has eased up and he no longer has the pain in his butt and legs and the hives have stayed away so that is a blessing. 

I have had a couple wonderful days meeting up with some special ladies who I have worked with before and work with now.  It was great to see you all.  Thanks for your support, comfort and shoulders to cry on.   

Go RIDERS GO!!!

These past few days Randy has been rough.  The pain from the phlebitis has eased up a little in his leg so that he does not need the crutches but now it has moved into his buttocks so it makes it hard to get comfy, can't sit or lay on it. He tells me the pain is like a deep bruise and to touch it hurts like a "son of a gun!"

Then all of a sudden on Friday he gets hives??? Don't know where they came from as it's not like he's eating anything that he could react to.  I was able to crush up Benadryl for him which eased the itchiness and flare up of the hives. This went on until Saturday morning.  Puts you at your wits end dealing with stupid things that come up.  Randy is handling everything with great collectedness and poise.  Personally I don't know how he does not want to kick and scream cause I sure do!!! 

As you know Randy is unable to swallow and so he has to spit out his spit.  Well a side effect of the radiation is that your spit becomes a more thicker mucus.  Every so often this mucus sticks in the back of his throat and causes Randy to gag and then it brings on the dry heaves,  When this happens it knocks him out for a good while.  He usually sleeps after a round of it 

I went out with Shelly on Saturday for a pedicure and lunch.  It was a very relaxing outing and I enjoyed it immensely.  We were hoping to go to their house today for the Saskatchewan football game but Randy was not up for it.  Jeff stopped by for a quick visit and took Matthew back for a sleep over.  Andrew went up after work to join his brother and cousin.  Dan was out paintballing so Randy and I had the house to ourselves.  We watched the game, which was a nail biter but the Roughriders managed to pull it off.    Next week it Stamps vs Riders!!

Randy has some upcoming appointments.  On Nov 19th he has a CT Scan and then on Nov 28th we go see the Radiation Specialist to see what happens next. 

Well that's all for now.  Keep praying for Randy.  We hope before the CT Scan that he will be able to swallow!! 

Prayer for Healing

Lord, look upon Randy with eyes of mercy, may your healing hand rest upon him, may your life-giving powers flow into every cell of his body and into the depths of his soul, cleansing, purifying, restoring him to wholeness and strength for service in your Kingdom. Amen.

Love Kim

Had a busy day yesterday.  Randy woke up about 5 am and moved out to the couch.  Stopped his feeding pump to take some more medicine.  Hooked back up to the feeding pump and heard it going, fell asleep.  When he woke up couple hours later the feeding bag had not emptied.  Tried to flush the feeding tube out and could not get any water down. Spent the next couple hours struggling to unblock the tube himself.  We ended up going to the Foothills to see the Home Care nurse to see if she could help.  They have an enzyme to try and unclog the tube.  That did not work so they contacted the Radiation doctor to get an order to have the tube replaced.  Went to the Fluoroscopy department and they were able to x-ray Randy and saw that the tube was kinked in his stomach so they pulled some of it out and the kink went away, thank goodness, did not have to have the tube replaced.  All in all it took 3 1/2 hours, which is not to bad for timing,  we thought maybe Randy might have to be admitted while he waits to get the tube fixed.  We were very grateful that that did not happen.

We got home around 4:15 and an hour later Andrew came home from Volleyball practice and had a bad cut on his chin.  They were doing diving drills and he hit the floor with his face and torn open his chin.  So back out I went to take him to the clinic to get stitches, he got 4 stitches to close the wound.  

Hopefully the rest of the week will be uneventful.  Just couple of appointments and blood work to get done......

Your prayers are always needed and appreciated.

Lord, you know me inside and out.

You know about my pain and distress,

you understand the fears of my heart.

At the cross you endured unabating agony.

You have gone before me into the darkness

And emerged in power and glory.

 

At this time I lean on You

I draw my strength from Your endless love

And live in Your limitless grace

Trusting in You.

Have had a quiet, restful time since the last post.  Randy has had more symptoms of side effects this week, which is week 7.  Nausea, vomiting and fatigue.  He has not tried to swallow anything due to this.  Hope to try sometime this week.

Today we had a visit from our Family Doctor - Dr, Bhatla.  He stopped over and talked with us and checked up on Randy's leg. Spent couple of hours with us.  He confirmed the pain in Randy's leg is  superficial phlebitis.  He will be calling the Radiation doctor tomorrow to see if they have a recommendation for pain relief that will help Randy.  He doesn't want to prescribe anything without verifying first its okay with what he is already on.  Even though the internet says that you should use heat and try to walk around Dr. Bhatla says to try rest and use ice.  Think we will follow the Dr's orders.   

The phlebitis has moved from his right leg to the left leg.  Hoping it will clear up soon, couple more days if it follows the same pattern.   It is quite painful and unable to support him walking on, thankfully we have crutches here so Randy can use them to get around.   




A Prayer for Healing Cancer

 Heavenly Father, I come before you with a solemn heart and in need of your intercession. I pray that the cancer that has come into my life soon fades into a quick remission. I believe in your capacity for miracles, and ask for this on my behalf. As we grow older, I know we become closer to the day you accept us back into your kingdom. I ask that you delay that holy union if it be your will. In your name I pray,

Amen.

We had a nice weekend full of activity. Went to the Mount Royal University open house with Andrew to check it out.  Andrew is thinking of attending this University in the fall. 

Dan and Andrew spent the afternoon putting on winter tires and doing an oil change on Andrew's Lancer.  Good timing because is snowed on Sunday!!

Brad, Jennifer, Clare and Conor brought supper over on Saturday and to watch the "games".  Roughriders lost to the Stampeders.  Flames won against the Capitals.  Tim and Rhonda were over also on Saturday.  It was a wonderful evening.  Good food and good company.

Jeff, Shelly, Kyle and Jaret visited on Sunday evening.  Was great to see you all.

Randy has had a few rough days this week.  More pain and nausea, so because he has not felt very good he has not tried to swallow water.  Has had trouble with his right leg woke up on Thursday with extreme pain shooting from the bottom of his foot to the knee.  He was unable to put weight on it.  It seems to be Phlebitis which affects veins on the skin surface. The condition is rarely serious and usually resolves with local treatment of the inflammation with warm compresses and anti-inflammatory medications but it can be very painful.  It can last from weeks to months.  It is caused by prolonged inactivity (for example, a long airplane or car ride, an extremity immobilized in a cast or splint, being bedridden for an illness or after surgery, a sedentary lifestyle, inactivity with little or no exercise. 



Dear Lord of Mercy and Father of Comfort,
You are the One I turn to for help in moments of weakness and times of need. I ask you to be with your servant in this illness. Psalm 107:20 says that you send out your Word and heal. So then, please send your healing Word to your servant. In the name of Jesus, drive out all infirmity and sickness from his body. Dear Lord, I ask you to turn this weakness into strength, suffering into compassion, sorrow into joy, and pain into comfort for others. May your servant trust in your goodness and hope in your faithfulness, even in the middle of this suffering. Let him be filled with patience and joy in your presence as he waits for your healing touch. Please restore your servant to full health, dear Father. Remove all fear and doubt from his heart by the power of your Holy Spirit, and may you, Lord, be glorified through his life. As you heal and renew your servant, Lord, may he bless and praise you. All of this I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

This past week Randy has been struggling with more pain through out his lower back and abdomen. It seems to be sharp shooting pains.  The codeine helps a little. His throat is also quite sore.  Some of it could be a side effect from treatment and also from the feeding tube continually rubbing.  Randy's energy level is low so he spends the days resting because when the fatigue hits he has to lay down.

Tomorrow is week 5- post radiation treatments, still praying for the tumor to shrink so Randy can get some nourishment through food.  As of today still unable to swallow anything.


Prayer for Comfort:

“Do not look forward to what might happen tomorrow. The same everlasting Father who cared for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day. Either he will shield you from suffering or he will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations. – St. Francis de Sales

Randy wants to say a big THANK YOU to Aunt Helen, Uncle Lionel and family for the lovely, soft, cozy Saskatchewan Roughriders blanket.  It will be great to have as the weather gets cooler and to cozy up to watch the remainder of the Rider's games.

The last couple of days have been hard for Randy, he has not been feeling very good and has had more pain through his back and abdomen.  Hard to get comfy and sleep.  Hoping tonight will be a sleep good night.

Your continued thoughts and prayers are appreciated.

Love Kim and family.

We can’t escape pain; we can’t escape the essential nature of our lives. But we do have a choice. We can give in and relent, or we can fight, persevere, and create a life worth living, a noble life. Pain is a fact; our evaluation of it is a choice.”  ~ Jacob Held

Update:  Thursday day will be week 4, after Radiation treatments ended.  This is the time the doctors said the side effects could worsen.  Randy is having more pain now and not feeling very good.  Spends more time napping.  The fatigue is overwhelming sometimes so he just has to sleep.  Hopefully we get some sign that the radiation is working soon.



A Prayer for Healing Cancer

 Heavenly Father, I come before you with a solemn heart and in need of your intercession. I pray that the cancer that has come into my life soon fades into a quick remission. I believe in your capacity for miracles, and ask for this on my behalf. As we grow older, I know we become closer to the day you accept us back into your kingdom. I ask that you delay that holy union if it be your will. In your name I pray,

Amen.

We have had a nice quiet week.  Randy has been feeling good, just dealing with minor pains which he is managing with the codeine.  Spends the days with his wife and sons, napping, building models and visiting with friends and family who stop by. 

It's been 3 weeks since the end of radiation treatments.  Could be another 3 or 5 weeks until we know if there will be any shrinkage.  Keep praying for a sign....

On this Friday of Thanksgiving weekend I would like to ask you all to say a prayer of thanks for the time we all have together and to enjoy each moment. 

In Gratitude:

Thank you, Father, for having created us and given us to each other in the human family. Thank you for being with us in all our joys and sorrows, for your comfort in our sadness, your companionship in our loneliness. Thank you for yesterday, today, tomorrow and for the whole of our lives. Thank you for friends, for health and for grace. May we live this and every day conscious of all that has been given to us.

 

Here is a recent picture of Randy and the boys.  Andrew, Dan, Randy and Matthew.  We went out one Sunday for some target shooting.  It was a very nice day spent together doing something they all love.

Love

hears all things,

believes all things,

hopes all things,

endures all things.

Love never ends.

 

A quick update:  All is going ok.  Randy has been able to sleep better, Yeah!!  He even comes to the bed half way through the night.  Much nice to sleep there then the couch or chair. 
There have been twinges of pain in the lower esophagus this past few days,  he is managing the pain with the codeine.  Hopefully that is a sign of good things to come. 

Had a very nice weekend.  Lots of visitors and gifts of food and friendship.  I am grateful for all the nice things you all are doing for us.  On behalf of the boys and I THANK YOU!!

We are expecting a visit from Randy's aunt and 3 cousins all the way from Saskatchewan this coming Saturday.  Been quite a while since we have gotten together.  Looking forward to the visit.

Keep on praying and sending positive thoughts.

Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. –Joshua J. Marine

God Bless
Kim

Hello all,

Sorry I have not posted for a while.  There is not much to post right now as we are in a wait and see situation.  As there is not much change day to day its hard to know what to say.  So to let you all know I will update this blog when something new happens. 

Right now Randy is doing ok.  He is managing any side effects with an anti-inflammatory and codeine.  The pain and heartburn are mild to moderate right now.  Might be another couple weeks before it could get worse and then subside.  It has been 1 week since the treatments ended so could be another 3 - 5 weeks before we know if the tumor will shrink. 

His days involve resting, working on his model and watching TV.  Randy does not have much energy as that is a side effect of radiation and because he is not eating solid food, so when he gets tired he just goes to sleep. 

I have found this prayer below for all of us to pray for strength because we also need help dealing with this situation too.

Prayer for Strength and Faith
In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Dear Lord, see me through these hard times. In these troubling times, I am filled with unspeakable fears. I reach out my hand to you now, And ask you to walk besides me. I cannot carry all my burdens, But I know you can, and will. Please walk beside me. Please guide me. Please help me hold on strong, Through the trials and storms. Help me hold on to my faith, In even the darkest hour. Stay with me Lord, And show me Your way. In your love and Holy Spirit I abide. Amen.

I will update this blog every couple days or so with a quick line or two regarding Randy or when something new happens.

Thanks for you continued prayers,

Kim

Had a good weekend.  Saturday we got the north side fence painted.  It now matches the south side color!!  Boys helped out and so did a friend of Dan's.  The weather was perfect.  Randy felt good all day, he even got outside and helped paint.  Evening was good spent it with Tim and Rhonda watching the Calgary Stampeder's game. They lost....

Sunday was a quiet day for Randy.  Spent it resting and watching the Nascar race and the Roughrider's game who lost :( :(   Randy felt not too bad all day which is glorious.

We are just in the waiting game...hoping the tumor shrinks so the feeding tube can be removed.  Randy takes each day as it comes.  I am so grateful that I can have the time right now to help him when he needs it and also to just enjoy being together.


Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ. Rest your weary ones. Bless your dying ones. Soothe your suffering ones. Pity your afflicted ones. Shield your joyous ones. And for all your love’s sake. Amen.

Last couple of days have been normal,  Randy has been fighting heartburn, usually starts in the later part of the day and lasts throughout the night.  It is listed as one of the side effects from radiation.  Otherwise the days are spent resting, building his model and watching TV.    He tries to nap during the day as it's nicer when not hooked up to the feeding pump, he can lie down!! 

Your thoughts and prayers continue to be appreciated.

Be in love with your life.  Every minute of it.

Kim

Well we are done the radiation treatments so now we wait for it to do its job and shrink the tumor. 


Here is a prayer to St. Peregrine, the patron saint of cancer patients: 

Prayer to Saint PeregrineO great St. Peregrine, you have been called "The Mighty," "The Wonder-Worker," because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you.

For so many years you bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fibre of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more. You were favoured with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction. Ask of God and Our Lady, the cure of the sick whom we entrust to you. (Pause here and silently recall the names of the sick for whom you are praying) Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing to God, now and for all eternity, a song of gratitude for His great goodness and mercy. Amen. Tuesday was a good day.  After our appointment Randy spent the day working on a new model, a Tiger tank.  Andrew had volleyball last night and we went and watched.  Laser's look not to bad this year.  He is team Captain!! I had forgotten how sore your butt gets sitting on the bleachers, ouch!!  Dan is also helping out the team.  When time permits he attends practices and helps the players with their skills.  Cassie and Rory were there too cheering on Andrew!! Dan had an exciting day at school yesterday.  They got to pull the Harvard out on to the tarmac and each student gets to sit in the pilot's seat and start the airplane.   He said it was awesome.  Once he was done he said his whole body was vibrating for awhile after.  Plane shakes a lot as it is running.     Today Randy is quite tired.  Body is sore from sleeping sitting up so resting is good and easier when he can lie down.  Perfect day for rest as it is raining. Kim

Happy Monday.  Today was our 3rd last treatment two more to go!!  As the radiation ends the side effects could start to materialize over the next 2 - 3 weeks.  What that could include is more pain (inflammation) in the chest area, nausea, fatigue and acid reflux.  Then once they peak it should start to get better.  Still about 4 - 6 weeks before we really know if the radiation did its job and shrunk the tumor.

We had a good Friday and Saturday.  Randy was feeling better on those days.

Friday evening Mom Pawelko, Jeff, Kyle and Jaret stopped for a visit.  Mom and Kyle had not been over to our house in quite a while. 

Saturday was "treat day" for me.  Rhonda and I went out for a manicure and pedicure while Tim and Randy visited.  They also brought over supper for the boys and I.  Then we watched the Roughriders get beat again.  :(  Hopefully this in not a trend.  Come on team GREEN!!

Also found out the Nascar driver Randy cheers for made the "Chase for the Cup".  He had missed it by one point in the final race of the season but due to some cheating going on by a couple other teams during that last race, Nascar officials have decided to allow his team into the Chase.
Go Jeff Go. 

 

Sunday was a harder day for Randy.  Felt off the whole day.  Some pain and nausea.  Spent  it quietly resting.  Mom and Dad Orr stopped for a visit later in the day. 

 

Today Randy switched from taking the anti-inflammatory in the evening to the morning and feels it will make a difference during the day.  Will have to see how he sleeps tonight.....

 

The wonderful people I work with at Symcor sent us some generous gifts of food.  Sunday I cooked the Sheppard's pie for myself and the kids. Mmmmmm it was delicious.  Tonight we even have leftovers!! Last week I had some yummy pulled pork and creamy potatoes.  These dishes I received have made it easy when days are tough and or busy.   I just pop a meal in the oven and the kids are taken care of.  My heartfelt THANKS to all who sent dishes!! 

 

 

 

Every now and then that inner voice will challenge you, confront you and try to hold you back, and that's when you need to let your heart guide you. Have an awesome day, stay strong, be true and most of all be you!!!



Kim

The prayers you all said worked.  Randy is feeling better today.  Went from a pain scale of 8 out of 10 to 2!!  Thanks everyone.  The power of prayer is awesome!!

Today when Randy went for radiation the nurse who helped him said for sure the pain he had was from the treatments.  There will be inflammation in the area and what the doctor prescribed yesterday is an anti-inflammatory and it begins working almost instantly which really surprised us because it seems it was almost instantly that Randy started feeling better.  So sorry if I am providing confusing information but I only quote what we are told.  Ahhhh kinda crazy the different answers you get depending on who you ask.  I still think they pretty much guess..

Today Randy is working on his model airplane.  This is a picture of what is will look like when he is done.  It's a Douglas Dauntless from WWII.

I had to run out and get some more transparent dressings, which hold the feeding tube on his cheek, as we were out and it is the day to change the bandage on his nose. 

There is quite a difference from yesterday to today.  Very hard to watch someone you love very much be in pain and there is not much you can do.  <3<3

"Love is when you look into someone's eyes and see everything you need."

Kim

Things are not going to good for Randy, he has had increasing pain in his abdomen and diaphragm area starting yesterday afternoon continuing on through the night into today.  At his appointment today he spoke to the nurse and she got a hold of the doctor to see what or why there is so much pain.  He told us that it is not from the radiation as it is too soon for any side effects.  So we were wrong in what we thought yesterday.  They are not completely sure of why or what is causing it,  could be his liver? but gave him more medication to try and ease it up a bit.  As of right now, tonight, its not easing up, might have to build up some in his system.  Hopefully tomorrow will be better.  He did not get much sleep last night.  Up every 1/2 hour because he was so uncomfortable.

If you are so inclined here is a prayer to say:

Dear Lord of Mercy and Father of Comfort,
You are the One I turn to for help in moments of weakness and times of need. I ask you to be with your servant Randy in this illness. Psalm 107:20 says that you send out your Word and heal. So then, please send your healing Word to your servant Randy. In the name of Jesus, drive out all infirmity and sickness from his body. 

Thanks so much
Kim

Well we have had 2 more days of treatment.  Randy is starting to feel some pain in the area that they are shooting and the lower abdomen.  This is one of the side effects due to some inflammation in that area.  What that is is your "good" cells nearby get a little bit radiated and they are agitated and become inflamed which in turn causes some pain.  We do have pain medicine which helps with this situation. 

Brad and Jennifer have gracefully lent us their lazy boy recliner to see if it is easier for Randy to sleep at night. Better that trying to prop himself up with a bunch of pillows on the couch.   Last night was the first time and it wasn't too bad.  I'm heading out to go and get a neck pillow to see if that would be better as Randy's neck got sore last night. 
Thanks so much you guys!!

It will be day 5 tomorrow.  Half way there. 



Randy has had an okay weekend. Saturday was not feeling to bad in the morning but as the day wore on he started feeling less good and more crappy.  Stomach was not happy.
The boys and I attended Declan's 3rd birthday party at my sisters in the evening. Good time was had by all. Happy Birthday Declan!!

Today the morning was not good. Randy seemed to have more pain in the chest area. Doctor had given us a prescription for pain meds so I went and got it filled. Once Randy was able to take some felt better.  Glen,  Brad and Jennifer stopped by for a visit this afternoon.  Jennifer had brought us a wasp trap from the US. Works greats. Randy put it out in the backyard and within 30 seconds there were 50-100 wasps flying around it. The trap is from Rescue and called WHY Trap. Wasp, Hornet and Yellowjacket trap. As of right now there must be 150 wasps trapped inside. Here's a picture of it from earlier in the day.  Might have to take a trip to Spokane to get more attractant for spring/summer.
 
It is a sad day in the Pawelko house. Roughriders lost to Bluebombers!! Can you believe it!!
Tim and Rhonda stopped by for a quick visit this evening.  Tim was actually wearing a Saskatchewan Roughriders shirt.  Looked good on him, even though it did not help the team. 

 

Tomorrow we go for our 3rd day of radiation.  Appt is at 9:45 am continuing everyday for the rest of this week and next.



 

Today went well for the Radiation but had a little mishap with the appointment with Dr. Sinhu.  After the treatment the nurse is suppose to bring up your chart and put it on a cart for the doctor.  Well today they "forgot" to bring Randy's chart up front.  So we sat for 1 hour waiting....finally a nurse who was walking by came over and asked who we were waiting for.  Kind of a weird system as there is no "check in" place for your appt with the doctor!!  We now know what to do if they forget again and we know where to go to ask for help!! 

Not much was discussed today as it was only day 2 of treatment.  Randy is to start trying to drink some water every day to see if the esophagus is opening up.  Doctor told us it usually take most people 6 - 8 weeks for anything to happen.  But it could happen sooner just depends on how you react to the radiation.  The goal will be once they can remove the feeding tube they will start the process of setting up our consultation with the Oncologist to talk about Chemo.  Randy cannot start chemo until he can swallow pills.

I, on behalf of Randy and our boys, want to thank you all so much for your prayers and thoughts.  This situation we are in is totally unbelievable and sometime unbearable but just knowing you all are out there praying for us warms our hearts. Even though the outcome is not positive we will take each day...each moment.... and savor it. 

Love to you all,

Kim

Randy had his first treatment today.  All went well.  Longest part was getting set up in the machine.  He could feel nothing.  We now go everyday for 9 more days, excluding weekends.  We were given a list of prescriptions ahead of time in case of any side effects that may happen.  They could start to show up 1 - 2 weeks after the final treatment.  They only side effect right now would be fatigue as your body's cells recoup from the radiation.  Our appointment is for 10 am tomorrow and after treatment we will meet with Dr Sinha, the Radiation Specialist.  

Thanks for all your prayers to date. 


The only courage that matters is the kind that gets you from one moment to the next.  ~Mignon McLaughlin

Randy has had a couple of good nights sleep.  Only waking up two or three times.  Even though it is hot during the day the nights cool off wonderfully to help with sleeping.

Glen and Randy had a nice day today.  Went target shooting out in Kananaskis.  Beautiful day for it.  Shot some oranges!!   Which vaporized upon impact!!

Tomorrow marks the first Radiation Treatment.  9 am at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre.

  Praying for successful shrinkage of the tumor!!

Had a nice day today.  Randy slept well last night.  Took a drive out to Strathmore to check it out.  It's been a long time since we've been out that way.  Sure has grown.  Had to stop at the Home Hardware store to snoop around.

Watched the Calgary/Edmonton game.  Pretty funny to have people in this house cheer for Edmonton.  Almost pulled it off. 

Three days and counting till Radiation starts.  Crossing our fingers that the laser beams will do their job!!

Have had a couple of better days.  Randy has been able to sleep more overnight.  He has felt better in the mornings but as the day goes on he becomes less feeling better.

Yesterday spent the day building a new set of drawers for Matthew's room that we got from Ikea.  Also watched the Hatfield and McCoy marathon.

Today Randy decided to bring his model table back upstairs so he can tinker and possibly do some model building.  So the boys helped haul down the elliptical and bring the table and chair back up.

Randy is having a nap before the big Labour Day Classic.  Saskatchewan vs Winnipeg.  Go Riders Go!! 

It was a pretty rough night last night.  Randy was not able to get much sleep.  Had trouble getting comfortable and seemed to be coughing more.  Had a real bad case of the chills around 4 this morning, we tried everything to get him warm again.  By early morning he was finally able to sleep.

Radiation Therapy starts

Praise God we finally we got the call this morning.  Randy will be starting Radiation on Thursday Sept 5th.  It's still kinda depressing that its another week away  :( 

We are remaining positive and pray that the radiation will do what needs to be done.  The feeding tube is very annoying.  Randy can't wait to actually chew something and swallow it!!  We are now picking out the menu for his first meal he can eat!!

Had a not bad night.  Sleep is still interrupted but still way better then being in the hospital in a room with other patients. 

Had a not bad day today.  Randy spent the day watching Band of Brother's with Matthew in-between the cat naps he had.  There was only one bout of nausea today, which is wonderful. 

No call today from the Tom Baker Cancer Centre for our first appointment for Radiation Therapy.  Finger's crossed it's soon. 

Aug 28/13

Hello all, 

We have created this page for everyone's use to see updated information regarding Randy and his illness. I know most people have internet so this is the quickest way to get information out to everyone.  Save the link in your favorites for easy access. 

I will try to update daily with a quick note on how he's doing and any information with his treatments. 

We want to thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. 

-If we need anything I will also post here and you can reply if you are able to help.

Aug 28th:

Randy has had the scan to have the marks put on his body for the Radiation Therapy.  Now we are waiting for a call within the next 9 days for the treatments to start.  They are hoping to shrink the tumor in the esophagus so that he will be able to eat normally again. 

Randy is sleeping a bit better at home rather than in the hospital.  Though it is still difficult to sleep sitting up.  He must be at a 30 degree angle while feeding overnight.