We arrived home on Wednesday evening, and after spending over 1 hour on the airplane (due to a back up of planes because of thunder) were greeted by friends and family. Earl had the lady from air canada, stop the wheelchair so that he could walk on crutches toward everyone. He was very proud and very happy to see everyone.
We are definetly happy to be home and I think Darby is pretty happy too. I don't think he will want us to go away again, any time soon. Sauer was happy to see us and surprisingly did not, I repeat did not jump up on Earl. The air conditioning was not working so Darby and I slept downstairs. Earl doesn't mind the heat so he slept in his own bed, with a fan. The next day, Bill came over and had our air conditioning working in no time, but it took until this morning to feel like it had cooled down. I h ave some pictures to put on, but have to get caught up around the house before I can take the time. Love Debbie & Earl
Earl can have visitors and phone calls!!!!!
Jul 27, 2007
Tim and the Spokeman Tour
www.spokemantour.comthis is Tim Harriman visiting with Earl at Mt Sinai in Toronto. Tim is riding his bike across Canada to raise awareness of Childhood Cancer and to try and make September named Childhood Cancer Month. We were very excited to have a visit with Tim as he has a busy schedule and it was a big surprise as Mt Sinai (Earl) was not a scheduled stop! Thanks Tim and Heather!!!! For all of our friends and family we ask you to log on to Tim's site and follow his journey. If you can support him in any way, that would be great.
Jul 20, 2007
The Great Escape!!!
Hi Everyone,
Well, our time is up here at Mt Sinai, 3 days short of 3 weeks. Earl will be discharged tomorrow. It is kinda of a weird feeling because they have been so good to us and we have made many friends. Earl is getting around fairly well on crutches, although he is a big winer, and the time has now come for me to stop catering to his every need and encouraging him to take care of himself. We will be coming home on Wednesday July 25th @ 7:28. I thought it might be nice if some friends/family could come out to meet him at the airport. Darby is trying to organize a little homecoming, so call him if you have questions 487-0077 or 799-5104
We will have a few days of fun in Toronto, and will be going our to dinner and then to the musical "We Will Rock You, to the Blue Jays vx Minnesota Twins, and either on a harbor cruise or the Hippo's (boats that drive on the road and go in the water)
On Tuesday Earl will have an x-ray and then he will see Dr. Wunder one last time.
(this is night we go see the Jays)
Well take care and we'll see you back home. Earl wants to have a bbq, so we will be intouch.
Thanks for all your prayers, support, emails, caremail, and calls
Love Debbie
Well, our time is up here at Mt Sinai, 3 days short of 3 weeks. Earl will be discharged tomorrow. It is kinda of a weird feeling because they have been so good to us and we have made many friends. Earl is getting around fairly well on crutches, although he is a big winer, and the time has now come for me to stop catering to his every need and encouraging him to take care of himself. We will be coming home on Wednesday July 25th @ 7:28. I thought it might be nice if some friends/family could come out to meet him at the airport. Darby is trying to organize a little homecoming, so call him if you have questions 487-0077 or 799-5104
We will have a few days of fun in Toronto, and will be going our to dinner and then to the musical "We Will Rock You, to the Blue Jays vx Minnesota Twins, and either on a harbor cruise or the Hippo's (boats that drive on the road and go in the water)
On Tuesday Earl will have an x-ray and then he will see Dr. Wunder one last time.
(this is night we go see the Jays)
Well take care and we'll see you back home. Earl wants to have a bbq, so we will be intouch.
Thanks for all your prayers, support, emails, caremail, and calls
Love Debbie
Jul 12, 2007
Hi Everyone,
Earl sat up and left his room for the first time today. He went to the lounge and checked out some hockey sites and then returned to his room and sat up for lunch. During his physio today he walked with a walker out into the hall and then back to bed. His therapist wants him to start walking to the bathroom and sitting up for meals from now on. If things go well over the weekend, they will start Earl on crutches and stairs on Monday. Wow, I can't believe how well he is doing. There is a possibility that he will be discharged on Wednesday, but we will stay in Toronto for the weekend so that he builds up some strength to travel. This way we can take in a few outings and be close to the hospital should we need them. Earl really hasn't had much of a summer, and then he will start chemo once we return, so we thought it would be nice to have a few activites in Toronto. He is sure looking forward to showing everyone how well he is doing.
Take Care,
Debbie
Earl sat up and left his room for the first time today. He went to the lounge and checked out some hockey sites and then returned to his room and sat up for lunch. During his physio today he walked with a walker out into the hall and then back to bed. His therapist wants him to start walking to the bathroom and sitting up for meals from now on. If things go well over the weekend, they will start Earl on crutches and stairs on Monday. Wow, I can't believe how well he is doing. There is a possibility that he will be discharged on Wednesday, but we will stay in Toronto for the weekend so that he builds up some strength to travel. This way we can take in a few outings and be close to the hospital should we need them. Earl really hasn't had much of a summer, and then he will start chemo once we return, so we thought it would be nice to have a few activites in Toronto. He is sure looking forward to showing everyone how well he is doing.
Take Care,
Debbie
Jul 9, 2007
Earl is feeling great!!!!! The Dr's took off the dressing today, and are very happy with everything. They also took out the epideral and so Earl is now on oral pain killers. He is looking forward to Janine coming and to some visits from family and friends.
He is watching movies now on his new dvd player and looking forward to getting around again.
Thanks for the care mail. He loves it and so do I
Love Debbie and Earl
He is watching movies now on his new dvd player and looking forward to getting around again.
Thanks for the care mail. He loves it and so do I
Love Debbie and Earl
Jul 7, 2007
Hi Everyone,
Sorry it's taken so long to post an update, but the computer in our lounge on 11 south was not letting me post. I have located another computer so here you go.
Earl had his surgery on Thursday July 5th, and after 7.5 hours it was an amazing success. Everything went just how they planned and the prosthetic fit like a glove. Apparently Earl has very strong bones and it was quite a task for Dr. Wunder and his team to carve the bone and make the fit. They gave Earl an epideral and then put him to sleep (he also has a personal pain pump, which he held on tightly to for the first 12 hours or so). When he woke up in the OR they said he was chatting and happy that the tumor was gone. He really has experienced very little pain, and they are now weaning him off the morpine/novacaine and switching to percocet. Each day they reduce it by 25%. They expect to start some physio today and would like to try and get him up by Monday. Dr. Wunder says that under best case Earl could be out of here in 2 weeks, but if he is here for 3 weeks, they will start his chemo.
Dr. Wunder is not too concerned about the nodules they found in Earl's lungs, and says that due to the fact that the tumor responded so well to the chemo, they are unconsequestial. He and Dr. Wong will keep a close eye on the lungs.
Earl does have a phone in his room 416-586-4800 ext 4652
You can also send him care mail https://www.mtsinai.on.ca/CareMail
Dale was here on surgery day to keep me company, Darby is here for the weekend and Earls first foster mom Janine will be here all next week. So we are doing well.
We do like to here from all our friends and family so please keep in touch.
Love Debbie & Earl
Sorry it's taken so long to post an update, but the computer in our lounge on 11 south was not letting me post. I have located another computer so here you go.
Earl had his surgery on Thursday July 5th, and after 7.5 hours it was an amazing success. Everything went just how they planned and the prosthetic fit like a glove. Apparently Earl has very strong bones and it was quite a task for Dr. Wunder and his team to carve the bone and make the fit. They gave Earl an epideral and then put him to sleep (he also has a personal pain pump, which he held on tightly to for the first 12 hours or so). When he woke up in the OR they said he was chatting and happy that the tumor was gone. He really has experienced very little pain, and they are now weaning him off the morpine/novacaine and switching to percocet. Each day they reduce it by 25%. They expect to start some physio today and would like to try and get him up by Monday. Dr. Wunder says that under best case Earl could be out of here in 2 weeks, but if he is here for 3 weeks, they will start his chemo.
Dr. Wunder is not too concerned about the nodules they found in Earl's lungs, and says that due to the fact that the tumor responded so well to the chemo, they are unconsequestial. He and Dr. Wong will keep a close eye on the lungs.
Earl does have a phone in his room 416-586-4800 ext 4652
You can also send him care mail https://www.mtsinai.on.ca/CareMail
Dale was here on surgery day to keep me company, Darby is here for the weekend and Earls first foster mom Janine will be here all next week. So we are doing well.
We do like to here from all our friends and family so please keep in touch.
Love Debbie & Earl
Jun 16, 2007
His name is " THE WALL"
Hi Everyone,
We are happy to let you know that Earl has completed his pre-op chemo. "HURRAY" He was discharged yesterday and actually it was hard to get him out of there. Earl has this amazing way of drawing people to himself and making friends wherever he goes. He is a welcome presence and brings a smile to everyone's face. It has been said that seeing Earl come close to you is like getting a hug.... oh and he is famous for his hugs too.
We have a busy two weeks ahead of us as we get ready for GRAD and our trip to Toronto. Earl's graduation dinner and dance is on Monday June 25th,at the Winnipeg Convention Center, where he has be asked to say grace prior to dinner. What an Honor! His convocation will take place at 9:00 am on Friday June 29th at the Winnipeg Concert Hall and this is open to family and friends. We are very proud that Earl, despite all his challenges has managed to graduate with the rest of the students that he has gone to school with in Pembina Trails.
At 4:00pm on the 29th we depart for Toronto, where we spend a couple of days with friends before Earl is admitted to MT Sinai Hospital. We will get a chance to go to the Hockey Hall of Fame and to the Theater. Earl will be admitted on July 2nd at 4:00pm and will undergo some tests and procedures on Tuesday. We will have a day off on Wednesday, so hopefully if Earl is feeling good we will get a pass and do some Toronto Sightseeing. Thursday is surgery day.... so those of you that pray please mark this day boldly on your calendar. I don't have all the details of the surgery yet, but I think it will be about 9 hours.
I will keep the BLOG updated during our stay in Toronto. And I remind you that it is wonderful to open it up and see that you have sent comments. I will be staying at the Chelsea Delta and Earl will have a phone in his room. He will also have his laptop with him or we might buy him a DVD player so if you have some DVD's that you don't watch anymore perhaps we could borrow them and have some movies to watch while we are there. Earl also has a NINTENDO DS, so he could use some games if you know anyone who has them and doesn't need or want them anymore.
We are at home now so Earl would love to have a phone call, it always cheers him up to hear from his friends and loved ones.
Take Care,
Debbie
We are happy to let you know that Earl has completed his pre-op chemo. "HURRAY" He was discharged yesterday and actually it was hard to get him out of there. Earl has this amazing way of drawing people to himself and making friends wherever he goes. He is a welcome presence and brings a smile to everyone's face. It has been said that seeing Earl come close to you is like getting a hug.... oh and he is famous for his hugs too.
We have a busy two weeks ahead of us as we get ready for GRAD and our trip to Toronto. Earl's graduation dinner and dance is on Monday June 25th,at the Winnipeg Convention Center, where he has be asked to say grace prior to dinner. What an Honor! His convocation will take place at 9:00 am on Friday June 29th at the Winnipeg Concert Hall and this is open to family and friends. We are very proud that Earl, despite all his challenges has managed to graduate with the rest of the students that he has gone to school with in Pembina Trails.
At 4:00pm on the 29th we depart for Toronto, where we spend a couple of days with friends before Earl is admitted to MT Sinai Hospital. We will get a chance to go to the Hockey Hall of Fame and to the Theater. Earl will be admitted on July 2nd at 4:00pm and will undergo some tests and procedures on Tuesday. We will have a day off on Wednesday, so hopefully if Earl is feeling good we will get a pass and do some Toronto Sightseeing. Thursday is surgery day.... so those of you that pray please mark this day boldly on your calendar. I don't have all the details of the surgery yet, but I think it will be about 9 hours.
I will keep the BLOG updated during our stay in Toronto. And I remind you that it is wonderful to open it up and see that you have sent comments. I will be staying at the Chelsea Delta and Earl will have a phone in his room. He will also have his laptop with him or we might buy him a DVD player so if you have some DVD's that you don't watch anymore perhaps we could borrow them and have some movies to watch while we are there. Earl also has a NINTENDO DS, so he could use some games if you know anyone who has them and doesn't need or want them anymore.
We are at home now so Earl would love to have a phone call, it always cheers him up to hear from his friends and loved ones.
Take Care,
Debbie
Jun 6, 2007
Life Continues
HI Everyone,
Earl was so excited on Sunday at his baptism, even commenting that it was the best decision he has ever made. He confidently stood up in front of a full church and shared his faith story, and I even heard a story of a woman having to share her tissue with the man beside her. Needless to say Earl has a strong and powerful story to tell, and watch out when he has an audience.
Earl also spoke at a team building conference for the City of Winnipeg last Wednesday and did a fabulous job encouraging participants as they get ready to launch the summer programs of Parks and Rec in our city. He even got a standing ovation.
Well, chemo does continue and Earl was really not looking forward to the end of two great weeks off. He reluctantly reentered the hospital to start his 2nd last treatment before we go to Toronto. He had a rough night on Monday, and was a little sick and when he woke up in the morning was cold and had a little fever and a higher WBC (white blood count) They took a chest x-ray in the afternoon to check his lungs, but thankfully it was clear. They started a round of antibiotics and delayed his treatment. It will hopefully happen to day, so please say a little prayer, as we don't want to get to far behind.
Take care and keep in touch.
Debbie
May 27, 2007
Earl is doing GREAT!!
I thought I should let you know that Earl is feeling great. He has been going out a little each day and is sleeping when he should. He went to the Delerious concert last night and out for lunch and a movie yesterday afternoon. He will be heading back to the hospital on June 4th for his next treatment.
That's all folks
Debbie
That's all folks
Debbie
May 17, 2007
Round 2 or is it Round 3?
Hi Everyone,
Earl is taking his chemo treatment very well this time. Dr Wong has made some changes to his treatment, which will eliminate one whole round of chemo. This means that:
1) Earl has only 2 treatments of high dose methotrexate left before surgery,
2) Earl will be able to go to his Graduation and wear his fancy tuxedo,
3) We will get to Toronto 2 weeks earlier than we expected.
We are hoping that Earl will be coming home sometime today. I know some of you have been saying that you haven't heard from us, please understand that Earl is totally exhausted by this treatment. He misses all of the people that are special in his life and we really encourage you to call, visit, comment on the blog...in other words keep in touch with us!
Earl has decided that he would like to be baptized and would like to invite his friends and family to share this special event with him.
The Baptism will take place at the 10:30 service of Whyte Ridge Baptist Church on June 3rd, 2007 The church is located at 201 Scurfield Blvd in Whyte Ridge.
Take Care,
Debbie
Earl is taking his chemo treatment very well this time. Dr Wong has made some changes to his treatment, which will eliminate one whole round of chemo. This means that:
1) Earl has only 2 treatments of high dose methotrexate left before surgery,
2) Earl will be able to go to his Graduation and wear his fancy tuxedo,
3) We will get to Toronto 2 weeks earlier than we expected.
We are hoping that Earl will be coming home sometime today. I know some of you have been saying that you haven't heard from us, please understand that Earl is totally exhausted by this treatment. He misses all of the people that are special in his life and we really encourage you to call, visit, comment on the blog...in other words keep in touch with us!
Earl has decided that he would like to be baptized and would like to invite his friends and family to share this special event with him.
The Baptism will take place at the 10:30 service of Whyte Ridge Baptist Church on June 3rd, 2007 The church is located at 201 Scurfield Blvd in Whyte Ridge.
Take Care,
Debbie
May 12, 2007
Face-off Time: 2pm Sunday May 13, 2007
The "Face off for a Cure" dinner was great. What a great bunch of young men are represented here. Try and make it out on Sunday to see Olympic gold medalist Jennifer Botterill drop the puck or sometime this week! Earl had a great time!
Debbie
May 9, 2007
Face off for a cure
Hi Everyone,
Earl has another treatment behind him now and he is doing fantastic. What a strong young man he is. He is still at St. Boniface and hopefully will be coming home Friday morning. He has some exciting activities planned for the weekend and then will go back in on Monday evening (provided his blood work is good) to begin his 5-day treatment on Tuesday.
What is Face off for a cure, you may be asking?
On Sunday May 13, 2007 a group of forty passionate street hockey players will attempt to break the current Guinness World Record for the longest street hockey marathon in Winnipeg, Manitoba and in doing so have a goal of raising 30,000 dollars for the Canadian Cancer Society
Approximately six months ago we filed an application with the Guinness World Records in London, England that would enable us to officially attempt the record. Nearly four months of restlessness we were given the go ahead to official attempt the record. The current record for longest street hockey marathon belongs to Conroy Ross Partners and there 30 hours of street hockey madness. Their record has stood since 2004 when the event was held in Edmonton, Alberta. It is our hopes to successfully break and set the new Guinness World Record on May 13, 2007 on the outdoor rink facility at St. Norbert Community Center located at 3450 Pembina Hwy. The entire event will be open to the public.
The above statement was taken from www.faceoffforacure.blogspot.com. There is lots of info there if you are curious.
Earl has been asked to attend the dinner/kick-off on Saturday night as a guest. I am really impressed with the young men that are organizing this event, many of whom are from our community and hope that you will make it part of your planned activities next week.
Keep in touch,
Debbie
Cancer has touched us all and here is a great chance to get involved.
Earl has another treatment behind him now and he is doing fantastic. What a strong young man he is. He is still at St. Boniface and hopefully will be coming home Friday morning. He has some exciting activities planned for the weekend and then will go back in on Monday evening (provided his blood work is good) to begin his 5-day treatment on Tuesday.
What is Face off for a cure, you may be asking?
On Sunday May 13, 2007 a group of forty passionate street hockey players will attempt to break the current Guinness World Record for the longest street hockey marathon in Winnipeg, Manitoba and in doing so have a goal of raising 30,000 dollars for the Canadian Cancer Society
Approximately six months ago we filed an application with the Guinness World Records in London, England that would enable us to officially attempt the record. Nearly four months of restlessness we were given the go ahead to official attempt the record. The current record for longest street hockey marathon belongs to Conroy Ross Partners and there 30 hours of street hockey madness. Their record has stood since 2004 when the event was held in Edmonton, Alberta. It is our hopes to successfully break and set the new Guinness World Record on May 13, 2007 on the outdoor rink facility at St. Norbert Community Center located at 3450 Pembina Hwy. The entire event will be open to the public.
The above statement was taken from www.faceoffforacure.blogspot.com. There is lots of info there if you are curious.
Earl has been asked to attend the dinner/kick-off on Saturday night as a guest. I am really impressed with the young men that are organizing this event, many of whom are from our community and hope that you will make it part of your planned activities next week.
Keep in touch,
Debbie
Cancer has touched us all and here is a great chance to get involved.
May 3, 2007
All is Well
Hi Everyone,
Earl completed his 2nd round of chemo, and made it through with flying colors. He is still in hospital waiting for the chemo med levels to come down. He has experienced very few side effects, the main one being just plain tired (jonked would be a better choice of words.) He will be able to go home once those levels come down (hopefully by Friday) and then will head back next Monday to take on round 3
Keep in Touch,
Debbie
Earl completed his 2nd round of chemo, and made it through with flying colors. He is still in hospital waiting for the chemo med levels to come down. He has experienced very few side effects, the main one being just plain tired (jonked would be a better choice of words.) He will be able to go home once those levels come down (hopefully by Friday) and then will head back next Monday to take on round 3
Keep in Touch,
Debbie
Apr 30, 2007
HI Everyone
Earl went for his blood work today (which you would think should be an easy task! Well is was not!) Anyway, it did get done and the results are good, so Earl will be admitted tonight. The chemo will be done tomorrow and then they do follow up blood work every 24 hours until his methotrexate levels come down. Then he can come home...returning next Monday for the same treatment.
He had a great week full of energy and fun, even playing hockey and going to a movie with friends.
Take care and keep in touch
Debbie
Earl went for his blood work today (which you would think should be an easy task! Well is was not!) Anyway, it did get done and the results are good, so Earl will be admitted tonight. The chemo will be done tomorrow and then they do follow up blood work every 24 hours until his methotrexate levels come down. Then he can come home...returning next Monday for the same treatment.
He had a great week full of energy and fun, even playing hockey and going to a movie with friends.
Take care and keep in touch
Debbie
Apr 25, 2007
Earl at the Maple Leafs Game
Thanks to the very special social workers at Mt Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Earl was able to go to a Leafs game ( and of course he needed an escort yipee, that was me) where he had the time of his life. This was his first ever NHL game and for those of you who know Earl that just made his day.
Apr 24, 2007
Earl is feeling GREAT!!!
Hello Everyone,
Earl has one more week at home before he heads back to the hospital for his next round.
He will be hospitalized for portions of the next 3 weeks (from April 30 to May 20) Hopefully he will respond well and will get to be at home for the latter part of each of the first 2 weeks. The third week will keep him in for 6 days, regardless of how well he responds.
He is having a great week this week, and has started having his TA from school come to the house to help him get his math credit. He went for his tuxedo fitting yesterday and watch out everyone, because he looks incredibly handsome. It is great that he is feeling good, because last week he landed in hospital after spiking a fever. It took a few days of antibiotics, but he is smiling once again.
Spring is in the air and Earl has been for a couple of bike rides and is trying to spend a little time in the sunshine each day.
Keep in touch!
Debbie
Earl has one more week at home before he heads back to the hospital for his next round.
He will be hospitalized for portions of the next 3 weeks (from April 30 to May 20) Hopefully he will respond well and will get to be at home for the latter part of each of the first 2 weeks. The third week will keep him in for 6 days, regardless of how well he responds.
He is having a great week this week, and has started having his TA from school come to the house to help him get his math credit. He went for his tuxedo fitting yesterday and watch out everyone, because he looks incredibly handsome. It is great that he is feeling good, because last week he landed in hospital after spiking a fever. It took a few days of antibiotics, but he is smiling once again.
Spring is in the air and Earl has been for a couple of bike rides and is trying to spend a little time in the sunshine each day.
Keep in touch!
Debbie
Apr 17, 2007
Home Now
Well Earl is home now, and very glad I might add. His new best friend is his bed. He did manage to go to Winnipeg Tech/Culinary Arts yesterday, but today he is spending the morning sleeping. He is hoping to get to Vincent Massey this afternoon.
Debbie
Debbie
Apr 14, 2007
Round 1... and the winner is
Hi Everyone,
Well today is Earl's last chemo and then he gets to rest for 2 weeks. He is so ready to go home, although I know he will miss getting so spoiled. Earl will be trying to go to school, but the chemo makes him very tired so he will likely spend a lot of time sleeping....boo hoo....what young man does not like to sleep? He loves to hear from you so give us a call at home, and if he can't visit in person, I know he can talk on the phone.
Debbie
Well today is Earl's last chemo and then he gets to rest for 2 weeks. He is so ready to go home, although I know he will miss getting so spoiled. Earl will be trying to go to school, but the chemo makes him very tired so he will likely spend a lot of time sleeping....boo hoo....what young man does not like to sleep? He loves to hear from you so give us a call at home, and if he can't visit in person, I know he can talk on the phone.
Debbie
Apr 11, 2007
Earl has now completed his first day of chemo, and actually faired very well. He had a few boughts of nausea, but other than that he did great. He had lots of visitors and he said that they helped him be strong and courageous.....and also made him laugh which we believe is great medicine.
Earl will remain in hospital until Sunday and then will be home for 2 weeks. After that he will return to hospital for portions of the next 3 weeks.
Debbie
Earl will remain in hospital until Sunday and then will be home for 2 weeks. After that he will return to hospital for portions of the next 3 weeks.
Debbie
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Getting to know Earl
Earl and the Kickers
Earl's Trip To Minnie
Checking out the New Guys
Earl and Paul Lapolice