Well, I have taken the chemo now for four days and feel great. This morning I saw the surgeon Dr. Fraser. She commented how well I look. She told me I can do my snow clearing again and my daily exercises. So, there you have it. What good news!
Sunday we had our children and grand children over for lunch, because Monica had flown in for a few days (she lives in Toronto). We were with nine adults and five children and yes I prepared everything. Sunday lunch has been a tradition in our home for many years. I will show a few pictures in the near future.
Tomorrow I will go back to work again.
I again need to thank those who have been praying for me and continue to do so during this time of chemo. I am very humbled by it.
Love Trudy
Monday, February 28, 2005
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Day 1 Chemo
Well, yesterday was the first day of my chemo. Have to take four pills in the morning and four after supper. Will keep you posted
I feel great, like as if nothing ever happened to me. I cook, clean, shop and will go to work again next week.
Vacation is over :-(
Is there a way to drag this out a bit?
Just kidding
Thanks for praying! :-)
Love Trudy
I feel great, like as if nothing ever happened to me. I cook, clean, shop and will go to work again next week.
Vacation is over :-(
Is there a way to drag this out a bit?
Just kidding
Thanks for praying! :-)
Love Trudy
Friday, February 25, 2005
Good News!!
This afternoon we both had an appointment with the Oncologist at the Grace.
Ted heard he is still cancer free. He is a walking miracle.In 2001 he was operated for Colon rectal cancer, a year later the cancer had traveled to the liver. The specialist was able to remove that part of the liver with the tumor. This was September 2002 and he has been cancer free since then. The doctors are very, very pleased with the results.
When I saw the Oncologist a month ago, I am pretty sure she said without the chemo there would be no hope for me, today she told us that my blood showed normal.
It seemed today that I had the option to refuse the chemo. But we decided to go ahead with it as planned.
I still feel great have energy and gained 3lb. So we have a lot to thank the Lord for. Thank you for praying.
Trudy
Ted heard he is still cancer free. He is a walking miracle.In 2001 he was operated for Colon rectal cancer, a year later the cancer had traveled to the liver. The specialist was able to remove that part of the liver with the tumor. This was September 2002 and he has been cancer free since then. The doctors are very, very pleased with the results.
When I saw the Oncologist a month ago, I am pretty sure she said without the chemo there would be no hope for me, today she told us that my blood showed normal.
It seemed today that I had the option to refuse the chemo. But we decided to go ahead with it as planned.
I still feel great have energy and gained 3lb. So we have a lot to thank the Lord for. Thank you for praying.
Trudy
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Nice day!
Yesterday was a nice day.
I worked at the office till about 2:00, just about my limit (started at 8:30).
At 4:30 we picked up Monica (my niece) from the Airport. She promised me when I was still in the hospital that she would come to Winnipeg in February.
She brought me a few nice pieces of easy comfy clothes to wear at home.
Then at 6:00 we went over to The McDonald on Regent for Hudson's 4th Birthday party. What a kids and what a noise! I love the fries though!
Something funny happened. Irene (Hudsons Aunt) who comments frequently on our blogs, and a real prayer warrior, for which I am very thankful. She was happy to see me and looking so good. She mentioned reading about my sister Coby going to McDonald in Holland. So I said yep, I wrote a little more about her, read my blog. To which Monica remarked, what is this world coming to, wanna know about me, read my blog, see ye!
Actually, I did not mean it that way, but Irene was standing with a tray of food and I did not want it to get cold, just to talk about me! But it sounded kind 'f funny.
This afternoon we are going to the cancer clinic to pick up my prescription for chemo and we will get the result of Ted's last blood test with that we will find out whether he is still cancer free. He has been now for 27 months.
Trudy
I worked at the office till about 2:00, just about my limit (started at 8:30).
At 4:30 we picked up Monica (my niece) from the Airport. She promised me when I was still in the hospital that she would come to Winnipeg in February.
She brought me a few nice pieces of easy comfy clothes to wear at home.
Then at 6:00 we went over to The McDonald on Regent for Hudson's 4th Birthday party. What a kids and what a noise! I love the fries though!
Something funny happened. Irene (Hudsons Aunt) who comments frequently on our blogs, and a real prayer warrior, for which I am very thankful. She was happy to see me and looking so good. She mentioned reading about my sister Coby going to McDonald in Holland. So I said yep, I wrote a little more about her, read my blog. To which Monica remarked, what is this world coming to, wanna know about me, read my blog, see ye!
Actually, I did not mean it that way, but Irene was standing with a tray of food and I did not want it to get cold, just to talk about me! But it sounded kind 'f funny.
This afternoon we are going to the cancer clinic to pick up my prescription for chemo and we will get the result of Ted's last blood test with that we will find out whether he is still cancer free. He has been now for 27 months.
Trudy
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Wow!
This morning I read in my devotional "Our Daily Bread", I have to mention that, not to give the impression I am so smart! So that Yvonne does not have to say: "holy crap Mom, did you write that?" (See January 27th)
Title is "A reason for optimism"
(But I will condense it.)
Proverbs 17:22 assures us that a merry heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones, (actually, I thinks it dries more than just the bones, but that is beside the point!)
That simple statement was recently corroborated by the extensive research of Dr. Daniel Mark, a heart specialist at Duke University. The New York Times article that reported his findings carried this headline: "Optimism Can Mean Life for Heart Patients and Pessimism Death" The article begins with these words: "A healthy outlook helps heal the heart." In my case cancer and I also had a heart attack in 1996, the specialist could not believe there was no damage, a miracle? Of course it was! So many people were praying for me.
But Dr. Nancy Frasure-Smith, a heart specialist who has studied the effect of depression, anxiety, and anger, admitted, "We don't know how to change negative emotions."
However, faith in God can produce that change.(Happened to me few days ago when I talked to my sis Coby). People who look beyond their present difficulty and put their trust in God's goodness cannot help but be joyful.
The devotion ends with a few lines of one of my favorite songs:
All your anxiety, all your care
Bring to the mercy seat, leave it there;
Never a burden He cannot bear,
Never a friend like Jesus!
The following are my thoughts:
You see, some people have a positive outlook as one of their natural character traits, they see a half full glass, while the majority sees an half empty one. So we need some help here, don't you agree? The Bible offers that.
But......2Timothy 3:7 reads: Always learning and never able to come to the knowledge or recognition of the truth. Not being able to live it, or use it. Like me looking in the mirror in the morning, oh yuck..., got to do something and then walk away. Are you kidding, you will not find me anywhere without my makeup on, just ask Yvonne!
I read a book in 1972, "Power of Positive thinking" by Dr. Vincent Peale. That book changed my life,(besides the Bible that is). Peale showed me how to use the Bible in a practical way.
Trudy
Title is "A reason for optimism"
(But I will condense it.)
Proverbs 17:22 assures us that a merry heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones, (actually, I thinks it dries more than just the bones, but that is beside the point!)
That simple statement was recently corroborated by the extensive research of Dr. Daniel Mark, a heart specialist at Duke University. The New York Times article that reported his findings carried this headline: "Optimism Can Mean Life for Heart Patients and Pessimism Death" The article begins with these words: "A healthy outlook helps heal the heart." In my case cancer and I also had a heart attack in 1996, the specialist could not believe there was no damage, a miracle? Of course it was! So many people were praying for me.
But Dr. Nancy Frasure-Smith, a heart specialist who has studied the effect of depression, anxiety, and anger, admitted, "We don't know how to change negative emotions."
However, faith in God can produce that change.(Happened to me few days ago when I talked to my sis Coby). People who look beyond their present difficulty and put their trust in God's goodness cannot help but be joyful.
The devotion ends with a few lines of one of my favorite songs:
All your anxiety, all your care
Bring to the mercy seat, leave it there;
Never a burden He cannot bear,
Never a friend like Jesus!
The following are my thoughts:
You see, some people have a positive outlook as one of their natural character traits, they see a half full glass, while the majority sees an half empty one. So we need some help here, don't you agree? The Bible offers that.
But......2Timothy 3:7 reads: Always learning and never able to come to the knowledge or recognition of the truth. Not being able to live it, or use it. Like me looking in the mirror in the morning, oh yuck..., got to do something and then walk away. Are you kidding, you will not find me anywhere without my makeup on, just ask Yvonne!
I read a book in 1972, "Power of Positive thinking" by Dr. Vincent Peale. That book changed my life,(besides the Bible that is). Peale showed me how to use the Bible in a practical way.
Trudy
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Revelation?
Two days ago I was talking to my sister Coby in Holland. To talk for an hour is nothing, good thing the rates are so good. Using YAK, it cost 9 cent a min.
She lost her husband about a year ago and in times like these we need each other. So, since I have been diagnosed with cancer she has been great to talk to.
She always asks me how I am feeling, the answer is always the same, great, except for the area of the wound is sensitive, especially when I over do it.
But... I told her I am not looking forward taking the chemo, I don't know what to expect, and I hate being sick. To which she replied: "Now listen you, you are expecting it to be bad, why not expect it to be good. Place your hand on the word and start believing" Well....... that is telling it!
After we hung up I thought about it, I have been so positive, why not with this. I said: "Lord, she is right, I have been confessing something that may not even happen".
It was like a big burden fell of my shoulders, and the negative feeling just left and I am going to approach this in the light of the WORD.
I called her this morning and I told her, well, I certainly made her day.
As I mentioned before, she will be 80 in April, (she acts like 60), but she said, sometimes I wonder am I of any use?. Well, I told her how much she has meant to me. I am sure her children have lots of stories to tell!
Trudy
She lost her husband about a year ago and in times like these we need each other. So, since I have been diagnosed with cancer she has been great to talk to.
She always asks me how I am feeling, the answer is always the same, great, except for the area of the wound is sensitive, especially when I over do it.
But... I told her I am not looking forward taking the chemo, I don't know what to expect, and I hate being sick. To which she replied: "Now listen you, you are expecting it to be bad, why not expect it to be good. Place your hand on the word and start believing" Well....... that is telling it!
After we hung up I thought about it, I have been so positive, why not with this. I said: "Lord, she is right, I have been confessing something that may not even happen".
It was like a big burden fell of my shoulders, and the negative feeling just left and I am going to approach this in the light of the WORD.
I called her this morning and I told her, well, I certainly made her day.
As I mentioned before, she will be 80 in April, (she acts like 60), but she said, sometimes I wonder am I of any use?. Well, I told her how much she has meant to me. I am sure her children have lots of stories to tell!
Trudy
Friday, February 18, 2005
Baby Sitting
Since Yvonne and Jason went to Kansas City. I am looking after Aila. They took Anneka along. They are having a good time. There were no problems at the border. Anneka slept most of the time.Untill last night at around 9, while they were having dinner in a restaurant, she decided she had enough and wanted to go home. Yvonne took her to the apartment. Mammie she said: "I ment home, not here!". Yvonne had to explain that this was home for a few days.
This morning Anneka was ready to go. To day is shopping in the Plaza day, and Wal-Mart of course for Yvonne.
Tomorrow is going a full activity day with meetings etc.
This morning Aila had a playdate, some friends have a little girl a week younger than Aila, so this was nice for all of us.
Aila is very easy to look after. She goes to bed at 6:00 and wakes up at around 7:00 am. Then she goes down at 10:00 again for a nap.Of course Treehouse is on a lot, as long as there is music she is very much interested. Of course we sing a lot. This reminds me of the time Yvonne was small, how time flies.
Trudy
This morning Anneka was ready to go. To day is shopping in the Plaza day, and Wal-Mart of course for Yvonne.
Tomorrow is going a full activity day with meetings etc.
This morning Aila had a playdate, some friends have a little girl a week younger than Aila, so this was nice for all of us.
Aila is very easy to look after. She goes to bed at 6:00 and wakes up at around 7:00 am. Then she goes down at 10:00 again for a nap.Of course Treehouse is on a lot, as long as there is music she is very much interested. Of course we sing a lot. This reminds me of the time Yvonne was small, how time flies.
Trudy
Monday, February 14, 2005
Sheltered?
Yep....I am!
SHELTERED IN THE ARMS OF GOD
I FEEL THE TOUCH OF HANDS SO SOFT AND TENDER,
THEY'RE LEADING ME IN THE PATHS THAT I MUST TROD
I HAVE NO FEAR FOR JESUS WALKS BESIDE ME
AND I'M SHELTERED IN THE ARMS OF GOD.
CHORUS
SO LET THE STORMS RAGE HIGH THE DARK CLOUDS RISE
THEY WON'T WORRY ME
FOR I'M SHELTERED SAFE WITHIN THE ARMS OF GOD
HE WALKS WITH ME AND NAUGHT OF EARTH CAN HARM ME
FOR I'M SHELTERED IN THE ARMS OF GOD.
YES... I'M SHELTERED SAVE WITHIN THE ARMS OF GOD.
I woke up during the night with the lyrics of this song, and again it came to my mind first thing when I woke up. Don't you just love that? Music has ment so much to me as long as I can remember. So often, a song gets me closer to the Lord than a sermon!
I grew up a large family, (who didn't in those days), but I was the one who loved to sing and perform. I remember singing in church when I was 5 years old. I had learned in English at school"God saved the queen". Remember this is in Holland where I grew up! Since our home was an "open home" and my Mom was the Baptist evangelist in a total non Christian neighborhood. She would not miss a change to love somebody into the Kingdom. I remember in the evenings (and often during the day) the small livingroom being busy and I could perform whenever I felt like it! I was often told how cute I was which added to my self confidence I'm sure!
When I came to Canada to get married to the love of my life. I still would sing doing dishes, vacuuming, or in the car. Soon the little ones came and singing became the norm. Driving in the car, taking baths or before bedtime, but it had to be in harmony. Soon Ron 6 and Paul 3 were singing alongside me in Senior homes or in churches no matter which denomination, were and when ever we were invited. I played the autoharp, Ted the bass, soon Ron learned to play the guitar and Paul the drums. There we were doing what we could do best! When Yvonne came into the picture she would very enthusiasticly practice with us several times a week. But as we'd set up in a church,(by then we had a truckload full of equipment) and people started coming in, she would change her mind! Only after she got saved at the early age of 6 did she do her part, solo or harmony, as were the RULES!
How come we stopped we have been asked. When children come to a certain age it has to be their conviction and not the parents. It became now our duty to pray for them, and to allow the Lord to use them in any way He seemed fit. They all continued in music one way or the other and have spouses who have the same interests. As you can imagine, we are double blessed! Because I am human, we are so proud of all six of them.
Yes we were know as "The Decock family singers"
Love Trudy
SHELTERED IN THE ARMS OF GOD
I FEEL THE TOUCH OF HANDS SO SOFT AND TENDER,
THEY'RE LEADING ME IN THE PATHS THAT I MUST TROD
I HAVE NO FEAR FOR JESUS WALKS BESIDE ME
AND I'M SHELTERED IN THE ARMS OF GOD.
CHORUS
SO LET THE STORMS RAGE HIGH THE DARK CLOUDS RISE
THEY WON'T WORRY ME
FOR I'M SHELTERED SAFE WITHIN THE ARMS OF GOD
HE WALKS WITH ME AND NAUGHT OF EARTH CAN HARM ME
FOR I'M SHELTERED IN THE ARMS OF GOD.
YES... I'M SHELTERED SAVE WITHIN THE ARMS OF GOD.
I woke up during the night with the lyrics of this song, and again it came to my mind first thing when I woke up. Don't you just love that? Music has ment so much to me as long as I can remember. So often, a song gets me closer to the Lord than a sermon!
I grew up a large family, (who didn't in those days), but I was the one who loved to sing and perform. I remember singing in church when I was 5 years old. I had learned in English at school"God saved the queen". Remember this is in Holland where I grew up! Since our home was an "open home" and my Mom was the Baptist evangelist in a total non Christian neighborhood. She would not miss a change to love somebody into the Kingdom. I remember in the evenings (and often during the day) the small livingroom being busy and I could perform whenever I felt like it! I was often told how cute I was which added to my self confidence I'm sure!
When I came to Canada to get married to the love of my life. I still would sing doing dishes, vacuuming, or in the car. Soon the little ones came and singing became the norm. Driving in the car, taking baths or before bedtime, but it had to be in harmony. Soon Ron 6 and Paul 3 were singing alongside me in Senior homes or in churches no matter which denomination, were and when ever we were invited. I played the autoharp, Ted the bass, soon Ron learned to play the guitar and Paul the drums. There we were doing what we could do best! When Yvonne came into the picture she would very enthusiasticly practice with us several times a week. But as we'd set up in a church,(by then we had a truckload full of equipment) and people started coming in, she would change her mind! Only after she got saved at the early age of 6 did she do her part, solo or harmony, as were the RULES!
How come we stopped we have been asked. When children come to a certain age it has to be their conviction and not the parents. It became now our duty to pray for them, and to allow the Lord to use them in any way He seemed fit. They all continued in music one way or the other and have spouses who have the same interests. As you can imagine, we are double blessed! Because I am human, we are so proud of all six of them.
Yes we were know as "The Decock family singers"
Love Trudy
Nuthing?
I have to keep this blog up to date, but what can I say, not much is happening. I feel good, today we went to church. Sitting up straight for an hour or so I find a bit uncomfortable.
This afternoon we went for a visit to our son Ron and Lynne and our two beautiful grandsons. I had bought each a car one red one blue. Of course they were trading as somehow the red or the blue one looked better in bros hand! Little Evan was talking away and he is only 24 months old. The boys play so well together. To watch them gives me an other reason to beat this cancer.
Lynne made a delicious meal for us with home made "Rollo" icecream for dessert. That will fatten me up! Thanks Lynnie for such a nice meal on the spur of the moment!
I have been doing a lot of work on the laptop. Tuesday I will go in to the office and work with Debbie to clear some stuff out of the way.
January is also our year-end and that means a lot of extra work for me. Since I don't know how I will be feeling once I start the chemo (in two weeks), I am trying to do as much as I can. So often I even work in the evening.
I am so very thankful to the Lord for giving me the strength and joy of living. It is great to be alive. To have my family around me.
Please keep on praying that while on chemo, the quality of life will be as it is today. May God bless you.
Love Trudy
This afternoon we went for a visit to our son Ron and Lynne and our two beautiful grandsons. I had bought each a car one red one blue. Of course they were trading as somehow the red or the blue one looked better in bros hand! Little Evan was talking away and he is only 24 months old. The boys play so well together. To watch them gives me an other reason to beat this cancer.
Lynne made a delicious meal for us with home made "Rollo" icecream for dessert. That will fatten me up! Thanks Lynnie for such a nice meal on the spur of the moment!
I have been doing a lot of work on the laptop. Tuesday I will go in to the office and work with Debbie to clear some stuff out of the way.
January is also our year-end and that means a lot of extra work for me. Since I don't know how I will be feeling once I start the chemo (in two weeks), I am trying to do as much as I can. So often I even work in the evening.
I am so very thankful to the Lord for giving me the strength and joy of living. It is great to be alive. To have my family around me.
Please keep on praying that while on chemo, the quality of life will be as it is today. May God bless you.
Love Trudy
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
That's family!
Just remembering!
Some 10 years ago my two sisters Coby 68 and Bertie 58 went to a McDonald’s in Holland to have lunch or something. After ordering from "the behind the counter friendly face trained to look you straight in the eyes" girl said: "Will that be seniors?" To which Bertie, highly insulted replied: "I don't look that old do I?" When Coby quickly interjected: "Yes please make that seniors, I am 80" to which the "look straightly and smiling into the customers eyes" girl said: "Oh my goodness you look so young!"
Trudy
Some 10 years ago my two sisters Coby 68 and Bertie 58 went to a McDonald’s in Holland to have lunch or something. After ordering from "the behind the counter friendly face trained to look you straight in the eyes" girl said: "Will that be seniors?" To which Bertie, highly insulted replied: "I don't look that old do I?" When Coby quickly interjected: "Yes please make that seniors, I am 80" to which the "look straightly and smiling into the customers eyes" girl said: "Oh my goodness you look so young!"
Trudy
Next step
Today for the first time I went to the office.
This is a new milestone.
Also today it was six weeks ago since I was there last, (42 days) and tomorrow it would be 42 days I actually went to the emergency in St Boniface Hospital. A lot has happened since then. I have come a long way! Did all that actually happen to me????
Even though I was at the office only about four hours, Debbie and I cleared a lot of stuff. Tomorrow she is taking the day off, she sure needs it, it has been tough on her. So I will be going in for most of the day.
I still feel good, and positive, yet realistic as I was just telling my niece Nelly. Me being positive is a lot easier on the family. Can you imagine me moping all day, what kind of testimony am I to them and everybody else. Besides, it wouldn’t be much fun being around me.
I have to admit, I still need your prayers, and I rely on them! I rely on the Lord, His strength, I rely on my family. I am not super woman. I so appreciate the love everybody has shown to me. My husband has been most understanding, catering to me. He makes a wonderful cup of tea with cheese and crackers and coffee with something!
Love Trudy
This is a new milestone.
Also today it was six weeks ago since I was there last, (42 days) and tomorrow it would be 42 days I actually went to the emergency in St Boniface Hospital. A lot has happened since then. I have come a long way! Did all that actually happen to me????
Even though I was at the office only about four hours, Debbie and I cleared a lot of stuff. Tomorrow she is taking the day off, she sure needs it, it has been tough on her. So I will be going in for most of the day.
I still feel good, and positive, yet realistic as I was just telling my niece Nelly. Me being positive is a lot easier on the family. Can you imagine me moping all day, what kind of testimony am I to them and everybody else. Besides, it wouldn’t be much fun being around me.
I have to admit, I still need your prayers, and I rely on them! I rely on the Lord, His strength, I rely on my family. I am not super woman. I so appreciate the love everybody has shown to me. My husband has been most understanding, catering to me. He makes a wonderful cup of tea with cheese and crackers and coffee with something!
Love Trudy
Friday, February 04, 2005
It's over
Yep, I have not blogged for a while, but my Birthday is really over!
Had a very nice day though, many calls from my family in Holland, friends from around here. Lots of cards, flowers and gifts. Hey, I don't mind that at all. Thank you everybody!
I am feeling good, getting stronger every day, thinking about going into the office next week. I have been working at home on the laptop. Thank you to Ron for doing all the work so that I was able to do this. It has been a great help to Debbie who had to continue where I left off when I got sick. Debbie and I spent a lot of time on the phone as I guide her through some of the accounting secrets! She is doing a good job, well done Debbie, I am so proud of you!
Trudy
Had a very nice day though, many calls from my family in Holland, friends from around here. Lots of cards, flowers and gifts. Hey, I don't mind that at all. Thank you everybody!
I am feeling good, getting stronger every day, thinking about going into the office next week. I have been working at home on the laptop. Thank you to Ron for doing all the work so that I was able to do this. It has been a great help to Debbie who had to continue where I left off when I got sick. Debbie and I spent a lot of time on the phone as I guide her through some of the accounting secrets! She is doing a good job, well done Debbie, I am so proud of you!
Trudy
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