His Name is Earl

Earl is Gone....... He will Never be Forgotten

2011-10-04T19:19:00.003-05:00

EARL HENRY COOK
January 2, 1988 - September 18, 2011

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 885-9715

News from toronto

2011-08-26T16:23:00.001-05:00

well 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.

So we will return home and meet on Tuesday with dr Wong to discuss chemotherapy again!

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

I on the other hand feel like my cup runneth over with stress!
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.

Please know that your thoughts and prayers give us life and encouragment.
We love you
Debbie, Darby and Earl

It's August......! Hockey starts in 1 month!

2011-08-12T17:22:00.004-05:00

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.

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.

Stay in touch, and please hold Earl up in prayer as this is a very frightening time for him.

Love you all Debbie!

Update for July from Montreal

2011-07-18T09:45:00.002-05:00

I 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.

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.

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.

What does all this mean.....you are probably thinking. Well we have 3 scenarios here
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.
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.
3) well if it is unknown cancer or another type then we will hopefully have good news about treatment possibilities.

Earl's tumor which is getting larger by the day and currently measures 16.3cm is causing increasing pain. He is such a trooper.

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.

Debbie

CBC The National TONIGHT!!!!

2011-06-13T16:16:00.002-05:00

The Biopsy went very well and we should have news within the next 5 days.

Just got word today that Earl's documentary will re-air tonight with an added update.

Tune in for a great story.

Debbie

A Change in Plans

2011-06-12T20:36:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone,

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.

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

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.

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.

I will add some pictures and sign off.

Please keep Earl in your prayers, God is good and we Believe in His power to heal and his Love for us.

Debbie...keep in touch.

Surgery here we come!

2011-05-22T14:31:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone,
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

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.

He plans to have lots of fun and get lots of rest in the time leading up to the surgery.

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

Please add Earl and his doctors to your prayer list .

May Update

2011-05-01T09:56:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone,

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!

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.

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.

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.

Have a great Sunday,
Debbie

There's Something about Earl

2011-04-19T12:47:00.001-05:00

April Update

2011-04-19T12:37:00.002-05:00

Well 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.

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.

Short but sweet!

Take care and keep in touch.
Debbie

Reg Sherren is inspired by Earl

2011-04-19T12:30:00.001-05:00

Reg Sherren on "The Earl Factor"

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.

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.

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.

Yes, that Mike Babcock, Olympic gold medal coach, head coach of the Red Wings.

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.

Oh yes, I can get past this little problem with my leg. And I won't complain...much, thanks to Earl.

CBC.ca | The Current | His Name is Earl: Documentary

2011-03-19T22:02:00.000-05:00

CBC.ca | The Current | His Name is Earl: Documentary

What"s New????

2011-03-17T18:15:00.002-05:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

Next week we head out to Detroit to watch a few games and hang out with family, friends and the team.

Take care,
Debbie

Off to Minnieapolis this weekend to hang out with the Wings.

2011-02-17T13:28:00.002-06:00

HI Everyone,

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.

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.

Take care,
Debbie

Great News!

2011-02-03T18:08:00.002-06:00

God is So Good!!!!
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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

Keep watching!
Debbie

Happy New Year & and final post for 2010 !

2011-01-03T10:30:00.002-06:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Take care, have a great year and stay posted for more good news to come.
Debbie & Earl

LATEST SCAN REULTS ARE IN!!!!!!

2010-11-19T16:50:00.002-06:00

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME GOOD NEWS........!!!!!!

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.

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.

I have more news, but no time right now, but promise I will update soon.

Praise God,
Debbie

October Update

2010-10-19T21:03:00.003-05:00

I 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.

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)

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

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.

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.

Well that's it for now...Earl will be happy!
Take Care until the next time
Debbie

Are you ready for some GREAT news!

2010-09-10T08:52:00.002-05:00

HI Everyone,

Surprise Surprise, I am updating much sooner than usual....but remember the old saying!
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.

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.

Earl's chemo is working and so it will continue!

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.

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!

Take care......I am so happy,
Debbie

It's Terry Fox Time

2010-09-02T15:23:00.002-05:00

Terry Fox Marathon of Hope 30th Anniversary Cross-Canada Run 2010

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.

August Update

2010-08-29T13:21:00.002-05:00

Hi 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

We also had a visit to a friends cottage in Lake of the Woods. I really feel blessed by all of our great friends.

Take care
Debbie

2010-07-16T12:58:00.003-05:00

HI Everyone,

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

Take care, have a good summer and give us a call.
Debbie

Good News

2010-06-16T09:50:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone,

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.

Needless to say he is feeling pretty good and is actually driving us a little mad with his chatter and bubbly personality LOL......

Take care,
Debbie

June update

2010-06-08T08:26:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone,
Can you believe it's June already, and it won't be long before the kids and many of my friends are finished school and enjoying what we hope will be a beautiful summer.
Earl has now completed two cycles/4 treatments of chemo and it hasn't been easy for him. We are so surprised to see him having such a tough time, because compared to the chemo he had in the beginning this should be a cake walk, but for some reason Earl, whom we can never quite figure out, is really struggling with this milder chemo. He feels like he has the flu and needs a lot of rest. But Earl, as one would expect is remaining positive and determined to beat this. He certainly has his down days and we do our best to turn that around for him...usually all it takes is a phone call from one of his hockey friends, a little locker room advice or a pep talk, a story about how he is and inspiration to one person or another and he is good again. His energy gets depleted rather quickly so he has to be careful about picking and choosing which activities and how many he can manage each day.

Earl had his MRI this past Friday and we see the Dr. on the 14th, so please keep him in your prayers as we anxiously await the results. We are hoping that we will see some evidence that the chemo is working.

We are all very excited about his upcoming fundraiser, especially to see our many friends, family and supporters. I have just about sold all 250 tickets and we have had so many generous donations....thank-you....thank-you....thank-you!

Take Care,
Debbie

Earl's Fundraiser - June 10th, 2010

2010-05-30T17:08:00.001-05:00

Earl's Fundraiser - June 10th, 2010
We are having a fund raising event for Earl on June 10th here in Winnipeg. It will take place at Rumor's Comedy Club and will star comedian John Beuhler. You can help in two ways, either by purchasing a ticket and joining us, or by donating a silent auction prize or cash donation.

If you know Earl, you know what a special young man he is and what a huge inspiration he is to others. Let's join together and pay it forward to Earl.

May update 2010

2010-05-06T10:46:00.002-05:00

HI Everyone.

It's finally springtime and it's so nice to be outside...but more importantly for Earl it means the "Playoffs". Earl and I had a nice trip out to Detroit for games 3&4 of the first round. We had such a nice time, staying with my cousin in Windsor for a few days watching hockey and enjoying their amazing hospitality. We won 1 and lost 1...but in the end Detroit managed to win the series against Phoenix in game 7. Mike Babcock wore the tie that Earl had given him...(red with a small white dot) and it seemed to be the lucky tie. Now we are in round 2 against San Jose. It's been tough but we believe we can do it.....GO RED WINGS.

Speaking of tough...recent tests show that Earl's cancer is back. He started chemo this past Tuesday to try and shrink the new tumor. So keep praying for him.

Take care.
Debbie

March Update"Earl Makes the Paper"

2010-03-28T15:06:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone,
This has been a pretty good month. We have been to Hawaii and Calgary and best of all the Wings are winning. Earl's new name for his favorite team is "The Detroit Hot Wings" ha ha. We are so proud of how well his boys are doing.
Earl saw the oncologist this past week and this is the news. The nodule in his right lung that we have been watching has not grown significantly, which is good news, but there appears to be 2-4 new nodules..not such great news....so now we wait for another 3-4 months before we get another ct scan. The other problem is that one of his kidney's is dilated and they are doing some tests to figure out the cause. Other than that, Earl has his good days and his bad days and we continue to ask you to keep him in your prayers,
- that he would begin to feel better and stronger
- that the cancer would just stop growing
- that Earl would take responsibility for eating healthy and staying strong.

While we were in Detroit in February we met a young couple who were also from Winnipeg, and when they heard about Earls story and connection to Mike and the Red Wings thought it was a story worth telling. Below you will find 2 stories that were printed in the Winnipeg Sun on Sunday March 14 about Earl, Mike Babcock and their relationship.

ENJOY.
Debbie

“Earl, you own the Joe.”

Those words are uttered often when Winnipeg’s Earl Cook makes a pilgrimage to his hockey mecca, Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.

It’s the home of his beloved Red Wings, a team with which Cook, who is battling cancer and had his left leg amputated because of it, has basically become part of due to his friendship with head coach Mike Babcock.

“He’s become a good friend of the Detroit Red Wings,” Babcock said, “and he’s become a good friend of mine.”

Cook, 22, is given free reign when he shows up at the venerable Motor City arena. He sits on the bench during the morning skate and darts around the locker-room after games.

“He’s got an opinion on everything!” Babcock said. “He’s got an opinion on who should shoot in the shootouts, he’s got an opinion on who should play with who and what goalie. I remember the last time he was in, we were playing Ottawa. He had the scouting report on (Brian) Elliott.”

Debbie Hopkins, who has been Cook’s foster mom for the last six years, is thankful the Wings have let her son live out a dream.

“Earl is given that experience, and he believes that he makes a difference,” she said. “And I think that’s the way Mike wants it.”

Babcock is always telling Cook that he knows a lot about hockey and specifically the Wings.

“I can’t tell you everything,” Cook said, “because some of it’s secret.”

Cook analyses tape with Detroit video coach Keith McKittrick. Johan Franzen calls him the team’s fourth coach. He has dumped Gatorade down Darren Helm’s jersey three times during practice and knows the St. Andrews product will exact his revenge soon.

He writes motivational messages on the white board. He’s met entertainer Kid Rock and befriended his brother, Billy Ritchie, whose hip and leg were amputated when he was six.

Due to behavioral and learning disabilities, Cook sometimes says whatever he’s thinking.

“I speak my mind,” said Cook, who has given motivational speeches around Winnipeg. “They like that about me.”

He even went up to Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg last spring during the Stanley Cup playoffs and told him he was struggling.

It was OK, though, because “me and him are tight,” Cook said. “I got his e-mail.”

Cook and Debbie are travelling to Calgary for Detroit’s game on Monday night against the Flames. Cook will no doubt catch up with his pals.

“I want to study for them, but I don’t know (Miikka) Kiprusoff’s weak spot,” Cook said. “I don’t know how to score on him. He’s too good.”

Babcock isn’t going to be happy to hear that.

Cook’s strongest bond is with the coach, but he has made an impact on the players as well during his dozen or so trips to watch them play.

A signed picture from defenceman Andreas Lilja reads: “To my best bud. You are an inspiration to us all. All the best.”

Cook also has a Wings calendar, and each player featured wrote a personal message of hope.

Cook’s bedroom is plastered in red and white. Pictures, jerseys, sticks and coffee mugs, not to mention a Curtis Joseph goalie helmet, are all over the house.

His prosthetic leg, which includes a rear end since he doesn’t have a hip, is painted red with a Wings logo on it. His good buddy Zetterberg even autographed the thing — while Cook was wearing it!

Cook believes his relationship with Babcock and the Wings is helping him strive to beat cancer. He and Debbie have tried to make trips to Motown just before he goes in for surgery.

“It brings my spirits up,” he said. “My Red Wings are my friends, and they’re cheering me on. I gotta do it for them, and I made a promise to other cancer patients before they died that I’m going to do whatever it takes to survive.”

Babcock’s wife lost one of her closest friends to cancer during the Olympics. His mom died of the disease as well. He invites kids stricken with cancer to every Wings home game.

None of them, however, left an impression like Cook has.

“There’s a few of them over the years that I’ve got to know better than others, but no one as good as Earl,” Babcock said.

“He’s just a great guy. He’s a piece of work. There’s nothing else you can say about him. He’s just fantastic, and his heart is huge. Sometimes when you don’t win, sometimes when you don’t feel like things are going as good as they should be, all you gotta do is think about him.

“You think about the hand he’s been dealt and how he embraces it. He’s an inspiration. He’s a remarkable man, is all I can say. He’s a gift from God.

“Earl’s going to be one of the survivors, and he’s also going to be one of the people who inspires people to make a difference, and I think that’s so important.”

kirk.penton@sunmedia.ca

When the doctor found another “something” in his lungs at Christmas time, Earl Cook wasn’t sure if he was ready to continue his cancer battle.

So his foster mom, Debbie Hopkins, sent an e-mail to one of Cook’s closest friends to ask if he could light a fire under her 22-year-old son.

That friend, who two months later would guide the Canadian men’s hockey team to Olympic gold in Vancouver, did just that.

Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock told Cook that it was overtime in Game 7. It was time to find another gear. He threw in a few salty words to make sure he got his point across.

“He gave Earl a locker-room talk,” Debbie said with a laugh. “And he doesn’t mince his words with Earl, either, which is really cool. As a mother, I don’t prefer that people use those kind of words with my children, but he treats him just like a player. And it’s awesome. It’s one of those situations where it’s OK.”

It’s OK because Cook, who has gone through more in his 22 years than anyone could ever imagine, responds to Babcock. One of the world’s most famous hockey coaches and the foster kid from Winnipeg have formed a deep friendship that just might be keeping the latter alive.

“If it weren’t for Mike, I wouldn’t want to keep fighting,” Cook said matter-of-factly. “Mike has given me the desire to live. There’s lots of times during each day I say I want to be dead right now, I don’t feel good.

“I get depressed sometimes, but Mike gets me out of it.”

Cook had it rough from the beginning. And when we say the beginning, we mean the beginning.

“Earl was born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder,” Debbie said. “He was actually born drunk. And, actually, he was born in a toilet. His mother didn’t even know she had him. His older sister found him and saved his life.”

Cook was abused and diagnosed with failure to thrive. Doctors didn’t think he would make it past the age of two. He was placed in foster care as an infant, but the numerous behavioural and learning disabilities that were caused by his early experiences, like Asperger syndrome, are with him for life.

The fact he was diagnosed with cancer when he was 19 falls under the category of ‘Life’s not fair.’ The kid’s a fighter, though, and it’s his remarkable attitude that draws people to him.

“He’s a guy with an infectious personality,” Babcock said last week from Detroit. “The life he’s had … he’s a guy who’s found a way to make lemonade out of lemons, I guess you could say.

“I love when I jump in the car and it’s him on the phone. I turn it on, and I listen to him. It gives me inspiration.”

Cook and Babcock first made contact in July 2008, after Cook’s left hip and leg were amputated in Toronto. Cook was first diagnosed in 2007 with osteogenic sarcoma in his leg, the same kind of cancer Terry Fox had.

Cook had gotten to know part-time CTV Winnipeg sports anchor Dan Palsson, who in turn asked his friend, TSN’s Darren Dreger, if he could pay Cook a visit. Dreger stopped by and asked Cook who his favourite hockey coach was. Cook said Babcock. Fifteen minutes later the two were chatting on the phone.

“I was telling Mike how to run the lines, who to play with who and stuff and he listened to me,” Cook said. “And sure enough we went to the finals (in 2009).”

After the amputation, Cook had chemotherapy for the cancer that had spread to his lungs, but he wasn’t responding well to the treatment and the doctors weren’t hopeful.

So Debbie decided to get in touch with Babcock to see if Cook could come down for a game or two. He said yes. A friendship was born. Cook and Debbie have attended about a dozen Wings games over the last two seasons. When he’s unable to be there in person, Cook has Babcock’s direct line. They spoke three times on Thursday.

“If Earl ever calls, without a doubt he returns the call,” Debbie said. “Unless he calls at a completely inappropriate time, he will return the call within an hour.”

Debbie believes her son’s relationship with the Olympic- and Stanley Cup-winning coach is why Cook is still fighting off the disease today.

“It’s been everything,” she said. “It’s given him that motivation, the desire, the need to survive.”

kirk.penton@sunmedia.ca

March Update

2010-03-10T22:52:00.002-06:00

Hi Everyone,

Well time sure speeds by! Since our last update Earl and I have been to Mexico, Detroit/Windsor/Niagara Falls and Hawaii and we leave on Saturday for a quick trip to Calgary to watch the Wings play and hopefully WIN against the Flames. We have had lots of fun and I will tell some of those stories and add some pictures later. For now I want you to know a little about what's going on with Earl medically.

In the last number of months and prior to our vacation Earl was having daily headaches. We talked to our nurse today and reported Earl's headaches, vomiting and a few other symptoms to her. Upon consulting with the Dr. she informed us that a CT Scan of his head will be done tomorrow at 8:40 am. Please pray for this test and of course for Earl and myself. We are sure hoping that the news will be good and that nothing will be found.

Debbie

It's 2010...WOW

2010-02-01T14:56:00.002-06:00

HI Everyone,
It's hard to believe it's already the beginning of February and it's turned pretty cold here in Winterpeg. Earl is feeling pretty good these days, and we are both feeling better after a week in the sun. We left for Mexico on Jan5th and came home on the 12th, it's was wonderful. We stayed at a very nice resort, which was not too big, and gave Earl the opportunity to wander around at his leisure and chat up a story with the other guests. We met some awesome people and made some great friendships. The resort was beautiful and Earl swam in the ocean everyday except one. We went snorkeling and took a day trip to Xcaret, and ecological park which told the story of Mexico and its history. The weather was pretty nice for us cold Manitoban's.
Since returning Earl has made it back on the ice and is fully recovered from his surgery. As we wait and try to think of things other that cancer we are planning a trip to Detroit next week, during which we will visit with my cousins in Windsor and spend time with the team and some friends from Detroit. We are taking along 2 friends of Earl's Brittany and Keith and so this should be a fun trip. We are hoping to take Earl to visit Niagara Falls, he's never been there and I am sure he will love it.
Two weekends ago, my brother called and told me about a super good deal to go to Hawaii (Maui) so, after we get back from Detroit, we flying off for a 12 day trip to Maui. We are looking forward to it and will have a great time because my brother and his wife and other family members will also be there.

that's the update...remember no news is good news....!!! but really I am sorry it took me so long to update the blog.

Earl continues to stay positive and is serious about beating this cancer. On February 21st our church will be having a healing service for Earl, so if you live in Winnipeg you are welcome to join us as we hold Earl up in prayer and trust that God will be his strength and healer.

Take care,
Debbie

Last Update for 2009

2009-12-29T22:06:00.004-06:00

HI Everyone,
I was hoping to end the year on a positive note with a report that the latest CT Scan was clear, but Earl saw the oncologist today and unfortunately there appears to be yet another "something" in his right upper lobe (lung). The plan is to wait 3 months and do another CT Scan....and see if it grows and then make a decision as to what should happen next. For those of you who don't know, Earl had surgery on October 29, which involved the opening of his sternum so that the surgeon could access both of Earls' lungs. They removed two cancerous tumors from his left lung and what ended up being scar tissue from his right lung. He was in hospital for 5 days and off his crutches for a total of 8 weeks. He is back moving around again and doing a great job...like he never stopped.

We were really hoping that the latest results would be different and therefore we are having a tough time keeping our heads up. Earl has been struggling emotionally for the last few months as we have said goodbye to several more sarcoma friends. We were especially saddened by the loss of our dear Friend Ramona Reimer...and send out prayers to her husband Earl and their families.

We did however have a great Christmas with family and plan to continue to celebrate the love that God has bestowed upon us and share it with all we meet. I have a terrific family, and terrific friends...we have a church family that stands behind us and prays for us all the way and all the time...and for that we are forever thankful. God is Good and his Love endures forever.

The next few months will hopefully involve a trip to Detroit...Earls misses his boys so much, hopefully a trip to Calgary... to see the DRW put the Flames out.....! (that's for you Mike) and I am currently scanning the net to find a sell off vacation... to somewhere hot and where we can have a much needed change of scenery.

Take care everyone, please keep in touch, please keep praying and oh yeahhhhhh
HAPPY NEW YEAR....

Debbie, Earl and Darby.

2009-11-27T12:25:00.003-06:00

Go Red Wings

2009-11-27T12:25:00.002-06:00

Hi Everyone,

Earl has been home from the hospital for 3 weeks now and is really getting bored. He is able to go out, almost daily, but is incredibly tired afterward. He is quite an amazing guy...saying the surgery wasn't really that bad. We are having a few problems with the incision, but nothing major. He still has four more weeks without crutches and boy will he be happy to get them back. I must say his balance is getting better and better as he hops from room to room.

Earl is constantly reminding me about the travel plans he has after he is up and at em...wants to go to Calgary, Detroit and maybe even Vancouver and we might go on a cruise depending on how he is feeling. I don't think we can manage all 4 places though so we will have to take a look at making decision in the new year.

Earl goes for his next CT Scan on December 21st, and the Dr. wants us to wait until after the holidays before he gives us the results. We are hoping and counting on good results though. Please keep him in your prayers as we wait yet again for an update on his cancer.

We are struggling right now with the knowledge that one of our good friends, Ramona is in palliative care (for 2 weeks now). We pray for her daily and ask that would join us. She is an amazing, beautiful young woman and we just can't fathom life without her. Earl sometimes deals with why he is doing so well, while others are not.

We are planning to stay home and watch our Red Wings beat the Calgary Flames tonight....they really need and win and so does Earl.....So watch out all you Calgary fans...you might be crying in your beer tonight.

Debbie

2009-11-12T13:05:00.002-06:00

2009-11-12T13:01:00.001-06:00

Earl is recovering at home and I might add celebrating the DRW's win last night as they stomped on Columbus....9 to 1.

Debbie

Go Red Wings Osgood get's a SHUT OUT

2009-11-04T09:01:00.002-06:00

Good Morning,

Earl is recovering quickly, so much so that he will most likely be coming home tomorrow. The Dr. said he was surgically ready to go home on Monday...but physically Earl (...and I ) thought he needed a few more days. Yesterday he was able to stand and transfer to the chair by himself and at physio he was able to hop up 3 stairs, which is important for getting home. I am a bit concerned that Earl will gain confidence to quickly and by doing so will neglect to remember he just had his chest cracked open. We will have to watch him closely so the bones have time to heal and knit together strongly. Earl will still not be able to use his crutches for another 7 weeks.

I am looking for friends and family to come over and visit Earl, so that I can get out, so call or drop us an email if you have time to spare. hopkins5@mts.net

The Detroit Red Wings had a great victory last night with a 3-0 win against Boston...so here's hoping it fuels them up for a win tomorrow and a chance to get back on the victory train.

Take care...and keep praying!
Debbie

Surgery Went GREAT

2009-11-02T09:00:00.002-06:00

Hi,

Surgery on Thursday went very well and they were able to remove all three tumors. Two in the upper left lobe and one in the middle right lobe. The Dr. had a good look and feel around and seems to be confident that he found everything that needed to go. That night he watched his Red Wings play....at 9pm can you imagine watching hockey after such major surgery!

Earl is recovering and what a fighter he is. They removed the epidural yesterday and may remove his pain pump today. He was up in the chair 2x yesterday and was able to be taken for a walk and sat up for supper. He still has his sense of humor and had the staff laughing last night.

He enjoys his visitors, and we are hoping to get a phone hooked up today.

Keep on praying and your prayers are being answered in this truly amazing young man's life.

Debbie

The Next Chapter................!

2009-10-25T13:25:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone,

Most of you know that the latest test revealed that Earl has more cancer in his lungs. He will be having surgery on Thursday, Oct 29 at 10:30 am at Health Science Center. The surgery is called a sternotomy and will involve the opening of his sternum to provide access to both lungs. It is a big surgery and the recovery is long, especially because of Earl's need for crutches. He will be off them for about 2 months.

We are also feeling very sad today because another one of our cancer friends has passed on. Billy Jo a lovely 38 year old mother of 2 boys and wife of Steve, lost her battle last Friday. Earl just does not know how to handle it when one of the people we have been supporting and praying for dies.

On a happier note, we just returned from yet another trip to Detroit...I think Earl has earned his Wings...his Red Wings that is. We arrived on Wednesday and attended the morning skate on Thursday, the game with our friend Billy Ritchie on Thursday night, and into the locker room after the game. Then the days that followed took on the same theme....HOCKEY. We also attended a game on Saturday night, after which we said good bye to the team. We did manage a tour of Detroit and a trip to The Ford Museum and church on Sunday. We also had dinner with my cousin's in Windsor. On Monday we headed home, but before we got on the plane we stopped in for a visit at Mt Sinai Hosp in Toronto. Earl was so happy to finally get to go there and not be nervous about surgery. We had a great visit with lots of our friends there and even met a new patient that Earl has already encouraged.

Please keep us in your prayers.....for it is your friendship, support and prayer, that keeps us going.

Debbie

2009-10-04T22:56:00.003-05:00

Hi There Everyone,
Earl has been harassing me about getting his blog updated, so here it is. As you may remember Earl had a CT Scan done this past May and the results showed 2 tumors in his left lung. We waited somewhat patiently over the summer for the next Ct Scan and follow-up oncology appt. The results show that the 2 tumors have grown, one of which has doubled in size and a new tumor in his right lung. Earl has been referred to the thoracic surgeon ( Dr Unruh) and so we ask that you join us in praying that we get an appt soon and that he will agree to do the surgery.

I will update again soon, but really wanted to get all you prayer warriors out there to work.

Debbie

Terry Fox Run 2009

2009-09-01T21:27:00.003-05:00

Well Followers, it is time for the annual Terry Fox Run and as Terry and his Marathon of Hope have a special place in our heart we are proudly supporting The Terry Fox Foundation in its ongoing work to fund innovative and progressive cancer research programs. The Terry Fox Marathon of Hope is on September 13, 2009 and again my family and friends have joined Earl in his mission to continue what Terry Fox started. We will be running with Earl at Assiniboine Park on September 13 and are looking for pledges and participants to help in this mission.

Earl was diagnosed with the SAME cancer (osteogenic sarcoma) as Terry Fox and after a number of surgeries, he lost his leg last year. He continues to battle the cancer and is not out of the woods yet. But he has succeeded this far and is determined to continue to fight. Terry Fox’s dream is his motivation.

Earl speaks to Schools and communities around Winnipeg, it's surrounding area and just this past week in Calgary about his fight and is an inspiration to everyone who meets him. He has been labelled the Rain Man of hockey by those in the know of hockey and is good friends with Darren Dreger TSN hockey analyst and the coach of the Detroit Red Wings - Mike Babcock - with whom he communicates on a regular basis in regards to his amazing knowledge of hockey stats. He has recently added Kid Rock’s brother’s phone number to his cell phone. And while at the Red Wing’s Stanley Cup finals in Detroit he met some amazing people who paved his way to Calgary last week to attend the Team Canada Hockey Dinner. Our local and national media centres have done a number of stories about Earl. He is truly an amazing kid! Here is the link of the latest interview he did with shaw tv.

http://start.shaw.ca/start/enCA/videos/featuredvideos.htm?fvPgID={468EA86C-67B1-45BA-8D4A-99CC2F12410E}&fvTitle=Terry%20Fox%20Run%202009&href3D171C4BD6BC=mms%3A%2F%2Fprdmediax1.shaw.ca%2FStart%2FShawTV%2FWinnipeg%2FFRI_AUG14%2FW9374.wmv

“People ask me what it’s like to be like Terry Fox. I tell them I wouldn’t call myself HIM, but when I run I do it because I need to find a cure, and when I’m tired I can’t give up because there’s kids dying out there.”

- Earl Cook

CHECK OUT HIS PICTURES

This year – our family is running for another special person. My cousin ( I fondly considered her my niece) Christine was diagnosed with cancer in January. She fought a vicious fight for 7 months, but we had to say good-bye on July 22. Christine was 35 years old and left behind her husband and a three-year-old daughter. We will run in her memory.

If you want to join our team and run with us on September 13, please click here and register. Team name is Earl Cook Friends and Family – Winnipeg MB

http://www.terryfox.org/cgi/page.cgi/Works/find_an_event_site.html?prov=MB&evt=35831

If you want to pledge our run – please donate online by clicking here.

http://www.terryfox.org/cgi/page.cgi/Works/participants.html/LAPDA2

I share the following message with you, as I believe it reflects the core philosophy of this organization and one of the many reasons I choose to support it:

The Terry Fox Foundation firmly believes in its obligation to be fully transparent in all matters relating to fiscal reporting. With only 3 cents of every dollar raised going towards administration, and ten cents going towards fundraising costs, the Foundation is an industry leader in fundraising accountability.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and support of Earl's goal.

Terry Fox started with a dream of raising one dollar per Canadian for cancer research....and Earl, and the care he has received is an example we can look to for the success of Terry's Dream.

Debbie

Team Canada Camp Here I come!!!!

2009-08-24T20:40:00.002-05:00

Earl and Darby are about to set out on another trip of a lifetime, as Earl refers to his little hockey trips. They are leaving tomorrow for Calgary and the Team Canada Hockey Camp. I am not sure if I posted the story of the guys we met on our first trip to Detroit. We were on our way down to the dressing room after the game and part of group consisted of a group of Canadians from Calgary. While we were in the dressing room and Earl and Darby were flitting about in the back with the players...one of these guys came over to me and with great curosity asked me, "who are you and why are your boys so in with the players?" I told him Earls story and they were all happy to see how welcoming the Red Wings were. they were quite impressed with Mike Babcock and the Wings Organization for taking such an interest and going to the lengths that they were to give Earl a real time Hockey Experience. Soon I heard a request" Darby's mom...can you take some pictures of us?" cause here they are in the dressing room of the Stanley Cup Champs and no one has a camera. so I took a bunch of pictures, halled them out to the bench to take some more....and when we returned home I emailed the pictures to them. They were thrilled, because now they had proof and therefore bragging rights...with their friends and colleagues. I received a big thank you and a request to keep them up to date on Earl's health.

I recently emailed them an update telling them how Earl was doing and that he was hoping to come out to Calgary for the Team Canada camp. I received a reply with an invitation to join them in their suite at the Red/White game at the end of the camp. I told them I had to work out a few details and I would let them know if we were able to make the trip or not. The next email I recv'd said that they would like to help us make the trip...... As it turns out my new kitchen cabinets were the detail I was trying to work out and they are being delivered this Thursday...so I was not going to be able to take Earl. Darby is though and when I let this fellow know he replied that he/his company would love to fly Earl and Darby out to Calgary, put them up in a downtown hotel and meet them at the game on Thursday. They are ecstatic.....!!!!! The company's name is Plains Midstream Canada and they are ready to show these boys a memorable time. They will be picked up at the airport in a limo (Earl is so excited as he has never been in a limo beofre) We have spoken to Babs and he will get them into the practices on Wednesday and Thursday, and Plains Midstream has somehow obtained tickets for the boys to attend the Team Canada Dinner on Wednesday night. OOOOOOH I wish I could go too....but it's Darby's turn. They should have fun.

Believe in the Goal 2009

2009-08-18T16:22:00.015-05:00

Hi Everyone,

Earl had a great time at the Believe in the Goal/ Super Summer Showdown hockey game. A big thank-you to Darren Helm and Donna Sutherland (Todd Davidson's aunt) for helping Earl and friends to meet some of the players.

On Wednesday Earl and I went to Larders Golf Club where the Golf Tournament portion of the fundraiser was held. We arrived before tee-off and as we wandered around Earl met a number of NHL & AHL players. Darren Helm, Jonathon Toews, Cam Barker, Nigel Daus, Jordan Tootoo, Alexandre Bolduc, Cory Schneide, Rejean Beachemin, and Ace Burpy!

The next evening we went to the Hockey Game at the MTS center, with friends Chris, Rob, and Earl and Ramona Reimer. It was so much fun and Earl's friends were excited as they were able to cash in on Earl's NHL and media connections, with a visit to the broadcast booth during the first intermission and a visit to the dressing room during the 2nd intermission. A good time was had by all and we have a few pictures to help us remember. I have to say it was very exciting to be in the dressing room with so many players from so many teams. If you didn't get a chance to see the game....mark it on your calendar for next year, as it truly was a great game and for a very worthy cause. Check out Todd's story by googling Believe in the Goal/ Todd Davidson.

Earl is also excited because he has been on the phone with Mike Babcock talking about the goalies for Team Canada.

Take care and I will have another update right away about the upcoming Terry Fox Run taking place on September 13 at Assiniboine Park.

Debbie

July Update 2009

2009-08-01T11:01:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone.

Another month has passed and I thought it time to give you an update. Earl is feeling more energetic these days and is excited about a number of things going on. Firstly he is getting revved up for the upcoming Terry Fox "Marathon of Hope" Run on Sept. 13. His team is already starting to grow, so check it out and add your name to the team. Secondly he is excited about his support team's first official meeting. We went to visit some friends at St. Boniface 5b, on Thursday and there ended up being 3 patients and Earl...so we decided that was enough to consider it our first group meeting.

One area of concern is our upcoming CT Scan and follow-up appointment with Dr. Wong. The last CT showed 2 nodules in Earl's left upper lobe and the next one will give us a better idea as to whether they are cancerous or not. If they are then an appt will be booked with the surgeon to see if he will operate and remove them.....Please keep this in your prayers.

Earl and I spent a week cooking out at Camp Nutimik earlier this month and it felt so good to be back serving the Lord in the kitchen. Earl was able to help out daily, but also was able to have a good rest. Earl was excited to share his faith story with 120 staff and campers, and the news we've had heard is that kids at camp are still talking about it....Way to Go Earl.

This Thursday Earl will be attending the "Super Summer Showdown" at the MTS Center with some friends. It is a fundraiser for Cancer in the name of Manitoba grown Todd Davison who played the game of hockey with tremendous speed and a big heart, never letting the big guys stop him. In 2004 on his graduation day from St. Paul's High School he also had a date with a doctor, who performed a biopsy on his left shoulder. Two days later he was introduced to his newest adversary - synovial sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that attacked the tissues surrounding the joint. Following months of extensive radiation and chemotherapy sessions, Todd underwent major surgery in March 2005 on his shoulder. This removed the tumor but left him with limited use of his left arm, and effectively ending his hockey career. Todd passed away in December 2006....which was the same time that I took Earl to the Pan am Clinic to have his sore knee looked at. Come and cheer on Jonathan Toews, Darren Helm, Cam Barker, Travis Zajac, Jordin Tootoo and many more as they put their talent and skills on display in a mid-summer all-star game at the MTS Centre to support young patients in Manitoba with Cancer. Tickets available through www.ticketmaster.ca.

Well take care
Debbie

June Update

2009-06-22T10:52:00.007-05:00

Hi Everyone,

It's been a busy time since we last updated the BLOG, so I will try and recap as best as possible.
My last post told you that Earls Red Wings had won the conference final and when that happened we had to make quick plans to get down to Detroit for that weekend. I phoned Thursday at 7am and managed to get a flight out on Saturday morning. We arrived in Detroit (after an almost unthinkable problem with the airline) at 1:30, checked into our hotel where Earl had a quick rest, ate a quick supper and headed to the game. Once again the DRW treated us like family and a car was waiting for us in the lobby. Game 1 was terrifically exciting and we beat the Penguins 3-1. The other exciting thing that happened that night was that we met our friend Anne Marie and while speaking with her, Earl saw a man with one leg and was so excited, we had to stop him and talk to him. Well Billy and Earl were thrilled to meet each other and had a nice visit and we exchanged email/phone numbers. It turns out that Billy is at the game with his brother "Kid Rock", so during the 2nd intermission, Billy brings his brother up to meet Earl and after a quick greeting I get to snap a few photo's. After the game, we head down to the dressing room, which was an experience in itself, as the locker room is a media frenzy. In typical Earl fashion he walks right in like he is part of the team and wanders around making sure he visits everyone. I was amazed to watch him as he knew the names of many of the TV/media personalities, and even some impersonations. It was a blast, and before the evening was over (we once again were close to being the last ones out of the dressing room) Earl had met Ted Lindsay, Don Cherry, Ron Mclean, Scott Oak, Darren Pang, and of course our good friend Darren Dreger. It was 1:30 when we arrived back at the hotel and 2:30 before Earl was able to fall asleep. The next morning we were up early, picked up and at the Joe, for the morning skate. Earl was once again sitting on the bench and hanging out with the players. It is the coolest thing to sit back and watch as these caring players, coaches and equipment staff , take time at a very crucial and focused time of their careers to include Earl in their day. Earl had his new prosthetic leg with him and proudly showed it off, especially the artwork....Detroit Red Wings and the name of his favorite player Henrik Zetterberg. Z, by the way did autograph the butt of Earls new leg.

That evening we had dinner with my cousin Allan and his family wife Gail, kids; Trisha and Keith. We went to the game with them and into the dressing room after the game. They were thrilled and being Detroit fans for many years, have now dubbed Earl their favorite cousin. That night Earl met Garry Bettmen and told him he wanted to see the Red Wings....play the Winnipeg Jets. Detroit wins again 3-1.

On Tuesday we headed to Pittsburgh in a rental car.....for game 3 and a quick peek at the beautiful city. We lost that night. The next morning we headed back to Detroit and then home to Winnipeg. It was a fast paced holiday and we were exhausted by the time we arrived home.

We had a visit with the oncologist on the 9th and were told that there is another nodule growing in his right lung. Upon receiving the ct scan report, it seems there are 2 nodules appearing in his right upper lung. The plan is to wait until Sept at which time a new scan will be done and a plan will be made. Please keep Earl in you prayers.

2009-05-28T09:07:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone,

Well today is a good day. Earl's Red Wings won the Western Conference Final last night and we are off to the Stanley Cup Finals in Detroit this Saturday. We will be attending Games 1 & 2 against the Pittsburgh Penguins...(the same team we beat last year).

God is so good. When I made my first call to Air Miles, I was told there were no flights available until Sunday,,,,,So I started to try and make a new plan. In my "never take no for an answer" mode, I decided to call back and all of a sudden there were tickets available for Saturday getting us into Detroit just after 2pm, so we can make it to the hotel freshen up and get to the game early. Earl's response when I told him, was it's amazing what can happen when you have faith. How true that is. And once again, I must also say thank you to Mike Babcock and the Red Wings, for continuing the Dream of a Lifetime for Earl.
Take care and we will update when we get home.
Debbie & Earl

GO RED WINGS.....ALL THE WAY TO THE CUP

A new and improved Earl

2009-05-01T12:44:00.004-05:00

HI Everyone,

I have been tardy in updating the BLOG...so for that I am sorry, but as many have said....no news is good news RIGHT!!!!

Right. Earl is doing very well these days. We have started the process of reducing his pain meds and he is starting to come to life. He has less nausea and less tummy upset and is starting to sleep less. He has completely recovered from his lung surgery and even though the tumor they removed was malignant Dr Wong will not be treating Earl with chemo. He is confident that the whole mass was removed.....praise the Lord! Earl will see him again in June for follow-up.

Earl's rehab is going very well and he is progressing with his leg at an amazing speed. The prosthetists, Dr's and therapists are all impressed with Earl's success with his new leg. He has starting walking and running....yes running on a treadmill and is starting to train for the Terry Fox Run, which will be held in September.....Mark this on you calendar....because Earl is making his running debut....for Terry! As his energy returns, he is getting motivated to get active, in fact, on Wednesday after rehab in the morning, he played street hockey with his worker our dog Sauer and a buddy. He did a great job and had so much fun. Here is a video...you can watch.
Take care and keep praying.
Debbie & Earl

2009-03-07T10:09:00.003-06:00

It with great sadness that we share with you the passing of our good friend Samantha! We met Sam and her family while we were in Toronto in 2007 for Earl's limb salvage surgery. Earl heard the Dr's talking about a girl who had been newly diagnosed and after they left he said he was going for a walk. 20 mins later he came back and said he had met a young girl, named Sam and her family. He told me they were very worried and he encouraged them by sharing his story and his knowledge of osteosarcoma. He also told them if they had any questions they should talk to me, because in his mind I was an expert. We met and over the next 1 1/2 years have become great friends and supporters of each other. Sam was an amazing young woman with a strength few people have, big bright smile and boy was she a fighter. We will miss her, but fond memories of our time with her will not be forgotten . Heaven will be a little britghter now with the arrival of this precious angel.
Debbie

Taken from her Obit...

Mar. 7, 2009 SAM SAMANTHA JEAN FLANNIGAN: As expressions of sympathy, donations to Mt. Sinai Hospital Foundation earmarked for "Sarcoma Research" in Samantha's name would be greatly appreciated by the family by calling the funeral home at 519-742-4481 or condolences at www.mem.com Isaiah 41:13 For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear, I will help you.

Want to HELP....Here's your Chance

2009-03-03T11:12:00.002-06:00

As many of you may know Earl is back on the ice playing hockey again. He is hoping to return to the ice one more time this year....so here's hoping he recovers to that point. Earl is a member of the Manitoba Sledge Hockey Team, which is new in Manitoba, this being it's second season. Last year the team had 8 players and this year has grown to in excess of 25 players. We are also happy to announce that we are now a part of Hockey Manitoba, which comes with many benefits and helps us get more ice time. Sledge hockey is a para Olympic sport and in fact Canada has the best team in the world. Anyway....just wanted to give you some background. The opportunity for Earl to play hockey again has made him so happy, and once again he has the ability to get out there and shine.

How can you help?

1) Join us on Saturday April 4th at the Manitoba Moose game. If we sell 100 tickets we will be included in the opportunity to sell 50.50 tickets at MTS events. This is a great way for the team to raise funds. The cost for you to purchase the Moose game ticket is only $15. and we will all sit in the same section.
2) We are hoping to get Earl his own equipment
3) Each team member is given a pledge form....if you think you would like to help out with a donation please let us know.
4) The team is also looking for corporate sponsorship, with which they can purchase sleds, ice time, jerseys and other equipment, and host awareness activities throughout Manitoba.

You know my number so call if you are interested in attending or helping out in any way.

The game should be alot of fun and we can sell more than 100 tickets....so come on out and have some fun while supporting Earl, his team and a very worthy cause.

Have a great day,
Debbie

Surgery a Success

2009-02-28T08:58:00.003-06:00

Hi Everyone,

Earl had his surgery on Tuesday and it was short (only 1 hour 10 mins) and everything went very well. They were able do the surgery with a scope which was great news as it will make for a quicker recovery for Earl and it enabled them to get a good look around the lung, which was healthy and showed no other tumors and to remove the tumor. Earl had a bit of a hard time with pain...I am not too impressed with the pain management provided, but Earl is a trooper and made it through the pain. He was feeling more like himselft yesterday and he may even come home today.

I will update again later and share the rest of the story, but right now I need to get on my way to the hospital.

Debbie

Go Wings Go!!!!!

2009-02-23T11:59:00.002-06:00

Hi Everyone,

Earl, Darby and I had a great weekend in Minneapolis/St Paul,,,,shopping and hockey,,,What else is there to life!

We left on Thursday, arriving in Albertville around 2:30, checked into our hotel and then headed to our favorite outlet mall. We shopped and shopped getting lots of great deals. The deal of the weekend for Earl was buying 2 NHL jerseys at the Mall of America for $32 US (total that is) and for Darby CROCS fir $2.99 a pair. Darby broke an all time record by buying 10 pairs of shoes!!!!!
We had a great dinner at a Thai restaurant, watched some TV and then crashed for the night.

The next morning we woke up had breaky and then headed back to the Mall to finish up. We stopped at our favorite hamburger place "Culvers" and headed into to St Paul. We checked in and then....guess what!....we went to the Mall of America, where we shopped and had dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp.

Saturday morning we headed to the Xcel Energy Center for the Detroit Red Wings/Minnesota Wild morning skate. We had a difficult time finding our way into the arena until Andreas Lilja (who wears # 3) saw us and walked with us down to the dressing room. How cool is that! Once we arrived Earl was in his Happy Place surrounded by his favorite coaches and players. Darby and Earl were certainly made to feel at home and just visited and hung out with the guys. We had taken some pictures when we were in Detroit in November and had them blown up, so Darby and Earl had fun getting the guys to autograph them all. We hung out for quite a while and if you ask the boys I am sure they will have some stories to share with you. Earl wore his prosthetic to show everyone and was walking around without his crutches.....smiling broadly.

After we had lunch at the White Castle, we headed back to the MOA and finished some shopping, then back to the hotel where Earl had a little rest before the game.

We were at the arena by 6 and watched our team unfortunetly loose to the Wild. (5-2) But we congratulate Tomáš Kopecký, on the birth of his baby and on scoring a goal. What a way to celebrate the birth of your baby on the same day. After the game we ventured or should I say adventured our way down to the dressing room. There were quite a few Detroit fans, so we were thankful that we had our "Special Access Passes", but still had a bit of a struggle getting past security until Jiri Hudler (#26) helped get us through. We had a nice visit with Jiri, Chris Draper and Steve Yzermann, before heading into the dressing room. We hung out again and then said our goodbyes....funny we were almost the last to leave the dressing room.

Once again a very big thank-you to Mike Babcock and the Detroit Red Wings for making yet another dream come true!!!!! I will post some pictures, in a bit.

Earl heads into hospital tomorrow morning for surgery at 10:30...so please think of him and keep him in your Prayers.

Debbie

Upcoming Surgery

2009-02-12T18:19:00.003-06:00

Hi Everyone,

We have seen the lung surgeon and the date has been set. Earl will have what they call a wedge resection of his right lung on February 24th at Health Science Center. The surgery will take place at 10:30 am and he is expected to be in hospital for 3-4 days. (provided there are no complications) We were at the hospital today for a pulmonary assessment and Earl did great. We have one more pre-surgical appt next week with the anesthesiologist.

Earl is not to worried and as usual has a very positive attitude. His rehab and working with his prosthesis will be put on hold for a while, but I am sure he will be back at it in no time.

I came up with a plan to keep his mind off of the upcoming surgery...and thankfully Mike Babcock came through again, so we will be traveling down to St Paul next weekend to see the Detroit Red Wings play the Minnesota Wild. Mike is one incredible guy and we are blessed in getting to know him. Earl will be able to attend the morning skate and then of course the game in the evening. He is hoping we will be invited into the dressing room after....so let's all cross our fingers.

Earl will be playing his last sledge hockey game of the season on Monday Feb 16 from 8:45 to 11:00 at Silverstone Arena in Fort Richmond. So if you want to see him in his glory and check out the game of Sledge Hockey....come on out...I know he'd love to see you there.

Please keep Earl in your prayers and keep in touch.
Debbie

Update

2009-01-19T20:53:00.003-06:00

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

2009-01-11T18:46:00.004-06:00

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!!!!!

2009-01-05T13:16:00.002-06:00

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

December Update

2008-12-04T16:26:00.004-06:00

Hi Everyone,
Earl is back to the routines of daily living. and learning to use his prosthetic leg. He was casted for it in October, fitted after we got home from Detroit and has been using it for three weeks now. Last weekend he was able to bring it home for the weekend and will bring it home every weekend now. He goes to rehab M W F at 10:30. He is very excited about walking with his new leg and is determined to work hard and be successful. This week he started walking with one crutch and next week will begin trying to walk with canes. We are hoping that he will eventually walk with no aids. The other thing we are working on is getting in and out of the "bucket" by himself. The alignment is very important and it takes a bit of adjusting but he is getting better everyday.
The next exciting news is that Earl is playing hockey again. It is called sledge hockey and is played sitting in a sled. The same rules apply and they even get ice at the MTS Center once a month. It is a new sport in Manitoba and we are hoping to see it grow so that they can have a league. You can make pledges for Earl and his team through SMD or by contacting me and I will get you a copy of the sponsorship package. He would love to see you out there cheering him on....he really hasn't changed as far as loving to have someone in his camp cheering him on.
Take it easy...

Debbie and Earl

Was it a DREAM?

2008-11-13T23:25:00.004-06:00

Hi Everyone,

We are back from our trip to Detroit, but still grinning from ear to ear. Our living room looks like a souvenir shop...jerseys, hockey sticks, pucks, posters, banners, magazines and books, ticket stubs and visitor passes........all Red Wings of course.

We arrived in Detroit on Friday night, checked into our hotel and spoke to coach Babcock. We were in for a whirlwind of hockey and spending time with an amazing group of people. We attended two morning skates (pre game skates), two practices for the Red Wings and one practice for the Pittsburgh Penguins, two hockey games and two after game visits to the Red Wings dressing room. Earl and Darby sat on the bench during practices and visited several times (actually about 6x) with the players and coaches in the locker room. It was so cute to see Earl crutching from room to room like he was meant to be there. The guys were even teasing him that he should come on the road with them. Earl and Darby could light up a room with their smiles and not only did I enjoy the hockey part I was beaming as a proud mama.

We stayed at a fantastic hotel and even took in a NFL game...in a suite I might add. The Detroit Red Wings, Mike Babcock and Anne Marie especially, took such good care of us and honestly made us feel like family. There was not a single moment that I wished I was somewhere else.

We met so many people I can't list them all, but some of the highlights were Head coach Mike Babcock...who made this trip happen, Paul MacLean, Brad McCrimmon, Jim Bedard, Keith Mc Kittrick, Steve Yzerman, Gordie Howe, the whole team, Jim Devellano, Ken Holland, and Pittsburgh Players: Sydney Crosby, Marc Andre Fluery, Tyler Kennedy. Evgeni Malkin and Matt Cooke.

A big thank you to Anne Marie Krappmann and Lisa and the staff at the East Gate and the Staff at Olympia Entertainment. You all made us feel so special!!!!

Debbie, Darby and Earl.

Detroit Here We Come!!!!

2008-11-04T21:58:00.002-06:00

HI Everyone,

In just 60 hours Earl, Darby and I will be heading to the airport and departing for Detroit....aka Hockey Town and home of Earl's team, The Detroit Red Wings. We are staying at the G.M. Renaissance Center, which is just 2 blocks from Joe Louis Arena. If you haven't heard this news before, you need to know that we are going as guests of Mike Babcock the head coach. What an amazingly nice man he is. We have been in touch with Mike by email and chatted on the phone several times and Earl gets so excited, it is a thrill to watch him. We are all quite excited and those of you who know Earl, know he is ecstatic and counting down the hours.

Earl has not been feeling the best these last few days, but we are praying and confident that he will be feeling much better by Friday. I actually had to take him to emergency at St B. last night because he was sweating to the point of being soaked, feeling nauseous and had a heart rate of 160. We ended up leaving without seeing the Dr. after sitting for 3 1/2 hours. The ER was so busy and Earl could not sit any longer. I had them check him out before we made the decision to leave, and his vitals had returned to normal. There are many things going on in his life that are causing him concern and stress and I am keeping a close eye on him.

Would you all please keep the family of our friend Andi, in your prayers as they prepare for Andi's passing. Andi is a lovely 18 year old young lady, who we met here in Winnipeg as we have both been on the same journey. Andi's cancer PNST or peripheral nerve sheath tumor is a very rare sarcoma and has really taken a toll on this beautiful young girl. Earl is very disturbed but all of this and really has a hard time understanding why things like this happen.

We will make sure and post a Detroit update and put up some pictures when we get back.

Debbie

Another Big Day

2008-10-29T18:25:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick note to let everyone know that Earl had his first fitting for his prosthesis today. It is quite the contraption but Earl doesn't seem to be uncomfortable, so that's great. I won't try to describe, because in this case a picture saves a thousand words. I will post a picture very soon. Earl was so excited and is really looking forward to the end product, but he will have to be patient (which we all know is not easy for Earl), because the process of creating a prosthetic and learning to walk with it, will be quite long and intensive. Earl wants to walk without aids TOMORROW.

We are looking forward to our trip to Detroit, and of course I am looking forward to spending time with my two boys,,,,and no interruptions.

Take Care,
Debbie

October Update

2008-10-23T23:32:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone,

I am starting to get comments about no updates....so here it is. Earl is doing very very well, and recovering and getting stronger everyday. Tomorrow is a big day, as the prothesist will begin the process of making a prosthetic leg for Earl. It starts off with a 3 hour appt, where they will create a casting from which they can make the leg. It will be somewhat cumbersome but whatever it takes Earl is prepared to give it all he has. He has been attending Rehab 3x a week and is showing signs of getting stronger. It's actually pretty humorous to watch him as he flexes his muscles in the mirror, hoping to see a visible change. It takes a while Earl!!!!! Even though he is getting stronger each day, he still gets very tired and is sleeping 12-14 hours a day some days. The medications he is taking for pain really drain him of energy. His movement specialist has started to take him off one of the medications that controls his tics, so that is taking a little toll on him also. This poor guy, nothing every seems easy for him.

We are getting very excited about our upcoming trip to Detroit. We have been in contact with Mike Babcock the coach and he has invited Earl to come down to Joe Louis Arena for the morning skate on each of the two games days, for a Saturday practice and at some point time to hang out in the dressing room with the players. When Earl heard the plans, he was shivering with excitement and it is so much fun to watch him as the anticipation grows. He has now started converting days to minutes. Earl doesn't count sleeps...he counts days broken down in minutes.

He keeps himself pretty busy and manages to get out everyday. He tries to have 2 walks a day and can be seen by many of his friends walking down the street in our community of Whyte Ridge. He says he often gets invitations for a ride home, but declines telling them that he needs to get strong so that his prosthetic will be successful.

We had some sad news recently about our friend Andi, who is a young lady (18) and is battling cancer. She has been switched to palative care and is experiencing much pain as the cancer rages through her less than 100 lb body. Please keep her and her family in your prayers and think of Earl as well, because this is very hard on him. He is such a sensitive guy and finds the thought of his friends being so sick unbearable at times. The other night when we got news from Andi's mom, he broke down in tears as he reached for me to hug him.

Take care and please try and keep in touch....Earl is missing phone calls from many of you!
Debbie

Earl Starts Rehab!

2008-10-08T16:45:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone,
Sorry there has not been an update lately, but like they say, "No news is good news"

Earl is doing well and has started going to a rehab program for amputee's. He will be attending M W and F's

We received news today that the prosthetist who works at the rehab program will not be able to ( or is not willing to) make a prosthetic leg for Earl. Our Rehab therapist has invited us to attend a clinic next Tuesday Oct 14 where we will meet two other prosthetists who may be willing to give Earl a chance at trying a prosthetic leg. Please pray that:

1) One of the prosthetists will give Earl a chance

2) That the process of casting and development of the leg will happen quickly

3) That Earl will be strong enough to give it his best shot

4 That it would work.

Earl really wants this, let's pray together that he is given the chance.

Debbie

What a TEAM!!!

2008-09-27T11:04:00.001-05:00

A big thank-you to all who joined Earls Family and Friends by participating through financial contributions and by taking part in the run at Assiniboine Park. The numbers are not all in but so far our online donations come close to $2000.00 which is great and that does not include the pledges of all individuals on the team. We had a great turn out (40 people) and we all had a great time. It was a beautiful sunny day and most of all Earl felt loved and supported. Earl spoke in 5 schools from Sept 14 to Sept 23, which included RW Bobby Bend Elementary School in Stonewall, Teulon High School, Arthur A. Leach Junior High School, Westview Elementary and Arthur Day Middle School. He was loved by all and had a great impact on the students and staff. Earl has such a special way of speaking to people and unlike most of us is confident in front of a crowd. It is our hope that he has inspired these young people to participate in Terry's Dream and that they will understand the role they play in a world where cancer can be treated.

Earl had an exciting evening on Wednesday Sept 24 when he went to see the NHL game here in Winnipeg. (Phoenix Coyotes vs Calgary Flames) He went with his friend Dan....who apparently has "connections" and after the game was taken into the Coyote dressing room where he met Wayne Gretzky, Grand Fuhr, Shane Doan ( who gave Earl his workout shirt and autographed it for him ) and a host of other players. Earl was so excited I could hardly understand him when he called me. Earl's dreams are coming true and every time something special like this happens, it seems to soften the hardness of this journey we have been on.

Earls Friend: Andi Everett

This story was in the Winnipeg Sun this past week. Earl and I met Andi and her family while both Earl and Andi went through many rounds of chemo at St Boniface Hosp here in Winnipeg. Andi cancer is Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor or PNST.

I am passing this on in hopes that someone out there can help out in some big or small way. Whatever anyone of us can do will help Andi.

And to all of you who pray.....please please lift her up.

Earl and I will be attending the Bud Spud and Steak...all are welcome to attend.

Article: Please read this urgent request from a desperate, worried mom:

"My daughter Andrianna (Andi) Everett, who just turned 18, is fighting a rare form of cancer. She has just one hope left and that is to get to Toronto for an experimental drug/treatment not administered here. Her doctor, Dr. R. Wong, has been turned down to bring this drug, Yondelis, to Winnipeg several times.

"I'm hosting a benefit called 'Andi's Hope' on Friday, Oct. 3 at Silverado's at Canad Inns Garden City, to help Andi get to Toronto. Tickets are $15 and include a Bud, spud and steak along with a silent auction, 50/50 and a grand prize draw.

"My goal is to have enough money in place so that when she finishes her current extremely harsh chemo, we will be financially prepared go to Toronto on very short notice. Hopefully within the next month or so. This is a matter of great urgency. Please help. Sincerely, Liz Chodor."

Two ways we can help Liz and Andi, folks: By booking your Andi's Hope tickets through Liz at 694-1231 (home) or 296-6906 (cell). Or, for those unable to attend the event, donations may be sent to a trust fund, directions as follows:

Cheques should be made payable to Duboff Edwards Haight & Schachter IN TRUST for Elizabeth Chodor and Andrianna Everett.

Address: Duboff Edwards Haight and Schachter Law Corporation, 1900-155 Carlton St., Winnipeg, Man., R3C 3H8.

Great News: Remission

2008-09-13T12:30:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone,

This past Wednesday Earl went in for his first round of chemo following his amputation and the removal of the cancer that had recurred in his left leg . While at the hospital Earl saw Dr. Wong, and because he was complaining about soreness in his ribs, imaging tests were ordered. We are praising God today, because the test revealed that the cancer is gone from Earl's lungs. Dr Wong has stopped chemo and does not want to see Earl until January. He has a benign tumor in his right lung, which will likely need to be removed, but it is NOT cancer. None of us are sure what has happened, but we are praising God and believing that a miracle has occurred.

Earl, along with many friends and family will be participating in the Terry Fox Run here in Winnipeg tomorrow at Assiniboine Park. Earl spoke at three schools yesterday, and his message touched the hearts of many. We are so thankful for the opportunity to share a personal experience with the same cancer that inspired Terry Fox and to encourage others to support his dream. Come out and join us and celebrate with Earl the great news of his remission.

As some of you may already know, Earl has made some new friends in the world of hockey. Yesterday, hockey analyst and sports broadcaster, Darren Dreger told a bit of Earl's story on his radio show Leaf's Lunch out of Toronto.
Here is the link and if anyone knows how I can save it please let me know!
Leaf's Lunch Sept. 12, part 2, just before and after the break.
http://www.640toronto.com/HostsandShows/LeafsLunch/Audio.aspx

As an added comment I want to let you know that Earl has been invited to attend two Detroit Red Wing games, by head coach Mike Babcock. Earl, Darby and I will travel to Detroit on November 7 to watch Earls beloved team Detroit play New Jersey on November 8th and Pittsburgh on November 11. Needless to say Earl is in HOCKEY HEAVEN.

Take care,
Debbie

Join Earl's Team

2008-09-09T14:05:00.003-05:00

We are still looking for your involvement in the Terry Fox Run, as a member of Earl's family and friends. We will meet at the Lyric Theater this Sunday at 9:00 am. If you do not register online you will have to register at the run. The run, walk or wheel, I believe starts at 10 am.... if you would like to stay and have a bite to eat after bring a picnic lunch...or they will have food at the location.

If you would like to join Earl's team this is the web address:

https://www.terryfoxrun.org/english/Corporate/Runner/Register/Runner/default.asp?s=1&CompanyID=9078

If you would like to make a pledge to Earl and his team this is the website

https://www.terryfoxrun.org/english/donations/donate/default.asp?s=1

See you at the Run
Debbie

Reminder To All Terry Fox Run September 14 2008

2008-09-03T16:50:00.003-05:00

Just A reminder to all that the annual TERRY FOX Run for cancer research is being held Sunday September 14 2008 in Various Locations Across Canada and all over the world.

I encourage everyone to remember Terry Fox and to raise funds to try and find a cure for Cancer Please check www.terryfoxrun.org for run locations and details.

Because we have been touched personally through Earl's experience with osteogenic sarcoma we want to join together to show him how much of an impact he has had in our lives.

The Winnipeg Run will take place at Assiniboine Park on Sunday September 14th. Registration will begin @ 9:00am. Earl's team: "Earl's Family and Friends" will have an area to meet near the stage at the Lyric Theatre.

Terry Fox was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and raised in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, a community near Vancouver on Canada's west coast. An active teenager involved in many sports, Terry was only 18 years old when he was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) and forced to have his right leg amputated 15 centimetres (six inches) above the knee in 1977.

While in hospital, Terry was so overcome by the suffering of other cancer patients, many of them young children, that he decided to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research.

He would call his journey the Marathon of Hope.

After 18 months and running over 5,000 kilometres (3,107 miles) to prepare, Terry started his run in St. John's, Newfoundland on April 12, 1980 with little fanfare. Although it was difficult to garner attention in the beginning, enthusiasm soon grew, and the money collected along his route began to mount. He ran 42 kilometres (26 miles) a day through Canada's Atlantic provinces, Quebec and Ontario.

It was a journey that Canadians never forgot.

However, on September 1st, after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres (3,339 miles), Terry was forced to stop running outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario because cancer had appeared in his lungs. An entire nation was stunned and saddened. Terry passed away on June 28, 1981 at age 22.

The heroic Canadian was gone, but his legacy was just beginning.

To date, more than $400 million has been raised worldwide for cancer research in Terry's name through the annual Terry Fox Run, held across Canada and around the world.

Thanks For Reading and if you can't join us on the day of the run, show Earl your support by pledging online to his team:

Earl's family and friends registration number mb1529

Home at LAST

2008-08-27T10:50:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone,

Hurray...We are HOME!

We arrived home last Wednesday, by Air Ambulance. For those of you who know me, you know I hate flying in small airplanes. The takeoff and flight were okay, but the decent and landing made me so sick and it lasted forever (it seemed) But we landed safely.

I was able to runaway with my quilting sisters for the weekend while Darby and many caring friends watched over Earl. Thanks so much to all of you who helped out and made it possible for me to get a much needed break.

Earl was welcomed home by over 50 friends and family on Wednesday night and it was perfect. He had such a good time and it really made him realize how happy he was to finally be home. Our door is always open, if you want to stop by and say hi, and if you have a few free hours, I could always use a break.

Yesterday was the day we went to see Dr Wong, Earl's oncologist, to get the run down on the next round of chemo. He will have a ct scan tomorrow out in Selkirk and then Dr. Wong will be able to start...hopefully right away. Dr Wong does not seem very optomistic, but I explained to him that we have a strong faith and believe that with all we know and have Earl will beat this cancer. The new chemo is called gemcitabine and is fairly mild, compared to the heavy drugs used initially. There are not too many side effects, but nausea is one of them, and they don't give as much anti nausea medication with this one. He will not loose his hair, which made him happy and he will likely be quite tired. The effectivness of this chemo is not great (20 to 30%), but it is used in cases like Earl's specifically where the cancer has spread to the lungs. After this treatment they will check his lungs again and at that point determine if he can have lung surgery, or try another chemo regime.

Earl's incision is doing very well (in case you don't know, Earl had his left leg and pelvis amputated on June 26). He is getting around very well and starting to try bending down and was even down on the floor playing with Sauer this morning.

Earl is starting to get excited about the Terry Fox Run. Mark September 14 on your calendar and get involved on Earl's team...Earl's family and friends registration #: mb1529 we have sponsor sheets, so give us a call

Please keep in touch.... and if you pray please pray:

that earl would continue to heal and get around well.
that the equipement needed to help Earl around the house, and a wheelchair would arrive ASAP
that Earl's pain would decrease and that the phantom pain would be bearable
that the CT scan tomorrow would be very clear and give and accurate picture of the cancer in the lungs.
that chemo would begin immediately and would be effective
that earl would stay positive and enjoy each day.

Take care

Debbie

First Ever Welcome Home Earl Driveway Party

2008-08-19T14:25:00.011-05:00

Hi Everyone....

Yippee we are coming home.  We will travel tomorrow
Wednesday) by air ambulance (permimeter airlines.)
I do not know what time we land. Originally I had
hoped to have a welcome home at the airport for Earl,
but now that won't work, so I came up with a better idea.

You are invited to welcome Earl home at:
The First Ever 20 Stonegate Close Driveway Party.
7-9 pm
Tomorrow evening (Wednesday)
Bring your own drinks or snacks and a lawn chair.


You can park at the church if you like and use the back gate.
(if someone who knows where our gate is, could put up a sign
everyone will find their way) Weather permitting........

We are feeling a little sad as we say goodbye to the many
exceptional staff members in various locations around this
hospital   I have brought donuts and goodies to the staff on
various occasions but truth be told there is absolutely no gift
that could acknowledge how very much we appreciate the hard
working, knowledgeable, caring  people that make this hospital
stand out in the service they provide.  As I wrote in the card
I left on 11 south.  We do not choose this journey we are on,
but we can choose how we deal with it on a daily basis.
The positive, supportive and loving staff on 11 south and
throughout the hospital have helped us to deal with each day
and joyfully move on to the next.  Thank-you so much to Dr.
Wunder and his team (too many to mention),  Dr. Blackstein,
Dr. Beecroft and his team of  Paulette, Krystynna, Allison,
the pain teams, the nurses (way to many to mention), the service
attendants:Willie, Joe, Ba Ba, Rose, the recovery room staff
( especially Sergio, Debbie and Lorraine) and the porters that
always have a happy smile on their faces when they see Earl.
I have watched you all and can honestly say, Earl has touched
each and every one of you and he will be forever remembered.

......And the last thank-you is to Jesus, our God, whom both Earl
and I love and give credit to.  We have felt his presence and
experienced his Love through each and everyone we have met
throughout this journey.

See you soon, Debbie

The Latest

2008-08-16T13:23:00.000-05:00

HI Everyone,

Confirmation will come on Monday, but I think the plan is for us to fly home on Wednesday. We will be transfered by ambulance to the plane, fly to Winnipeg and be transfered (I believe) home by ambulance.

I am of mixed emotions and ask that you please keep up the prayers. Leaving here will be difficult and joyful at the same time. They are so amazing here at Mt Sinai Hospital, but yet we know we must get home so that Earl can start his next rounds of chemo. The nodules in his lungs are growing so we must get going on the chemo as quickly as possible. I am already shedding tears, as I say goodbye and thank you to the many many people we have met over the last 8 weeks.

To give you just a glimpse of how wonderful the staff have been to us, I will share a story or two. Earl had to go down to interventional radiology for 2 procedures this week, 1st to try and asperate a possible infection in his groin and the 2nd to remove his IVC filter as there is no longer a risk for blood clots. When we went down the second time Dr. Beecroft met us in the hall, and was happy to see Earl. He told us that he had just called our floor to find out where we were, and that he was just about to go up and get Earl himself. Earl has left his mark throughout the various departments of this hospital. He often has staff stop by for a visit. Words cannot describe how much we appreciate the exemplary care we have received here.

Well I guess that's enough for now....and we look forward to being home again soon.

Debbie

The Countdown is ON!

2008-08-15T12:25:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone,
The Good News: Dr. Wunder has given Earl the go ahead to head home. We are busy trying to make arrangements for air ambulance and for care once we get home. Earl had his IVC filter removed yesterday and the VAC is still on. We are hoping that we can continue the VAC therapy in Winnipeg, so are waiting to hear if homecare can provide that service. We saw the OT today and she has gone over what equipment we will need at home and on Monday will work with Earl to help him get dressed in street clothes again.

The Not so Good News: The latest CT scan shows that the nodules in Earls lungs are progressing and therefore it is important to get back to Winnipeg to start chemo. Earl will start on Gemcitabine as soon as we get home. (dates to be confirmed once we know when we will travel.)

I am hoping Earl can settle in easily once at home. I was really hoping that we could arrange a welcome home for Earl at the airport, but that will not work now that we are arriving by air ambulance. Perhaps we can arrange something at our place the night we arrive. I will keep everyone posted and ask that those who follow the blog update those who don't.

I am hoping to take a much needed break next weekend, so if anyone can volunteer some time to spend with Earl, I would be forever in debt to you. I am hoping to go to a friends cottage Fri to Sunday with my quilting sisters. Darby will be at home, but is busy studying, now that he is in fire college. If someone can visit Earl or take him out a little that would be awesome. My Email is hopkins5@mts.net or you can reply to this blog.

We are so very much looking forward to getting back to our life, friends, family and of course our Church.

Love Debbie and Earl

Maybe just Maybe Earl can come HOME!

2008-08-12T09:44:00.002-05:00

HI Everyone,

I am back in Toronto and Earl is happy to see me. Darby was here for the weekend and they had a great time hanging out and watching Robot Chicken, which is Earls new favorite obsession. I had a wonderful time back home but it was far to brief.

Dr's on Friday became a bit concerned with Earl's incision and called in the dr's from infectious diseases. They ordered a CT scan yesterday and found a little abscess just under the surface of the skin. He is currently in the procedure room in interventiona radiology with his favorite Paulette and Christina. They are draining the abscess. Earl is out now and we are waiting to go back to the floor.

Dr. Wunder was in yesterday to see Earl and told Earl that he could possibly go home later this week, so cross your fingers and pray pray pray.

Take Care and we hope to see you soon.
Debbie

Earl is Using Crutches

2008-08-01T09:28:00.005-05:00

Hi Everyone,

Today is 5 weeks plus 1 day since Earl had his 1st surgery! Earl is feeling stronger everyday and they are starting to decrease his pain medications. He is still on large doses but they are going down and he is not taking breakthrough, except before he gets up to walk (and even then he seldom wants it.) Yesterday was a big day because he walked on crutches for the first time. He was pretty proud of himself and there was lots of encouragement from the staff.

We saw Dr Blackstein yesterday also, and he has confirmed the chemo that he wants Earl to have and the great news is, that Dr Wong can administer it back home. We anxiously await more details and a time to start. What Dr B has told us is that the treatment is 1x week for 90 minutes and lasts up to 6 months. Dr B also said that as far as he was concerned Earl could head back to Winnipeg, but we will have to wait for word from the ortho Dr's. Dr Wunder is away right now, but Earl still has to get stronger and he needs to be able to tolerate being up for a lot more than an hour or so. Keep praying that he works hard and get stronger everyday. They also took out his catheter today, so we are down to being connected to just the VAC.

I am planning on coming home next weekend to attend a wedding and have a bit of a break. Darby will come out and spend the weekend with Earl. I am looking forward to seeing my family and friends, going to church, attending the wedding and last but not least seeing my puppy. I miss everyone so much. If people can try and call Earl on Friday and Monday, that would be great as I am leaving Friday morning and not back until Monday night.

When the time comes to come back to Winnipeg, I would like to plan and welcome home for Earl at the airport...I will make sure we arrive after supper, so that more people can be there.

Take care and keep the caremail coming....Earl loves it.
Debbie

Earl is feeling better!

2008-07-22T09:40:00.003-05:00

HI Everyone,

Earl is starting to feel much better and they are thinking about decreasing some of his pain meds. He has not really been asking for breakthrough pain meds for the the last couple of days with the exception of preparing for physio. The VAC was attached on Friday and changed yesterday. There was still some areas where the healing hadn't really happened so they reattached the VAC and will continue to monitor it.

Earl was up at the edge of the bed on Sunday and out of bed yesterday. He stood up, walked to the desk (about 60 steps) and then sat in the wheelchair for about 10 mins. Getting him into the wheelchair is great news, because with that comes some freedom.

We have been here for over a month now and it doesn't look like we will be coming homing just yet.

Take care and please keep us in your prayers.

Debbie & Earl

Not coming home yet!!!

2008-07-18T10:51:00.002-05:00

Earl had surgery on Tuesday to clean out the incision. The surgeon had to due some fancy stitching (kinda of like repairing a frayed quilt) to pull all the tissue together. Because the incision split open in three directions they had to put sutures in a circular patter, with big retention sutures to try and hold it all together. The drains (2) came out yesterday and today the surgeons had a look and have decided to use the VAC therapy, which will hopefully be attached this afternoon. This therapy is quite new and is very useful in encouraging healing in places and in situations where healing in not taking place. He continues to be on bed rest so as not to create any pressure where the fresh incision is.

Earl is still feeling pain, and as usual the pain team is working to help control it. The pain Dr. who sees him every day, told us yesterday that he is pretty much maxed out on what they can give him.

Right now Earl is in Interventional Radiology with one of his favorite nurses Paulette because somehow he has gotten a curl in the tubing of his portacath. The problem with it is that they cannot get any blood return , but they were still able to flush and put fluids in. She has just let me know that they got it working again. This is great, because we do not want to loose his port. She said Earl did really well and slept through the whole procedure. When they were done and they told him it was working....he yelled AWESOME!!!

Well that's it for now, keep calling and sending Caremail.....he loves it.

Debbie and Earl

2008-07-14T07:40:00.003-05:00

Good Morning,

Earl needs to go for surgery (hopefully) sometime today. Over the last week they have been watching his incision carefully and yesterday determined that it was not healing and in fact has opened up in places. The blood circulation at the site is not great due to the fact that they had to remove some large veins. the procedure will take about 1 hour and will involve cleaning out the site, trimming the tissue around the incision and closing it up again. They may use a type of vacuum to close the incision. This is a fairly new piece of equipment and encourages healing at a faster rate than tradition sutures or staples. They are also having some troubles with his porta cath, so please pray that we don't loose it.

On a very happy note Earl had a visit from Darren Dreger (a hockey analyst from TSN's Hockey Central)yesterday and if his visit and gift was not enough, he asked Earl who his favorite hockey coach was? Earl answered "Mike Babcock" the head coach of his favorite team the Detroit Red Wings, at which point Darren asked if he would like to speak to him. Earl spoke to him for at least 15 mins, chatting and giving him advice on who should be on the first and second lines.......! After that conversation Darren's phone rang and Steve Yzermen was on the phone, so Earl spoke to him. As most of you who know Earl can imagine he was in Hockey Heaven and still smiling as he recapped the news to friends and family. I am sure surgery was the last thing on his mind and his dreams must have been filled with hockey players in red and white jerseys as he slept last night. Thanks Darren (and Dan from Winnipeg) for making this very special day possible for Earl.

Take care and keep him in your prayers please.

Love Debbie

Earl takes 80 Steps

2008-07-12T13:40:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone,

Sorry it's been a few days. I was away at my brother's cottage on Lake Rosseau from Tuesday to Friday, so was not able to update.

Earl was happy to see me and even happier to see Dale, who has joined me here in Toronto. I am so glad to have her here and we are planning a fun evening together tonight. He was being quite silly last night, but we were happy to see him laughing.

Earl took 80 steps yesterday and then was ready to get back into the prone position. He has been told to stay in bed now for the rest of the weekend because his incision is opening and we don't want to stress it any more. The Dr's will decide on Monday what to do with it. The opening has been packed and they are keeping a close eye on it.

The address here at Mt Sinai is
600 University Avenue Toronto ON M5G 1X5
phone number is
416 586 4800 ext 4381 #
You can also send Care Mail by logging on to the Mt Sinai website at this address https://www.mountsinai.on.ca/patients/support/forms/caremail-basic-e-mail-
message

Take Care and have a good weekend...we miss you all
Debbie

Earl Takes 50 Steps

2008-07-05T13:07:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone,

Earl is recovering nicely and the pain is finally under control,,,,,not gone but definetly under control. He is starting to feel more energetic and has been sleeping well.
Yesterday was a great day: Firstly, Earl had visitors from Winnipeg, Mike (his worker) and his wife and baby. Earl was so excited and so looking forward to a friendly face. Dr Blackstein (oncologist) came to see us yesterday and the great news is that he does have chemotherapy for Earl. He needs to have alook at Earl's scan's and history and then he will let us know next week what the plans are. He suggested that it may be possible for us to have the chemo in Winnipeg, so let's hope that's what ends up happening. This was the best news we've heard in a while. Praise God!
The next exciting news of the day was that Earl took 50 steps with the walker, making it out into the hall where there was quite a crowd gathered to cheer him on. Mike was there, and that made it all the more exciting for Earl. We tried to get him to sit in a wheelchair, but it was far to painful for him, so we turned him around and he walked back to the bed.
Dr Wunder came later in the day and seems to be very happy with Earl's progress. There was some thought throughout the day that Earl may be brewing an infection in the area of his surgery, but Dr Wunder looked and thinks everything is fine. He gave Earl some instructions about how to get more comfortable and challenged him to try and lay on his stomach. It gets pretty hard to be laying on one side for such a long time.
Well, thats about it for now. Keep those emails, calls and caremail coming (Earl had 10 caremails the other day....he was thrilled)
Love and miss you all,
Debbie

Earl's Getting Bored!!!

2008-07-02T14:00:00.005-05:00

Hi Everyone,

Well the good news today is that when I arrived this morning, Earl was in a bit a of tizzy...because he's is bored. Praise the Lord, cause I think that means he is feeling much much better. Who know's what we are in for now.

They removed the epideral on Monday evening and he is starting to really "wake up" now. His pain is still significant, but he is doing well with it. He still has his pain pump and they are adjusting his oral pain medications, accordingly.

For those of you who wish to send him greetings you can log on to the https://www.mountsinai.on.ca/patients/support/forms/caremail-basic-e-mail-message Earl loves to recieve his mail each morning. This morning he asked me to keep one of his letters close to him (the Patterson's most recent care mail) because he said he wanted to be able to read it when he wanted. He says it makes him feel stronger.
We all love to receive mail and for him it is his only connection to all of you.

Earl sat up yesterday for over a minute and is anxously waiting for physio to come today.
Earl says hi and he misses you all!!!

Love Debbie

Day 4 Post Surgery

2008-06-30T11:28:00.001-05:00

Hi All
Today is day 4 post surgery. Earl was up early this morning and when I came in he told be he had been doing a few exercises in his bed. He is still heavely sedated, but the pain is still there and he continues to use his pain pump although not as frequently. His hemoglobin was low yesterday so they gave him to units of blood (no reaction)which should give him a little more energy.

The Dr. came to see him this a.m. and decided to change the dressing and remove the two drains. Earl was amazingly calm (although he did access his pump to the max) the incision is quite big, but I peeked and it looks really really good.

Physio is hoping to get him up and sitting at the edge of the bed today, but we will see, because I think the dressing change really tuckered him out.

He is in good spirits when he is awake for the most part.

Take care
Debbie

Surgical Day 2

2008-06-29T09:17:00.002-05:00

Earl has been moved to a private room (actually the first room he was in on our first visit to Toronto) The phone number is now 416-586-4800 (5900) ext 4381. It is a great room as it is just outside the nurses station (don't worry about the noise, Earl is a diehard earplug wearer) so they are close if he needs them.

I would consider this day a tough day, and he slept pretty much the whole day. He had a few tears in the morning, but once shed they were forgotten. Dr Wunder and his daughter Taryn came to visit and really brightened our day. Earl was presented with a gift from Taryn and when he is craving chocolate he will be rewarded with the toy inside the kindersurprise egg! Could it be an NHL goalie mask?????

Today is a new day and Earl is up and watching TV. Christine goes home today, but I am not sure I can let her. She has been a godsent angel for us and we are thankful that our family back home supported her travel here. She misses the boys and her husband, so I guess I will let her go!

I will update again later.
Love Debbie

Surgical Day 1

2008-06-27T12:52:00.001-05:00

Earl is resting and the pain level is good. He ate a little breakfast this morning, but really is very very tired. His blood pressure is a bit low right now, but they are watching him carefully.
The report for sugery is this. Dr Wunder said that when his was disecting some of the veins and blood vessels he discovered tumor in some of the small veins. This meant that the cancer was growing in places higher that he had hoped and that he would have to remove the leg and the pelvis. The good news is that they were able to stretch his glutious maximus (big bum muscle) around to form a pad (bum cheek) which will give him a firmer cheek than if they weren't able to use it. I haven't had a look and am thankful for my niece Christine and the nurses, so that I don't have to. The resident said there are more than 100 staples.

I will update the blog with this information and ask that you be patient with me as I try to make sure everyone is aware of things as they happen.

We will likely be here for another 2 weeks as Earl heals and is feeling ready to travel.
He does as most of you know have a phone in his room 416-586-4800 ext 4839 He is in room1102 not 1110 (which is the room they will tell you he is in)

Take care
Debbie

Surgery Tomorrow

2008-06-25T22:19:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone,

Earl is settled in here at Mt Sinai in room 1102. It has been busy few days with appts and tests, but time is up and surgery will take place tomorrow. The tests Earl had, revealed that the tumor has grown quite large and is actually filling up his whole upper leg and has moved into the veins. This being so, the dr's here all agree that Earl's should have his leg amputated. There does not seem to be too many nodules in his lungs which means all going well he should be able to have the lung surgery and chemo.

Earl is doing quite well considering and as usual is finding many positives in this otherwise negative time. He concentrates much of his waking time to dreaming up things he will now be able to do, without the annoying prothesis.

Despite the rather grim news, we are doing okay and are thankful for the many blessings God sends us each day.

Love you all,

Debbie and Earl

Off to Toronto

2008-06-19T22:37:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, we finally got the call from Dr. Wunder and he wants to see Earl this Monday. We fly out Saturday, and we will keep you up to date on what the plans are. Darby will be at home, so he is around if you want to talk to him.
The plan so far is that we will show up at Mt Sinai on Monday morning, go for xrays and then to see the Dr. Monday evening there will be a Sarcoma Team meeting and Earl's case will be discussed and plans made. Dr Wunder may do surgery on Thursday, but that is yet to be determined..
We are so relieved that things are moving ahead. After I got off the phone last night I could have lit up a dark room. Earl looked at me, I started to cry, we hugged, we cried and then Earl hollered Praise The LORD!!!!!
Please keep us in your prayers as we are headed into a very busy stressful week.
We love to hear you tell us that you follow the BLOG, and it inspires me to keep it up to date.
We will be in touch,
Debbie

Manitoba Marathon "Inspired & Inspiration"

2008-06-16T13:22:00.004-05:00

Well, we made it to the finish line of the 2008 Manitoba Marathon. Earl and I met Earl's physiotherapist April there and together we found our way (actually pushed are way) to the finish line. We had a front row seat as Mike came across the finish line. Way to Go Mike...that was a long run! Mike was happy to see Earl, and they had a big HUG! Joanne, joined us and we had a chance for some kodak moments. It was a great experience and Earl really enjoyed being out of the hospital and in the presence of crowds of people.

As of this morning Earl's team is registered for the Terry Fox Run, which takes place in September. I am the contact and the team name is "Earl's family & friends" You can join the team in many ways, participate in the walk/run, volunteer, donate! Earl's goal is to have 100 people on his team and he wants to raise $5000.00.... Let's join together and make this wish come true.

Medically, we are going to have a White Blood Cell Scan done tomorrow and Wednesday and the results should tell us if Earl has or has not got an infection. Please pray that the results come quickly so that we can move on to the next step.

Congratulations Mike and Earl....and a big thank-you to Joanne...at last count they have raised $500.00 which will be donated to Earl's Charity of choice, The Terry Fox Foundation.

Take Care Debbie

June update #2

2008-06-14T23:12:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone,

Earl had an appointment with the lung surgeon on Friday and he informed us that he will not operate on Earl's lungs until the primary cancer is dealt with. The orthopedic surgeon at Concordia is still investigating the possibility of an infection, and so Earl will be going for a White Blood Cell Scan this week. This test takes two days to complete and Earl will have to be transfered to another hospital for it to be done. If the result shows infection Earl will undergo surgery here to wash out the infected area and replace the damaged spacer. If the results show no infection we are hoping we will go to Toronto, to have them remove the spacer and replace it with the prosthesis. While there we are hoping that the oncologist will give Earl chemo (the one that is not available here)

I am taking Earl to the finish line of the Manitoba Marathon tomorrow morning to meet his teacher from grade 8. Mike is running the race for Earl and I know with Earl as his inspiration he will do really well. Stay tuned for some pictures.

Please continue to pray for Earl, as he tries to stay positive and that he would be the fighter that we all know he is.

Debbie

June Update

2008-06-07T10:43:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone,

It has been a few weeks since my last update and I thought it was time to send a new update.

Earl continues to remain at Concordia Hospital and will likely be there for a while yet. It's been a pretty rough couple of weeks and Earl is still feeling a fair amount of pain, which they are working very hard to bring under control. Earl's leg is in rough shape, with a huge blood clot (DVT), possible fractures in his femur and tibia and the latest news is that the tumor is back. We are currently waiting for the Dr's to decide what kind of surgery they will have to do to take care of the multitudes of problems. Last week was a week of bads news, and has left us quite devastated. Not only is the cancer back in his leg, but it has now spread to his lungs. We are waiting to see if lung surgery is an option and we are waiting also to see if Earl will be able to receive chemo. the Dr. here has said that he has given Earl all the chemo he can but that there is a Dr. in Toronto that may have other options. Let me tell you waiting is the hardest thing there is.

We hope to have news on all fronts soon, and in the mean time I want you to know that Earl is taking the news with a very positive attitude, He just said today that having a positive attitude is the best treatment there is.

For those of you in Winnipeg, please keep in touch with him and he loves to have visitors, for those out of town Earl does have a phone in his room 204-667-1560 room 228

Earl needs lots of encouragement to keep him up and the stories you share with him help alot. He had a special visit from Sister Ginger, who is the director of the day care he attended when he was four, and they had such a nice visit talking and sharing stories. Earl's favorite is how he used to ride around on a pink tri-cycle and terrorize the day care.

Anyway keep in touch
Debbie , Earl and Darby

Earl still in Hospital

2008-05-27T23:14:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone,

Earl remains in Concordia Hospital and is currently on bed rest. The Dr's are still doing tests to determine what is causing the pain in his left leg. He was scheduled for surgery today, but it has been delayed for a few days. Earl has an appointment with his oncologist on Thursday morning at 10:15, so please keep this in your prayers. He had a CT scan of his lungs done 10 days ago and this is the followup to see what the scan showed.

take care, and keep praying
Debbie

Earl back in Hospital

2008-05-20T11:32:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,

I had to take Earl into Concordia ER yesterday as he was complaining about pain in his leg and was unable to weight bare. Blood tests indicated a possible infection or inflammation so upon admission, they started him on IV antibiotics and are giving him morphine for the pain. I will know more later today, when I have had a chance to speak to the Dr.

Please keep him in your prayers! He is very discouraged and tired of all that he has gone through.

Debbie

May Update

2008-05-14T17:52:00.002-05:00

Hi There Everyone,

Well it is finally spring and we are enjoying spending time outdoors. Earl sits outside a lot and is soaking up the sun and the fresh air. It's been a bit of a long winter, although our trip to Hawaii did end the winter on a splendid note.

The latest news regarding Earls leg is that we received a call from Dr. Wunder this past Saturday, informing us that's the parts for Earl's leg are on back order and he is expecting them to arrive in Toronto on June 2nd. This means that if all goes well we will be heading out there for surgery during the 1st or 2nd week of June.
Earl is trying to stay positive, but he really wants this all to be over with. The leg with the spacer in it is not very stable and this limits Earls quite a bit. He is in constant discomfort and we have had some problems with the leg swelling. It's pretty hard for him because he feels so much better now that the chemo is out of his system and he really wants to get going, but still has to wait it out.

Other great news is that his friend from school Colin Wilson, is in the top ten to be drafted to the NHL and this adds a lot of joy to Earl's days. He can't wait to watch the hockey news on TV and ready about his friend in the magazines. Also it is playoff season and his team the Detroit Red Wings is still in it and if they win tonight they are on their way to the Stanley Cup.

Earl is starting to put his team together for the Terry Fox Run in September. If you are interested in joining the team and supporting Earl and the foundation please let us know. Earl's goal this year is to have 100 people on his team and raise $5000.00.

Take care and God Bless,
Debbie, Darby and Earl

Aloha

2008-04-10T13:08:00.002-05:00

Aloha Everyone,
We arrived home last night from Waikiki after 2 luxurious fun-filled weeks. Earl of course, had a fabulous time and every sight put a broad smile on his face. When we touched down in Winnipeg, his comment was "I don't want to get off the plane! We were busy everyday and put over 900 miles on our rental. We explored the whole island visiting many of it's beaches, shops and restaurants. Earl was able to get into the ocean when it was safe and when the waves weren't breaking on the shore, and he proved himself to be quite a good snorkeler. We spent some time with Earl's good friend Amanda and her fun-loving, adventure seeking family. Our hotel was super and the friendly Hawaiian service was abundant.

We now await a surgery date in Toronto and will let you know when that is. We are expecting it to be in 2-3 weeks.

Good bye for now,
Debbie and Earl

We made it to Quebec City

2008-03-02T10:36:00.002-06:00

HI Everyone,
Well, we made it to Quebec City....it was somewhat trying but once we arrived it was worth it. The hotel is fantastic and the staff, more that accomodating. It a remodelled older hotel and some of the rooms even have fireplaces.

The team lost in the bronze game, but they played their hearts out, and are all winners in my eyes. It has been quite a moving experience to be here and see all these dedicated special athletes and their dedicated families. We have met wonderful people from all across Canada.

Earl is getting around quite well. Our sigthseeing is limited because they have so much snow....«i actually have never seen so much snow piled everywhere. We are off on a city bus tour shortly so that should be fun.

We will be home tomorrow night after midnight. Tuesday will be a catch up day for sleep and then we will start to get ready for Hawaii.

Take Care, and Earl Says HI
Debbie

Good News

2008-02-25T20:22:00.002-06:00

HI Everyone,
Hmmmm...which good news should I give you first?

Earl is being discharged on Wednesday and with that news has suddenly gained some new found energy. He will be discharged on oral antibiotics, but will be back on IV antibiotics once we are back in Winnipeg. Iv will run until we leave for Earl's Wish Trip to Hawaii. The second surgery will likely take place as soon as we get home from Hawaii.
He was up walking several times today, the first included a whole flight of stairs. The second a walk to the lounge, a rest there and a walk down the hall to visit with his friend Jimmy. He is still feeling a fairly high level of pain when he is up and around and by the time he gets back to bed he is out for awhile.
Earl can and has been weight bearing on his left leg (which really makes walking a lot easier)
The other good news, actually great news is that the cultures came back negative, meaning: Earl is infection free.
Lisa, from Starlight Starbright came to visit us tonight and she surprised Earl with a new PSP (play station portable) and a gift card to buy a new game. (I have orders to stop at Best Buy on my way in tomorrow to purchase NHL 08) We had a great visit with Lisa, and I know she was happy to meet Earl.

I think I will stop there because I am not sure any one can handle this much good news.

But I do have a riddle for you: If we leave Toronto on Thursday morning.....and arrive in Winnipeg on Monday night....where will we be in between????? don't tell any one,,,,,it's a surprise!

Take care,

Debbie and Earl

Day 3

2008-02-24T13:09:00.000-06:00

Earl is starting to recover and was out of bed yesterday for about 1 hour. He will be getting up again, as soon as his pain medication kicks in.
Earl has a new room #1102 (for Care Mail) and a new extension number. 1-416-586-4800 ext 6231
Darby and Christine are now back in Winnipeg
No word yet on how long we will be staying here, but the disappointing news is that we will not be going to Quebec City.....it's just too close to surgery and recovery.
The other news is that Earl cannot bend his leg until he has the next surgery, because he has no knee joint right now.
Take Care,
Debbie

Surgery is Done!

2008-02-22T17:03:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone,
Earl's surgery was yesterday and the surgery itself went very well. Dr. Wunder said the prosthesis was very loose and came out easily. He said everything looked good, and that it didn't look like there was any infection. They still sent cultures off, so we have to wait a few days to get those results. Post surgery was a little rough, as Earls heartrate was up to 186 and his blood pressure was high too. He was in recovery for 8.5 hours and finally came up to his room at 11:30pm. His heartrate was still up last night but it had come down a good bit. They did allow me to stay with him in recovery, he was asking for me and they thought it might help him if I was there. They also allowed Darby and Christine to visit as well.

Today, Earl has been zonked out. He did get out of bed for a 2 step walk. He has a bit of a temperature and is still using his pain pump. They will start oral pain meds right away. He doesn't have much of an appetite, but is drinking well.

Thats it for today,
Debbie

One Day Until Surgery!

2008-02-20T10:01:00.000-06:00

Sorry about cutting off yesterday, Darby came and told me the resident was in with Earl, so I had to sign off quickly. Dr Wunder came in around 5 and we now have a much clearer picture of what is happening. Earl has been for 2 sets of xrays and will be going to have the IVC filter placed at 1 today. He is looking forward to seeing Paulette, one of his favorites.

This is the plan.Earl's surgery will take place later in the afternoon tomorrow, as it is considered a dirty surgery so comes last in the day. The surgery will be about 5 hours and will involve the removal of all moveable and loose parts. They will then place the spacer which is a molded piece that kinda keeps the space preservered for the new prosthesis. The spacer is made of cement which contains antibiotic beads that will slowly release. They will do a culture and the results of which will detemine how long the spacer stays in. If there are no signs of infection it will stay for 6 weeks (as a precaution) and if there are signs of infectiion it will stay for 12 weeks, at which time we will return to Toronto for the removal of the spacer and placing of the prosthetic.

We told Dr. Wunder about Earls wish trip and he seems to think it is possible........Praise God!
The other good news is that it is not out of the question for us to travel to Quebec if Earl recovers quickly enough.

It amazes me how much new information my brain can hold. I am thankful that Darby is able to be here and that my niece Christine is on the plane as I write this to you.

I will update again when I find out what time the surgery is! The phone number in Earl's room is 416-586-4800 ext 4380
Keep on Praying!

Safe and Sound in Toronto

2008-02-19T14:48:00.000-06:00

HI Everyone,

Well, we arrived on Sunday evening ate a little supper and went for a swim. Earl was thrilled to be in the pool, as it has been many months since he has had a chance to swim. We settled in to our room and had a great sleep. We woke up late, went for a nice breakfast at the hotel and then set off to ....you guessed it "The Hockey Hall of Fame." We were able to use a wheelchair and I told Earl he had all the time he needed. Just as you enter there is a giant bronze statue of Ken Dryden, so I took Earl's picture with him. Some of you may not know, but Earl had the opportunity to have lunch with the legendary goaltender, Ken Dryden several weeks ago. We spent over 3 hours looking around the HHOF, then headed back to the hotel. I went off to Dominion to pick up a few groceries and then went back for a little rest. We set out a little later to go for dinner, our first choice the Salad King was closed, so to Earl's delight we settled for Iranian Kebobs. Earl loved it.....I could pass it up. We came back to the hotel, played cards downstairs and then went for a swim and a soak in the hot tub. Darby arrived and shortly afterward we called it a night. At 1:30 in the morning we had a fire alarm and thankfully did not have to evacuate the building. It did keep us up for awile, so we are all pretty tired today.
Earl is settled in at Mount Sinai in room 1110 C on 11 south. (the number at the hospital is 416-586-4800). We are still waiting to see exactly what is going to happen. What we do know is that Earl will be going to have another IVC filter put in tomorrow at 1pm.

Off to Toronto

2008-02-14T11:40:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone,

We received the phone call this morning from Toronto letting us know that Earl will be admitted to Mt Sinai on Tuesday Feb 19 for surgery on Thursday Feb 21.

I have few details, but will inform you as I know more. I am busy trying to make all the plans as we only have a few days before we leave.

The difficult part of this, other than the obvious is that Earl will not be travelling to Quebec City with Teamtoba for the National Winter Games. In typical Earl fashion he took the news very well and wanted to know why I was crying. He said, "Debbie, think of it this way...the sooner I have the surgery the sooner I can get rid of these (holding up his crutches) and get on with my life....playing hockey." It amazes me, how he can be so positive and be my encourager. I thank God that He has given this positive attitude and outlook to Earl.

I will keep the blog updated. Again, it is www.hisnameisearl.blogspot.com and remember that Mt. Sinai has an email service where they print off and deliver your words of encouragement to Earl in his room. The link for that is http://www.mtsinai.on.ca/CareMail/#basic. Earl received many words of love and encouragement last time and it really brightened his day and mine as well.

You all have touched our lives in one way or another over this past year and we thank you for your love and support. We are not at the end of the road yet though, so please continue to pray for us and do keep in touch. You will never know how important it is until you are touched by tragedy yourself...and it is my prayer that you won't.

thanks again,
Love Debbie, Darby and Earl

Life can be seen through your eyes, but it is not fully
appreciated until it is seen through your heart.
-- Mary Xavier

February Update and Hockey Day in Canada

2008-02-11T16:22:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone,
There hasn't been much news lately so I apologize for not updating the BLOG. We are still waiting to hear from the surgeon in Toronto. Earl had to have a CT scan done and now the results are on their way (hopefully sitting on Dr. Wunders desk) to Toronto. It would be great if we could hear back from him this week and so that is what we are praying for. Earl is scheduled to leave for Quebec City on February 25 with Teamtoba and his Special Olympic floor hockey team. Then we are booked to go to Hawaii for his wish trip on March 25th. I realize that the surgery if needed is most important, but we are really hoping we can still make these trips.

This weekend we went out to Winkler Manitoba where they hosted Hockey Day in Canada. Earl was pumped and had a great time. Hockey all day long. We saw Don Cherry and Ron Mclean and Russ Romaniuk and Ab Mcdonald former Winnipeg Jets. Here are some of the pictures.

Please keep Earl in your prayers, as he is experiencing more pain than usual and we are very anxious about what the future holds.
Debbie

Latest News

2008-01-19T11:02:00.000-06:00

The latest news (yesterday) is not too good. We saw Earls physio this week (Tuesday) and she was concerned that Earl's leg was way too flexible and the movement did not seem normal. She called the surgeon, we went for xrays and yesterday the Dr. confirmed that the prosthetic has moved....which also means it is loose. He thinks Dr. Wunder will want to see Earl to determine what the next step will be.

For those of you praying for us, could you pray that the call comes quickly and that the fix will be an easy one. Also pray that we will be able to continue with our travel plans and most of all for strength and courage for Earl and add energy to that for me.

Think about this!

2008-01-12T10:53:00.000-06:00

Happy moments, PRAISE GOD!

Difficult moments, SEEK GOD!

Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD!

Painful moments, TRUST GOD!

Every moment, THANK GOD!

Could It Be True?

2008-01-12T10:24:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone,
Could it be true....is this it.....are we done? These are questions we have been asking ourselves alot these past few days. Earl completed his chemotherapy on January 08th, received 2 units of blood on January 09th and left St. Boniface Hospital on January 10th for what we hope is the last time. Dr. Wong wants to see us in 3 months for follow up and will continue to see Earl after that on a follow-up basis. I have to admit that I feel this is very surreal and I am not sure if I have taken it all in. Time will tell and as the days go on we will adjust to life outside of the hospital. I am exhausted and need some time to process the events of this last year and Earl needs time to rebuild and strengthen his leg, and body and get back to living life.

We have so much to be thankful for and really want to take time to thank all of our friends and family who have been there for us, praying and supporting us throughout this past year. A very special thank-you is due to the Staff on 5B and Cancercare at St. Boniface Hospital who cared for Earl and me at times. You are a special bunch of people and we know that you love what you do because you showed it in so many ways. Going into hospital for each treatment felt like having a sleepover at a friends....Earl was never frightened or worried about being admitted, because he knew "his friends" would be there. As well, I think Earl brought a lot of joy to your lives and he has this ability to burn a hole in your heart.....You will have a hard time forgetting Earl Cook, if you had a chance to get to know him over this past year.

We are thankful for the many answered prayers and that Our God is an awesome God.

PSALM 48: 14

” For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. “

This is a verse that we became aware of recently and reflects how we feel today.

We will continue to keep you posted on our BLOG and keep you up to date on Earls recovery.

Praise God.....Earl was granted a WISH trip and we are travelling as a family to Hawaii at the end of March. We will post some pictures, so you can see the joy on Earl's face.

Take care and please keep in touch....
Debbie, Earl and Darby

Happy New Year Everyone!

2008-01-01T11:54:00.000-06:00

HI Everyone,
Well we are gone with the old and hopefully the new will shower us with blessings!

We had an okay Christmas, best of all was time spent with family and friends. Earl feels so loved by our family and we are thankful for how they have accepted him. To start off the new year Earl will celebrate his 20th birthday tomorrow. We are having a small get together and will go out to Ichi Ban for dinner on the 3rd. I thought it would be a fun place to go given his interest in cooking and culinary arts. He will love how they toss their tools around. After dinner it's off to the hospital to get ready for what we hope will be his last treatment. Hallelujah!!! He has had a pretty good break and is looking forward to finishing. One of the difficulties will be saying good bye to all the nurses and staff on 5B, where he has loved and been loved by so many. He says he is looking forward to having them as friends rather than care givers after all is done.
We wish you all a Happy New Year and pray that those of you who are dealing with cancer will be blessed with good health and a good response to your treatments. For others we wish you a year of good health and joy beyond belief. Let us all be thankful for what we have and help those around us, as we struggle through what life brings us.
Take care, keep in touch
Debbie, Darby and Earl
http://web.icq.com/friendship/swf/0,,16961_rs,00.swf

Round 4 Complete---ONE more to go!!!

2007-12-19T17:03:00.000-06:00

HI Everyone,
Earls is home from hospital and has now got only 1 treatment left. His week went very well and was pretty much uneventful. His hemoglobin was a bit low, but did not require any treatment, so that was great. Earl had an interesting roommate and at the end of a day, requested a move himself. I know its not funny when you are sick, but I haven't laughed so hard in a very long time (behind a closed curtain...I must say). They did a CT scan and the results were good, stating that everything looked good....YIPEE! Earl was supposed to go back in on New Year's Eve, but Dr. Wong wants him to celebrate the new year at home and also to celebrate his 20th b-day which is January 2nd at home also. He will return on the eve of January 3 for hydration and resume his chemo on January 4th. He still welcomes visitors, and this being his last treatment....maybe we can encourage him to stay awake.
We want to wish everyone who reads this a very Merry Christmas and a 2008 that is Healthy Happy and full of Peace and Joy.
Love Debbie, Earl and Darby