April 24, 2022

 I am behind in my posting as we have had a busy couple of weeks and some additional challenges with Tom’s health. After we sent Tom’s blood work and PSMA test results to Doctor Kulkarni in Germany in preparation for our next trip this month and an actinium treatment, we received an email from him stating that they were sorry but they could not do the treatment as Tom’s platelet count was too low. We had not been monitoring his blood platelets and so had not noted that they had dropped significantly. Dr, Collingridge became involved and required more blood testing and then when the count dropped to 10, he told us we needed to get to emergency for a blood and platelet transfusion. It was Thursday afternoon before Good Friday and Cindy suggested we go the Surrey Memorial hospital. She came with us and got us on our way, to the point where I could only go on with Tom. We were finally admitted for care and put into an emergency private room. It was after midnight before the the first of two bags of blood were given to him and one bag of platelets. That is a total of 5 hours of transfusions or essentially the whole night. Liza and Keaton drove down that evening and stayed at our house. I spent the night with Tom and they said they wanted him to remain so they could monitor his count. Liza came to the hospital to stay with Tom during the afternoon and Keaton and I returned home so I could have a sleep. I returned later for the evening and Cindy then came in to stay the night. Tom’s platelets stayed up and in the morning, now Saturday, when I returned, they discharged him. Their emergency is huge and was very busy and they didn’t want Tom staying in longer than necessary and getting sick. He seemed to be feeling better with his blood boost. Brendon and the other Burgess children had now driven down to spend Easter with us. They were all good and helped with yard work and planting a new bush in the front to replace one that died through the winter. We loved having some different meals prepared for us. Liza stayed a couple of days after her family left and then drove back by herself. We really appreciate all the children and grandchildren and their attentiveness and help.

We were busy this week dealing with all that we seem to need to deal with. We went to the Temple to do a session. I cannot hold Tom back. We got blood tests and they determined toward the end of the week that his platelet count was extremely low again and we went back into the hospital, this time to Langley, to receive more platelets. We anticipate that we may need to do this twice a week but have to get some kind of schedule going. The doctors seem to want to establish that schedule too. His tummy has been so upset and limiting his eating that the specialist wants to give him an endoscopy to check things out but we have to have his platelets up to accomplish that. Nothing happens without the platelets up. We went for a blood test today, which is Sunday, in order to evaluate the platelets and qualify for another infusion before Wednesday when the endoscopy is scheduled. Trevor is on his way to be with us this week but he forgot his passport and it has to be couriered to him in Bellingham before he can get here. We need his help this week. This path is not for the faint of heart. Tom is tired, weak and losing weight as a result of his diminished appetite. He wants me to drive now and we only put our energy into appointments and the Temple. He served as the sealer at the Temple yesterday afternoon and truly gives his all. I do my best to monitor him.

So many people are so kind and so many are praying for us. We feel it and it lifts and carries us.

April 12, 2022

 Roger’s burial and funeral service were last Tuesday and it was all lovely. His three children Leonard, Richard and Kristina prepared and did everything. They invited us to go to the graveside service at the Fort Langley cemetery. He had been cremated and they buried him in a beautiful spot under a tree. It was all very simple with just family, us and Jesse Leavitt there. It was a sunny day but a little chilly. The funeral service was held later at the chapel and again was done nicely with John, Richard and Leonard speaking and granddaughters singing. We are going to miss our dear friend Roger but we are grateful that he is able to move on now without pain and illness. We love him.

Tom has had a difficult week with significant pain in his left leg and for awhile in his chest. It seems to come and go in different spots. The pain is draining on him and does not respond well to painkillers. We have managed to attend the Temple and also work our Saturday afternoon shift. He seems to rally for the Temple and in the Temple. We are hoping for and praying for some kind of pain relief and direction for further treatment. I am trying to up his nutrients in an attempt to improve his blood platelet level. His nose is bleeding a little and that is an indication of low platelet counts. Some cancer treatments are unavailable when those counts are low so we are eager to talk to the oncologist Dr. Suo on Thursday to get some insight and understanding on how to move forward. We are hoping some radiation can be done on his leg as that can help with pain and strengthen bone and we would really like to to get his platelet counts up and return to Germany. We had a bad day on Monday and he couldn’t keep food down but he insisted on doing his Tuesday morning Temple shift as sealer. He did it, weary though he was, and I stayed with him the whole time. His nose started to bleed under his mask toward the end but he is stoic and determined to be of benefit in the Lord’s work. We took him on Thursday to receive his 4th covid shot. I wish I had asked that they do mine as well.

Life is challenging but we move forward with faith and a deep love for the Lord and for each other and for His plan. People are so kind with prayers, messages, phone calls and love.

April 7, 2022

 It has been a difficult week for us but we feel very blessed in so many ways. We had a wonderful General Conference on the weekend and oh how that lifted our spirits and gave us hope. We have a remarkable Prophet who serves alongside remarkable leaders, all working to our benefit with sincere desires to accomplish the Lord’s work. We personally have also been blessed with remarkable children who rally to our aid and support, keeping in touch with us, offering love, insight and suggestions.  We have the Temple that offers us reprieve from the world and hope for the world to come. 

Joanne was out walking Jeff’s dog when the dog spotted a doggie friend across the street and took off with Joanne racing behind. She fell and broke her hip and has had to have a partial hip replacement. The accident happened on Friday and her surgery took place on Sunday. Jeff has stepped up to take care of Dave doing all the driving and cooking. Joanne is the caregiver for Dave but Jeff is doing a fine job. She has had some dizziness and bladder infection but she is starting to improve. Dave keeps us up to date on things and I have talked to her a couple of times and sent flowers. 

Heather called to say that Rex is in the hospital and probably will not be coming home. They have been living in Cardston these last few years to be close to the Temple. Heather says he has been falling lately and his mind is a little confused. Aging is a very difficult time for all of us.

Tom had his PSMA pet scan last week and his blood test and we sent the results to Germany and Dr. Kulkarni to see it we qualified to return to Germany for further treatment - this time using actinium rather than lutetium or a combination of both. We received word from Doctor Kulkarni Monday morning saying they could not proceed at this time as Tom’s blood platelets have dropped. He would like him to try to get the count up and return at a later date. We were very disappointed but have made an appointment with our oncologist Doctor Suo to discuss what other steps we can be taking. Also on Monday, his left knee and femur very suddenly developed sever pain and Dr. Collingridge suggested we get an X-ray to determine if he had developed a cancer fracture. Cindy left work early to drive with us to the hospital and he had the X-ray done. We prayed and prayed that day and our family prayed. The next day the pain was essentially gone and the X-ray indicated no fracture. Truly a miracle. His tummy has been upset for about a month and he had an ultrasound Tuesday morning. That test indicated that there were no problems seen. The children have suggested that he may have developed gluten intolerance and we are now trying to have him eat gluten free. Paul gave him a lovely blessing on Sunday after General conference and we are hoping to claim those blessings mentioned. President Nelson said we should have faith to expect miracles and we have certainly had them and are expecting more. We don’t know what form they will take but we are expecting them.

I could write pages extolling the virtues of my precious husband. I have always felt beyond blessed to have him as my earthly and eternal companion. I have always felt no couple could possibly love each other more than we do. He loves and serves the Lord, loves and serves his family and his fellow man and he loves and cares for me. He has taught me more about the Savior and Christlike behaviour than anyone I have ever known. He is completely selfless and without guile. He is a humble “gentleman” in every respect.