Jan 31 - heart condition

Mum (Elva) has been admitted to the hospital for three days to treat her for a possible heart attack. They are not sure but want to be careful. The chemo may have done this but it is uncertain.

Jan 30 - Heart Enzyme elevated

Leonard and I (Rachel) just arrived back in PEI and received a phone call shortly after to say that my Mother, she has a fever and when they went to the hospital to check it out, they found that one of her cardiac enzymes is elevated. It could be nothing, but it could be something. So they are taking her to Welland hospital to check her further. Your prayers are appreciated. My Dad (Don Brooks) is with her.
They will test her heart enzyme again in 6 hours.

--Rachel V.

Jan 27th update - change in chemo

Yesterday was Dr's visit with Lab work prior to Chemo on Thursday.
Dr and Nurse very concerned about the amount of weight loss!! Dr said she had been burdened all week regarding my earlier reaction etc and what they were planning to subject me to. She decided that she will change the regime and not subject me to the heavier doses of Chemo. I am thankful for the Lord's over-ruling hand in having these decisions made for me. I must admit, during the past two weeks, wondering if it was really "worth it all".

Psalm 13:5-6New Living Translation (NLT)

5
But I trust in your unfailing love.
I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
6
I will sing to the Lord
because he is good to me.

--Elva Brooks

Jan 26th update

JAN 26th --- Effects of Chemo have mostly warn off. Mum is walking around the house, even went for a short walk outside- pushing her wheelchair for part of the way and sitting in it for the rest. Nausea is not too bad now. She still can only eat small meals, as digestion is continues to be an issue. She is having some inner ear issues, with balance and an fainting episode. They now have a wheelchair ramp into their home so that is helpful.

Her sister and brother-in-law have arrived safety (Marilyn & John Lindsay). Thank you so much for praying for their trip. It is nice that they are able to have a few days with Mum while she is "normal" before the Chemo takes its effects again.

Mum goes to the doctor today for her pre-chemo appointment. Thursday is the day for her SECOND CHEMO. It will be a long appointment. They plan to give her each drug one at a time to see how she reacts.

---Rachel VandenBerg

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