tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155257012998295992024-02-07T08:09:03.080-06:00His Name is EarlRead Earl's story and be inspired by a very young man, who against all odds became a man who will be remembered for years to come for the way in which he fought his cancer with courage and still managed to encourage others.A Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215525701299829599.post-47830140995373803532012-03-04T23:57:00.002-06:002012-03-05T00:00:01.629-06:00Earl Cook Foundation Memorial Game<br /><br />The Ft. Garry/Ft. Rouge Twins are pleased to announce our first Earl Cook Foundation Memorial Game on March 2, 2012 vs. the St. Boniface Riels at Century Arena (1377 Clarence Avenue). Game starts at 730.<br /><br />Earl Cook lost his battle with cancer sadly on September 18, 2011 at the young age of 23. Earl was often found spending many nights watching and supporting the Twins. Even after a long day of chemo therapy he would still find the strength to make it out to watch his second favourite team play. After spending many trips down in Detroit, Earl made a special bond with head coach of the Detroit Red Wings Mike Babcock which included weekly phone calls supporting and encouraging Earl through his tough days with his battle with cancer and any other life advice Earl needed.<br /><br />From a young age Earl was always fascinated with hockey and Detroit Red Wings became his number one team. From inside the Detroit Red Wings locker room, he was considered not only their number one fan and encourager but also took the role of an assistant coach. If you are interested in learning more about Earl’s journey through life you can visit:<br /><br />http://hisnameisearl.blogspot.com/<br />http://www.cbc.ca/thenational/blog/2011/03/theres-something-about-earl.html<br />The Earl Cook Foundation is in support of Sarcoma research, Sarcoma Patients in need, and the Terry Fox Foundation.<br /><br />The Ft. Garry/Ft. Rouge Twins will be wearing red and white name bars with "EARL COOK" on them along with red skate laces, red stick and sock tape for his love of the Detroit Red Wings. The name bars will be available for purchase after the game. All proceeds from the game will go towards the Earl Cook Foundation including all entrance fees and the 50/50 draw.<br /><br />Currently the Ft. Garry/Ft. Rouge Twins have been selling ticket for a signed Henrik Zetterberg or Pavel Datsyuk jersey. Tickets will be draw at the last playoff game of the year.<br /><br />Tickets for the jerseys are 1 for $2 or 3 for $5.<br /><br />The Twins are also selling tickets to win a pair of Winnipeg Jets tickets for Wednesday March 28 vs. New York Rangers. The winning ticket will be drawn a week before the game on March 21, 2012.<br /><br />Tickets for the Winnipeg Jets are 1 for $5 or 3 for $10.<br /><br />Tickets Winners for both draws, the Zetterberg or Datsyuk Jersey and the pair of the Wininpeg Jets tickets will be contacted by phone and email. All proceeds from the Earl Cook Memorial Game (entrance fee, 50/50, name bars) and the money raised from the Detroit Jerseys and Winnipeg Jets tickets will go towards Earl Cook Foundation.<br /><br />Please contact the emails listed below for information regarding the Earl Cook Foundation or to purchase tickets for either draw.<br /><br />EarlCookFoundation@gmail.com<br />MAshley@mpi.mb.caA Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215525701299829599.post-2929244833387747932012-03-04T23:57:00.001-06:002012-03-04T23:57:23.243-06:00Twins Earl Cook Memorial Game<br />28-02-2012<br /><br />Twins Earl Cook Memorial Game<br /><br /><br />The Ft. Garry/Ft. Rouge Twins are pleased to announce our first Earl Cook Foundation Memorial Game on March 2, 2012 vs. the St. Boniface Riels at Century Arena (1377 Clarence Avenue). Game starts at 7:30pm.<br /><br />Earl Cook lost his battle with cancer sadly on September 18, 2011 at the young age of 23. Earl was often found spending many nights watching and supporting the Twins. Even after a long day of chemo therapy he would still find the strength to make it out to watch his second favourite team play. After spending many trips down in Detroit, Earl made a special bond with head coach of the Detroit Red Wings Mike Babcock which included weekly phone calls supporting and encouraging Earl through his tough days with his battle with cancer and any other life advice Earl needed.<br /><br />From a young age Earl was always fascinated with hockey and Detroit Red Wings became his number one team. From inside the Detroit Red Wings locker room, he was considered not only their number one fan and encourager but also took the role of an assistant coach. <br /><br />The Earl Cook Foundation is in support of Sarcoma research, Sarcoma Patients in need, and the Terry Fox Foundation. The Ft. Garry/Ft. Rouge Twins will be wearing red and white name bars with “EARL COOK” on them along with red skate laces, red stick and sock tape for his love of the Detroit Red Wings. The name bars will be available for purchase after the game. All proceeds from the game will go towards the Earl Cook Foundation including all entrance fees and the 50/50 draw.<br /><br />Currently the Ft. Garry/Ft. Rouge Twins have been selling ticket for a signed Henrik Zetterberg or Pavel Datsyuk jersey. Tickets will be draw at the last playoff game of the year.<br /><br />Tickets for the jerseys are 1 for $2 or 3 for $5.<br /><br />The Twins are also selling tickets to win a pair of Winnipeg Jets tickets for Wednesday March 28 vs. New York Rangers. The winning ticket will be drawn a week before the game on March 21, 2012.<br /><br />Tickets for the Winnipeg Jets are 1 for $5 or 3 for $10. <br /><br />Tickets Winners for both draws, the Zetterberg or Datsyuk Jersey and the pair of the Wininpeg Jets tickets will be contacted by phone and email.<br /><br />All proceeds from the Earl Cook Memorial Game (entrance fee, 50/50, name bars) and the money raised from the Detroit Jerseys and Winnipeg Jets tickets will go towards Earl Cook Foundation.<br /><br />Please contact the emails listed below for information regarding the Earl Cook Foundation or to purchase tickets for either draw. <br /><br />EarlCookFoundation@gmail.com<br /><br />MAshley@mpi.mb.caA Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215525701299829599.post-59101894721274591462011-10-04T19:19:00.003-05:002011-10-04T19:27:54.355-05:00Earl is Gone....... He will Never be Forgotten<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSalQDSygC2P9celh-1AZgiziXCirwhyhyBtC_axciTksKPIjS9BUTZILqfXL14nCWcCVQxEobjy-VfgWOWW2RL2vv9FP98QeBgnNoOFh0IdHMT3dM88pOE57xkZ__kLvH6cH4pQs0Q/s1600/11395449.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 175px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSalQDSygC2P9celh-1AZgiziXCirwhyhyBtC_axciTksKPIjS9BUTZILqfXL14nCWcCVQxEobjy-VfgWOWW2RL2vv9FP98QeBgnNoOFh0IdHMT3dM88pOE57xkZ__kLvH6cH4pQs0Q/s200/11395449.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659797428086772626" /></a><br />EARL HENRY COOK <br />January 2, 1988 - September 18, 2011 <br /><br />There was something about Earl. Was it his love for life, his sense of humour, the way he walked into a room and drew the attention of whoever sat there? Or was it his smile, his passion for hockey, or his claim to be the number one fan of the Detroit Red Wings? Whatever it was, there was something, and we will remember him for it. It is with great sadness that we share the news of Earl's passing. After a long and courageous struggle with cancer, Earl quietly and peacefully went to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, at 5:30 a.m. this past Sunday morning at St. Boniface Hospital. Left to remember him are, Debbie and Darby Hopkins and family, Janine and Bill Frovich and family, Bob and Dale Fast and family, his birth family, especially Beverly, and friends too numerous to mention. Debbie and Darby would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the many people who made up Earl's circle of love, the people of the Whyte Ridge Baptist Church, the staff of St. Boniface Hospital, the various teams he was a part of, and the world of hockey. Earl learned that dreams do come true by the generosity displayed by the Detroit Red Wings, TSN Sports Network, and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Earl has his wings now, and we are sure they are red. A celebration of Earl's life will be held on Friday, September 23, 2011, 6:30 p.m. at the MTS Centre. Guests are encouraged to dress in red, Detroit Red Wings apparel, or your favourite hockey jersey. Arrangements are being made with a Chartered Bank to receive funds for The Earl Cook Foundation. Details will be provided at the Memorial Service. Funds raised will be used to support cancer research and sarcoma patients in need. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715A Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215525701299829599.post-37646816005434557472011-08-26T16:23:00.001-05:002011-08-26T16:56:37.550-05:00News from torontowell here we are in Toronto and it's Friday. On Monday we went to Toronto general hospital as instructed for blood work and then returned on Tuesday morning for a CT Scan and an ultra sound. I wasn't feeling convinced that surgery was going to go ahead...call it instinct or whatever you want, but there were questions and such that made me suspicious. Because of the results of the CT Scan we were told they now wanted to do an ultra sound, so we proceeded to that dept. we were told that a radiologist from Princess Margaret was coming over to perform the test himself and that he may do a specialized test called and contrast ultra sound. We met him and after to your basic ultra sound he did want to do the one with contrast, so we changed rooms and joined two other Drs.. As they were doing the test I heard talk of the liver and wanted to tell them they were looking in the wrong place but something told me they know what they are doing. After sometime they discussed calling in earls surgeons, who came in short order actually leaving a surgery to check in with Earl. Dot dot dot...after much measuring and discussions they were done and Dr Jewett asked to peak to me outside. He told me in a very kind and caring way that the tumor had grown again and because the vena cava was full of tumor it had to find a new path, that being the liver. Under these new circumstances the surgery would be too high risk and performing could very well cost Earl his life.<br /><br />So we will return home and meet on Tuesday with dr Wong to discuss chemotherapy again!<br /><br />Earl being the trooper that he is took the news very very well, I think he feels he dodged a bullet in the surgery and is keen to move on to what he calls PLAN B<br /><br />I on the other hand feel like my cup runneth over with stress!<br />But with Earls positive attitude and all our friends family and supporters we will carry on. To those of you who continue to pray for us please don't stop for we have not lost hope. I still believe that God has a special purpose for Earl and he will keep working on it.<br /><br />Please know that your thoughts and prayers give us life and encouragment.<br />We love you<br />Debbie, Darby and Earl <br />A Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215525701299829599.post-43657199880020093382011-08-12T17:22:00.004-05:002011-08-12T17:42:23.600-05:00It's August......! Hockey starts in 1 month!Hi Everyone, Earl and I had a great time in Montreal and after a brief but fun visit home (Earl went to Jeff and Natalie's for respite and I got away with some friends for some quilting R&R) we headed out to Calgary and Banff. We had such a nice visit and Banff just has this way of melting off the stress so much so that you can feel it as it leaves your body. One of the things Earl really wanted to do, let's call it his bucket list was white water rafting. (just so you know it's on my list too) We did it, we can now say we conquered the Kicking Horse River and it was a BLAST, only Earl was a little frightened. By chance we were able to hook up with a good friend of ours, Kyle Chernetz who is a WWR guide and so it helped us both feel a lot more comfortable than we would have felt had he not been our guide. I highly recommend it to affiliate any stress.
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<br />There is news about Earl, so here we go. The biopsy results indicate that Earl's cancer is in fact osteogenic sarcoma, so now that we have wasted several months we can continue on with the first plan. Surgery. Earl has been referred to a surgeon in Toronto for surgery to remove the tumor from his body. I won't give any details, yet but after our Medical Video Conference on Tuesday August 16th we hope to have more information. If surgery is offered and Earl decides to go ahead, it will take place in Toronto. The tumor continues to grow and at the last CT scan the kidney was 16.3cm! Look it up...that means it is close to 2x the size of his other kidney. Because of the continued growth Earl is experiencing increasing pain and is having difficulties with peeing and his leg is swollen. Not fun at all.
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<br />Stay in touch, and please hold Earl up in prayer as this is a very frightening time for him.
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<br />Love you all Debbie!
<br />A Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215525701299829599.post-54767345216783333242011-07-18T09:45:00.002-05:002011-07-18T13:39:09.286-05:00Update for July from MontrealI can't believe how fast time flies. Earl and I are currently hanging out at Michael and Christine's home just outside of Montreal...what a beautiful home it makes me feel like i am in heaven. We traveled to Quebec City for two days and stayed at the very beautiful and very old Chateau Frontenac where are good friend Lolo is working. We had so much fun shopping, watching the entertainers and eating great French Canadian food and then Earl enjoyed his first train trip as we traveled back to Montreal.<br /><br />We will come back home on Wednesday for a few days and then head out to Calgary/Banff for a few more days of rest, relaxation and sight seeing...Earl really wants to see the mountains.<br /><br />Now for the medical update: Earl had a second biopsy done on July 13 and the reason for this was that the results from the 1st biopsy were inconclusive. They did not see characteristics of either bone sarcoma or renal carcinoma and then did not have enough sample to do any more tests. When we saw the Dr. on the following tuesday he said that we had received a preliminary pathology report which told us that they could not identify the cells and therefore would be sending out samples to the national pathology lab in BC and to a few other labs. We have not heard back from them, but at least the radiologist took enough samples the second time.<br /><br />What does all this mean.....you are probably thinking. Well we have 3 scenarios here <br />1) if it is in fact osteosarcoma (Earls original cancer) then we have some chemo available and/or Earl may have surgery. This surgery being the big complicated surgery we talked about a few months ago. The only difference would be that it would happen in Toronto if the Surgeon we have been referred to will agree to do it.<br />2) if it is renal cancer they tell us there are many options for chemo therapy and that it is curable. This I am sure would take place in Winnipeg.<br />3) well if it is unknown cancer or another type then we will hopefully have good news about treatment possibilities.<br /><br />Earl's tumor which is getting larger by the day and currently measures 16.3cm is causing increasing pain. He is such a trooper. <br /><br />For all our prayer warriors out there please hold him up and please pray for the medical people involved that they would have eyes to see and minds to understand what they see and wisdom to offer the best treatments available. Earl stands firm in his faith and believes that God has a very special plan for him.<br /><br />DebbieA Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215525701299829599.post-18906501171402237552011-06-13T16:16:00.002-05:002011-06-13T16:19:10.055-05:00CBC The National TONIGHT!!!!The Biopsy went very well and we should have news within the next 5 days.<br /><br />Just got word today that Earl's documentary will re-air tonight with an added update.<br /><br />Tune in for a great story.<br /><br />DebbieA Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215525701299829599.post-14495373304937065952011-06-12T20:36:00.002-05:002011-06-12T21:05:31.487-05:00A Change in PlansHi Everyone,<br /><br />There has been a change of plans since my last post. The surgeon's have requested a biopsy of Earl's right kidney, to find out what kind of cancer we are dealing with. It could be one of two things.....1) metastases of the original cancer (osteo-genic sarcoma) or a secondary cancer involving the kidney (renal cancer of some kind) The biopsy will confirm this. If it is the later (kidney cancer) there are treatments available that would have a good outcome, and would likely involve surgery but not as radical as if the cancer is sarcoma. Does that make sense.....? The biopsy is tomorrow morning and we will let you when we know. Earl is feeling a little tense and really has convinced himself that he does not want the news to be ...that it is sarcoma! Whatever it is....we know it has to be dealt with promptly as the tumor is growing and Earl is in more and more pain.<br /><br />Too keep Earl distracted his friends are keeping him busy. He has a new interest in Flea Markets and Cruise night. He is excited that the NHL is back in Winnipeg and that we were able to obtain season tickets, which we will share with my brother and my two nieces and their spouses. It should be lots and lots of fun. Earl is already offering his services to the new team...LOL<br /><br />Last Monday Earl was Police Chief for the Day, thanks to Jerry and Dave! He had a great time, with Police Chief Keith McCaskill as he inspected the recruits and gave a speech to the whole class. He was well received and his final words to the class were..."...and remember...never taser a guy in the balls..." I sunk down in my chair in embarrassment, but then again, thats Earl. They gave him several gifts one of which was a hockey jersey from the Winnipeg Patrolman hockey team. We finished our visit with a tour of the Winnipeg Police Museum.....Thanks to all involved it was a great experience. Oh and by the way...Earl gave me at least 3 tickets on the way home. <br /><br />On Thursday, Earl and I headed down to Canad Inn Stadium where Earl had an opportunity to try-out for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. They had him sign a Million Dollar contract,which by the way did have a performance clause in it. They suited him up and he headed out to the field, after meeting all the coaches. He had a chance to speak to quite a number of the players on a personal level and then was honored to give them words of encouragement and share his story with them before and after practice. The guys really got a kick out of him, as well as being inspired by his story and his positive, love life attitude. He had a chance to show them how he could kick, tackle and take a few himself. Thanks so much to Jerry, Bob Cameron and the rest of the guys for making this happen. And also to Paul LaPolice for becoming Earl's new best friend.<br /><br />I will add some pictures and sign off.<br /><br />Please keep Earl in your prayers, God is good and we Believe in His power to heal and his Love for us.<br /><br />Debbie...keep in touch.A Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215525701299829599.post-82010135265701183212011-05-22T14:31:00.002-05:002011-05-22T14:48:16.178-05:00Surgery here we come!Hi Everyone,<br />As I have already posted, Earl's tumor has started to grow again, and the next treatment option is surgery. We saw the surgeon on Thursday (May 19th) and we are happy to report that he is prepared to operate on Earl. The surgery will be a lot more advanced than I had ever imagined but we are thrilled (Earl is bursting at the seams) and anxious to get it done. The surgery will involve 3 surgeons the Urologist for the removal of the kidney, the Cardiac surgeon to remove the tumor from the heart and a Vascular surgeon to assess and remedy the veins. The surgery will involve the opening of Earl's sternum again and a procedure called cardiac pulmonary bypass where the stop Earl's heart and cool down his body. The surgeon says he wouldn't perform this on most patients, but Earl is young (feisty) healthy other than the cancer and has a strong will to live. Earl loved the surgeon immediately upon seeing him dressed in scrubs with a hoodie with the words H O C K E Y written across the front<br /><br />This week Earl will have some tests and will have an appointment with the two other surgeons. He has to be off chemo for 3-4 weeks, so I am guessing that the surgery will take place sometime between June 6th and 14th. <br /><br />He plans to have lots of fun and get lots of rest in the time leading up to the surgery.<br /><br />When the time comes you can email him by going to forms.manitoba-ehealth.ca/sbh/wellwishes/default.php and following the directions. I will post the details when we have them. you can also contact me at my email address hopkins5@mts.net <br /><br />Please add Earl and his doctors to your prayer list .A Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215525701299829599.post-45653281994389850262011-05-01T09:56:00.002-05:002011-05-01T10:05:25.236-05:00May Update<span style="font-weight:bold;">Hello Everyone,<br /><br />Well as May begins, we here in Winnipeg have snow on the ground. After a beautiful week of warm weather and neighbors raking and yard cleaning we have snow. Go figure!<br /><br />Snow on the ground and bad news from the Dr. seems to start a theme here, but the snow will melt and Earl will beat this cancer! I am sure of that. Just as we can't see or feel the wind...we know it is there and Just as we can't see or feel Jesus we know He is here and present in our lives!!!!! We believe and trust in the power of Jesus and we know he loves Earl....so think about that for a little while....and say a little prayer for Earl as you read the rest of this post.<br /><br />We saw the oncologist last Tuesday and the results of the latest CT Scan show that the tumor in his kidney and IVC (vena cava) this means that the chemo has stopped working and we move on the the next treatment. Even though in the beginning the docs, said Earl's condition was non operable...they feel it is operable now. The chemo worked enough that they are willing to give it a try, so Earl has been referred to a oncologist/urologist for surgical consideration and/or chemoemoblization. <br /><br />Please pray that the referral process will go quickly and that we will see the surgeon immediately and that he will have a answer for us. <br /><br />Have a great Sunday,<br />Debbie</span>A Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215525701299829599.post-68180289850310719732011-04-19T12:47:00.001-05:002011-04-19T12:48:45.832-05:00There's Something about EarlA Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215525701299829599.post-76952682469451568412011-04-19T12:37:00.002-05:002011-04-19T12:43:19.159-05:00April UpdateWell it is spring and it is still cold...way too cold. But the good news about spring is it is playoff time. Yes Hockey at it's best and for Earl there is nothing he likes better than cheering his Red Wings on once again. As of last night we are 3 and 0 over the Phoenix Coyotes and hopefully will sweep the series. We are hoping they will make it through to the third round, so that we can make it out east again. <br /><br />Earl is doing well, with the latest MRI showing the tumor in his heart is stable. He has a ct scan this Wednesday night so we will find out what's happening with his kidney and affected vessels. He is on his week off chemo, but still not feeling the best....it really is hard on him, but when he is feeling good there is no stopping him. He will be cheering on the Manitoba Moose who have made their to the playoffs.<br /><br />Short but sweet!<br /><br />Take care and keep in touch.<br />DebbieA Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215525701299829599.post-45689536818740996092011-04-19T12:30:00.001-05:002011-04-19T12:30:48.605-05:00Reg Sherren is inspired by EarlReg Sherren on "The Earl Factor"<br /><br />Have you ever met someone who changes the way you look at the world? Well, here's the thing. Two weeks ago, I badly tore some muscle in my calf. I'm a baby(man) anyway, but it hurt...a lot. Now usually I'm inclined to take to my bed for a week, demanding around-the-clock care. But this time, I pushed myself to get up and get on with it. OK, hobble on with it. <br /><br />Why? Because of Earl Cook. Earl is a young man from Winnipeg whose tenacity in tackling life's challenges can only be described as inspirational. It starts with the fact that he really shouldn't be here. None of the medical experts expected him to survive - born premature and addicted, into poverty, with more health issues than any one person deserves. And then it was the cancer...and again the cancer, and still, at 23, he fights cancer.<br /><br />But it barely slows him down for a second. He has something to say, something to contribute, or to call it as he sees it. From the first moment I met him, I had to admire this young character, with a goofy grin, always ready with a joke. He has a certain charm, moving around on his one good leg, jumping into his uniform for sledge hockey, talking about his Red Wings. Mike Babcock saw it too, and took Earl under his wing, so to speak.<br /><br />Yes, that Mike Babcock, Olympic gold medal coach, head coach of the Red Wings. <br /><br />And above all, I saw Earl's determination to not let his medical challenges decide what he could or could not do. No sir, he says, "Cancer is not the boss, I'm the boss." And he means it. He plays hockey, coaches hockey, all through his chemo, with his guardian angel - his foster mom Debbie - never far from his side. <br /><br />Oh yes, I can get past this little problem with my leg. And I won't complain...much, thanks to Earl.A Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215525701299829599.post-57665620165095220682011-03-19T22:02:00.000-05:002011-03-19T22:02:11.997-05:00CBC.ca | The Current | His Name is Earl: Documentary<a href="http://www.cbc.ca/thecurrent/episode/2011/03/18/his-name-is-earl-documentary/">CBC.ca | The Current | His Name is Earl: Documentary</a>A Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215525701299829599.post-68012356850053795692011-03-17T18:15:00.002-05:002011-03-17T18:41:42.720-05:00What"s New????We had such a great time in Minneapolis....I can't begin to tell you! We headed out on Friday and we were all very excited...to be on our road trip. We went with our good friends Bruce and Debbie Tervoort and their daughter, Brittany and her boyfriend Keith. We all had a little surprise for Earl, in that Brittany had convinced us that we should buy tickets to the Anaheim vs Wild game that night. We didn't tell Earl until we were almost in Minnie, that we weren't actually going to hotel first. He was so excited he was close to tears. Oh how we all love a good surprise. After we told him the plan I showed him an email from Andreas Lilja, his friend who plays for Anaheim, telling us he had passes for us to go down after the game....it was awesome. Not only did we get a chance to visit with Lils, but we met Teemu Selani, former Winnipeg Jet and hockey great, but we met Jason Blake and Saku Koivu who are players who have also survived cancer. Earl was so excited to meet them and let them know how they inspired him.<br /><br />We spent to next day shopping and shopping and did I say shopping!!! On Sunday we headed of to the Excel Energy Center to see our Boys the Red Wings play against the Wild. We arrived early, because we had a date with CBC TV's Reg Sherren and producer Terry and cameraman Warren. Yes Earl had his very own crew....! We headed down to the dressing room before the game and let's just say it was so much fun and Earl was so in his "Happy Place" If you get a chance to watch Earl's documentary you will get a very good first hand look at Earl hanging with the team. The Wings won and we were excited because Todd Bertuzzi got his 1000th goal. Yeah Todd. After the game we headed down to the dressing room and continued recording our experience. <br /><br />Since that weekend we had another little trip as we headed out to Leduc Alberta so that Earl could participate in his very first Sledge Hockey Tournament. He played four games as goalie for the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers, slating 2 shutouts and only allowing 2 goals. The team was a great bunch and welcomed Earl with a great team spirit. Earl was just bursting with excitement as they won all four games and were presented with the Gold medal.<br /><br />Earl's documentary can be seen on CBC's "The National" on Friday March 18th at 10:pm and heard on CBC's "The Current" on Friday morning after the 8:30 traffic report.<br /><br />Next week we head out to Detroit to watch a few games and hang out with family, friends and the team.<br /><br />Take care,<br />DebbieA Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.com254tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215525701299829599.post-9535928155961203832011-02-17T13:28:00.002-06:002011-02-17T13:34:12.818-06:00Off to Minnieapolis this weekend to hang out with the Wings.HI Everyone,<br /><br />Just a quick update to let you know that we are off to Minnie, this weekend to see the Wings vs The Wild on Sunday @ 11:30am. It will be televised on NBC so keep an eye out. The team from CBC "The National" will be filming and interviewing Earl for the upcomming documentary they are working on. We are hoping that Earl will be able to be at the bench as the team goes out for the pre game warm-up so keep your eyes open.<br /><br />Also Earl and I are heading out to Edmonton (Leduc) next weekend as Earl will be playing in a Sledge Hockey Tournament. He will be playing for another team (Sask) as they needed a goalie. He is very excited and very much looking forward to the tournament experience.<br /><br />Take care,<br />DebbieA Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215525701299829599.post-70548743031546292612011-02-03T18:08:00.002-06:002011-02-03T18:29:34.693-06:00Great News!God is So Good!!!!<br />Earl has had a very busy week. The first thing to share is that after the very inspirational documentary done about Earl by friends Jessica Cable, the phone rang with a request for Earl to agree to being the "star" of a CBC Radio documentary for "the Current" and a CBC Television documentary for "The National". Of course he said yes, so the last couple of weeks have been busy with interviews and film footage. We also appeared on CBC local radio with Mike Babcock...that was so much fun. <br /><br />Earl had the great opportunity to play sledge hockey against Team Canada and the camera's were there to catch some of it. He was so excited to be playing against these amazing athletes and enjoyed some chat with them. He was happy to have Billy Bridges on his team, as Billy is known to have one of the hardest shots in the world. Earl did take one from Billy off the head in the warm-ups and lived to tell us all about how it felt....physically!<br /><br />This week Earl had several appointments at Cancercare, which included a visit with his oncologist and bloodwork on Monday. Suzanne Dufresne from "The Current" was there to carry on an interview with us and Dr. Wong. Then on Wednesday morning bright and early Earl had a CT scan which was filmed by the TV guys from "The National" and then today we had both radio and TV with us for Earl's Chemo treatment. The next exciting part will be when the TV guys travel to Minnieapolis with us in a few weeks to watch the Wings play the Wild. Keep your eyes on the blog and watch for the times that these documentary will be aired.<br /><br />Now for the really good news. While at the hospital today we actually received the results from the CT scan done yesterday.. You can imagine our absolute joy and excitement as Dr Wong told us that the tumor in Earls kidney is dying....Yes I said THE TUMOR IN EARL'S KIDNEY IS DYING!!!!! An MRI earlier in January showed that the tumor in his heart continues to shrink, but honestly we did not think we would see results in the kidney just yet. The chemo will continue and we continue to pray that it continues to be effective. One thing I feel I have to stress is that this chemo was not expected to be as effective as it is proving itself to be.<br /><br />Praise our mighty Lord and Savior who is the great physician and who displays how much he loves Earl. This is not a coincidence friends this is God working a miracle to show us that He can! Praise Him!<br /><br />Keep watching!<br />DebbieA Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215525701299829599.post-22776682388481679672011-01-03T10:30:00.002-06:002011-01-03T11:11:21.102-06:00Happy New Year & and final post for 2010 !Can you believe another year has passed. Earl wants everyone to know that he feels great and that 2010 was a great year in his mind. It was the first year since his diagnosis that he wasn't hospitalized and he spent only a few hours in emergency. He feels better than he has for the last four years. He is back playing sledge hockey and even got his own equipment this year. He is coaching hockey in the girls high school league and really enjoying it and he has been attending a variety of local hockey games. So in Earl's mind things are great and really that's what matters most. He is also spending many hours each week at the church where he visits with the staff, prays, reads the bible and reflects how great God is. This I believe has had a huge impact on his life and his health.<br /><br />Speaking of his health............Earl is still in chemotherapy for the cancer that recurred in his right kidney, renal veins, inferior venacava and his heart. The chemo which started back in April with continue as long as it is working and so that means that as long as we see shrinkage in the tumor the chemo will be ongoing. The chemo is rough on Earl and not at all fun, but he knows and is constantly encouraged that it is working. He will have another MRI of his heart on January 12, and we are hoping that it will show that the tumor has pulled out of the heart and is shrinking in other places.<br /><br />Our travels this past fall and winter took us to Minnieapolis for a pre-season hockey game and a NFL game The vikings vs our favorite Detroit Lions. Darby Earl and I joined my cousin Al, his wife Gail and their kids, Trisha and Keith. We had a great time and even went to our first tail-gate party. <br /><br />In October Earl and I headed out to Toronto and Detroit where we stopped in at MT Sinai in Toronto to visit Dr Wunder and the staff on 11 South where Earl spent 16 1/2 weeks in the first two years after diagnosis. We had a great visit and everyone especially Dr Wunder were exicited to see Earl looking so good. We then drove down to Windsor spent a night at my cousins and then headed over to Detroit and a few days with the Red Wings and our friend Billy. Earl as usual made him self at home in the locker room and reconnected with the guys and coaches on the team. It always seems so surreal to me when we are there and I just sit and smile as Earl wanders around with the players. This time we had a very special invitation by Valteri Filpulla one of the Finnish players to the team Halloween Party at his house. Talk about surreal as we sat around at the party visiting with the players and their wives. It was so much fun and a memory we will have forever. We had to come up with some costumes so Earl went as a tripod with a camera on his head (remember Earl has one leg and crutches so a tripod isn't much of a stretch) and I went as a cat (not very original but the best I could do with 1 day's notice and staying in a hotel) I still laugh today as I remember the various costumes of the players and their wives, and girlfriends. The night before we had gone to the Game and afterwards went to a party at Kid Rocks place. We had lots of fun there, but it was a very late night and we had to get up in the morning to go to the morning skate. We also had a special treat as we were able to watch Earl's friend Colin Wilson who plays for the Nashville Predators and the night before we enjoyed a night out with Darren Helm from Detroit and Colin. It was a busy week, but tons and tons of fun. <br /><br />Our last trip of the year took us to Montreal, to visit our friends the Curtis'. We love this family so much and time with them is so much fun we can't wait for the next time. Earl attended to Canadiens games and a Quebec Junior Major game in Drummondville. We headed home less than a week before Christmas and had a great Christmas with our family. We are so blessed to have a family than loves one another and appreciates the gift of life and healing.<br /><br />Take care, have a great year and stay posted for more good news to come.<br />Debbie & EarlA Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215525701299829599.post-73208258887878431942010-11-19T16:50:00.002-06:002010-11-19T16:55:02.788-06:00LATEST SCAN REULTS ARE IN!!!!!!ARE YOU READY FOR SOME GOOD NEWS........!!!!!!<br /><br />WE HAVE THE LATEST SCAN RESULTS FOR EARL"S CANCER. THE TUMOR IN HIS HEART HAS DECREASED IN SIZE AGAIN, BY HALF AND THE TUMOR IN HIS RIGHT KIDNEY IS DECREASING! YEAH AND PRAISE GOD WHO WE KNOW CAN DO ANYTHING.<br /><br />The original tumor in his heart measured 5.4 and the first MRI showed it had decreased to 2.4 and now is measuring 1.5cm. The impressions of the report also state that the tumor in his right kidney is less bulky. I will have a better understanding of the details once I get the written report.<br /><br />I have more news, but no time right now, but promise I will update soon.<br /><br />Praise God,<br />DebbieA Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215525701299829599.post-60879949730880041572010-10-19T21:03:00.003-05:002010-10-20T13:07:29.591-05:00October UpdateI can't seem to keep this blog up to date....at least not as much as Earl would like. I have thought of letting him update it himself, but then it would turn into another one of those "hockey blogs" and some of you would be bored by that.<br /><br />Well as of today, Earl continues to battle hard and what a fight it can be at times. This month his chemo was delayed by two weeks due to an infection in and the removal of two of his wisdom teeth. So all in all he had no treatment for 1 month. Needless to say the first round back was pretty rough. He saw Dr. Wong today and is ready to go for chemo again tomorrow. In case any of you are wondering how long he will be on chemo.....the answer quite honestly is we don't know. As long as the tumor is still there and as long as Earl is still responding well (that is that the tumor continues to shrink) he will remain on this chemo. (gemcitabine is a fairly low dose drug/poison and therefore he can be on it for a fairly long time) <br /><br />As many of you know life is never dull with Earl and this past weekend was the perfect example. When we found out that the AHL team Grand Rapids (Michigan) Griffins were coming to town to play our very own Manitoba Moose we made sure we purchased our tickets. The Griffins are the farm team to the Detroit Red Wings and from our many visits with the team we have come to know several people who are involved with the Griffins. We were able to touch base with them and as Earl's reputation proceeds him, we were welcomed with open arms. The first game on Friday night saw the Griff's win 1 -0 which makes it so much fun to go down into the dressing room. Earl was so excited to meet the guys he didn't know and to touch base with the one's he does know. Earl was on a special assignment from a certain coach and was to report back with his findings. Well this made for a great time for Earl as he loves to study the game and the players. I just hang around in the background smiling and so full of pride for him. This started the weekend and then first thing Saturday morning we were back at the rink for the morning skate and more time for Earl to hang out and fool around with the boys in the locker room.....to be cont'd<br /><br />Oct. 20th - I spent some time chatting with Bob Kaser the Vice President of Community Relations and Broadcasting and the voice of the Griffs on the radio. Earl made such and impression on the coaches that he was invited into the dressing room before the game to announce the starting line-up and give the pre-game pep talk to the team. He did a great job and I will try and figure out how to post this video clip. Earl and I were invited up to the broadcasting booth to watch the game with Bob Kaser and it was quite funny when we ran into Craig Heisinger the GM for the Moose and had to tell him that we were with the visiting team. It was great to watch the game from way up there and it was even better when the Griffins won 2-1. It was very exciting to go down into the dressing room after the game and Earl was given full credit for his encouraging speech which led the team to a win. After the game we went to Moxies where Earl hung out with the team while I sat back and had some quiet time at my own table. It was a late night for Earl...and did I tell you he played Sledge hockey before we went to the gane.<br /><br />Earl will have chemo today and I pray and ask for your prayers as well that he will recover quickly and that the chemo would have a powerful effect on shrinking the tumor. Earl and I leave for Toronto and Detroit on Monday for a week so he wants to feel good and strong. We will be visiting at MT Sinai, Dr Wunder and 11south, then going to TSN for a visit and then onto Elmira to visit our friends the Allison's and Mark in his new appt. After that we head to Windsor and then to Detroit. We will be see the DRW play Phoenix and Nashville on Thursday and Saturday. Earl's friend and Winnipeger Colin Wilson plays for Nashville and so we look forward to seeing him play. Sorry Colin but our hearts are with the Red Wings, but we promise to cheer when you score. We have also been invited to a game in Grand Rapids on Friday night so we will have a little roadtrip and a lot of fun. Then the final activity will be a Detroit Lions Football game with our good friend Billy Ritchie. <br /><br />Well that's it for now...Earl will be happy!<br />Take Care until the next time<br />DebbieA Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215525701299829599.post-8549032491301022852010-09-10T08:52:00.002-05:002010-09-10T09:01:58.526-05:00Are you ready for some GREAT news!HI Everyone,<br /><br />Surprise Surprise, I am updating much sooner than usual....but remember the old saying!<br />No news is good news! Well forget I said that, just for today...because this news is good news and I just updated the BLOG a few weeks ago.<br /><br />We have received a preliminary report from Earl's latest heart MRI. We are still excited and pray that the Sigificant Decrease in size of the tumor in Earl's heart!!!!!!!! yes you read correctly>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Significant decrease continues.<br /><br />Earl's chemo is working and so it will continue!<br /><br />Don't forget to come out for the Terry Fox Run on September 19th. Remember to join Earl's team online today. Earl Cook Family and Friends located on the Terry Fox .org website.<br /><br />ANYONE CAN JOIN....EVEN IF YOU CAN'T BE THERE....YOU CAN RAISE A DOLLAR (REMEMBER WHAT TERRY SAID) OR SPONSOR EARL, ME OR ANYONE ELSE!<br /><br />Take care......I am so happy,<br />DebbieA Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215525701299829599.post-38627007145526312722010-09-02T15:23:00.002-05:002010-09-02T15:38:14.285-05:00It's Terry Fox TimeTerry Fox Marathon of Hope 30th Anniversary Cross-Canada Run 2010 <br /><br />Mark Sunday September 19, 2010 on your calendar and make sure you join Earl's Team. We really want a big group this year. If you can't come out for the run on that day....we still want you on our team. If you make a donation you are on our team...you just have to take a minute and register your name. Let's help Earl...help Terry's foundation this year by showing our support.A Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215525701299829599.post-18851635070563792462010-08-29T13:21:00.002-05:002010-08-29T13:42:36.083-05:00August UpdateHi Everyone As we near the end of summer...some people are sad, but in this house we know one person who is happy. His name is Earl.....!!!! Why you may ask, well OBVIOUSLY hockey season will soon be upon us. Earl has kept up with all the free agents and trades and prospects (boy I am learning alot about hockey) He has had a number of conversations with the Red Wings coach Mike Babcock and feels like it could very well be a good year for his team. He is very much looking forward to October when we will make our first trip of the season to Detroit and his team. He has chatted also with some of the players over the summer and I thank them all and Mike for keeping him interested in fighting his personal battle with cancer.<br /><br />September brings our annual participation in the Terry Fox Run at Assiniboine Park here in Winnipeg. Join us if you can in person or in Spirit on September 19th. This will be our fourth year and we hope to make our team bigger and raise more money than ever before. Watch for details on the blog or on facebook. You can call us if you like at 487-0077<br /><br />Other news for September is that Earl may be helping coach the Vincent Massey girls hockey team and the best news, at least for Earl is that the Dr's have said he can play hockey again. I told Earl I reserve the right to give the final okay until after the results of the MRI he will have this Tuesday.<br /><br />Chemo update: Earl continues to have chemo and so far it seems to be working. The latest CT scan shows no measurable growth and the MRI will give us a better picture of the condition of his heart. Stand by for more news within the 2 weeks.<br /><br />We had a great trip to Montreal on a few weeks ago spending time getting to know our new friends the Curtis family. What a great time we had and Earl was feeling so good and strong.<br /><br />We also had a visit to a friends cottage in Lake of the Woods. I really feel blessed by all of our great friends.<br /><br />Take care <br />DebbieA Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215525701299829599.post-25968445164231480292010-07-16T12:58:00.003-05:002010-07-16T13:28:49.089-05:00HI Everyone,<br /><br />Please forgive me for not updating this blog. Life just seems to slip by and I forget. I was just reading my niece's blog (ithinkiwillgoforawalk.blogspot.com) and was reminded that there are many people out there that care and a want to know what is going on, but are too afraid to ask or too afraid to bother us. So for those of you and all the rest here is a long awaited update.<br /><br />Earl is back on chemo and it is much more difficult that it ever has been, but in saying that the wonderful pharmacist's at St B are concocting many meds to help him.<br />He is currently taking 3 anti-nausea drugs to keep from being sick. They work for that but make him feel quite drugged for 2 days. Now in saying that it doesn't keep Earl down for long and he is anxious to see his friends and follow his hockey analysis. Coach Babcock has Earl keeping an eye on things for him and Earl takes it very seriously...making sure he doesn't miss a chance to call Mike and give him the latest news, concerning free agents, trades and any changes going on in the NHL. What would he do without hockey.....it's his reason for living.<br /><br />Earl's chemo regime is two weeks on chemo and then 1 off always on Wednesday with bloodwork the day before and an oncology appt every 3 weeks. He will have some scans at the end of the month to see how the chemo is affecting the tumor that is in his right kidney, renal veins, inferior vena cava (IVC) and 2 chambers of his heart. The last scan did show that the chemo was working and there was no visible growth in the size of the tumor. The next scan should reveal more and we are anxious for that report.<br /><br />We were hoping to get away for a holiday out east, but we don't want to take a break from chemo so we will hold on to that plan. so for now we are hanging close to home and looking forward to any excuse to get out for a few hours and have some fun together as a family. Our next very exciting outing is going to see BonJovi and Kid Rock tomorrow night. There are a whole bunch of us going so it should be a fun night....hopefully Earl will not get too tired.<br /><br />Take care, have a good summer and give us a call.<br />DebbieA Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215525701299829599.post-63106852129487769222010-06-16T09:50:00.002-05:002010-06-16T09:56:17.804-05:00Good NewsHi Everyone,<br /><br />I am happy to say "we have some good news" At our most recent visit to the oncologists we received the report on the latest MRI of Earl's heart, chest and abdomen, which shows little/or no growth of the tumor. This means that Earl is responding to the chemo and will continue being treated. Today he will start cycle 3 of his treatment. We have no information on how long the treatment will go on for, but I would feel hopeful in saying that we will continue until the tumor is DEAD.<br /><br />Needless to say he is feeling pretty good and is actually driving us a little mad with his chatter and bubbly personality LOL......<br /><br />Take care,<br />DebbieA Journey with Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03757042055913893908noreply@blogger.com1