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.

March 29, 2022

It is Liza’s 43rd birthday today and they are in Disneyland for Spring Break. She FaceTimed while we were eating lunch and we had a nice chat. She is going to run a half Iron Man race while she is in California. Her hips are bothering her though so we pray she will be okay.

Larissa’s family arrived last Tuesday and we were excited to have them. They were able to do some things with Cindy’s family such as the Trampoline Park, which the boys loved, and a trip exploring the area around Fort Langley. Ross and Sarah came in one evening and we all went to White Spot for dinner and came to our house for a visit. Wyatt and Colton were able to get their “pirate pack” dinners. Cindy took Larissa, Tom and I for brunch in Fort Langley to celebrate our birthdays and that was fun. Because our new stove had not arrived we went out to eat or ordered in and we managed. We were just glad they were here. Scott kindly  put a railing on our our stairs going out into the garage. The stove arrived on Friday after they left of course.

We served on our Saturday Temple shift and Tom performed sealings all afternoon. He loves it but it was tiring. I helped Maria Cerna receive her endowment. She grew up in Burnaby Ward with her family and Cindy was her Young Women President and she loves Cindy. She has married and been inactive in the Church but her husband became interested and joined the Church and she is thrilled to be back and hopefully to bring her parents back. Special day for her and for me.

Tom had a PSMA pet scan on Monday to determine if he can return to Germany for further treatments. We are hoping and praying that we are able to go back. The scan showed that the cancer has spread in the bones but not in soft tissue areas and that in one area there has been a burnout or spontaneous regression. He has emailed the results to Sabine in Germany. This could be a discouraging journey but we are determined to move forward positively. His stomach is really bothering him and he has no desire to eat and he normally loves food. He has made an appointment for a stomach ultrasound.

We had a small group on our Sunday family zoom but we were so grateful for our wonderful oldest grandsons, three of whom put the effort in to be with us. Max was at work or he would have been there too. We are so blessed to have our wonderful family.

March 22

 I had a very nice birthday with calls and birthday wishes from the children and Joanne. Tom worked very hard to make me a lovely “Eggs Benedict” breakfast and he took me shopping later. I bought some new shoes. Tom was the sealer in the Temple that Wednesday evening and I always go with him but he insisted that I attend the Relief Society Birthday party at the church with Cindy. I missed him so much and just wanted to get to the Temple to meet him at the end of the shift. We went out for dinner the next day at Beatniks in Fort Langley to complete my birthday celebrations. 

We had a fellow come on Thursday to check our gas furnace and fireplaces. It was to cost $210 for the visit but with repairs and parts it was closer to $750. Oh, dear! We visited the naturopathic Doctor Lemmon in Burnaby on Friday. He specializes in cancer treatments and he gave Tom a number of suggestions for extra supplements, juicing and such. We will give some of these things a try. We visited a chiropractor in Langley to see if he had some suggestions for Tom’s back pain but he was limited in his capacity to help due to Tom’s cancer. We don’t want to damage any of his already compromised bones in his back. We went Tuesday morning for Tom to receive laser surgery on his eyes to allow the fluid in them to drain. He was in and out of the office in literally minutes and now we wait to see if it is beneficial. 

Our challenge came Tuesday with delivery concerns of our new induction range - also for my birthday. They had called Monday to let us know they would be delivering Tuesday morning. Tom told them we would need a later delivery as Wayne Lavender could not come until after 1:00 when his morning Temple shift ended. They said they would talk to the the Brick manger and arrange it in the morning. After Tom’s eye surgery the delivery people called twice saying we are on our way and we said “no”, it had to be after 1:00  and the plumber’s visit. We attended a Temple session and Wayne came over to turn the gas off the stove. I gave him some lunch and we had a visit. Later in the afternoon when now stove delivery was happening, Tom phoned and they said that they had come at 1:00 and we weren’t home and they could not deliver until Friday. Tom said we should probably cancel the order and I drove down to the store. I wasn’t having much luck until an older lady started to help me and she and another gentleman said they would check with their manager tomorrow morning to see how they could help us but we now had a disconnected stove and Rissa’s family arriving any minute. We were both very disturbed especially when Tom checked on our front door film footage and noted that no delivery people had been there all day.

We were excited to have the Bulls this week and they arrived Tuesday evening. Lacking a range, on which I had planned on making dinner, we ordered pizza. Just glad they are safely here.

Tom’s tummy is still upset and really affecting his desire to eat. It just seems as though he has one thing troubling him after another. We just keep praying, hoping and trying to do our best. He is remarkable and still works to keep serving in the Temple.

March 15, 2022

 It is the day before my 72nd birthday and I have already received flowers from my ministering sisters and cards from Joanne, Eric Muir, the Relief Society presidency and Carol Jones. Celebrating in advance. Tom wanted to know what I wanted for my birthday and I said a new stove so we went to the Brick and put in an order for a new Samsung double oven induction range which should come in about six weeks. I had been looking at GE Cafe stoves but they said the wait for that model might be up to a year. Rissa just ordered all new Cafe kitchen appliances and they arrived in about two weeks but that is in the USA where they are made.

They have lifted the mandate to wear masks indoors but due to Tom’s lowered immunity we will continue with masks. They are still wearing them in the Temple however and in medical situations they are required. Limits on numbers in church gatherings has been eliminated too. Covid still goes on but people and the economy are tiring of restrictions and the government is turning responsibility over to the people.

Tom keeps being asked to take on more standing responsibilities in his Temple service and he keeps accepting and miraculously (literally) he seems to do fine. His back is still bad and his pain down his leg bad. Standing is the most difficult thing for him to do but in the Temple he manages. His tummy has been bothering him lately and he is not enjoying eating as much which is concerning as I try to keep weight on him. We are talking to  naturopathic cancer doctor this week and have an appointment with a special chiropractor who doesn’t do bone cracking adjustments. Hopefully the naturopath has suggestions to protect his organs from intense treatments and support his immunity and the chiropractor can help his back and sciatic pain.

Jack seems to be doing well on his mission and is making adjustments. Sianne broke up with him after his departure to the MTC but he seems to coping. Max got the accounting job he interviewed for in Australia so that is wonderful. Trevor is adjusting to his new job in Charlotte, North Carolina. He works remotely. It is spring break and Rissa and her family are coming to visit next week. Liza and her family are going to Disneyland next week and Liza will be running an Ironman race in California. Cindy and family are doing staycation activities with Sam and Treyvn only gets a week off. We watch Zach’s hockey games when he is playing. Our baby Treyson has cold. We pray for these children all the time and hope they feel our love.

It is two years ago tomorrow, on my 70th birthday, that we were returned home from our mission due to covid. We expected to go back out in a couple of months. We could not have imagined what the next two years would bring. Grateful for the Lord and his guiding hand and my wonderful husband who has taught me more about Christlike behaviour than anyone else in my life.

March 8, 2022

 Our missionary Jack arrived safely in Benin, Africa and is now experiencing jet lag, culture shock as well as climate shock. He flew from Salt Lake last Tuesday with his companion, Elder Greer, stopping in Minneapolis, and Paris before arriving in Africa and connecting with his mission president and wife. He is remaining in Benin and has a companion from the Congo. They are living in a four elder apartment with the other two elders being Americans. This will be an experience for him. They are riding bikes to their numerous appointments each day and had six investigators at church on Sunday. Very different experience than that had by his brother Ross in the Winnipeg mission. The traffic is crazy and his companion does not really speak English. French it is.

Our little Treyson was blessed on Sunday in Enterprise, Utah at his mother’s home ward. Trevor and Tammie flew out for the blessing and we were able to zoom in. Treyson and his father Justin both did very well. JayLynn has a large family and many came to participate so the circle was large. We made the decision to go down the weekend before and have our time with them as we realized that the blessing weekend would be busy with many people around Tom who is immune compromised at the moment. We were happy to be involved by zoom.

Zach was in Texas playing hockey this weekend and caught a stick to the mouth during one game and has two broken front teeth. There goes the orthodontic’s down the drain. His grandfather is not happy, especially because he was not wearing a mouth guard. He had a root canal that night after the game on one tooth and his pain is minimized until he gets home. Oh dear!

Bryson was accepted into UofA, Wyatt’s team won their hockey tournament, and Max has a job interview this week in Australia. We pray for and love them all. 

We carry on with Temple service and attendance and with our cancer concerns. Brother Beaumont asked Tom to officiate a session on Saturday as they were short on workers. Tom agreed even though he would be required to stand for long periods. He did it and did well so I am told. He was thrilled but his leg has been hurting since. There is no stopping him and we continue to pray for pain relief and cancer relief. Sandra Barroby brought us dinner one evening and others continue to phone and message us almost daily. Mary Harvey had appendix and bowel surgery this week and we try to be mindful of others like her that need our prayers and concern. Where much is given much is required and we have been given much.