December 31, 2007

Hi To all and Happy New Year!
Thank you Kelly & Terry for helping out last week! Chemo was a bit rougher than the first one. Friday night I finally started to perk up. I thanked god for Kelly & Terry for being here for the whole week. It hit me pretty hard! I was glad I was able to get better before Christmas.
I hope you all had a great Christmas! We were at the farm for Christmas. Darren's dad was in the hospital in Davidson and was not strong enough to come to the farm so on Christmas day we all took our turns to go visit him. He sure perked up when he saw the grandchildren. He seems to be getting better. Hopefully he will be able to go home soon. Grandma Sorotski forgot to tell me that the kids put out there stockings. Junell didn't have one so after midnight mass grandma found a Christmas tea towel and sewed he one up.
Darren drove baby and I to Humboldt on the 26th. Grandma & Grandpa and the rest of the family were so happy to see us. Junell was tickled pink with all her new toys she got for Christmas a table & chair set, a doll, a real loud organ, a sleeping bag, a tricycle, farm play set, pj's, slippers, scarf & money.
The benefit steak night went awesome. Thank you so much to all of you who contributed. It will sure help out a lot. We will be using it for childcare, cleaning lady & whatever extra costs pertaining to my sickness. If the best doctors program needs us to go somewhere for better care at least we have a financial start. We are totally overwhelmed by all the support & prayers. Thank you all you have no idea how much you have made a difference. A big thanks to my sisters for spearheading the whole thing they put a lot of work into it. I love you all! I tried to personally Thank everyone but there are to many of you. So Thank You! I believe you are all angels that God sent from above. Keep up the prayers I know they are working!
Darren and I came back to the city last night. We went out for our with anniversary supper gift certificate from a year & a half ago and came home and watched Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. He had to work today and I had some catching up to do before my next treatment on Monday. Junell stayed with grandma and grandpa Hendriks and her aunties are taking her out socializing. She has a better social life than me and is probably getting spoiled rotten! We are going back to Humboldt tonite for New Years with my family.
Thank You! Happy New Year!
Love Donna, Darren & Junell

December 18, 2007

Hi to All,
Well another chemo behind me. This time seems to be going a bit better so far. My sister Kelly and her boyfeind Terry came in from Yorkton for the week to help out. Junell spent all day Monday with uncle Terry. They had quite the time. Kelly spent the day at the hospital with me. It sure is nice to have such great families and freinds helping out.
We have been busy getting ready for Christmas. We are going to the farm in Kenaston for Christmas. On the 26th Darren is taking Junell & I out to Humboldt and will come back out on the 28th after work through to New Years. Hopefully I will be feeling up to all the travel. I am expecting to be at the benefit on the 28th. You guys are all the greatest!
I will Try to update this before the Hollidays! If not have a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
I better get to bed!
Love You All!
Donna

December 10,2007

Hi,

Well chemo has been going well. I am finally getting some of my energy back. Darren, Junell and I have been spending a lot of time together. She is such a card! She has lear'nt how to kiss. So now she is kissing everything and me at least 10 times a day! She knows just what the doctor ordered. It must have been her 1st haircut grandma Hendriks gave her! Her free spirit sure is shinning.

Darren's mom has been great. She has been spending lots of time over here when I have appointments and such. Its a great help to all of us and gives my family a well deserved break. I am ever so grateful. Thank You Julliann!

This weekend Darren & I put up some Christmas decorations and a tree. It sure has put me in the Christmas spirit. My friend Janice and I are going shopping tomorrow and on Wensday my friend Bonnie is taking me to Costco. I should have my shopping all done. They must be real true pals to cart me all over with my fancy yellow mask. Ha Ha! By Thursday I will be all ready for Christmas!

I had my CT scan today. I won't have the results till Wensday when I see the onocologist. I have a review and they will be checking my blood. I am hopping and praying that all goes well. My sister Kelly and her boyfeind Terry will be comming from Yorkton on Saturday. They will be here for my chemo on Monday.

Well I must sign off! Darren started work today back at Sterling Truck & Trailer! I want to spend some time with him and Junell before bed!

Take Care!
Love You All!

Donna

December 5, 2007

Hi all,



It's Colleen here with some information about the Steak Night Benefit here in Humboldt on Dec. 28.



It will be held at the Bella Vista and will be a steak supper and a silent auction. Supper will be served from 5-9 and the auction will run all evening. Tickets are $15 per person. If you are interested in attending please purchase your ticket early as we are only able to accommodate 150 people. You can get your ticket by calling Colleen at 682-3241, or Brenda at 682-1809. They are also available in Humboldt at Sears, Imagin Photography and Framing, Cottage Boutique and the Bella Vista Front Desk.



If you are unable to attend but would like to send a donation please contact Brenda or Colleen at the above numbers.

December 4, 2007

Good Morning To All,

Thank you all for being there for me! I am feeling pretty good. I have gotten some of my energy back and my apetite. The weekend was great! I was able to go do some grocery shopping which beleive it or not that is my favorite kind of shopping. I put my mask on and away I went. I was a bit embarassed when I got to the store to have to mask up but, guess what there were 2 other pepole with masks on to. Mabey my sister Colleen is right we should make a fashon mask! Ha Ha! It felt great to get out and have some kind of normal back again.

I spent a lot of time with Darren & Junell. We had lots of fun watching her play and laugh. She is always doing something silly. She was trying to get a toy from her toy box at the bottom. All we could see was her legs up in the air. It was hillarious. We also put her new wagon together. We bundled her up real good and Daddy took her for a walk. I could tell by her squinty little Hendriks eyes she had a smile from ear to ear! She is truly my precious little angel!

Darren has been spending a lot of his time shoveling snow like the rest of you! I wish I could but that would be pushing it. He has been realy picking up the slack. He Junell seems to have him right where she wants him! She is such a little trooper its hard to beleive such a little girl can be such a great support to both of us.

Thank you Nanett for coming over on Saturday and giving the house a once over. I was great to sit down and look a clean house. It meant a lot to all of us.

On Sunday my friend Bonnie came over and we had tea. She helped me make a pot of chicken soup. Darren was pretty pleased he said it was the best I have ever made. Thanks for the visit!

My Great Auntie Anita Stroeder passed away yesterday. Please put her in your prayes for me!

Also a big thanks to my sisters Brenda & Colleen & Judy at the Bella Vista Inn in Humboldt. They a planning a bennefit steak night & silent auction for December 28th in Humboldt. I am not sure of the details but you can call them if you are intrested at Brenda 682-1809 Colleen 682-3241.

I better go back to bed before little missy is up!

Love You All,
God Bless You!
Donna

November 29, 2007

Hi To All,

Well Chemo has went well. I only got sick once so far because I did'nt take my anti nausiant drug on time. As well as I am very tired. Thank You all for the phone calls & E-Mails. Please forgive me for not replying!

Junell came home today! We sure missed her! Thank You so much Grandma & Grandpa Hendriks & Auntie Brenda & family for taking such good care of her.

Thank You To my sister Colleen for staying and helping us this week. It was greatly appriciated.

I better go and spend some time with Junell & Darren.

Love Darren, Donna & Junell

Thanks For keeping us in your Prayers

November 25, 2007

Hi To All,

Our Trip To Moose Jaw was great! Thank you Grandma Hendriks, Grandpa Hendriks, Brenda, Colleen & Families for taking such good care of Junell. I sure miss her!

Darren & I had a great visit with my Uncle Eddie & Auntie Carol. We went over to there place for lunch before we checked into our hotel. Thank You!

Thank You! Darren, Jan, Joe, Donna & Dallas for taking me away for the weekend. You have no Idea how much I appriciated & valued each moment of our trip and being able to forget that I am sick. It was a great escape.

We went for a nice supper, to the spa and casino on Saturday. Well the only one who made it out of the casino up was me. I spent 15.00 to get 30.00 with a coupon. Of course thrifty me went straight to the nickle machine. I had no Idea what I was doing! At about 11:00 I was getting tired so I bet the max and won $102.65. I cashed out and went to the hotel. Better luck next time!

Today we went for breakfast and toured the tunnels and headed for home. It was so nice to get away!

Well tomorrow is the big day! I start chemo! I sure hope it dos'nt take to much out of me. I think the hardest part will be to stay away from people & crowds. Its not a great time of the year to be starting with Christmas & Flue season. I guess It has to be done I just have to keep praying I dont get to sick from it.

I had better go! Darren & I are going to unpack from out trip and tidy the house and get ready for the fight ahead.

Thank You All for the Prayes & Keep up the good work
Love,
Donna

November 24, 2007

Hi To All,
Well we have had another busy week!

Monday - My old roommate Lisa came to spend the week. She felt so bad she wanted to
help out so much. She ended up with the stomach flue. Thank goodness none
of us got it. Brenda told her when she left on Tuesday not to worry there
would be other times we will need her help. Thank You Lisa for the help.
I am looking forward to spending time with you later.
Tuesday - Mom and Dad graciously picked up the slack. Thank you so much for being
so available.I had to have a colonpostapy today all went well in that
department. Darren spent the morning with me at the hospital. Dad took me
to the grocery store to pick up some grocery's while mom entertained baby
and scrubbed my floors just like I do. Perfection does not fall far from
the tree. Thanks Mom!
Thank You all for being there for me!
Wednesday - Darren had to go to the farm and work. Mom & Dad stayed till 4:00 to
help me with Junell. At 9:00AM I had an appointment with the oncologists
gynecologist at the cancer clinic. He will take another look at my file
after I have had a few session's of chemo. He did answer a lot of my
questions. At 11:45 Dad, Mom & I had to take Junell to Dr. Singh for her
1 Year check up. If only I could get as chubby as her! The lady from
palliative care came over at 2:30 to get things in place for later on. I am
hoping I don't need a whole lot from this service. My girlfriend's & old
roommate's came over at 4:00 so Mom and Dad could get back to Humboldt
before dark. Thanks a million Bonnie & Karen for helping tidy the house
up and helping with Junell till Darren got home.
Thursday - Darren went to work at the farm. My sister Brenda & Brother in law Al
came in from Humboldt to help out. They took me for my mammogram at 9:15.
We went to Toys are Us for Junell's Christmas gift and a birthday gift
for her friend Jessica in Kenaston. At 11:30 she had her first
appointment with Dr. Peirce. Things went well Thank you Brenda for
finding Junell such a great Doc. Dr. Singh is probably going to retire
soon and I felt It was important to have Junell on board with a new doctor
sooner than later.We came back to the house and Darren & Al packed up the
van. Brenda & Al took Junell back to Humboldt for the weekend. I cried
her and I haven't been away from each other for more than a day.
Friday - Well first thing this morning I did was called grandma to see how Junell was.
Like there would be a problem she was talking a mile a minute in the
background. I guess she comes by that honestly enough. Ha! Ha! I was
missing he so I decided to get out of the house for awhile. I took my
car to the repair shop then stopped in at work to say Hi. It was great to
get out and take my mind off of things. My friend Bonnie came over and
helped me with a few things around the house that needed a woman's
expertise. I got Darren to vacuum the furnace & vents. Thanks for all he
help! Grandma S came for tea and dropped of a cooler for our trip. She
said it felt strange without Junell here. So I guess we all miss her.

Well this sums up my week. I still miss Junell! Today Darren & I are going to the
spa in Moose jaw with some friends Hip Hip Hooray! It will be so nice to get away and take our minds off of things for awhile. I start Chemo om Monday and with all the tests this week we may possibly have a answer where it started from. They booked another CT scan for Dec 10. I will try to update tomorrow. I have to finish packing, call Junell and we are off. We are meeting my Uncle Eddie & Auntie Carol for lunch in Moose Jaw before we check into the hotel. Thank you Jan, Donna, Joe & Dallas for going to Moose Jaw! I'm not even there yet and I am excited. Thank you grandma & grandpa, Brenda & Family & Coleen & Family for taking good care of Junell
while we are gone.

Have a Happy Birthday Grandpa Hendriks & Cole Painter tomorrow. I hope Junell makes your day!
Sorry we can't be there!

You are all the best!!!!!!!
God Bless
Love Donna

November 18, 2007

Hi To All,

Well my appointment went as good as could be expected. I got a lot of my questions answered that were messing with my positive attitude. Dr. I Ahmad was very help!

When we met with Dr. Ahmad the oncologists on Friday he lined up the following.

I will be starting chemo within the next 2 weeks. He has also booked a appointment for a colonostapy as well as a CT scan of my chest.

I will also be seeing Dr. Giede who is a oncologist/gynecologist. He will be able to answer our concerns with Junell and have some possible genetic testing done on her. All the doctors I have spoke with have told me she should not have been affected but we owe it to ourselves & her to take precautions. This makes us feel much better!

My prognosis has not changed a whole lot. They will start chemo and hopefully it will shrink it. They are also looking for the primary source which if they do and chemo shrinks it there may be a chance to have some of it surgically removed which may buy me some more time than 1 year.

They have told me the cancer is at a level 4. Which I find hard to believe because I have very little pain. The last few weeks have been pretty rough with nausea but I think it was more stress related. When I woke up on Friday morning was the best I have felt since my surgery to take biopsies. My energy level has increased and my nausea had decreased which is pretty positive.

Well I guess this sums it up. I need to keep praying take things one day at a time and God will help with the rest! I am going to fight this hard and I believe with all your support & prayers I will make a liar out of our medical system.

Our families have been the best. Last week when mom was in the hospital my sisters Brenda & Colleen took turns spending the night at mom & dad's away from there families. Thank you Al, Ryan, Cole, Lee, Colby & Cam for sharing them with junell & I. Well Brenda & Colleen if it wasn't for Junell & I you would never be able to have a slumber party with us only blocks away at Mom & Dad's. Thank You Dad for putting up with us! I know how hard it was on you Mom not to be there but I assure you there will be more weekends to come we will spend with you. Remember you do so much for me but you can't wear yourself out and do it all!
Thanks to Grandma Sorotski,Debbie,Lorianne,Janice,Donna,Ginny,Lexi,Bonnie & Barb for filling in the last few weeks!

Junell turned the big 1 on Thursday. We have had a party every day someone or other dropping buy for a visit. It turned out good It gave Darren some time to step out for awhile. Auntie Sheree, Lauren & Lanna came over with a cake Thursday and we had a little party. Thank you!

On Friday after my appointment Darren & I decided to book a room at Sardinia Restaurant and have a Birthday Party for her. Auntie Kelly, Uncle Terry, Grandma & Grandpa Hendriks were here for the weekend. Thank for all your help! It turned out great she was more like a 2 or 3 year old. She was so excited. She made everyones day! Thank you all for coming on such short notice It made our day!

God Bless you All!
Love Donna, Darren & Junell

November 14,2007

Hi to All,
Darren picked Junell and I in Humboldt on Monday. My mom ended up in the hospital for the weekend. When it rains it pours. She has another bowl obstruction. Things seem to have taken care of themselves. Hopefully it will stay that way for awhile. She was pretty upset because she was looking so forward to spending the weekend with us. Please pray for her.

Darren's dad had surgery on Friday. He has staff infection in his back. Hopefully the doctors will find the right antibiotic to clear it up. Both our families have had there hands full. Please pray for him.

I had a down day on Tuesday. I felt sick to my stomach Darren stayed home with us so I could sleep most of the day. I am runnning a slight feaver. Hopefully its just a small bug and will pass soon.

I spoke with the cancer clinic today. We meet with the onocologist of Friday at 10:00. I sure hope they start treatment soon. We also heard back from the Mayo clinic. At this point chemo is my only option.

Thank you all for your help & prayes. Darren & I are overwhelemed with all the support. It helps a lot.

On Thursday is Junell's 1st Birthday. I am hopeing I feel up to having a party for her. I guess I just have to learn to live day by day. Its frustrating not having the energy that I used to. I cleaned the bathroom yesterday and I was beat. Hopefully I will get some back soon.

I better go back to bed so I can start feeling better. My faever has went from 99.8 to 99.4.

Love you All,
Keep on Praying!
Darren, Donna & Junell

November 8. 2007

Hi To All,

Thank you so very much for all the prayers, and words of encouragement. Also a big Thanks to Grandma Sorotski for helping us out this last week. Darren, Junell and I appriciate it. It was nice to be able to stay at home in the city for a few days. Hopefully next week I will have more energy and be healed a bit better from surgery to stay at home alone with Darren & Baby. Also this week my girlfreinds Janice, Donna, & Amber have been stepping up to the plate to help out. It takes a lot of stress off of us and my family. I think they needed a break for awhile. This afternoon or tomorrow Darren will be taking Junell & I back to Humboldt so he can finish up at the farm. You guys are all the greatest! Please keep on praying!

To all my 12 Lorie's out there could you please put your last name on the blog. I am getting a brain cramp trying to figure out who you all are. God Bless you!

Sorry I have not updated this for awile. Things have been a bit crazy around here with doctors appointments, forms to fill out ect. I have had one rotten week. I don't think it can get any worse.

Monday Night - I had to go to the dentist with a sore tooth. They would not do
anything with it till after I spoke with my Doctor.
Tuesday AM- We called the doctors office and they called the cancer clinic.I
had to have the tooth pulled. They were worried it may get infected
during chemo. Thank goodness we did It had three cracks in it from me
clenching my teeth. They also fitted me with a mouth gaurd. Something
I did not need at this time. It feels much better than it did and it is
healing fine. That is a releif in itself! At this point I would hate
to do anything to compromise my treatments.
Tuesday PM - Well We have a final anser and it is not good! At this point surgery
is out of the question. I have been diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma with
mucinous and signet ring features. Thats OK I dont understand it
either. In our language it is on my stomach, ovaries and omentum. At
this point chemo is my only option due to the fact is they do not know
where it started from because it has spread. Hopefully chemo will be
able to shrink it somewhat. Darren's sister Sheree has faxed my
pathology report to his sister Glenda in the states. She has sent it
to the Mayo clinic in Rodchester for a second opinion. We got a call
yesterday that they received it and they will reveiw it and get back to
by Monday. We have also started the ball rolling on the best doctors
program. All my reports will be sent and they will have the three top
doctors in the word reveiw it. My doctors here have been great and very
supportive of our decison to get more opinions. Darren & I are trying
to stay hopeful that someone out there may be able to help us more. I
guess it is in Gods hands and I hope & pray he will give us some good
news. I hope he hears all our prayers!!!
Wendsday- Well today was another bad day! I had to go back to the dentist for a
cleaning on my way someone hit me. I am all right but the front end of
my car is in need for repair. What next! I felt like I had a big black
cloud following me.

Well this has been one emotional week! It was pretty hard to keep a positive attitude with all the weeks events. I just hope and pray that our life is somewhat normal from here on in. Its very hard being so independant and all the sudden I have to depend on everyone.

Darren & Junell have been a great support to me I love them so. Today is a new day and I need to brush myself off and hold my head high and fight for all of us. I guess this is all part of this horrible disease but I know I can put up a fight and try to beat this.

Darren is taking us to Humboldt today and picking us up on Sunday. My nefews both have hockey games on Saturday afternoon so I am hoping I have enough energy to go watch.

I should know Monday when they start chemo.

Take Care All
God Bless You!
Donna, Darren & Junell

October 29, 2007

Hi to All,

I have made my first venture out alone. All the way from Mom & Dad's to Sister Colleen's. I am still not very mobile since my surgery but am moving along. My doctors office called today and they should have some answers from my biopsys hopefully on Monday. It sure seems like a long wait but Junell & I have been keeping real busy.

Colleen told me I better come to update you all before people think my family is keeping me hostage. Ha! Ha! I will probably be here till next week for sure. It sure is hard on Junell & I being away from Darren. We miss him so much. He is busy wrapping things up at the farm & crusher. Once he is done there he will be going back to work at Sterling Truck & Trailer which will make things a lot easier for us to stay at home in the city. I am not able to lift anything more than 10lbs for awhile. My family has been great. Junell has a new love and that is Grandpa Hendriks. Mom shouldn't be lifting either so grandpa has being picking her up lots. It didn't take her long to figure out who to go to to catch a free ride. Brenda & Colleen have been coming over after work to help out thanks to you all. I truly have one of the greatest family's in the world.

Thank you to St Augustine Parish & Father April for having a mass on my behalf Saturday night. Also to my family and numerous friends for being there to come and pray with us. As well as to all of you out there that are constantly praying for me. Keep up the great work! I believe all your praying is working my prognosis is a bit more hopeful than first thought. Thank You does not even start to express how I feel.

Thanks to Janice & Linda for the visit last Thursday it was nice and makes me feel better I have such great friends.

Last night my friends Kathy & Gord Bornhorst came over to Mom & Dad's for a visit. It was great to hash over old times & giggle at the stupid things we used to do. It's so nice to have moments like that to forget about reality!

Today Bernie Stroeder came over with some sample health bread for me. It's pretty good for being healthy for you! Thank You!

Natalie & Emily Klimosko came over for a visit. It was nice for all of us. They have been family friends of ours since before my time. Thanks for the visit Ladies. It was greatly appreciated.

Most of all thanks to all for the phone calls, E-Mails & hugs. I truly treasure all of you!

A good family friend of ours passed away last week. I managed to be strong enough on Saturday to make it to the funeral. I am sure when Mrs. Kaal gets to heaven she will be asking the big guy to let me stay. God Bless Her!

We got a call today that my Uncle Ted from Regina passed away this morning. So we will be going to his funeral this week. Please pray for Mrs. Kaal & Uncle Ted. I think the big guy up there has enough recrutes on my behalf.

God Bless You All,

Thanks for being there for all of us!

Love Donna, Darren & Junell

Colleen here with yet another update.



Both Donna and Junell are down for a nap now so I have some time to do this. We are heading out to Humboldt later this afternoon for the weekend. There is a mass for Donna in Humboldt at St. Augustine's at 5:00 this Saturday that she would like to attend if she is feeling up to it.



Today is better than yesterday and some extra-strength Tylenol is all that has been needed for pain since being home. She didn't have much of an appetite around supper last night, but lunch yesterday and today seemed be okay. There was some concern that her incision would not heal well, but all is going very well in that department so far.



The hardest part for Donna right now seems to be not being able to hold Junell. She will not be able to lift anything over 10 lbs. for the next 2 weeks for sure! We did manage to get them some snuggle time yesterday by putting Junell to sleep and then laying her beside Mommy in the bed. I think both of them really needed that.



Please feel free to use the comment section to send Donna your well wishes. She does check them and if she is unable to we will make sure she sees a copy.

Hello All,

It's Colleen & Mom here with the latest update on Donna.

Today she had a laporoscopy and a gastroscopy.

They found that the cancer is ovarian and quite advanced. It seems to have started in her right ovary. The cancer is not in her stomach but more around it.

They took numerous biopsies and removed the mass around her naval. It is hoped that we will have the results of these biopsies within 3-4 days, but it may be longer.

After the biopsies come back treatment will be decided. It may be surgery to remove all they cancer followed by chemo then another surgery, or it may be chemo to shrink what they can followed by surgery.

She has stayed in the hospital overnight. She had a rough time after the sugery. The morphine has really seemed to hit her, at times making her nauseous. Darren will pick her up and bring her home in the morning.

Your thought and prayers are much appreciated...please keep them coming.

Thanks for all the expressions of support, the calls, flowers, shoulders to cry on, hugs and prayers. We all appreciate your overwhelming support during these difficult times. Continue to pray!

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Hi To All,
Well our trip to Humblodt was great. Junell had lots of fun entertaining grandma & grandpa Hendriks. She is now saying nana which is far as we could tell is both grandma & grandpa. Grandpa was teaching her how to read the paper. Darren & I still cant figure out how she sat still for that one for so long. We are lucky to read a one page flyer before she rips the page out of our hands. She is such a little trooper.

Her aunties uncles & cousins were over to play lots to.

Thank you Kevin, Loriann & Lori for stopping by mom & Dads for a visit.

Kelly went back to Yorkton on Friday night. She was such a great help this week to Darren, Junell & I. Last night Junell was standing by the footstool and fluffed a loaded one. She looked at Darren & I and said POOP. That she learned from auntie Kelly last week. Oh well there are worse things she could be saying! Ha! Ha!

I got my hair cut and my first pedicure ever. Thanks a million Melisa I feel like a million bucks! Thank you grandma for watching Junell!

On Saturday afternoon Brenda, Colleen & I went to the mall. They helped me pick out a new pair of jeans and a pair of sweats that actually fit me. No more plumber butt. Thanks Girls! Good news though I have gained 3 lbs.

My godmother Auntie Rose came over for a visit on Saturday. She bought 3 of the most beatifull long steamed roses I have ever seen. One was from her, another was from Uncle Maurice and the third one was from my late cousin Roxanne who we lost earlier this year to cancer. I know Roxanne is up there looking down upon me with the rest of my family up there giving me this courage to fight! Thank you Uncle Maurice & Auntie Rose. I love you!

Sunday morning we all went to church. I was able to meet with father April to thank him and his parish for all the prayers. They are praying for me at Mass on Saturday night at St. Augustine Church in Humboldt on Saturday at 5:00. I am hoping if I feel good enough we will drive out.

Thank you all for the Prayers, Phone Calls & Emails of support.

Well I am being paged gota go someone needs her Mommy.

Love Donna

Friday, October 19, 2007

Hi There,
Well we have finnaly gotten this blog cought up. We will keep you all informed on my progress and please pray pray pray! Sorry for the spelling mistakes but that is one of my weak points. Ha Ha!

Thank you to Darrens family for all the support through all this can't wait to see you all. Also thank you Teaka, Cory, Lexi & Jada for stopping by on Wed. It was greatly appriciated!

To all please also pray for Darren's dad who is in the hospital that the doctors will finnaly be able to help him.

My very colse freinds & Investor were in on tuesday and gave me this card. One of my favorite sayings when we were growing up was "when life gives you lemons make lemonaid". I have read this card every day and chuckle I even packed it in my suitcase for Humboldt. It reads a follows.

HANG IN THERE...
SOMETIMES LIFE HANDS YOU LEMONS,
BUT THEN YOU CAN MAKE LEMONADE.

(Inside)
OF COURSE, SOMETIMES LIFE PULLS YOUR PANTS DOWN,
RUNS A POWER SANDER ACROSS YOUR NAKED BUTT,
THE POURS LEMON JUICE ON YOUR RAW ABRADED BUTTOCKS.

IN THAT CASE, A COOL CITRUS DRINK WOULDN'T REALLY HELP BUT, DARN IT...
YOU'VE GOT TO HANG IN THERE ANYWAY.

Thanks Mar & Dean Szautner I need a good chuckle!

Chins Up All & Keep laughing
Love Donna

Tuesday, October 16 - 18, 2007

Hi to all,
My sister Kelly has been here all week. It's so nice to have someone around to help out. Darren asked me on Wed night if we could keep her. The other night he wanted hamberger with mushroom sauce he got it. Tonite he wanted a cake she baked it! He better not get used to it! All I have been getting is eat, your 15min are up on the phone. She limited my phone calls. My mom told me I should tell who I am talking to and after 15 min tell tem to call me back. I have to chuckle I know she is only doing it so I get my rest. We have been working all week on paperwork in between my doctors appointment. I have enjoyed having her here she is a great help she has taken charge of the household chores and is helping me with baby. I have more time to spend with Junell which both of us need. She did pretty good last week without Darren or I around much, but I can sure tell she missed us. She's such a little trooper. She is my & Darren's strength! Its so nice to see her little smile each day it makes me forget all about this!

Junell & I are taking Kelly up to Humboldt and are spending the weekend. It will be nice to get away.

I have been doing pretty good and forget it if I am going out without a fight. We all need to have faith in God and in my doctors. I have been pretty good at keeping a positive attitude. I know thats half my battle.

Love you all
Donna

Monday, October 15, 2007

Hi to All,
My biopys results from last week were inconclusive. They have booked me for more indepth testing. Much to my dismay this is a test that needs 2 weeks to come back. I will have the results on the 31st. Then we will now more of what is going to happen! My doctor is keeping a close eye on my blood count. My doctors a great they are doing everything to speed this process up. I would have to say our medical system is not lullygaging around with me. Once we know where it all is and what type it is my doctors have agreed to send them to Rodchester as well as through work I have a best doctors program where they send my reports to the three best doctors in the world for reveiw. Darren & My family have agreed to help out financialy if this is a course of action we have to take. I am hoping and praying our doctors here will be able to do the same and I can stay here with Darren & Junell they need me. I have faith in my doctors here but I am very gratefull I have that option. All I need to do is fight and pray!

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Mom & Dad
They went back to Humboldt last night. Thanks so much for staying with us all last week so Darren could be with me at all my appointments and for your support through this difficult time. It was nice to know Junell was in safe hands. You are the greatest parents anyone could ask for!
I Love You!

Myron, Betty, Breanna & Brendon
Left back to Calgary around noon. Thank you all for making the trip to make me happy. And a big thanks for the camcorder so I can make movies for Junell, we will always be forever grateful for years to come. but most of all thanks for just being here.
Love Jag!

Kelly & Terry
Terry went back to Yorkton and Kelly is going to stay with me this week. Thanks for being so strong for Darren, Junell and myself. Terry you can tag team with Colleen and Dad anytime for Junell.
Love Jag!

Brenda, Allan, Ryan & Cole
Went back to Humboldt last night. Thanks for staying at the hospital with me and to all of you for being there.
Love Jag

Colleen, Lee, Colby & Cameron
Thanks for all your prayers and support. As well as taking care of baby. Please Colleen don't give her anymore of mom's pea soup for at least another year.
Love Jag

Darren & Junell
Thank you for being there for me by my side when I need you the most Darren and to Junell for being such a good girl.
Love you lots

Saturday, October 13, 2007

One of my requests to my family was to have family pictures taken before I start treatments. I am ever so grateful! It was nice we all forgot about why we were here and replaced our feelings with laughs & giggles.

I hope I have lots of those moments to escape. It sure helps to have such great famlies & friends.

All 19 of us went to church were Holy Family church prayed for me. I felt at peace to know God is there for me as well as my family, it makes things a lot easier.

So don't give up on me ... pray, pray, pray!

Friday, October 12, 2007

Brenda spent the night with Donna at St. Paul's Hospital, she was told her endoscope would be somewhere in the morning in between the Dr's surgeries. Donna felt it was important to have someone with her that understood the medical system so she called her friend Barb who is a nurse to be there along with Mom, Darren, Brenda and myself (Kelly). Grandpa Ed, Auntie Colleen and Uncle Terry stayed at the house to entertain Junelle.

Donna did not actually get the endoscope till 4:30 pm - so we had people shuffling during the day with Darren going home in the early afternoon to spend some time with Junelle and taking Brenda with him to get some sleep.

At 3:00pm we were told that the Dr. was ready for Donna, Darren was quickly called so he could be with Donna. Prior to the endescope the surgeon spent time with Donna, Mom, Barb and myself showing us the CT Scan and answered all our questions and explained the process for the endoscope ... he repeated this process with Darren & Terry when they arrived.

The surgeon also told us that he would be seeking a second opinion ... he did one better than that by having his second opinion at his side while he preformed the endoscope.

It may have been a very long day playing the waiting game but we are all impressed that the surgeon squeeked Donna in between his busy schedual with no notice and not once but twice spent in depth time with family members reviewing her CT Scans.

Thanks to the staff at St. Paul's Hospital, their humor through the day was uplifting, the surgeon for his determination to fit Donna into his busy schedule and the time he spent with the family ... there really is someone looking down on Donna.

Kelly Hendriks

Looking for an Answer

Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - Yesterday was awe-full. Darren & I sat up at the hospital for 4 1/2 hours to end up with nothing. This morning I got on the horn and started pushing. They told me a CT scan wasn't possible till Monday. I spokewith the girl in booking and put myself on a cancellation list. Great news I go today at 1:00 and they do it at 3:00. Things aren't going as smooth with our health care system as I thought. I will keep in touch as much as possible.

Thursday, October 11, 2007 - Was given the diagnosis and I had Stomach Cancer ... this was not the news I was expecting ... thought we were looking at Ovarian Cancer.

He told us that I could go home and to be admitted into St. Paul's Hospital that evening.

When Darren and I got back home we contacted our Family members ... my sisters came to Saskatoon and Darrens sister Sheree came over, it was at this time that they got the official diagnosis. Darren's parents were also contacted in Calgary, where Mike was having an MRI.

Father David was invited to the house to give me sacraments.

"You Have Cancer"

My entire world fell apart on Friday, October 5th when I went to see our family Dr. who told me the bad news ... "Donna You Have Cancer". In total disbelief I kept to myself till Saturday when I finally told Darren, he was also in disbelive and all he could say was "the blood work is wrong".