1st Update to Family and Friends - March 9

Dear Family and Friends,

As you know, my mom has recently been diagnosed with cancer. I cannot believe I even just wrote that. It is still such a shock to us all, especially given how amazing and wonderful and vibrant and full of life my mom is. It seems so unfair and wrong and we just cannot believe it. But I know for sure, that my mom will beat this. She has to. And we will never give up hope. She has too much to live for. And too much joy in her life still to come. This much I know for sure.

I also know that all of you love my mom too. We have received so many calls of love and support this week, that it is clear to me that my mom has an army of people pulling for her and will not allow her to give up. I know that with all your love and support, she will get through this. She has love, faith, hope, and determination. She is a fighter. And she comes from great Elmslie stock with parents who taught her lessons in overcoming odds, the power of prayer and family, and to live each day to the fullest, and never give up.

To make it easier for my dad and to keep everyone who loves her informed, I'll be sending out a quick email once a week. I know you all love my mom very much and want to know what is happening and she knows you all are praying for her.

So here is what we know so far....

The initial discussion with her doctors have been devastating news, suggesting that the cancer cannot be cured, only to extend the length and quality of the rest of her life. However, we will not know for sure, until the team of oncologists in London review all the tests and make their official diagnosis and treatment plan.

The cancer originated in her colon, and has spread to her liver, lower colon, and probably beyond to her lymphatic system. The doctors believe the cancer has been present for a long period of time, but has only recently become symptomatic. To date, she has undergone bloodtests, an ultrasound, x-ray, CTscan, MRI, colonoscopy, and liver biopsy. Most of the information has been sent to London Health Sciences, but we are still waiting for the results of the liver biopsy, which could take up to another 5-10 days. The pathology of the cancer cannot be fully determined until all the results are in, and therefore, the exact course of treatment is still unknown. However, it's fairly certain that it will be some variation of chemotherapy, that will attempt to stop the spread of the cancer, and hopefully shrink the existing tumors.

A big thank you to her brother Tom and his brother in-law Kevin for all the hard work they have been doing behind the scenes in order to get my mom seen by the right people and assemble the right team as quickly as possible to begin the healing process.

Right now my mom is having great days, with her grandson home in Kincardine. She is experiencing severe pain in her abdomen several times a day, most often an hour after eating, and frequently for long periods at night. But despite the pain and the emotional stress of waiting for the next steps, she is having a great time with her grandson, playing, laughing and taking walks in the sunshine. She is determined to beat the odds. And needs all our love and support to do just that.

If there is anyone that can do it, she can!

I will update everyone again when we have more information. In the meantime, please say lots of prayers and send all your positive thoughts her way.

Lisa
PS -- If there is anyone who you think should be receiving this email, please send me their address and I will add them to the next letter.