Tom & Brenda's Family Journal

Today was Tom's 13th chemo treatment.  Only three more to go. The staff at Lemmen-Holton got into the Halloween spirit which made the day more enjoyable.  This is Tara who has been with us since the first treatment.  She is kind, knowledgeable and fun. Each week at chemo he is evaluated before starting and they give the go-ahead to start.  The first step is a blood test.  Today's lab was staffed by the "Three Blonde Mice". Last week, the treatment was canceled because Tom had developed neuropathy in his hands.  Neuropathy is numbness and tingling caused by the chemo drugs and it can become permanent. The doctor felt that a week without chemo might help.  As we arrived back in the lobby feeling very discouraged, there was a lady playing the grand piano that sits in there.  She was playing "It Is Well With My Soul" which is a favorite hymn of ours.  It was a sign to us that God is in control. When we returned today, Tom's...

Tom's sister sent us this clip from an article that appeared in the GR Press this week.  Tom's long-held football record for 445 yards rushing in a single game was broken.  Tom was happy for the young man and is going to send him a congratulations card.  52 years is a long time to hold a record.  Tom's high school football performance gave him opportunity to play college football.  He chose Western Michigan University from among the many offers he had.  After suffering a career-ending injury, he transferred to Cornerstone University (Baptist Bible College at that time).  That is where I met him. And the rest is history.   Tom is facing his cancer challenge with the grit and determination that he brought to the football field. This past week he had his 11th chemo treatment.  The doctor said he is doing great and tolerating the chemo well.  She began reducing the amount of steroids he receives and now he is comp...