Hello to our family and friends,

This blog is so difficult for me to write anymore.  Myron is now home from the hospital, following his bout with pneumonia over Christmas. While the pneumonia is not cleared up, it is responding to the antibiotics, and the medical staff felt that he was well enough to return home. Unfortunately, the cancer is still raging full force, and Myron is getting weaker each day. Myron did decide to give up on the chemotherapy as the doctors felt that the cancer was not being defeated by it, and it was just making Myron feel much sicker than he already is. As a consequence, his PICC line was pulled from his arm and it at least will have a chance to heal. Currently Myron is suffering terribly from mouth and throat sores caused by the chemo, and it makes eating and drinking very difficult for him. Within the next couple of weeks hopefully this will clear up now that he is no longer taking chemo.

Because Myron has lost so much weight from the cancer he is very weak, and stairs are very difficult for him. We have set up a bed for him in the family room, and our friend Tony installed bars in the bathroom and shower for him. He is mostly living on that level as we don't want to take the chance of his falling while manipulating the stairs. He has a walker to help him get around since his legs are so weak, and we have oxygen on hand in the house in case he experiences breathing difficulties (although he hasn't needed it so far). According to the doctor, he doesn't have a lot of time left, so we are simply trying to spend our time together, enjoying each other's company while we can. We're still praying for a miracle, but the attack of this dreadful disease is becoming more apparent each day. A nurse is coming here three times a week to check Myron and see how he is doing, and is available for more frequent visits if we need her. It's only been two days since he has been home from the hospital, and we are slowly adapting. It's not easy for either of us, it's frustrating for Myron because he is unable to do what he wants to do. I myself am very tired, but I am doing my utmost to see that he gets the best care possible, and that he is surrounded by my love at all times. The kids and grandkids are dropping in for short visits whenever they can. I took down the Christmas tree and decorations yesterday, as we are trying to optimize the family room into the most workable space we can for Myron. Our Heidi came over this afternoon and vacuumed the place for us to get rid of all the tree needles, etc.

Myron tires very easily these days, but he still wishes to see his family and friends. We just ask that you keep your visits short so that he doesn't get too tired. Today his nephew Francis from Yellowknife came in for a visit (along with his niece Leona from PEI), and the neighbourhood men's coffee club met here for a brief get-together this afternoon. Father Mark from St. Justin's Parish also dropped by to visit with Myron this afternoon. I just took a quick photo of Myron and I so that you can see us as we are today.

That's about all the news I have for now. Please keep on praying for that miracle for Myron, and definitely keep in touch with us. Your love and concern mean so much. I'll keep in contact and update this blog as the days go by.

love,
Wendy (& Myron)