Well, we finally got the results from the MRI. Mom and Dad, along with Jared, Janis, Jesse, and Grandma Folkerts (Gerald's mom) met with the team of oncologists and nurses on Friday afternoon around 1 pm. The news was not what we were hoping for, but based on how Dad has been feeling, it was what we expected. The tumor, unfortunately, showed no signs of responding to the radiation and chemo. There is some increased swelling around the tumor since Dad was first diagnosed, but otherwise there has been no change. The other unfortunate news is that because Dad has been feeling so tired as of late that another round of chemotherapy is not an option right now.
Hearing this, while it was not a shock, has not been easy. It's been a very emotional weekend for all of us, and because the news was not as good as we were hoping, we decided to have our Christmas celebration early this year. Jared and I and the kids went to Mom and Dad's for supper last night (Saturday) and we ate a nice meal together and opened all of our gifts. It was a bit surreal to be celebrating so early, but we wanted to do it on a night while Dad was feeling fairly energetic, and it was a very good evening spent together as a family.
This most recent news has left us wondering where do we go from here? I don't know that we necessarily have an answer. We just continue to take things one day at a time. To give Mom a bit of a break, Home Care has been set up for Dad, and there are now workers coming a few times a week during the day, and also 6 nights a week overnights (11 pm - 7 am) to help care for Dad. Mom's been enjoying getting a full nights sleep now that they are coming overnights! The rest of us are still busy with the daily grind of school, homework, and caring for the kids. I think all of us are looking forward to Christmas break and the chance to unwind a little.
And above all else, we continue to trust in our Heavenly Father. We know that He is here with us, holding us all in His tender loving hands, offering the comfort and solace we so desperately seek.
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About Me
- Gerald Folkerts
- A former teacher, Gerald is an artist, who now works at home out of his third-floor studio. He is an avid camper, who loves to travel and spend time outdoors. He also has a very eclectic taste in music, and is a firm believer that you can never have too many books or cds. Gerald is also a member of Covenant Christian Reformed Church, and belongs to an octet of very talented singers, called "Celbr8". He is a great husband, father, and grandfather, and enjoys spending quality time with all of his family.
8 comments:
I'm one of many who will continue to pray for you all and especially for Gerald. Cornelius Buller
We will also continue to pray for you all. Thank you so much for the update.
I also will continue to pray for all of you. Thank you so much for the update.
Diane
Dear Gerald and Arlis and family.
We have been following your journey, anticipating and reading each blog and comment, as well as supporting you in prayer, along with so many. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you during this continued uncertain path ahead. May God continue to give you His strength and His peace.
With Love
David and Dorothy & family
Glad that A, Arlis is receiving some help and praying daily for you all. Take care
Love Karri
Thinking of you all and praying for strength and peace and for some good times even through all of this.
Ken
My thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time. Gerald is an inspiration as a teacher, colleague and of course as a devoted father and grandfather. Take care of eachother.
Sue R
Grace said...
I had not heard of Gerald's illness until this Saturdays paper came out..Dec 20th,2008
Gerald used to attend his local RBC branch where I worked and the sense of humor and warmness of this man is immeasurable!
Always wearing "shorts" in the middle of winter, he would say it's not cold! with a big smile on his face...
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God give you continued strength.
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