The latest news.

Terry spent the day at the Victoria Cancer Centre, he has a new love in his life, his oncologist!  When things are tough isn't it great to have wonderful caring, kind and compassionate doctors that do everything possible to help you.  When Terry called he was on his way to Duncan Hospital by personal invite!  His oncologist has made arrangements for his admittance as his calcium levels are higher than they should be,  they need to get them down as it can have an adverse effect on his kidneys.  He'd rather be at the Wheatsheaf!!
They did a round of radiation today trying to hit on the point of the worst pain, as in all things the pain wasn't too bad today so they hit where they hoped was the closest.  They will continue radiation to treat the pain as they feel it is needed.  They have also recommended some chemo to enhance the radiation.
Keep praying.

The last day of the year, a New beginning.

Here we are at the end of the Christmas Season with New Year's Day quickly approaching.  Tomorrow Dec.31st Terry and Margaret head down to Victoria to see the oncologist in the morning and the radiologist in the afternoon.  Pray the roads will be good, it is snowing over here on the mainland but hopefully the roads will be clear between Ladysmith and Victoria.  Sarah and Mike brought one of their trucks over for Terry and Margaret to use to make their drives to Victoria safer with the 4 wheel drive and also more comfortable for Terry than the car.  We will all look forward to the plan the oncologist and the radiologist will put together for Terry.  Pray too for the doctor's wisdom on their plan of attack.  Looking forward to the news of tomorrow, a new day, a new beginning.

The Latest News

What a great weekend in Ladysmith.  Travis flew in Thursday night then spent Friday with Terry and Margaret, I arrived at supper time then we all headed to the Wheatsheaf for the evening.  The next morning we headed to Victoria to pick up Robyn so there was lots of celebrating Saturday too!
Terry's great news is that he has an appointment on December 31st in the morning with the medical oncologist then the afternoon with the radiologist.  It'll be great to get radiation started, Terry is looking forward to starting the radiation and it helping with pain control.
Sarah and Mike are driving out from Airdrie and will be able to spend Christmas with Terry, Margaret, Troy and Angela.  They are all looking forward to it.
Merry Christmas to you all.

Daily Outings

Just got a neat call from Margaret.  Everyday they head out for a little outing, included in that they check the mail at the local post office.  They are so thrilled with all the cards and letters you have been sending their way.  Terry and Margaret want to thank you all.  It makes them feel so loved and cared for.  These are the things that mean so much when you're going through trying times, the love and care from your family and friends.  Thank you!

Take a look at the new pictures at the bottom of the blog.

Thankfully the day is done!!

Just talked to Terry, he is so thankful the day is over and it went so well!  Thank you all for remembering him in your hearts and prayers. He was up on the table preparing himself for what was to come when they told him sit up - he realized it was all over and done with and he didn't feel a thing, they had totally knocked him out.  Now he's looking forward to meeting the oncologist and starting radiation.  The doctor's have assured him that there will be a big benefit in having the radiation to help with pain control.
If you look way down at the bottom of the blog you will see a picture of Terry and Margaret's good friend Cyndi. Well, the friendship between Terry and Cyndi seems to have hit a snag.  Cyndi has quit speaking to Terry cause he beat her in poker!!  Terry is very excited about the winning, but I'm sure it will last only as long as it takes to get together for the next hand!
I just want to thank Margaret for taking such great care of my brother and supporting him so much along the way.  I think we should have a day dedicated to Margaret for being such a great lady.  So, be sure to remember her in your thoughts and prayers too.

Margaret's Christmas Party Pictures

Look way down at the bottom of the blog and you'll see some great pictures!

A new week - more news more tests!

Terry and Margaret had a good weekend starting with a great dinner with Troy, Angela, Sarah and Mike on Thursday evening.  It was hard to say goodbye to Sarah and Mike on Friday but they got to follow it up with their Christmas get together at the Wheatsheaf  in the evening.   
In spite of not looking forward to the colonoscopy and gastroscopy on Thursday it will give the doctor's a lot of information regarding the primary source of the cancer.  The bone scan came back indicating there is also cancerous areas in Terry's bones.  Along with the liver biopsy, the tests on Thursday will help the doctor's determine the primary source which in turn will help to determine the treatment plan.  Doc Broc is moving everything along quickly for Terry, most of his tests are now on their way to the oncologist.  He will soon be meeting a new doctor.
Terry hurt his leg last week getting out of that sporty little car of his so pray it will heal quickly as it is a very frustrating ordeal for him.  Rob has very kindly lent Terry and Margaret his truck which Terry is finding so much easier to get in and out of.  They were able to get out and about today getting many things accomplished.
Remember Terry on Thursday, he is not looking forward to these tests and will be so glad when they are completed.

Another step along the road

Today Terry had his bone scan.  At the beginning he found it very claustrophobic but adjusted to it quite quickly and made it through to the end.  They also found out that his colonoscopy and gastroscopy has been moved from Dec. 18th to Dec. 10th - so he'll be able to get that over sooner.  He has really enjoyed having Sarah and Mike with them the past week. Troy and Angela were able to make it up for the weekend too.

Biopsy

Terry had his liver biopsy today.  He said it went well, better than expected.  Technology has come so far, this is what used to be called exploratory surgery - they now are able to do with a needle.  Much less evasive and much more comfortable.  There is a possibility that they may have to do another at some time, Terry said it won't be a problem for him.  He should have the tests back in 7 to 10 days which will then give the doctors the next direction to take.  His next test will be Dec. 2nd for his bone scan. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers that he will be able to rest, be comfortable and to be anxious about nothing.

Another Date

Terry was given his bone scan date today for Dec.2nd.  Sarah is arriving tomorrow Nov. 25th and Mike will make it out on Saturday. Troy and Angela will be able to join them for the weekend. Remember Terry in your thoughts and prayers on Thursday Nov.26th when he has his liver biopsy.

Heading down the road of tests and more tests!

Terry and Margaret met with the surgeon today in Nanaimo.  From this appointment Terry now has a date to have a Gastrocolonoscopy on Dec. 18th.  I had a hard time typing that so I can just imagine how much fun it will be!  Terry explained that it actually is a regular colonoscopy and a gastroscopy which also examines the esophagus and his stomach.  They will also be doing a bone scan within the next couple of weeks.
Most Friday nights Terry, Margaret and many of their friends head to the Wheatsheaf to play music trivia.  It has become quite an event and has a very competitive edge to it!  On occasion Terry and Margaret will play their birthdates on Keno, this past Friday night they hit the jackpot and won $1507.00!  Congrats!!

The Beginning

As many of you know Terry has struggled with his health over the past few years.  His back and heart have both been a major concern for him.  Toward the end of September, Terry started having a lot of pain in his upper chest and back.  Doc. Broc. thought it may have a lot to do with a medication change he had prescribed for Terry.  Unfortunately this was not the case.  Over the last 2 weeks Terry has had blood tests, x-rays, CT scans and an ultrasound.  All these tests are pointing to the lungs, Terry is now fighting cancer.  The pain is being caused by growths on his lungs that are pressing on his rib cage. His doctor's are looking at other areas to determine other possible sites.  On Monday, Nov. 23rd Terry will be meeting with a surgeon in Nanaimo and on Thursday, Nov. 26th he will be having a biopsy.
Both Terry and Margaret are keeping a very positive attitude and hoping for the very best.  Whatever your faith system may be we ask that you will be remembering both Terry and Margaret in your thoughts and in your prayers.
We will keep you posted on his appointments and outcomes.  Please feel free to leave any comments,  inspirational thoughts or verses for him.