1 month

It has been one month since we lost mom, and it still seems so sureal at times. I find myself questioning "did this really happen". It really did happen. Since we lost mom, we have worked really hard to clean out mom's house, which will be sold. It has been a very hard process, because not only the physical work to move everything out but emotional as we went through mom's life her house. Please pray for us as we to our best to get things moved out, and cleaned up. Please pray that my brothers will find the time, and the funds to get everything moved out to Aaron's place.
We keep plugging away, and missing our mom, we live one day at time, some times hour to hour, but we get through each day. Please pray for our continued safety, and health.

Alida, and Family

3 weeks

It has now been 3 weeks since we lost mom, and we are all headed back into life. We have all had a huge change in our lives, especially Philip. Who is now living with my dad and grandmother. This transition seems to be going well. Please pray for him as the reality of life starts to sink in.
Loosing our mom has really made us realize the importance of every day and also that life needs to be lived with a positive attitude, it can make the biggest difference in dealing with each day.
We want to strive to live better lives. We also want to live long, and live well, and happy.
We all miss our mom very much, for Aaron and I mom was our sounding board, our friend and the one who gave us advice, love and support. It is very different now, and we both feel very robbed of her love, and her presence.
I will admit it is hard not to be mad at God, for allowing us to loose our mom in the middle of her life. It seems unfair, unjust and unreal. However it is real, this is the new reality, and I keep wondering if this ache in my heart will ever go away.
I talked once to my mom about how important she was to me, and in the context of the conversation we were having was about putting my trust in God, and I was finding very hard to do in the midst of infertility. She asked me if I had made her my God. I was shocked at first, but I realized she was right. I trusted my mom with everything, because she would give me answers, a hug, or a kind word of support. In the midst of great heart ache being childless I had made my mom more important than my God and Saviour. This all took place before she was diagnosed with cancer the 2nd time. I had to work very hard at making sure that my mom stayed my mom, and not put her before God because all though she was my hero, she was still human, and she was dying of cancer. My mom is gone now, and my sounding board is missing, my hero has flown the coop, gone on to bigger and better things. Now I must put my trust in my heavenly father, hard to do, when I don't understand the reasons that my mom is not here. At first I was at peace, but now my heart just aches, and my spirit is crying out God for support, love and understanding. My best friend is MIA in the Heaven's, Praise the Lord! But I am here, mourning, collecting all the stones that I have thrown. One day at a time, mom said, so I live one day at a time.

Please continue to pray for us, please pray for peace, assurance and courage to face each day with Joy, love and Hope.

In Christ's Love,

Alida and Family

Life must move on.

It has been just over 2 weeks since we lost mom, we have wepted, gone through many a kleenex, We have laughed, got frustrated, and missed our mom. Last week us kids and my dad spent the entire week packing, moving and going through my mom's life. At times it just didn't seem fair that we were going through mom's house deciding who gets what, and going through mom's life with a fine tooth comb. There were things that we learned about my mom that we did not know, and there were things that reminded us about the love my mom had for us kids.
The memorial service was perfect for mom, and we could not have been more proud of our mom on that day. What a relief it was to have the memorial service done and over with.
My husband Tom and I and our Baby Tori, are back in Ontario, just got home last night. Over the last two weeks we really have not had the chance to real mourn, so over the course of the next while who knows what emotions will be unveiled.
We have been overwhelmed with all the love and support since the passing of our mom, daughter, sister and friend.
Mom's ashes are buried at Eden brook Cemetery, I am not sure of the plot number but mom is in good company at least that is what the lady said that works at the cemetery.
It is hard to believe that my mom is really gone from this world. I keep thinking I should phone mom and tell her that we got home safe and sound. I will miss talking to my mom everyday, the advice she was always willing to give, and the warmth of her laugh. People often say, you forget what her voice sounds like, I have her laugh, and I want to laugh, so that I will remember that her blood, love and hope lives in me.
Please continue to lift up my brothers and myself, and the rest of family in prayer, the mourning does not stop after the funeral. As we learn to live in a new normal, one with out our mom, it will bring days of anger, sadness, frustration, but I also pray that it will bring us days of hope, joy and laughter too, as we live to remember our mom. Our hero. The mighty mouse.
I was not sure if I should keep the blog going, but I will, for who ever wants to keep up on Mom's crew!
May the Peace of Christ dwell in you this day!

Alida, and Family

Memorial Service

Our family is busy planning and preparing for wilma's funeral. We have much to do yet before this happens. However the basic's are arranged.
Mom had asked that there be no visitation or viewing.
The Funeral will be held:

11:00am on Friday, October 8
At Emmanuel Christian Reformed Church
3020 51st Street SW, Calgary Alberta

A light Luncheon will be held after the service.

The burial of the urn will be for immediate family only prior to the memorial service.

Flowers may be sent to: 4231 45th Street SW.

We wanted to also thank all the love and support that we have recieved. We are truly amazed with the out pouring of love on our family. Through facebook, and phone calls. We feel very upheld in prayer and support.

With Love in Christ,

Alida, and Family

"Welcome Home Wilma"-Jesus

Today my mom passed into Glory at around 3:45 pm on October 2nd, 2010. She died peacefully in my brother Aaron's arms. Words can not describe the feeling of our hearts.

I sit here trying to write the right words down, and my heart is heavy and it is hard to see through my tears. But I promised I would finish this journey with mom, and so I must see this blog through.

Mom fought hard, with every resource she had, however cancer won the battle, but mom won the war. She believed and so do I, that no matter what the outcome was, she was going to win the war. She leaves behind a family that loved her dearly, friends that admired her truly, and co-workers that appreciated her talents, and her love of nursing, teaching, and life.

Our family would love to thank all those who gave mom your true support, love, encouragement, food, a laugh, and company. The decline of her health was faster than expected, and yet our family is relieved that her suffering is over. As she lay at rest, she looked peaceful, relieved, and content. This is something that we have not seen in a few weeks. Although our hearts ache and our minds begin to think of the work that will need to be done in the coming days, we are at peace in knowing that Mom went to be with her declared King of Kings our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

In Mom's Bible beside her bed, she has James 1 tagged. I would like to share with you James 1:12:

"Blessed is Wilma who endured a great trial for when she stood the test she received the crown of life which God has promised to her, because she loved her God.

"Welcome Home Wilma Welcome home"

We do not know final funeral arrangements at this time, but once we know I will post them on the blog.

With Love in Christ,

Alida and Family

Come to Jesus by Chris Rice

My uncle (Wilma's Brother) was driving home the other day and this song came on the radio, his eyes filled up with tears, just as mine do every time I hear this song. This song is so hard to listen to, but at the same time it gives me peace and hope as well...Hope it works, please let me know!

God Bless,

With Love in Christ, Alida, Wilma and Family

Thank you for the meals...but one request!

We have truly enjoyed all the meals that people have been bringing to oma's house. They have been fantastic.

However mom with a very sensitive gut must stay away from Corn, and Corn products. This includes corn on the cob, canned corn, cornstarch, cornmeal. Mom asks that if you are going to bring a meal for them to eat, that it needs to be corn free. Again we want to thank all those who have brought meals, even the ones including corn :)

The meals have been a great help to oma, and she is truly thankful. However mom can not have the corn.

Today was a very rough day, mom has been very uncomfortable. This was NOT caused by corn, but corn does seem to aggravate her IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome). Her bowels are not cooperating and this is creating havoc for mom.

I know that it may seem like a ridicoulous request, but mom needs prayer in the Guts department. Her bowels are soooo SLOW, she needs to get that moving better. So this is a specific request that you pray that mom will be able to move the bowels without to much discomfort. Mom was in a fair bit of pain because of the gas that is being stored in her guts.

Time is precious and we would love to have mom have her time here on earth to be comfortable.

It is incrediably hard on our family to see mom in such discomfort, that is uncomfortable to a normal healthy body, with the size of the tumors and its growth, mom's tummy has no room for stored up gunk. Please pray for mom today as we hope for a better day, and pray that she will get a good nights sleep.

Thank you, and God Bless,

Alida, Wilma and Family!

Photo's

The Cat likes to catch a ride with mom, on the walker...lazy feline!

We went for a walk with mom when she was in the hospital, down the path around Glenmore lake
First time meeting baby Tori " Baby Joy"

Sunshine

We all in Calgary are taking in the sunshine. It always brings some life back into people. Mom has had a few good days in a row. Praise the Lord!! However sleeping at night is still not great. Please pray that she will find comfort when she sleeps to get a sound sleep. Mom is so dependent on getting a good night sleep. Yesterday mom was sitting outside in the sun, although cool, the sun is a nice friend to see again. :)

Mom did get her new bed, and we are still waiting for the wheelchair. Us kids and mom are hoping to get to the mountains some time soon, however we make no plans and we just go with the flow.

The last few days when mom does well, the rest of us do well as well. It has been so hard to watch as cancer reeks havoc on mom's body. Mom however is not loosing weight anymore, but she not gaining either. She needs to put on some fat now. Being home from the Hospital has made a difference for mom in the food department. She had one of her favorite meals Rice and Ragu...Curry sauce and she had 2 helpings...GO MOM!!

Please pray for continued strength for mom, and for the rest of us as well. This road is going to be so hard, and have many ups and downs and curves along the way. Who knows what lies ahead. We just pray in the Hope of our Lord, that he will be gracious unto us, and grant us his peace.

God Bless,

Alida, Wilma and Family!

Day in, Day out!

Everyday seems to be different from the one before. Mom is very dependent on her sleep, if she does not sleep well, you can guarantee that it will not be a great day. Mom's antibiotics are making her very green around the gills. Mom has her good days and her not so good days, it is so different from one day to the next. She get tired so easily, from the simplest things. However mom did go for a walk to the end of the block and back!! That is a HUGE accomplishment. She is trying to be active to some degree. Mom will be getting a hospital bed, as well as a custom wheelchair as well. This will hopefully improve comfort for sleeping as well as increase her ability to get out and about.

Mom has been needing lots of naps through out the day to help give her a little boost. If you would like to visit mom, we do ask that you call ahead to my grandparents. 1-403-249-8138. We also ask that if you have a cold or flu or feeling under the weather, that you stay away until you are well. Mom still has a very weak immune system, and can not afford to be ill... Keep your buggies to yourself.... said with all the love in the world!

Tom and I are staying at Mom's(wilma's) house while mom is under the care of Oma and Opa.

We thank all those who are helping with meals, flowers and prayers!! It has been amazing all the support that we are feeling, the empathy as been overwhelming and we are truly grateful, that we are in the prayers of so many people!

Specifics to pray for: That the vomiting and nausea would cease! That the swelling in her feet would decrease.

Also we continue to ask for healing, we pray for time, we pray for the strength to get us through each and everyday. We pray that we who are caring for Wilma will not get burnt out, that we would be able to stay strong together as well.

God Bless,

Alida, Wilma and Family!

Home.

Today mom returned home, with the help of home care, and the pallative team mom is able to return home, she is remaining on the medications that she is on, but all of them are oral, which is a good thing! Mom is still very weak, and very tired most of the time. She is very glad to be home, to sleep in stillness, and to eat REAL food!! Please continue to pray for mom, as the weakness is frustrating. Mom prays for time, for peace, and for healing, please do the same.

God Bless,

Alida, Wilma and family

Laughter is the best medicine...

We often get caught up in our daily lives and forget to laugh. Now that Mom is in the situation that she is now, we love to hear her laugh. It is a sound that I want to treasure, and many other will as well. I often sound like my mom when I laugh and I have always secretly loved it. I am so fond of my mom, she is my best friend, my hero, and was always my security net, and my health adviser. If you have really funny stories to tell, please tell them, if you have a great joke please share it. Spend as much time as you can laughing!!
Mom had another really good day, as far as the cancer it is still advancing, however from the point of the infection that seems to be clearing up. Moms temperature today was normal. They started with a steroid treatment today to help bring the swelling down in the liver. This seems to have made some difference already. Mom was able to eat her whole dinner, this is the first time in quite awhile. The comfort measures seems to be working!! Praise the Lord. Please pray that this all continues to work, as things will change, that is a guarntee. So things may need to be adjusted as time goes on.
Please pray for continued strength and peace. Today mom had physio, more to make plans as to what she may need as far as equipment goes when she is able to come home. Mom will only be coming home if she remains fever free, responds well to the steroid, also only if she is comfortable with the idea of being home and confident that she can be home, with the support of home care and family.
Please pray that Everything will fall into place as far as financially as well for mom, as this is the realilty of the situation. As well as preparing for the future without her, a hard reality to face, however we must plan for this as well. We are still a young family and so things will have to be worked all out, please pray for peace when planning, both the financial reality, but also the personal belongings, and the emotions that all this will bring up. Please pray for us as we deal with this as a family. It is going to be hard for all of us, dealing with the reality is very hard.
We give thanks to our God and King for all the support that our family has recieved and will continue to ask for that support.

God Bless,

Alida, Wilma and family

Where were at...

Mom is at the Rockyview Hospital still, and things are going better, and worse all at the same time. Mom s cancer has spread, it is now through the diaphram and into the right lung, as well as in the abdomin. They are hoping to get mom home hopefully this weekend, barring that she remain fever free the rest of the week. Home care and Pallitive care is being set up so that mom can enjoy what time is left in the comfort of familiar surroundings. She will be staying at Oma and Opas house, for now, other back up plans are also in place, if and when things change.
Mom was up and at em today. She was up and dressed, she is speading time reading Gods word and spending time in prayer and enjoying every day that God is giving her on this earth. She is truly enjoying Baby Tori, and just cant stop smiling when she has Tori in her arms, she talks so highly of her as well, and she glows when people see Tori in her arms and she says this is my first grand baby, Victoria! Makes my heart leap for Joy. Mom calls Tori her baby Joy!
Spending time as a family is so important to us right now. We love to laugh together and we cry together too. There is a song that says...Say what you need to say....so important in the face of terminal cancer.
I asked mom if she felt like she was fighting a loosing battle and she said physically yes, Spiritually no, has it thrown it for a loop for sure, but we will put our hope in the everlasting life that God has promised those who choose to follow him. ( Titus)
As we her family and friends watch helplessly as Cancer takes over her body, we find some moments to be so difficult and we just wish that she would get better. However cancer is part of this world, but so is the support and love of family. Please know that all your thoughts and prayers help us not to feel so alone in this very difficult time as we watch the Mighty mouse, fight for her life, and fight for time, and physical comfort.

Also she does not mind to have visitors, however please plan on keeping your visit fairly short as exhustion is a part of the process, mom tipically has an afternoon nap around 3 pm, and again just after dinner. Moms bulletin board in her room is filling up with cards and Mom loves it!
Mom is in Unit 82, room 8220 Bed #2. She is on the 8th floor.
Keep the prayers coming!!!

God Bless!

With love in Christ,

Alida, Wilma and family!!

Update!!

Yesterday Evening (Friday Sept 3rd) Mom ( Wilma)was admitted to Rockyview Hospital with a fever and what seems to be an infection, and quite severe pain. At this point we do not know where the infection is, but what we do know is that mom is stopping treatments.
This means that mom will be kept as comfortable as possible. She currently getting pain killers and is much more comfortable. I do believe that she is in the ICU.
Her body can not take anymore treatments, now we pray for a miracle.
I recently watched the video of the benefit concert and Mom said to pray for her with With the knowledge that we serve a mighty God who said that if we ask for it and believe we will recieve it. We ask for time, for strength, for pain control, and for peace.

Our Mighty mouse gave it one good fight, now we pray for good days to remain!
We ask for your continued support both financially as well as with prayers and your love. This is a very difficult time for our family and for mom. Please pray that the cause of the infection may be found and doctors will be able to figure out the plan to treat and combat it.
Please pray that mom will remain strong so that Tom and I and baby Tori will make it out there.
My Dad and Grandma are coming to Ontario to visit, and then we will be heading out to Calgary, where our stay will be determined as the days go by. We will be leaving for Calgary before next weekend. Please pray for safety as we travel.

We ask for your continued prayers, and we ask that you lift mom up every time you think of her or anyone else who is fighting against this horrible disease called Cancer!!

I will keep the blog updated as much as I can.

With Love in Christ,

Alida, Wilma and Family

Thank You!

LOVE LIFE- Benefit Concert

There will be a benefit concert held in honour of Wilma called
Love Life.
It will be held on:
Saturday, August 21 at 7:00pm
At Emmanuel Christian Reformed Church
3020- 51st Street SW
Calgary Alberta

A trust fund has been set up at:
TD Canada Trust
Account Information
Deposit to Acct: 8098-6503603
cheques payable to:
Glen Klassen in trust for Wilma Van Hooft
Cheques can be mailed to:
Wilma Van Hooft
4412 8th Ave SW
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
T3C 0G7

Glen Klassen has kindly set this account up with wilma and his role will be that he has the ability to transfer money from the Trust Account into wilma's own account. He himself has no access to her money, he can only transfer on behalf of Wilma, between her accounts. We are so grateful that God has placed this on Glen's heart to help facilitate this Trust Fund Account for Wilma.

Please Continue to Pray for mom as Treatments begin, please pray for strength. Also we wanted to lift My brother Aaron in prayer. Aaron is currently suffering from Anxiety attacks and Depression, and was admitted to the Hospital. Please lift him up in your prayers as well. This is a very difficult time for him. Please Pray that the doctors will be able to find a medication that works for him, as well as teaching him techniques to deal with the stress of life. Also pray that he would find peace and that the stress of life would be lessened, and that some of his worries would be lifted in the coming weeks!

Take Care and God Bless!!

Hope to see you at the Benefit Concert!!

With Love in Christ,

Alida, Wilma and Family

Victoria Grace Kroesbergen

Mom is officially a Nana!!

Victoria Grace was born August 4th, At 5:05pm

weighing 7 pounds 13 ounces, and is 20 inches long. She is very much loved and cherished, and although mom is unable to see her yet, the love is felt. Every day mom reads a blessing over little Victoria on Speaker phone. These moments are treasured by me, mom and although Victoria may not understand the words, God's love is being poured out through his spirit. Our family is richly blessed by this precious gift of life. Thank you for all the prayers. Please continue to pray for mom as tomorrow Mom will receive her Iv port in Canmore. Please pray that goes well. Please continue to pray for healing!

God bless,

Alida, Wilma and family

Still waiting!

Mom is still not an official Nana yet, but we are trying to work on that. I have taken many a walk, mowed the grass on our riding lawn mower, castor oil....Not advised!! ;) Raspberry leaf tea, and among other things, but still no Baby K. Every time I call mom, I can hear the anticipation in her voice. But Baby K is deciding to cook for a little while longer, the dinger has not dinged yet.
Mom does have more news as to the up coming treatments that she will be recieving but she would like to write some thing up again for you all to read, so that is yet to come. What we do know is that mom will be recieving a "port" for the Chemo treatments on Aug 13. And Chemo treatments will start August 18.
There is also as special event being planned at Emmanuel CRC in Calgary on Aug 21, for Mom, more details on that coming as well.
There has also been a trust fund set up for mom, to help off set some of the finanical strain. I will post exact details for that shortly as well. PLease Continue your prayers!!
Mom had a fantastic weekend with our family, and felt refreshed. Please continue to pray for strength for mom, as the cancer continues to take alot of energy out of her body, making the work week more challenging and exhusting!
We are all however very much excitedly wait for the arrival of Baby K, this is a long wait coming, and mom and family have been an incredible support through the trials of infertility and we so look forward to adding another member to our family. Please pray for peace of mind, and a safe delivery, and a healthy happy baby!

God Bless,

Alida, Wilma and Family

Our Inspiration!

Over the last few days, I talk to my mom everyday some times a few times during the day. Mom never ceases to amaze me with her strength, faith and hope. She continues to stay active, although the tumors are causing discomfort. Sleeping is sometimes difficult and uncomfortable for mom, please pray for restful sleeps at night, as this is the bodies best way of healing.
This week my mom's brother John and his wife Joanne are in Calgary from the State of New York. It is not to often that my Oma gets to have all 4 of her Children in the same province, these times when they are together are always special.
Tom and I are due to have a baby on July 26th, that is 8 days away, please pray for peace of mind and heart as I am so far away, and mom is so far away from me as well. This is a very joyous time, but a hard one too, as the distance keeps us apart. However we are planning on using technology to the best of our abilities with WiFi'ing from the Hospital, with a laptop and camera. Mom is soon going to be Nana, this is Big deal and very exciting for all of us!
We continue to ask for your prayers, and we ask that you continue to ask for healing, good days, and plenty of laughter and Joy!

God Bless

With Love in Christ,

Alida, Wilma and Family!

Dealing with the Reality

In the past few days I personally(Alida) have been working through the reality of the situation. I have had my very sad moments, my angry moments, and my moments of hope, and seeking to find celebration in each day. I know that many of my family members including mom have done the same, and we will continue too.
The true reality is very hard to take and I find myself wanting to deny the sad happenings around me. I would really like to be the ostrich that sticks its head in the sand, and pretends everything is just fine, however it's not. But the reality is, is that mom is still here, despite not knowing what the future holds, mom is still with us, still living, breathing, and loving us. That is the reality that I want to think about. Tomorrow will probably come, and we will deal with it then, but looking ahead to far is to scary right now, and its not mine to see until we get there.
We hold fast to the promise of life that God has given us through the victory over death, won by His Son Jesus Christ. No matter the outcome, God's love and grace has been poured out on us through his son. In this situation, we pray for a miracle, and know that there is a gift in everyday we live, we just need to choose to see it.

" Living in the moment means letting go of the past, and not waiting for the future. It means living your life consciously aware that each moment is a gift".
--Oprah Winfrey

We are all in need of daily prayer, and support, we have felt this so much already. As we live each day we will need prayer for the sad moments, grace in the angry moments, and we all hope for a miracle!

With Love in Christ,

Alida, Wilma and Family

Mom's update.

Yesterday I went to see the ocologist to see what the plan of action would be to treat the cancer. It was with great hopes of maybe a cure with Chemo radiation and surgery to treat the cancer. Last week however I found two new small lumps in my neck which I brought to the attention of the oncologist. Apparently these were seen on the CT scan as well but were considered borderline. Since then they have grown enough to be able to feel them easily. Anyways these new lumps are a sign that the cancer is spreading to other parts of my body. Therefore aggressive treatment with chemo radiation and very aggressive surgery may not be in my best interest, since a cure may no longer be possible and it may not really prolong my life, and it would be with great suffering. The final decision will be made by the team of 4 physicians who are treating me. The doctors would like to do a biospy of the lumps on my neck to make a positive diagnosis of this being cancer. The treatment option is looking more like still undergoing Chemo therapy to control the symptoms of the cancer with the goal to be to prolong my life for as long as possible but still have some good quality of life. Many people respond well and are able to enjoy a couple more years of life. I don't know more details as of yet but we will keep the blog updated.

I can not tell you how difficult it is to write these words and what sadness fill my heart to share this new with you all who care so much about me. I continue to press in prayer for a miracle of healing. I pray for wisdom in the many decisions I will need to make and how to live in this space of incredible uncertianty. I am reminded of the Isrealites when they crossed the Red Sea. Here they were in a desert with so many people. No food. No water. No home. God promised that they were going to inhabit the Promised Land and he would care for everything. They had to trust him and live in anticipation of being settled on day. God gave them a cloud to shade them from the hot sun in the day. and light at night, food and water and all they had to do was to go about thier day. remembering and worshiping the Lord thier God. I believe I crossed the Red Sea when I had breast cancer and I witnessed God's goodness in many ways. Now I must live in anticipation of what lies ahead even if I don't know what that looks like; Knowing God will take care of everything. I invite you to come along with me, let us continue to live and enjoy what God has generously given us. Let me share in your joy and your troubles, don't hide them for fear of hurting one another. Let us all LIVE; ruthlessy trusting in our loving Father.

With Love in Christ,

Wilma

Blog to be updated later today

I will update later today, but for now please pray for mom,( wilma)and our family as we have lots to process.

The right words to say are sometimes hard to find or express when all the information we were given has not been processed emotionally, spiritually and physically.

With Love in Christ,

Alida, Wilma and Family

One week till oncology appointment!

Today marks one week till mom will meet with the oncologist. Mom said that she really wants to get started on this Chemo as soon as possible. That statement coming from a cancer survivor is a big deal, mom knows what chemo is like...Not fun. But she wants to move forward into the treatments so that the fight against this Liver cancer can be waged.
The stress of the situation is really hard. Please lift up my brother/son, Aaron in prayer, he has had a really tough year to begin with, and now with the added stress of having a very ill parent has been very very hard on him. He is in great need of support and prayer. I was talking to my oma( wilma's mom) and we both said that we have our days where we can handle it fairly well, and other days are filled with multiple melt downs. There are moments when we want to just yell at God for allowing mom to have to go through cancer again, and we just don't understand why. That seems to be the universal question when things don't go the way that we think it should. However we must trust that God has a plan, regardless of the outcome, He does have a plan. As always continue to pray for mom, and our family. Please pray that the chemo therapy will start as soon as possible, the longer they wait the bigger this liver tumor grows. Mom went to her family GP, to get some medication to help with the acid Reflex that the tumor is causing because of the pressure that it is pushing up on mom's stomach.
We thank you again for all the prayers and support that mom is and has recieved.

With Love in Christ,
Alida, Wilma and Family

One day at a time...

As we wait for the oncology appointment life goes on, one day at a time. Mom is surrounded by people that she loves and they dearly love her. Today mom, Philip and Opa are putting in mom's new kitchen cupboards, mom has been living in a bit of a kitchen Chaos, but soon mom will have a much more organized kitchen. Mom has been feeling well enough to continue to work, and go for walks and stay busy at home as well. This is a true blessing. Tom and I had an emotional, but very rewarding week with my family, but we are glad to be home again, but I am missing my mom horribly.
The Baby K count down is on, 31 days and counting. Mom's very dear friend Fran, who has lifted mom, Tom and I up for a long time as we prayed for a baby, prayed for blessings on our new little one. This little one comes into the midst of a pretty stressful time, but we have faith that God will gaurd this little one. Mom is so excited about meeting this little one that we have prayed for, and asked for, for 5 and 1/2 years. This is a very special little one, and I can't wait to put our baby in Nana's( Mom) arms.
Right now, it is one day at a time, we take each moment as it comes. There have been and there will be many tears yet to fall, but we know that God has heard our cries, and we must put our faith, and mom's life into his hands. Please continue to pray for mom that every moment of her day would be filled with His Goodness and Grace.
Pray for Tom and I as we await this baby's arrival, and pray for peace as I wish that mom and I could be alot closer together.

With Love in Christ,
Alida, Wilma and Family.

Liver Specialist Appointment

Today mom went for her appointment with the Liver specialist. As far as the Scan goes the liver specialist said today that there was nothing else within her body that he could see at this time, final results are still to come. There are 3 tumors in the liver one very large one and 2 smaller ones in a different area of the liver. To do surgery right now is not an option. This means however that mom will have to undergo 3 months of Chemo therapy. Mom would require a dramatic response to the Chemo therapy before surgery on the liver could be considered. Mom has an appointment with an oncologist( Cancer doctor) on July 7, to decide further treatment of the colon cancer, as well as the tumors in the liver. The goal now is to shrink the tumors in the liver as well as in the colon before operation is possible. Please pray that mom will respond very well to the Chemo, that the tumors will shrink, so surgery maybe possible. The liver specialist commented to mom that all hope is not lost, and to continue to be positive. Please also pray for peace and patience as we wait to see the oncologist, and that mom will continue to feel well, and not loose weight. Loosing weight is a struggle for mom during stressful times and also the tumors demand a lot from the body, so please lift mom up in prayer that she will want to EAT!!! We are so thankful for the kind words and prayers that we have been receiving, keep them coming!! We feel the strength that your prayer provide, and we feel God's grace and favor even in these trying circumstances.

With Love in Christ,

Alida, Wilma and Family.

No News yet from the CT scan

So mom had her CT scan today, and we will not know any results for probably a few days. We will keep you posted when we hear more news.
This week has flown by, Tom and I will be heading back to Ontario tomorrow night, on a red eye flight, please pray for continued safety for us and baby, as the same risks apply since our flight last friday.
This week has been a hard week, and yet a week filled with family love, hope and strength. I am blessed, as well as mom with an amazing family, and amazing friends. It has not been easy and it will continue to be very difficult at times for all of us, as we deal with the loss of mom's health, and all the roller coaster of emotions that come with that loss. We surround mom with support and love, and I know that she feels it, and she is so thankful for all those who are praying for her. Her request is that we stand united and pray that there are no other tumors else where in her body.
It is very hard at this stage, because we want things to happen fast, but that is not always the way that things go. Mom( wilma) has another appointment tomorrow with the liver specialist. This appointment is at 10:45am please pray for mom as this is an important appointment that will hopefully give us a little more insight as to what is going on inside the liver.
Tomorrow Tom and I leave and we leave with heavy hearts, but we leave knowing that our Heavenly Father that loves us, that mom is well cared for, and well loved. We hope to return once Baby K comes into the world which is due to happen July 27. Until then please pray for me and Tom as being so far away can be very difficult. I often wish I had wings and could fly on a moments notice, especially now. Mom is still going to work, and is keeping busy.
The tumor is beggining to cause her discomfort, so we ask for prayer that this tumor would stop it's growth.
There are lots of prayer requesting coming forward, but we ask knowing that God hears our cries. When Hillside community church stood around mom praying it was one of the most incredible things, we all felt the power of prayer and the love of a community. It was so special, not just to mom, but to all of our family. We thank all those who prayed for us that day, and we thank you in advance for your continued prayer.

With Love in Christ,
Alida, Wilma and Family

Alida comes home/Church Service prayer

Alida and Tom arrived safe and sound on Friday evening, no blood clots in the legs during the flight( complication of pregnancy and flying), and fairly smooth flight. On Saturday Tom and I ( Alida) headed for mom's house. I (Alida) was greeted with the Biggest Hug I have ever recieved from my mom. With tears in her eyes, as well as mine, we embraced. It has been a long 16 months that we have been apart. There is nothing in the world like a mommy hug...Nothing! I didn't want to let go, and neither did she. :)

Monique ( Sister) and Dave and their boys were also here in Calgary for the weekend, this was very nice for all of us to get together but we were missing John( Brother) and Jo and their Kids. But we knew that they were here in Spirit.

Today being sunday we went to church all together to Hillside Community Church, where mom is a member. The sermon seemed to be right pointed at us, I am sure many others were touched by it as well. It was about Prayer and being persistent in Prayer because praying through trials allows you to Grow to know Christ in a deeper level then you have ever known.

During the last few days, we have ( our family) felt that we were perhaps upset, even "grumpy" that we have to go through this again. Mom and her sister bought T shirts with the grouch on them, and there are moments were being angry and upset are not a bad thing it is all a process of grieving the loss of knowing that you are healthy. I think the picture explains the true ups and downs. Being grouchy, and yet with a smile on their faces. The true paradox of emotions. Praying may not always be easy, because like Pastor Geoff read, Jesus prayer in the Garden, "Lord if it be possible will you take this cup from me, but, not on my will, but yours be done". It is the second part of this verse that really got me today, brought me, and mom to tears. Not my will but yours be done. Trusting that God's will and plan are for the best no matter the outcome. I find this very difficult to do, I want my mom better, we will continue to pray and ask that mom will be healed, but I can't help think what if that is not God's will, can we live with that. This is the reality with dealing with cancer, it is scary, frustrating, but like Geoff said, we keep on praying because we need to. Christ wants us to be in a deeper relationship with him, and that can be done through persistent prayer, and faith. Please pray that the cancer is no where else in mom's body. Also please pray that the doctors will know how best to treat Wilma( Mom). Please continue to pray for our family, and the roller coaster of emotion that we are on. God Bless!

With Love in Christ,

Alida, Wilma and Family

Waiting for the CT scan

Well we are now waiting for the 23rd, this is the day that Mom will have her CT scan done. This is a scary scan, just because hopefully this scan will tell the doctors and us, exactly what is going on inside mom's body. We are all nervous about this scan, but know that God has a plan.
over the past 4 days it has been sinking in ever so slowly, the seriousness of the situation, we pray for healing, and the oppertunity for treatment as well. Mom is in better spirits at moments and then we have our sad moments again. Tom and I are leaving for Calgary tomorrow on an evening flight from London Ontario. Please pray for peace of mind, and that No blood clots will form in the time of the flight, this is a risk for any pregnant women so we ask for prayer.
We have not heard anything more from the surgeon, or any of the other doctors treating mom. We believe that they are all waiting for the CT results before any decision regarding treatment is made. For now mom continues to go to work, and stay as active as she can. Having been through this once before mom, has Uped her Vitamin D dosage, this helps the body make good healthy cells to fight of the Bad cancer cells. We are so thankful for the support that we have recieved again. Just to know that we have people that are supporting us through prayer and action helps to let the heart be some what at peace. Please continue to pray for our family, my youngest brother Philip is in the midst of Grade 10 final exams, he also just turned 16 on June 16, it has been a very tough week for all of us, but I think it is very hard for him. Our mom is his world. We have all had our tearful moments, and our moments of laughter. Tom and I are looking forward to seeing the family as it has been 16 months since I have seen my family, I can't wait to get a Mommy Hug!!
Keep the prayers Rolling!!

Love in Christ,
Alida, Wilma and Family

More Bad News

On June 14th Mom (Wilma) went for an ultrasound of her liver, and another mass was found.
This is a very large tumor, and appears to be rapidly growing. This is very life threatening, and has us all upset, and caught us unprepared for more heart breaking news. We have recieved many words of encouragement thus far and please keep them coming. For myself and my brothers this is very hard and I know I keep feeling like this isn't real, but it is. Please pray that things at Mom's work will be figured out as mom recently started a new job. Also pray for courage for her, Yesterday was a very difficult day and was truly overwhelming for mom as she had to tell more bad news to those she loves. PLease pray for saftey for me, Tom and baby K as we are headed to Calgary this friday( June 18) I can't wait to give my mommy a hug with my big round belly which she has wanted to see, and now will get the chance! Please pray for my grandparents as this is devastating news and no parent ever wants to see thier children hurt, no matter how old they are.
I will continue to keep the blog updated with news of treatments or appointments, or results.
Keep the Prayers Rolling!!

With love in Christ, Alida, Wilma and Family!

We are in the Fight again, against Cancer!

A few weeks ago, mom had called me to let me know that she was going to be having a colonoscopy, to rule out Colon cancer as she had some symptoms of colon cancer for a couple of months. On wednesday June 9th, 2010, Wilma (Mom) was diagnosed with in fact Colon cancer.

It is back. It is a fairly large tumor, care and treatment is moving ahead quite quickly. Mom will be having a CT scan on June 23rd, unless her surgen says other wise. This scan is to pin point the cancer, but to also make sure that there are no other tumors in her body. She will also be having an ultrasound, as well as Chest and abdominal exrays(I believe). Blood work will also continually be checked. Mom will be having surgery again, when, I will keep it posted.

We are all still in shock, mom is sad, and frusterated, but staying as postive as possible. Most of us are angry that mom has to go through this again. We must all lean not on our understanding because I personally don't have any of the situation. Alida( me) and my Hubby(Tom) are expecting a baby in 6 weeks, mom was really hoping to be there shortly after the birth of her first grandchild. Things look like they will be changing around. This news has shocked our friends and Families once again, however we must stand united behind Wilma(mom). As one of her Friends Kathy had said, "We are not taking this lying down, we are going to fight". Please re-join our family in prayers and support to help mom battle cancer once again.

One Year Later

Well we have reached 2010, it has been over a year since mom was diagnosed with Breast cancer. She was courageous and brave, she had her share of meltdowns along the way, but she along with the strength of her Saviour mom came out a Victor over cancer. I have seen an incrediable women over come the big "C". I also witnessed Christ's Love, understanding and Hope during the last year. Mom's journey is not complete as she is still looking at the the real possibility of having reconstructive surgery done yet. I hope to continue to keep this blog up for those who are facing breast cancer and those that may. It has been a tough year for many of us, but God has been faithful. Other news to report for mom is that she is Lord willing going to be a "Marmie" aka: Grandma. Many prayers have been answered and I, Mom and many others are truly thankful to a Good and faithful God. The fear of cancer returning is always there, but we will journey forward with the promise that whatever comes our way He, the king of Kings will be there! Happy New Years 2010!! May God richly Bless you and your family.

Alida, Wilma and Family!