I have started a new blog in Dave's Memory.
Go to
wwwwww.DaveRichardsMemory.blogspot.comwww
for more recent info, photos, articles, and learn about
the Dave Richards Memorial Award.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Not feeling great today

Hi All!

Well Dave was able to make it to the Leafs game in Toronto yesterday with his uncle. (They left at around 3:30 and so he had to bring his food with him. Unfortunately Dave's unable to even swallow liquids at this point, and is using the feeding tube 100%.) Dave felt well yesterday and they had a good time! It was a good game, and the Leafs beat Boston in overtime.

This past Sunday our friend Mark organized a prayer day for Dave. It was a good feeling to know that at any point during the day, somebody was praying for us! And I do have to say that Dave felt pretty good all day on Sunday.

We had a bit of  'drag' news today. We were looking into photodynamic therapy at an alternative health center in Burlington, but unfortunately they don't have the facilities for an endoscope - which is required to use PDT for esophageal cancer. (They can only surface treat.) I have another doctor I'm trying to reach at St Michael's Hospital in Toronto. (We're looking into PDT to clear the tumor a bit so Dave can swallow again.)

Today wasn't a good day for Dave. He wasn't able to keep his meal down this morning, and just felt uncomfortable and in occasional pain for most of the day. We're not sure if it was just too long a day for him yesterday, but we're hoping that tomorrow's a better day! He was able to 'eat' and keep it down earlier this evening, and he seems to be feeling a little better now.

Thanks to everybody that's been praying for us! It's hard some days, but we're staying positive!

Val


11 comments:

A.J. said...

If he can't swallow liquid the process of bringing up food must be excruciating! How is he getting his pain meds? injection?

Anonymous said...

Hey Val and Dave - thinking of you guys lots and praying for you both...thank goodness God is never far away and can hear our prayers and even our thoughts on our hearts despite the distance between us right now!
We went to the ocean yesterday and the kids had such a fun time experiencing salt water and picking shells for the first time ever.
You guys are a perfect picture of how God designed love and marriage to be between to people...your support for each other is inspiring - keep up the "good fight".
Love you guys!
Mel

Anonymous said...

Dave its Diloe {Mike}, wanting to let you know that our prayers r with you from Sherry, Joshua , Beau and Paige.

The Diloe Family !!!

GOD BLESS.

Anonymous said...

I am so glad you got to the Leaf's game and felt okay! I was concerned that possibly we talked too long on the phone and you might not have rested enough for your evening out. We could have talked and talked about teaching experiences. Your thoughts are so on the mark for what is transpiring in teaching right now! I would so like to see you write an article for the OCT magazine. Our difficult chapters in our lives do enrich and make us wiser and you certainly make me proud to know you and see the strong, intelligent and understanding man you have become. Tough days, I know! We're all sending prayers and positive thoughts your way!!!!
Love Lynne

Anonymous said...

hi Tito Dave and tita Val...


Hang in there.. God is great! thinking of you both and praying that you will overcome this... love you both...

Valerie said...

AJ. Yes. Excruciating would be an accurate description. It brings us both to tears. He gets any meds given at home through his feeding tube. Although he has prescriptions for Tylenol 3 and liquid morphine - he finds that Robax Platinum (muscle relaxant with ibuprofen) works well and has less side effects to worry about than narcotics. The only drag about that is that he can get prescription meds for free through CCAC, but over the counter drugs are out of pocket. But it's well worth it for less side effects.

Anonymous said...

Great job Val on keeping the Blog and Dave going. We all appreciate all your hard work. Dave has always said he was lucky to have you. If you need anything there are lots of people to support you, thanks.
Pete

Anonymous said...

Thinking about you every day.
Stay Strong.
Jim

Anonymous said...

Hi Dave, Val, Cale,

We continue to think about each one you and pray for each of you every day. Zeny and I are walking with you brother. We are grieving for the circumstances that you are facing but we have faith in the power of the One who made you. He is able and we continue to pray He will heal you brother.

As we watch you battle this Goliath, David, both Zen and I are amazed at your strength!

Valerie, I wish Zen and I could find the words to express how impressed we are with the absolute, unconditional Christian love you demonstrate as you take care of brother Dave! In the beginning, when God designed marriage for mankind, He must have had you and Dave in His mind as role models!

What a tremendous life lesson you are teaching! Thank you. Zen and I consider it a privilege to be your friends.

In the name of Jesus Christ may Almighty God heal you and richly bless you.

John & Zeny

Anonymous said...

Praying for you and your family ....



Phyllis C.

Judie Webb said...

Hi Guys, I got back from the Florida yesterday and haven't been able to check on Dave's status for about a week.
You are a terrific blogger Val (and Dave too ... I know you are just involved to keep everyone up to date!)
I hope Dave has more good days then bad ahead.
Keep up all the positive thoughts and prayers.
You guys are constantly on my mind, and hope Gods will listen to everyone.
Judie Webb



I