What's Next

Well, the next thing really is enjoying a wonderful Christmas with our family. I am feeling in perfect health. No pain, no nausea. I just feel normal. Praise God!

To clarify my test results: The CA125 test checks for a protein given off by ovarian cancer cells. After the second round of chemo, my result was 37. A normal reading is 35 and below. I have now had chemo 3 so that reading should be even lower. (Before chemo 1 my reading was 900 and I was in rough shape).

On January 2, I will have a CT scan to determine if surgery can proceed. (A hysterectomy) No cancer must remain in my liver. We are asking Jesus to remove all cancer, not just from the liver!  So please be in prayer for us. 

Surgery is scheduled for January 15. Quite strange to be praying that surgery can go ahead. 

This is a time of waiting on the Lord for us, but His arms of comfort are wrapping us tight. We have seen many miracles in our life already, so we are not afraid. 

Though a host encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. Though war rise against me, even then in this will I be confident. Psalm 27:3

Love, Lee

Praise God

Quick post, my CA125 the ovarian cancer tumour marker is 2 points off normal at 37. This is after 2 rounds of chemo. 

Yesterday, I had round 3. I feel great and had no side effects during treatment. The lady across from me has a sister living in Cold Lake. She is a secretary at a Catholic school my sister, Kathryn Erdeg,  works at frequently. She had a glowing report of my sister, saying she is a very nice person. Way to go God, you are in all the details. 

I was able to share with this lovely lady, a believer herself, that Jesus is our Healer and that He is willing to heal all who come to him in faith. He is a God of compassion. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Praise to our Lord, Jesus Christ. He is with us. Standing on the rock. All other ground is sinking sand.

Love, Lee

He is With Us

Jesus entered our world 2000 years ago and the first sound that God made flesh uttered was a cry. He came to restore the darkness and brokenness of our world. As a grown man, he healed every person who came to him, ultimately dying and conquering death itself through his resurrection. As the prophet Isaiah wrote, "By his stripes, we are healed."

On the cross Jesus took all infirmity and sin upon himself. Through this finished work we are forgiven and offered the gift of eternal life. With our sins removed, because Jesus took them, we can now stand in the very presence of God, forgiven. Jesus made a way for us if we will only believe. 

Here in our home, I have had a quiet couple of weeks. I have stayed away from the Christmas rush of shopping, parties, and concerts in an effort to stay well. This has given me the chance to study the Bible as it relates to healing. I have become aware that it is God's will to heal when we come to Him in faith and ask. 

The woman who was healed by Jesus by touching the hem of His robe came out to be healed in faith. It was highly countercultural for this Jewish woman to be out in the crowds of men,  especially as, in her condition, she was considered unclean. Yet, Jesus healed and said to her as she trembled in fear and fell on her face before him, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." Mark 5:34

I will have my next chemo treatment this coming Wednesday. We are praying that our God will cause it to be highly effective to remove all trace of the cancer and without side effect. 

I am asking my Healer, Jesus, to work in my body and make me well. I know that he is willing. All the glory is going to go to Him. 

As you contemplate God's gift of Jesus in the season of his birth, I hope you can also come to a place where you are willing to ask him for the healing you need. He is willing and more than able. Will you believe? He loves you and is waiting for you to come to Him. 

Taking it  a day at a time and trusting in my only healer, Jesus.

Love, Lee

Waiting is Hard

We are at one of those in between places at the moment. Just waiting for treatment, waiting for another CT,  waiting for possible surgery in January, waiting to know what will be.

Physically I feel great, which is a real answer to prayer. I don't actually look sick.  My Dad, always the funny one, has informed me that getting rid of the long scraggly hair was an improvement. I must admit as a Mom of five my hair lived in a messy pony tail most of the time. 

Please pray for us to stay strong in body and mind as we fight this fight. I know there are many individuals and churches holding us up in prayer. Thank you. 

Chorus I like:

All of my life, in every season, you are still God, I have a reason to sing, I have a reason to worship. 

I will rejoice, I will declare, God is my victory and He is here.

Love, Lee

Thank you from Nick

Hello, Lee Anne is doing remarkably well and is on day 3 of her 2nd chemo treatment. Although a little tired she's been up and about, eating well and is free of pain and nausea. Praise God!

We've received so many gifts and acts of kindness we feel completely loved and cared for. Be it from people dropping by to take Noah out for a few hours, or those of you that have brought us such wonderful food. We've also received many letters, encouraging emails, texts and blog comments that help lift our spirits.

Most of all though, thank you for your prayers for complete healing.

It is wonderful to know that our God saves and heals; going before us and behind us. Meredith Andrews is one of our favourite Christian artists. Lee Anne and I really like this song called Your Kingdom Reigns. Actually, the whole album is amazing.

Some good news

Hello to all,

We found out today that the CA125 blood test which is a measure for ovarian cancer (although somewhat inaccurate as a diagnostic tool) has dropped from over 900 prior to the last chemo treatment to 136 as of yesterday. The normal level is 35 and under.

In the words of Nick's oncologist brother, Dr. Andrew, "This is extremely good news." It does suggest that the treatment is working well.

We give praise to Jesus, our healer, and the countless family and friends who continue to take us before God's throne and plead our case. I am about and hour away from finishing my second treatment and all has gone well.

The doctor agreed to increase my dose of chemotherapy this cycle because of my good health. If this trend continues over the next few weeks my CA125 could even reach normal levels!

Thank you for all the prayers they are being heard and answered. God is not dead, he's alive.
(Good movie by the way if you are wanting something to watch this weekend!)  We are greatly encouraged and will continue this fight.

Love, Lee

Got some new hair

My hair was rapidly losing its grip on my scalp, so I went to the wig salon and had it cropped to an 1/8 of and inch. Have to have some to fall out apparently. Have a lovely new wig that is like my old hair, but a bit more glam!! A definite cancer perk.

Had our pre-chemo appointment today and that went well and gave us an idea of what might happen in the coming months. Surgery is planned for January- but the cancer must not be in my liver to proceed.  More chemo will be ordered if the liver is still a problem.

Anyway, above all please pray that the chemo tomorrow kills all the cancer. Also, pray that I will stay strong and continue to walk though this valley of the shadow of death fearing no evil.  God is before me and behind me, but in the dark of night I am as prone as anyone else to lose the awareness of His presence.

Thank you Jesus for promising that you will never leave us or forsake us. A sure hope in these times for us all.

The drip starts at 9:45 am. Kill.

Love, Lee.

Sunday Funday

We had a successful day yesterday and found a pair of winter boots for Alexandra that she liked! One has to be fashionable at 13! Good news is that the old klonkers from last year are quite nice so Mommy gets to take them over. So now I have some cool Sorels's to keep my feet toasty. 

Wasn't feeling great yesterday and will stay home from church to avoid illness. It is not good to have a chemo delay. I will miss being at the service. Good thing is that I can listen to the service online. 

The girls are going downtown with Papa and Grandma today for a fun day of swimming, crafts, dinner and treats. Jill and Dana, good friends have arranged the afternoon. This is time to forget the worries at home and see out and beyond to some of the good things. Fun, food, and friends. 

Nick and I will stay home with Noah and rest up for the week ahead. Clinic is on Wednesday with our oncologist and chemo is on Thursday morning early. Please pray for wisdom for Dr. Gien to give us the very best treatment. Please also pray for good health so I can continue treatment. 

All of our family and friends are so important to us and we appreciate the emails and texts of encouragement. I have become quite addicted to my iPhone in a good way as many have sent me such poignant and timely words and shared God's word with me. It is a time of many questions for us but we move forward trusting in the God who knows. 

As our community rallys around us we know God's word to be true. Acts 17:26 says,"From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out and find Him , though He is not far from each one of us. For in Him we live and move and have our being."

We live on Nathan Avenue. Nathan means God's gift. Six years ago God moved us because we had no plans to move. We saw this one house and bought it. It has been a great blessing to us. We have made so many deep friendships in Brooklin and had such a wonderful 5 bedroom house to raise a family bigger than we knew it would be!! We have also had easy access to excellent medical care that we would not have had in our previous location. 

So take heart, you are right where God wants you to be and as you seek Him He will direct your steps to the all the places He has for you. Rest in Him today and enjoy a blessed day in the place He has for you.

Love, Lee

A Time for Tenacity

Well, I choose a wig this week which was a very strangely surreal experience. My hair has started to fall out.  Not in chunks, but just thinning like. Experts tell me that day 17 is when it starts. I am day18/19. Feeling teary about the whole thing. Even though I thought I was okay with it. Some part of us always thinks it won't happen to us. 

This whole cancer thing is surreal because in my age category this is a very rare form of cancer. Did some more research. Everyone says don't google, but I want to know. My curiosity gene gets the best of me and I prefer to deal with things in the light of understanding. 

In my favour against daunting stats is:

1. Prayer. We believe in healing

2.Strength that has come from God through the support of so many family members and friends. 

3.My younger age than most diagnosed with this form of cancer.

4. My will to survive and see my children grow up. God made me tenacious. I will put this quality to good use in the coming months. 

So pray harder for us dear friends because we are wading into some deep waters and taking us before the throne is precious to us. 

Love, Lee

I'm Back

I have being feeling so well for the past few days that I haven't been in bed blogging!

I am completely pain free after being on narcotic strength meds for a couple of weeks. The pain was in my back and stomach, caused by the mass in my pelvis. The lack of pain suggests that the first round of chemo has done its work and shrunk the bad stuff.

We were at Sunnybrook yesterday and had genetic testing done. They are checking for the BRCA1/2 gene mutation.  I may not have it,  but if I do there is a chance of participating in clinical trials and having drugs that inhibit the gene mutation. My young age for ovarian cancer makes me eligible for this testing.

Later, we went to the pain clinic at Sunnybrook so I can easily access medications as I need them by phone. The doctor told me that I was too healthy for her clinic. (With a smile). I attribute it to prayer. The nurse thought my recovery was "very unusual, very unusual."

I have also been taken by a friend to a naturopath, Dr. Debbie Smrz, who specializes in cancer care. She has put me on a super healthy diet specially designed for my personal situation.  I will not be taking any supplements, without doctor approval. This practice is very experienced and careful not to have anything interact with medical treatment.  I will be avoiding most sugar and packing in the greens and protein to boost my immunity for the next blast of chemotherapy on November 27.

My Young Mom's group leader, for many years, at Bayview Glen Church sent me the words to this hymn.  They are very meaningful to me.  I would like to share them with all of you:

He Giveth More Grace
(I might put an audio version on later but I need my technical support guy!!)

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater

He sendeth more strength when the labours increase,

To added affliction He addeth His mercy,

To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

His love has no limit,

His grace has no measure

His power has no boundary known unto men.

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,

He giveth and giveth and giveth again.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,

When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,

When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,

Our Father's full giving is only begun.

Annie J. Flint

Wow. What powerful words and this situation has really made us understand these truths fully.

Thank you to all of you who have been a part of our heavenly Father's full giving. He has touched so many of your hearts for us, and we are overwhelmed with gratitude. You are helping us to fight this and this story has only just begun. Glory to God in the highest. Let me know what you think of this hymn and what lines impact you the most. (The hoarded resources part certainly speaks to me).

Yes, I have my bad and tearful moments,  but that is to be expected. It is really just sinking in. The diagnosis was such a shock, and everything has gone into motion so quickly. We are just catching our breath and moving into our new normal. With lots of veggies included.  (I do admit that when my appetite came back 4 days ago I enjoyed quite a few small Halloween chocolate bars and they were really good!)  Not it's back to kale for me. Thanks for being there for us everyone.

Love, Lee

He Knows

I have to post the link to this song that a couple of my dear friends sent to me. Let the words sink in after clicking the link below:

He Knows

No matter how small the trouble we are facing today our Father knows. He isn't allowing this suffering for no reason. It is all for a greater purpose that we cannot yet understand. He is not wanting to lose anyone and He is giving everyone a chance to choose to love Him. He watches our world tearing itself a part in agony. He will act at the very right time. Be ready.  Love Him now. He gave everything for you. He knows your every day.

My days have been good. I am miraculously pain free today with no drugs at all. You must know I was on pretty heavy duty stuff for the past few weeks. Before the diagnosis I was in constant pain day and night. I did not have anything but regular Advil/Tylenol and this did not do the job. But today, I am pain free with lots of energy. The prayer is reaching the Father. He hears everyone. A friend told me that a special group is taking my plight to the Wall in Israel. They are going to pray for me there.  I am one so small, but loved by an ocean of friends whose love is washing over us.

A new friend has taken care of raking all the brilliant yellow leaves from the big maple at the front of our house. (Got a wonderful family photo under this tree on Sunday before the leaves were gone- thank you Elizabeth) They were all down today, so our friend came and got the rest. He reminded us that many of you want to help but don't know how. We will ask for what we need and are getting better at this. We have realized that none of us are alone. We are so much better together.

Next week I will be going for genetic testing to try to look into my body and answer the mystery of why. Thank God for these minds He has created to research to inquire. Thank God for Canada. Our freedom is what moves us to be brave enough to ask the question why.  Keep up the fight for freedom because it saves us all. Every victory belongs to Jesus. The creator of freedom - even when it's cost is hard to bear.

Thank you Jeremy Camp for being led by God's spirit to pen such powerful words in the song linked above. He has walked this suffering and He Knows.

Love, Lee

Carrying On

Thank you for all your prayers. It does seem that since my body systems are now working well (I won't go into any more details on that here) and since my lower back pain is reduced that the main area of trouble is shrinking and this is good news. Praise God.

I am feeling very well under the circumstances. I went for a couple of walks yesterday and enjoyed the warm beautiful day.  My appetite is also much improved, and I have been maintaining my weight.

Yesterday,  I was encouraged by an email sent to me from a Stage 4 ovarian cancer survivor that I have connected with. (I has been 13 years for her now) She sent me a lovely prayer and told me that her church in Bedford, Nova Scotia is praying for me.

Please continue to pray for a complete healing in all areas.

Love,

Lee Anne

Hanging In

Yesterday was pretty rough but I made it to church for the Remembrance Day service. I'm reminded again of the schools, universities and hospitals that freedom builds. We can all be so thankful for those brave men and women that gave up their lives for our liberty, just as Christ laid His life down for us. A friend came over and took family pictures too. So thoughtful.

I am continued to be humbled and amazed at so many of your emails and texts. Able with your prayers to face this task with strength, determination and the fearlessness of a thousand soldiers, as one of you wrote to me.

Today was better but I feel very sleepy. My brother-in-law, Andrew tells me that my immunity will be at it's lowest over the next 2 days so there lots of hand-washing going on. Please pray that I don't get an infection and that my nausea and pain diminishes.

Getting organized

One of my new dear friends came today and helped us get organized. Old books in boxes stored away in the far reaches of our basement, winter boats retrieved and at the ready. Another friend took care of Noah and kept him out of the de-cluttering chaos. My brother and his wife came to cook dinner and assemble a new bed for our older girls as they share a room once more. Still more texts and emails from you, all with promises of prayers and offers of practical support that are getting us through each day. Thank you all so much. It's been a difficult 2 days but I'm on some stronger pain medication which is helping.

Not feeling too well today

It's Nick. Lee's not feeling too good today.

Happy Hair Day

Feeling okay today, pain killers and anti-nausea stuff are really good these days.

Since we are people who like to plan ahead -- Nick and I hit the wig store today. We found a couple very nice ones for me. The ladies who helped us also found a lovely grey curly feathered wig -1970s style for Nick ( a bit Richard Gear) and a long blond wig that replicated his long university day tresses. Yup. Think Alexandra with a long chinned English boy's face.  Needless to say when we texted the photos to Alex the imogies were crying with laughter.

Later on, my dear friend Larissa came and cut my hair a bit - to prepare for it all falling out in 10 days or so. ?? I decided to keep it long still, just a bit of a clean up. My girls said I should have done that a long time ago. Ah, youthful honesty. Love it.

We are being blessed with a lot of food - which is so amazing. However, since we like to keep fit around here - and since we have 600 pounds of HW candy. We request a two week hold off on food items. We could use help with cleaning, vacuuming, etc. If you call and even have a half hour we could probably let you disinfect something as I am trying to stay germ free. Noah also is always up for an adventure in the park, so if you stop by we can have him dressed and ready in no time at all rain or shine.

Nick's brother, in England, is an oncologist and tells us that I will not be feeling too well in the days to come as the cells die off and my body deals with the affects of the wonderful, but terrible drugs they have bombarded my body with.


The night before our first treatment we stayed with our good friends Kathleen and George Hardy in their beautiful Lawrence Part home. They were the ones who ushered us in from the terrible diagnosis we had just received at nearby Sunnybrook. In their home we found an oasis of calm from the storm raging in our hearts, and they really ministered to us through their amazing hospitality. (They also have arranged a permanent parking spot for us a 5min walk from the hospital at a friend's house.)

This is going to be a long-haul, but God is putting his arms around us through family, friends and even through people we have never met.

Please pray that the drugs will do their job over the next couple of weeks and that I will be able to endure side-effects.

In His grip always, Never forsaken for a second,

Lee Anne.

First chemo

Lee Anne is almost through her chemo treatment here at the Odette Cancer Centre in the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Nurses and pharmacists have been great. (Nick)

I have spent most of the time sleeping - since I didn't have the best sleep last night!

We are praying die cancer, die and go into the deepest pit and don't return in the name of Jesus.

With Remembrance day coming up, and our f18s in active service in the Middle East, we must remember the freedom that created the environment to explore, to inquire, to study, to create, and to heal so many people.  Say a prayer for the safety and success of our military as they continue the fight for freedom.

The excellence and passion of the young pharmacist who worked with us today to explain the drugs and get us the best stuff was amazing.  He reminded me of my brother Jonathan. Everyone here is working so hard to help people.

Please pray that these drugs do what they need to do for me. I am going to fight this with God's help and I declare God's goodness - he is already changing hearts and bringing those who have been far from him near. His arms are open and he is ready to embrace His prodigals, He has been in agony waiting for them to come home.

In His Grip and Under His Wing, Bringing God all the Glory, Carried by Jesus,


Lee Anne.

The night before 1st chemo

Stage 4, grade 3 ovarian cancer needs to go.

Please pray for complete eradication especially in the liver. 

We feel a sense of peace while the storm rages around us. So grateful we serve an all powerful and loving God who saves us and sets our feet on solid ground.

A God who answers us when we call to him, a righteous God who gives us relief from our distress; who has mercy on us and hears our prayers.

We know the prayers of many are going up on our behalf. We are truly under the shadow of His wing. (From Psalm 91 and a beautiful song we had at our wedding)

"Under the shadow of your wing, here in the secret place I will wait on you O lord my God and King."

Living with cancer

We just found out it is ovarian cancer.

Please pray for acess to the best drugs and clinical trials. 

Please pray that our lead doctor gynocological oncologist Dr. Lillian Gien will have supernatural wisdom. (She is one smart woman and we feel blessed to have her as our doctor) 

Please pray that she will have a soft heart towards us and speak to us today.

Please pray for our beloved children as we share this news with them. 

Please pray that the pelvic mass does not block my bowel. 

Please ask God to kick out the cancer and send it into the fiery pit in the name of Jesus-our healer. 

Waiting for biopsy results

We thought we'd hear on Friday but we'll find out on Monday now