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
Monday, October 29, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
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!
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
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
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
Thursday, October 18, 2007
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
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
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!
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
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!
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
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
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
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.
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".
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)