Jan 21

At suppertime today Mother got up and came out of her room, sat on the couch and read a story to my daughter. That was the first time she has left her room in a couple days, and the first time since she came home from the chemo that she has attempted to read a story to the kids. So that was a nice extra bit if effort on her part. My dad's brother, Ed Brooks (from South River, ON) came for the evening, we all enjoyed being able to see him.

--Rachel V.

Jan 19 update

Mother had a slightly better day today, no throwing up. So that was positive. She made a good effort to eat a few meals. So we will hold off with the IVs for now. Hopefully she will be able to continue to keep the food down in the days to come. This is a roller coster, some days are good some are not. Thankful for your continued prayers.

Please do pray for the safe travels of my Aunt & Uncle from NewZealand (my Mother's sister & husband). They arrive on this coming Sunday, January 24th.

--Rachel VandenBerg

Jan 18 2016

We are thankful that in the first few days we were here we had good conversations with Mother (Elva), as she was doing quite well, compared to Christmas time. However since her first chemo treatment she sleeps most of the day. The medication she takes for the nausea & the morphine she takes for the pain make it hard for her to stay awake for very long periods. So nutrition is hindered because of nausea and her sleepiness. She feels very weak which she says herself. If the vomiting continues, we will look into getting an IV to help her regain some strength. (The nurse said this would be possible when requested).

Continue to pray for daily wisdom for those who care for her, that we would know what is the best for her each day.

Also continue to pray for healing. I was encouraged to pray for this as the Lord brought to mind the verses, where our Lord Jesus in Gethsemane, knowing that his whole purpose of coming to the earth was to go to the cross and die, still prayed a number of times "Let this cup pass from Me, but not my will but Yours be done". So, if the Lord Jesus can pray that prayer, then I plan to pray that prayer up until the last minute, "Lord, if it be your will, please, heal my mother, but not my will but Yours be done."  

The future plan is that at her second chemo treatment, which will happen two weeks from the first one, she will be given each of the chemo drugs, one at a time. This way they can assess how she reacts to each one.

My parents have been encouraged by all of your e-mails and messages. My mother is only on the computer for a limited time these days, as she is often drifting off to sleep after only a short time. So if you are needing a response to something, please, feel free to contact myself at leonardandrachel@gmail.com

Jan 14 - First Chemo Treatment

I, Rachel, was much encouraged to see Mother in much better shape than when I left her after Christmas. She is much more alert now that her pain medication dosages have been changed to 12 hourly doses with better pain control. She still is able to only take small amounts of food at a time, but she is making good effort to take as much as she can.

Today Mum went for her Chemo. They gave her a number of treatments. The first one went well. The second treatment was a combination of two drugs which they ran together. However, she had a full blown reaction to this combination, which required drug intervention. They discontinued the rest of the drugs for today, and did not send her home with the infusion pump. On her next treatment in two weeks time they will reassess how she tolerates these drugs which they will give separately and then  decide whether to give her the infusion pump or to change the regime. Nausea has already begun but there are various drugs available to help with this.

My Mother was able to have an encouraging visit with a friend. (Dear Melissa, Mum was most encouraged by your visit – she will write you about the significance of your choice of colour as well as the flower!!)

--Rachel VandenBerg 

Wed night

Dear Praying friends,

I had every intention of writing one last update before beginning Chemo tomorrow - but the day has been full and it is now time to rest.

We have just said goodbye to Matt, Sarah and family who head off on their return journey tomorrow.

Lovely that we still have Leonard and Rachel and family around.

Thank you to the many people who have written, visited and prayed. So much appreciated.

So thankful for the Peace of God which passes all understanding.

We rest in Him as we begin this new journey tomorrow.

Standing in need of prayer and so thankful for our great Intercessor!

Because He lives - we CAN face tomorrow

Because He lives, all fear is gone.

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our Faith...

Elva and Don

Jan 11 Monday

Rachel & Family start traveling today to Ontario we should arrive on Tuesday the 12th. We plan to be with Mum (Elva) for 2 weeks. We will be staying at a friends house nearby. Sarah & Family leave the 14th in the early morning. Please pray for traveling mercies for each of us.

Mum's doctors appointment with her Cancer Doctor is today (Monday Jan 11). Sarah will go with Mum to this appointment. Pray for clarity in this appointment.

Thank you.

Rachel VandenBerg

Jan 6 update

Just an update.

--Today Richard & Katherine and Family leave to return to their home in Florida.

--Sarah and Matt and family are staying in a rental house in Port Colborne. They will be there until the 14th then they return to Nebraska.

-- visits are being done in small doses as Mum gets easily tired now. Only handling an hour (sometimes less) before having to go back to bed.

--Mum is dealing with sciatica as well now, so that is an added concern.

--I, Rachel, am in PEI we are still trying to decided when the best time to come is, what is best for Mum and her care etc, so wisdom for that is needed.

--Please pray specifically for my Mothers nutrition intake. She food intake has been decreasing, which is a concern. So please pray for wisdom in how to up her nutrition intake.

Thank you for your continued prayers.

--Rachel (Brooks) VandenBerg