Dec 15 '14
As you can see on the date we are already halfway December and Christmas is just around the corner.
In our last blog we mentioned that Jane was accepted for the post approval clinical trial with the drug Afatinib, pending that subsequent tests would produce results that were within the parameters the drug manufacturer stipulates. In the appointment on December 3 we reviewed all the daily documentation the drug company requires, as well as x-rays were taken and together with the last C/T scan taken in Owen Sound, will be the bench mark for the analyses of any future testing.
The most common side affects for this drug are loose stools and serious skin irritations, both of which are not a serious problem so far. Think you know what is part of what we are praying for. Again we are most thankful for all of you who hold us up in prayer and other ways.
Looking forward to meet with our children and grandchildren for our family Christmas. It has been some time since we were all in one place. But we are not complaining about some of them living aways from us. I ,Marinus, moved an ocean away from my parents and they never said a cross word to me about it. Are so blessed to see them live their lives with purpose and are thankful, for them letting us be part of their families lives.
Closing with wishing you all a most blessed season and God be with you till we meet again, either in person or by way any of the ways we communicate these days if distance prevents us from meeting face to face. With love Jane & Marinus.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Thursday, November 13, 2014
A new course of action.
Here we are almost halve way in November with the possibility of snow in the forecast.
Last week our oncologist Dr Aboo shared with us the results of the latest CT scan and there is what the radiologist called an Interval Progression and concern that the Alimta is becoming less effective. Aboo shared that he had expected to be at this juncture way back in late 2012 and therefore this did not come as a surprise to him.
His recommendation is to go with a treatment called Erlotinib or Tarceva.
It is a targeting drug and comes in pill form and is taken daily.
He also shared that he would support us in getting a second opinion and that brought us to London yesterday where we met with among others Dr Vincent, who shared that if Jane met all the critartia she could be enrolled in an approved clinical study treatment offered by the drug manufacturer for Afatinib which is a "turbo" version of Erlotinib thru the London Cancer Clinic.
This will run in 28 day cycles and for the duration of 12 months and can be extended after that without the burden of providing the information the study requires us to collect.
Jane with my and Monic's (she was with us at the meeting) support decided to seek enrolment.
There does not seem to be a great change in how Jane has been feeling overall for the last while.
It seemed to all of us as prudent to make the change at this time.
Dr Vincent said up front that he cannot heal Jane from this, but thru eye contact between the three of us we regonized we know the One who can.
So we accept the available medical treatment but continue to pray for God's intervention and are so appreciative of all of you who are standing with us in this.
We often reflect on Jane's 60th birthday last year and our 40th wedding anniversary last June which are both unforgettable for us. Thank you again for all of you who celebrated these events with us.
YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!
We continue to look for the good things and blessings in every day.
If we do not get to update this blog before the Christmas season we wish you all a very blessed holiday time. Let us all remember that ==JESUS is the reason for the season==.
Marinus and Jane
Last week our oncologist Dr Aboo shared with us the results of the latest CT scan and there is what the radiologist called an Interval Progression and concern that the Alimta is becoming less effective. Aboo shared that he had expected to be at this juncture way back in late 2012 and therefore this did not come as a surprise to him.
His recommendation is to go with a treatment called Erlotinib or Tarceva.
It is a targeting drug and comes in pill form and is taken daily.
He also shared that he would support us in getting a second opinion and that brought us to London yesterday where we met with among others Dr Vincent, who shared that if Jane met all the critartia she could be enrolled in an approved clinical study treatment offered by the drug manufacturer for Afatinib which is a "turbo" version of Erlotinib thru the London Cancer Clinic.
This will run in 28 day cycles and for the duration of 12 months and can be extended after that without the burden of providing the information the study requires us to collect.
Jane with my and Monic's (she was with us at the meeting) support decided to seek enrolment.
There does not seem to be a great change in how Jane has been feeling overall for the last while.
It seemed to all of us as prudent to make the change at this time.
Dr Vincent said up front that he cannot heal Jane from this, but thru eye contact between the three of us we regonized we know the One who can.
So we accept the available medical treatment but continue to pray for God's intervention and are so appreciative of all of you who are standing with us in this.
We often reflect on Jane's 60th birthday last year and our 40th wedding anniversary last June which are both unforgettable for us. Thank you again for all of you who celebrated these events with us.
YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!
We continue to look for the good things and blessings in every day.
If we do not get to update this blog before the Christmas season we wish you all a very blessed holiday time. Let us all remember that ==JESUS is the reason for the season==.
Marinus and Jane
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Here we are with summer behind us and the fall season almost up on us. Our weeks continue to be marked by blood tests and oncologist appointments every 3rd week with blood tests and pemedrinate thrown in every 4th week. Dr Aboo is still pleased with Jane's current condition and suggested that a cake would be appropriate when she will be at treatment #50 (she is at treatment 35 next week).
We are both thankful for the summer we had which was marked by the challenge of harvesting hay (it has been a good summer for gardeners in our area) ,weeks at the cottage, visits in moline, Lon ydon,Crown Point and Jenison. Went with Marcel to the bi-annual IMTS machine tool show in Chicago. Yes the machinist is still in there. We blessed to be part of our children and grand children's lives watching them as they raise there children to serve Him.
Noah last year and Gideon this years have publicly confirmed to want to live their lives for Jesus. PTL
Last weekend we started on installing a lift in our house in Dornoch. A shaft had been part of the original house design. An acquaintance from our brother in law Henry Swinkels, had taken this unit out of a home near Niagara. So last week Friday Henry and I started to try piecing the parts together, since others had taken it apart and the info was limited. So Dan one of the Ahmish men came to bust out the cement (part of the foundation of the lower fire place). A big job even with the jack hammer. The Saturday was marked by installing the tracks, hydraulics and the core components of the electrics with the help of an expert and his daughter. Henrietta and Judy did a looooot of dusting from Dan and the concrete saw he used the day before. In the next 2 weeks I have to shorten the lift box floor and install upper track stops and install exit doors at both levels.
As I am writing this we are sitting on the deck at the Swinkels cottage on Horseshoe Island near Orillia spending a few days with them and Jane's brother Bert and his wife Deb.
Life is still good and are thankful for every day we receive out of His hand.
Love you all and thank you so much for your interest and concern for what goes on in our lives.
Thank you soooo much for your prayers too, we know that they effect our lives in a positive way.
We are both thankful for the summer we had which was marked by the challenge of harvesting hay (it has been a good summer for gardeners in our area) ,weeks at the cottage, visits in moline, Lon ydon,Crown Point and Jenison. Went with Marcel to the bi-annual IMTS machine tool show in Chicago. Yes the machinist is still in there. We blessed to be part of our children and grand children's lives watching them as they raise there children to serve Him.
Noah last year and Gideon this years have publicly confirmed to want to live their lives for Jesus. PTL
Last weekend we started on installing a lift in our house in Dornoch. A shaft had been part of the original house design. An acquaintance from our brother in law Henry Swinkels, had taken this unit out of a home near Niagara. So last week Friday Henry and I started to try piecing the parts together, since others had taken it apart and the info was limited. So Dan one of the Ahmish men came to bust out the cement (part of the foundation of the lower fire place). A big job even with the jack hammer. The Saturday was marked by installing the tracks, hydraulics and the core components of the electrics with the help of an expert and his daughter. Henrietta and Judy did a looooot of dusting from Dan and the concrete saw he used the day before. In the next 2 weeks I have to shorten the lift box floor and install upper track stops and install exit doors at both levels.
As I am writing this we are sitting on the deck at the Swinkels cottage on Horseshoe Island near Orillia spending a few days with them and Jane's brother Bert and his wife Deb.
Life is still good and are thankful for every day we receive out of His hand.
Love you all and thank you so much for your interest and concern for what goes on in our lives.
Thank you soooo much for your prayers too, we know that they effect our lives in a positive way.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Monday, June 23, 2014
40th anniversary
June 23 '14 40 Years plus one day. Yes yesterday was our 40th wedding anniversary which we celebrated the day before. Chemo had been postponed for a week for that reason. Started planning around a month ago with a list of what we would need and invitations were printed and sent out.
From our perspective the day was great. The Sall's and the Heene's came the night before. Don't know how he did it, but Justin got 18 holes in before 10 am. Monic and Christine with help of their spouses Justin and Kevin did a ton of work. Getting food prepared and things set up outside.
Jane's sister Henrietta came up early and help out where she could. The weather was outstanding ,
sun and a light breeze. Kelly came up with Lucas, her mom and her grandma.
Benjamin is still dealing with US immigration and cannot cross the border like the rest of us do.
(Your prayers for that situation are much appreciated). Marcel and Shelly both had operations recently and were unable to come. So we missed their girls too.
Think all in all we were with close to 100 in attendance. Quite a few watched the World Cup games of that day in the great room. There were lots of cold ones on hand to complement the snacks and later the burgers and sausages.
Jane and I had such a good time, seeing family and so many good friends from both Mnt Brydges and Owen Sound. You bring true joy in our lives.
We know ourselves so blessed with having all of you as part of our lives both near and far.
Around Jane's last chemo date she got a light skin reaction on her face. We suspect that it is from the pre and post chemo meds, as she just got it again tonight. She says it does not bother her only that it feels a little warm. Ada Haasnoot went with Jane today for her blood work, pamidranant and Dr interview. Dr was pleased with results of the CT scan taken 2 weeks ago. So chemo tomorrow. That will probably mean that next saterday/Sunday could be more uncomfortable for her.
That has been the pattern so far. Starting next week Saturday we hope to go to Solfstra's cottage for a couple of weeks but that could be interrupted as Kelly is expecting for mid July. That will be our 12th grandchild. Wow, that too blows Jane and me away. Praying that all goes well with Kelly and the baby. Lord willing next blog more.
Wishing you a great summer. Be safe, live wisely and remember , forget about changing yesterday (you can't), tomorrow is no certainty for anyone. so that leaves us with to day,
LIVE IT TO THE FULL! Marinus & Jane .
P.s . live each day as if it is your last, someday you will be right. (Quote from Steve Jobs)
From our perspective the day was great. The Sall's and the Heene's came the night before. Don't know how he did it, but Justin got 18 holes in before 10 am. Monic and Christine with help of their spouses Justin and Kevin did a ton of work. Getting food prepared and things set up outside.
Jane's sister Henrietta came up early and help out where she could. The weather was outstanding ,
sun and a light breeze. Kelly came up with Lucas, her mom and her grandma.
Benjamin is still dealing with US immigration and cannot cross the border like the rest of us do.
(Your prayers for that situation are much appreciated). Marcel and Shelly both had operations recently and were unable to come. So we missed their girls too.
Think all in all we were with close to 100 in attendance. Quite a few watched the World Cup games of that day in the great room. There were lots of cold ones on hand to complement the snacks and later the burgers and sausages.
Jane and I had such a good time, seeing family and so many good friends from both Mnt Brydges and Owen Sound. You bring true joy in our lives.
We know ourselves so blessed with having all of you as part of our lives both near and far.
Around Jane's last chemo date she got a light skin reaction on her face. We suspect that it is from the pre and post chemo meds, as she just got it again tonight. She says it does not bother her only that it feels a little warm. Ada Haasnoot went with Jane today for her blood work, pamidranant and Dr interview. Dr was pleased with results of the CT scan taken 2 weeks ago. So chemo tomorrow. That will probably mean that next saterday/Sunday could be more uncomfortable for her.
That has been the pattern so far. Starting next week Saturday we hope to go to Solfstra's cottage for a couple of weeks but that could be interrupted as Kelly is expecting for mid July. That will be our 12th grandchild. Wow, that too blows Jane and me away. Praying that all goes well with Kelly and the baby. Lord willing next blog more.
Wishing you a great summer. Be safe, live wisely and remember , forget about changing yesterday (you can't), tomorrow is no certainty for anyone. so that leaves us with to day,
LIVE IT TO THE FULL! Marinus & Jane .
P.s . live each day as if it is your last, someday you will be right. (Quote from Steve Jobs)
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Summer here soon.
Do not know how it is for all you folks, but it seems the older we get, the faster time goes.
Our time since the March blog has been marked by the regular 3 week appointments with the oncologist, followed by chemo the next day. Around 4-5 days after the treatment Jane has been feeling lousy for at least a couple of days. Those days for Jane usually come with more pain and discomfort. When you ask how she is doing her answer is "I'll be okay". On March 30 I (Marinus) turned 66. That number seems to also increase at an ever faster pace. But who is counting right? At the end of April the last of the doelings were picked up, which completed the sale deal and left us with just some breeding bucks, 2 breeding bulls, cows, veal, calves and 3 light horses. At the beginning of May we were able to make the round to see all our children and grand children, who are all experiencing good health for the most part and all are busy with family, church, work and play.
At that time we celebrated 2 belated birthdays and one on the day, plus Gideon (Kevin & Christine's second son) did profession of his faith in Jesus. All highlights we were blessed to be part of.
May brought us in Grey county a nice mix of sun and rain with temperatures finally reaching seasonal levels. All our land is now in hay and it is growing well. Some in our area are already cutting for silage. Yesterday we were able to again travel states side, as there are, between the Sall and Marcel Noordermeer families, 3 birthdays in 3 days. Kelly (Benjamin) is entering the last 6 -7 weeks of her pregnancy and doctor said this morning that all appears well. PTL.
Marcel had an operation on his shoulder yesterday and is recovering and looking at 6 weeks with an immobilized shoulder. Hoping to see the crew there tomorrow.
This last weekend was also marked by the passing of Kevin's cousin Lisa (from Hamilton Michigan) Struggled with cancer for almost 8 years. It has fallen on her husband Rob, to raise their 3 young daughters alone. .This hit Jane hard as Lisa had been an encouragement for her and we had met her as recent as last Christmas at a family dinner from the Sall's.
We are thankful for each and every day. All your continued interest in what is happening in our lives is most encouraging. The support of our church family in Owen Sound is amazing.
We continue to press in for a complete healing for Jane, but above all that Jesus may be honoured in and thru our lives.
Our time since the March blog has been marked by the regular 3 week appointments with the oncologist, followed by chemo the next day. Around 4-5 days after the treatment Jane has been feeling lousy for at least a couple of days. Those days for Jane usually come with more pain and discomfort. When you ask how she is doing her answer is "I'll be okay". On March 30 I (Marinus) turned 66. That number seems to also increase at an ever faster pace. But who is counting right? At the end of April the last of the doelings were picked up, which completed the sale deal and left us with just some breeding bucks, 2 breeding bulls, cows, veal, calves and 3 light horses. At the beginning of May we were able to make the round to see all our children and grand children, who are all experiencing good health for the most part and all are busy with family, church, work and play.
At that time we celebrated 2 belated birthdays and one on the day, plus Gideon (Kevin & Christine's second son) did profession of his faith in Jesus. All highlights we were blessed to be part of.
May brought us in Grey county a nice mix of sun and rain with temperatures finally reaching seasonal levels. All our land is now in hay and it is growing well. Some in our area are already cutting for silage. Yesterday we were able to again travel states side, as there are, between the Sall and Marcel Noordermeer families, 3 birthdays in 3 days. Kelly (Benjamin) is entering the last 6 -7 weeks of her pregnancy and doctor said this morning that all appears well. PTL.
Marcel had an operation on his shoulder yesterday and is recovering and looking at 6 weeks with an immobilized shoulder. Hoping to see the crew there tomorrow.
This last weekend was also marked by the passing of Kevin's cousin Lisa (from Hamilton Michigan) Struggled with cancer for almost 8 years. It has fallen on her husband Rob, to raise their 3 young daughters alone. .This hit Jane hard as Lisa had been an encouragement for her and we had met her as recent as last Christmas at a family dinner from the Sall's.
We are thankful for each and every day. All your continued interest in what is happening in our lives is most encouraging. The support of our church family in Owen Sound is amazing.
We continue to press in for a complete healing for Jane, but above all that Jesus may be honoured in and thru our lives.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Dear family and friends,
Well here we are and it is almost spring officially. It has been more then 3 months since our last update. Jane has done okay for most of this time even though it has been a very cold winter with a lot of extreme cold, which kept us inside for most of it. Chemo was scheduled for December 24 after which we left for the USA right away.
Kevin s family invited us to a Christmas lunch at the Trestle Stop in Hamilton Mi. (his uncle and aunt s restaurant) where we met up with Lisa, their daughter who has been in a very long struggle with cancer, but she is such a trooper. She and her husband are certainly an inspiration for Jane and myself. We were able to go see Marcel and Shelly and their girls while staying at the Hampton Inn in Merrillville In. Then we travelled back on the 28th to Mount Brydges Ontario for the Bloemendal get together. Not all of them could make it, but we are thankful for the time we had with them that could make it.That evening the Sall family and ourselves drove up to the farm.
The work load there was drastically reduced since all the milking goats were picked up on several trailer loads between December 20 and 23. So it was the morning of the 23rd that we milked goats for the last time. What was left on the goat side of things was the dry does and yearling does that were to be picked up at two later dates as part of the deal. This meant a lot less work for the Amish couple, who decided to move out of the farm house at the end of January to live back in their community up the road. That was their choice, as they could have lived there yet for some time.
It was also in January that Jane underwent another CT scan. The week we waited for the results was hard for Jane. The radiologist noted again no progression of the disease. A great relief again.
The oncologist, Dr Aboo, is certainly pleased with Jane s condition.
There is always the daily routine of taking regular medications and then the break thru meds.
Were able to travel for an extended weekend from January 23-28 and make the rounds to all
of our kids families. Levy looked after things just before they were moving out.
When in February, Jane was having unexpected crying spells, the home care nurse and Aboo
recommended an anti depressed medication to be tried for a least 6-8 weeks.
The crying spells soon stopped, so for time being it is going to be part of the daily medicine cocktail.
The second part of the herd was picked up on February 28, so there are about 130 doelings left to be picked up no later then April 30.
Jane had chemo on March 4 and when Monic was going to drop Christian off at Kevin & Christine for spring break from his school, she jumped on the opportunity to get a ride with them.
It did not take much arm twisting to get Jane to not go back with Monic and just stay till I would be going states-side myself. With Dan (the Amish man with which we still have close contact and who lives a couple miles from the farm) driving his buggy to the farm once a day to take care off the chores, I was able to join Jane on March 13 at Benjamin s place.
The next day we went to Indiana. The pool and hottub in the hotel was much appreciated by all especially the girls from Marcel and Shelly.
We were there for a birthday party for Brynne and an early party for Maren. It was good to see all Shelly s family again too.
On Monday we drove back to Michigan as Benjamin called to tell us that our and Monic s old dog, Suki (who spent the last 18 months at Benjamin s place) was on her end. She was put to sleep that afternoon. She had been a great dog to us all. Her legacy includes the litter of thirteen pups including the one still born. It was amazing to see how calmly she cared for them all with only ten nipples.
She raised all twelve till they could be weaned off.
It is great to spend time with all our kids families and I was wandering how Jane felt about going back home on Friday. When I asked her, she said that it would be okay with her to go back Friday. Home is still at the farm.
I am so thankful for every day Jane and I get to spend together. Cannot tell how much I love that girl. The prayers of so many of you are being heard and we cannot thank you enough.
I like winter, but after what we had the last 3 months I am ready for spring. But giving what usually happens around here, we will probably have to wait another 5-6 weeks.
As you probably have picked up on, the relationships with our family and friends are so precious to us. The support from our church family is just awesome too. Many thanks to you all. God is good!!!!
When you read this letter send us a brief note some times at nrdrmr@xplornet.com so we can know who reads our blog.
Greetings from both of us. Marinus and Jane.
Well here we are and it is almost spring officially. It has been more then 3 months since our last update. Jane has done okay for most of this time even though it has been a very cold winter with a lot of extreme cold, which kept us inside for most of it. Chemo was scheduled for December 24 after which we left for the USA right away.
Kevin s family invited us to a Christmas lunch at the Trestle Stop in Hamilton Mi. (his uncle and aunt s restaurant) where we met up with Lisa, their daughter who has been in a very long struggle with cancer, but she is such a trooper. She and her husband are certainly an inspiration for Jane and myself. We were able to go see Marcel and Shelly and their girls while staying at the Hampton Inn in Merrillville In. Then we travelled back on the 28th to Mount Brydges Ontario for the Bloemendal get together. Not all of them could make it, but we are thankful for the time we had with them that could make it.That evening the Sall family and ourselves drove up to the farm.
The work load there was drastically reduced since all the milking goats were picked up on several trailer loads between December 20 and 23. So it was the morning of the 23rd that we milked goats for the last time. What was left on the goat side of things was the dry does and yearling does that were to be picked up at two later dates as part of the deal. This meant a lot less work for the Amish couple, who decided to move out of the farm house at the end of January to live back in their community up the road. That was their choice, as they could have lived there yet for some time.
It was also in January that Jane underwent another CT scan. The week we waited for the results was hard for Jane. The radiologist noted again no progression of the disease. A great relief again.
The oncologist, Dr Aboo, is certainly pleased with Jane s condition.
There is always the daily routine of taking regular medications and then the break thru meds.
Were able to travel for an extended weekend from January 23-28 and make the rounds to all
of our kids families. Levy looked after things just before they were moving out.
When in February, Jane was having unexpected crying spells, the home care nurse and Aboo
recommended an anti depressed medication to be tried for a least 6-8 weeks.
The crying spells soon stopped, so for time being it is going to be part of the daily medicine cocktail.
The second part of the herd was picked up on February 28, so there are about 130 doelings left to be picked up no later then April 30.
Jane had chemo on March 4 and when Monic was going to drop Christian off at Kevin & Christine for spring break from his school, she jumped on the opportunity to get a ride with them.
It did not take much arm twisting to get Jane to not go back with Monic and just stay till I would be going states-side myself. With Dan (the Amish man with which we still have close contact and who lives a couple miles from the farm) driving his buggy to the farm once a day to take care off the chores, I was able to join Jane on March 13 at Benjamin s place.
The next day we went to Indiana. The pool and hottub in the hotel was much appreciated by all especially the girls from Marcel and Shelly.
We were there for a birthday party for Brynne and an early party for Maren. It was good to see all Shelly s family again too.
On Monday we drove back to Michigan as Benjamin called to tell us that our and Monic s old dog, Suki (who spent the last 18 months at Benjamin s place) was on her end. She was put to sleep that afternoon. She had been a great dog to us all. Her legacy includes the litter of thirteen pups including the one still born. It was amazing to see how calmly she cared for them all with only ten nipples.
She raised all twelve till they could be weaned off.
It is great to spend time with all our kids families and I was wandering how Jane felt about going back home on Friday. When I asked her, she said that it would be okay with her to go back Friday. Home is still at the farm.
I am so thankful for every day Jane and I get to spend together. Cannot tell how much I love that girl. The prayers of so many of you are being heard and we cannot thank you enough.
I like winter, but after what we had the last 3 months I am ready for spring. But giving what usually happens around here, we will probably have to wait another 5-6 weeks.
As you probably have picked up on, the relationships with our family and friends are so precious to us. The support from our church family is just awesome too. Many thanks to you all. God is good!!!!
When you read this letter send us a brief note some times at nrdrmr@xplornet.com so we can know who reads our blog.
Greetings from both of us. Marinus and Jane.
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