Friday, September 23, 2011

Brenda's Condition

Brenda's last blog in August mentioned that she was still waiting for word on the phase 1 trial that she was to go on. We finally got a call a few weeks ago to come and meet with the trial doctor and have preliminary tests and scans completed to provide baseline information and to confirm that Brenda was capable of proceeding with the trial. Unfortunately, the test results confirmed that the cancer in her brain had grown and new spots had materialized and all other areas in her body were also out of control (liver, lungs, bones, etc.)

The last few weeks have been very difficult, to say the least. The trial drug was to be our last option for treatment and last hope for Brenda's future. We have since had to accept that God has a different plan for Brenda and that her future is with Him and not here with us.

Her condition has worsened considerably over the last couple of weeks and especially the last few days. She is still at home, but is now on oxygen, because of the cancer in her lungs and the large amount of fluid that has built up around her lungs and heart. She is not in pain, which we are very thankful for, and the discomfort that she experiences, we are able to control by medication.

Our plan is to keep her at home and so we have spent the past couple of days getting home care equipment installed and home care support setup. She is most comfortable here, in her own bed, with her family and especially her special nurse, Charlee (our dog).

We are so thankful for the friends and family we have - the endless prayers and support have made this journey so much easier and we are at peace with what is to come - she has fought a very courageous battle the past three years and has impacted a lot of people in many different ways. I am so very proud of her and honoured to have spent the last 18 years with her, as her friend and husband.

Carman

15 comments:

E. Tyler Rowan said...

Carman and Brenda,

All I can say is that we love you. You are in our prayers constantly, and will be especially so during this time of saying good-bye.

Brenda, if I don't have the chance to see you again on this earth, please know that your life of faith and courage has impacted me. And I will see you again, in eternal glory.

All our love and prayers,
Pat and Tyler

Heather said...

Carman and Brenda,

There are no words. Nothing to say that even touches on how deep your experience and love for each other are, or on how great you have lived this life God has given you or how awesome an impact you've made.

When God said to you, "If you can only see the future I have planned for you..." He surely meant all the lives you've touched and encouraged to grow with how you've lived yours and how many people love the both of you - deeply.

For me, you are a 'blessing that comes from a storm's raindrop'. You are always in my prayers. The Lord is preparing for you a triumphant entry to your glorious home.

Love, Heather and Darcy

Crystal said...

Thinking of you every day, my thoughts and prayers are with you and Carman.
Crystal

Mel said...

I will be truthful in saying this is not the blog post I was hoping to read but I do want to share with you my biggest hugs, lots of love, and thankfulness for what you have contributed to all of our lives. xoxo

marjorie said...

Hi Brenda and Carman, I am very sorry to read this post. I have been following your story for quite awhile now, and my husband and I have been keeping both of you in our prayers over the last months. Brenda, I'm glad that you are able to be at home and that you're comfortable, and that you have such good caregivers in the form of Carman and Charlee. I will continue to pray for both of you.

aceval said...

Brenda and Carman

Thank God that you have had each other and your endlessly strong faith;even with this saddest recent news, the knowledge we all have of your calm grace in God's plan, has eased the next while for us all.That you are free from pain and at home with loved ones is indeed a blessing...we love and admire you and keep you in our hearts
Val W in Trochu
God's will be done

Sylvie Taylor said...

Carmen and Brenda,
There is no words to say how much you guys touch and inspired us and so many people on this journey. Brenda you have been so brave, you are the most beautiful Angel I've met on this earth. Carmen please give Brenda a big hug for us, we are going to miss her so very much, but the memories will always be. And some day we'll see you again cause "Heaven is for real" ! We are keeping you both in our prayers always, we love you. xo
Larry & Sylvie

TBT said...

Carmen & Brenda - our thoughts and prayers are with you as always. You are both an inspiration. Travis & Loranne.

Krista said...

It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye to one of the most amazing women I have ever met! You have made me laugh, cry, and inspired me over the past few years. I am incredibly grateful Taryn introduced us because now I can say my life is and will be forever richer having you as a friend. You and Carmen are in our thoughts and prayers.
XOXO
Iaian & Krista

Mandy said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you both. Brenda, you are indeed a good and faithful servant. You have blessed many, thank you. God has prepared a place for you and I look forward to seeing you again.
Mandy

Christy Hesson (Penner) said...

Brenda and Carman, On behalf of the River's Edge team, thank you for allowing us to be in continual awareness of your journey. What an amazing trooper you are Brenda. Through Jeff and Lorna we have had the chance to be encouraged, humbled, challenged and broken by your story. Know that our little kitchen prayer team as well as the rest of our camp team is present with you during these days, standing in solidarity with you.

With a crying out to HIS deep love and sustenance and hope,
Christy Penner and team

Karen LeJeune said...

We are so very sorry to read this new Carman. I pray that Brenda's Journey to her Savior is as sweet as possible. Please know that you are both in our prayers.

Karen and Ivan

brian and heidi said...

Love you guys. Walk with your heads held high. You have Inspired Heidi and I in so many ways.

pjfriesen said...

Brenda, you have been an inspiration to me and many others. Your faith and trust in Christ has given us hope for our own faith. I am so thankful you were there when my sister Natasha struggled with her battle. You were there with words of encouragement and to never give up and to trust in Christ. You have great courage! Natasha asks of you often and is sadden by your stuggles. Know that I pray for you and Carman often and lift you to the Lord. Thank you for being in my life and for your presence in my heart. I know I will see you again in our eternal home. Until then.....much love to you!

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