Was it a DREAM?

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!!!!

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

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

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!

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!!!

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

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

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

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

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:

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

Take care

Debbie

First Ever Welcome Home Earl Driveway Party

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

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!

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!

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

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!

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!!!

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

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

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

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