Update

Well today was the day we went to see the oncologist for Earl's first follow-up. As usual I get all worried and my tummy does loop de loops, and this I have learned is my way of getting prepared for whatever news we are about to hear....(which most often is not news we want to hear) Well the news today was news we did not want to hear.....the tumor in his lung is cancer and has grown in size from 2.0 cm to 2.7 cm since his last scan in September. We had been told in September that the 6-7 nodules in his lungs were gone, with only 1 remaining. It appeared at that time that the remaining tumor/nodule was benign and we were informed that because of that Earl would not receive further chemo. The plan was to have a nice break, enjoy life and reaccess in January.
As of today the plan is that we will be referred to a thorasic specialist here in Winnipeg and Earl will need surgery to remove the tumor. There are no plans for chemo and Dr Wong feels that the surgery will be the solution. Osteogenic sarcoma cells can be very tricky little guys and can stay dormant, so they will continue to follow-up with the CT scans and bloodwork every 3 months.

Earl is taking the news very well....as he always does and continues to amaze me and all who know him, with his positive attitude and bright outlook. Praise God for giving Earl the ability to look forward to the next day and good health and not dwell on the present.

Take care and we will update when we have news from the surgeon .
Love Debbie

Earl's 21st Birthday BASH

Hi Everyone,
Thanks to all who attended Earl's 21st Birthday BASH. It was a smash hit with over 70 people in attendance. Earl was so excited to see everyone...he really had a great time. Whatever the future holds for this very special young man....I know and he knows that without a doubt HE IS LOVED and holds a special place in the hearts of many.
Here are some pictures taken the night of the party.

Earl went for a CT Scan and blood work on Wednesday and we see the oncologist next Monday. We ask that you continue to keep Earl's remission in your prayers. We have been blessed by our Lord and we continue to trust in his healing power. We believe that our Lord is the mightiest of all physicians and that he holds Earl in the palm of his hand.

We also ask that you include in your prayers our little friend and neighbor Peter Dias, (4 years old) who was taken by ambulance to hospital early this morning. We are not sure what is going on, but we ask that you keep him and his family in your prayers. We also ask that you pray for our friends Samantha (from Ontario) and Ramona (here in Winnipeg) as they both continue to deal with recurrences of cancer. They are both beautiful young women and we love them very much.
Take Care,
Debbie

Happy New Year!!!!!

HI Everyone,
It's been a while since we've really had anything to report. Earl continues to work hard at walking with his prosthesis at Rehab. Our time is M W F from 10:30 - 11:30 if you'd like to come down. He spends the time warming with crutches (after we get the prosthesis on...which some days is quite a chore) and then he starts walking with no crutches/canes. It takes a lot of concentration because he has to put his weight on the new leg the right way....or it bends and he falls. He has practiced falling and doesn't like doing it...! We can bring the leg home on weekends, but he hasn't brought it home for the last 2 weekends, due to the fact that he hasn't been feel well as of late.

Earl will go for blood work and a CT scan this Wednesday with the follow-up appointment on January 19th...with Dr Wong. Please keep him in your prayers as we will find out what is happening with his lungs. We are also hoping to find out if the benign tumor is doing anything and if it is...what the plans are for removing it.

We had a nice Christmas with Family and Friends...and a lot of just resting. Hope you had the same.

Earl turned 21 on Friday and I am trying to plan a little party for him.....stay posted for the details.

Debbie