- Aug 23: Gary VanDenHoek's family says that they are now ready to have brief visitors at their home. Gary is in home hospice. Please keep them all in your prayers.
- Aug 22: Melanie Odens relates the following about her sister Amber, quoting: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41: 10 Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. Psalm 30:2. Last year, in 2024 on this date, my dear sissy Amber was having her big surgery. Is she ever glad that she is on THIS side of it...looking back feels great. I recently had a few of you ask how she is doing...so a quick update on her journey...She continues to have monthly blood draws, and scans every 4 months. She also has with daily chemo pill that can cause nausea and fatigue along with hormone blocking shots. These bring a daily reminder of her healing and also the reality of what the medicine is trying to do. It is such a gift to have these medicines, and yet we won't hover over being thankful for JUST the medicine but thank God for the healing He has allowed Amber. Thank you Lord! We thank you too for praying for Amber. Some of you shared that you are praying for her daily, even now! Thank you. We ask that you continue to pray that her medicine continues to do as it intends. We adore you all. With Love, The Poppen Family—Melanie Odens”
- Aug 21: Rhonda Lockwood relates the following, quoting: "Just a quick update. I’m home I’m doing well. I will post more later but now it’s time for a nap. Thank you all for the thoughts and prayers and text messages and pm messages today and last night! They truly did help!--Rhonda Lockwood"
- Aug 21: Joan Schouten will be having shoulder surgery next Wednesday. Please keep her in your prayers. Thanks.
- Aug 21: Doug DeWit is in Sanford hospital. He had a heart valve surgery earlier this week. He is now having some post surgical complications and will be in the hospital today and probably overnight for observation. Please keep him in your prayers.
- Aug 21: Gary VanDenHoek will be going from the hospital to home hospice today (Thursday). For now, his family requests no visitors. Please keep them all in your prayers. Thanks.
- Aug 20: Gary Van Den Hoek and his family are arranging for home hospice. Please keep them in your prayers
- Aug 18: Gary Van Den Hoek has been transferred to the ICU at Avera after a very serious heart arrythmia (extremely irregular beating of the heart). Please keep him and his family in your prayers.
- Aug 16: Kate Stellinga relates the following about her Dad, quoting: “Quick update! This is what I initially was afraid of with posting an update too soon, the chemo started to rear its head with a few nasty side effects and we canceled our trip to the Black Hills. Overall, Ken is feeling ok today (Saturday) and joined us for supper & dessert. But the last few days have been rough. Good news: his MRI from last tuesday came back reassuring for NO metastatic disease to the Liver, specifically. So thats a huge win. This coming Wednesday is round 2. We are praying for a smooth infusion. Less side effects. Dad's body to continue to hold up despite aggressive treatment. As always, thank you for the prayers, good thoughts & wishes. You all are such an A-team to have behind dad. Last weekend, dad was able to watch some of his favorite hockey players. We are so grateful he’s been able to integrate himself into some "normal" activities.—Kate Stellinga”
- Aug 16: Rhonda Lockwood relates the following, quoting: "I was DX with breast cancer last Wednesday. I caught it EARLY and it is not aggressive or fast growing!! I WILL be okay but this will be a few speed bumps in my life for the next 6-8 months. I have decided to do the bilateral mastectomy with reconstructive surgery…3 surgery’s total. First surgery will be August 21st.-- Rhonda Lockwood."
- Aug 15: Holli Jans relates the following, quoting: “I’m incredibly grateful for the time I’ve been able to spend with my dad since his stage 4 cancer diagnosis 5 1/2 years ago. Last week, we found out that the cancer has spread and there are no other treatment options. He has decided to do home hospice. Thank you for keeping my dad and our family in your prayers— it truly means a lot, Community.--Holli Jans”
- Aug 14: Gary Van Den Hoek has been admitted to Avera Hospital. They are running tests. Please keep him in your prayers. Thank you
- Aug 13: Please continue to keep Steve Lee in your prayers. Thanks.
- Aug 12: Kate Stellinga relates the following about her dad, Ken, quoting: “I know a few have been asking for updates on Ken and how his first chemo treatment went. And to be honest, I was delaying an update because I was waiting for the true colors of chemo to show! Dad had chemo on Wednesday Aug 6th. Thursday Aug. 7th, he felt a little "queasy." And every day since then, he's been up and moving and operating fairly status quo! The first day was a long day. We started at 9 a.m. and didn't leave the Prairie Center until 4:30 ish. We had meetings, education, labs, and then the pre-medications were infused, followed by 2 separate chemo meds. Each infusion taking about an hour - hour and a half. We had so many visitors; that Avera Cancer Center has this figured out! Service puppies (which dad agreed to let in the room just for my entertainment), the chaplain, volunteers, social workers, genetic counselors, nurses and other staff. It was a busy day! Dad had a fairly common side effect during the last chemo infusion that caused some muscle twitches and his nose to run a little, but surprise! They have a drug to combat that too. After the final infusion, he was hooked up to a "cassette" that had the 3rd chemo drug inside. This would need to infuse into his port for the next 46 hours. Dad and his cassette were discharged and he went home! That cassette was removed from his port on Friday! Some of the infusions have to be hung with "sugar water" as that is the only fluid that is compatible with the chemo drug...Dad's sugars were a little out of control for a portion of the time we spent in the Prairie Center and into the time he went home. Other than that, he was a champ! Since the typical side effects of chemo didn't really bother him this time around, Ryan and myself are kidnapping dad and taking him to the Black Hills this weekend. We understand that he may not feel this well each time he gets his treatment, so we want to take advantage of it while we can. For upcoming prayer requests, Dad's oncologist is ordering an MRI due to dad's liver function tests being a little ornery (although leaps and bounds improved from 3 weeks ago!) and a cyst found in his liver during initial testing that appears benign, but just to be safe. This will be tomorrow (Tues August 12th) at 3:00 PM. Also that Dad continues to feel well and up to doing "life" without much side effects from treatment. I've learned I should do updates from my phone because these updates from a keyboard get to be long. Thank you all who have reached out, prayed for dad, asked for updates, called him or left messages. He is feeling the love from all around and enjoys reading comments –Kate Stellinga”
- Aug 11: Irwin Van Leeuwen relates the following, quoting: "It has been a long time since I shared an update. This week is my third anniversary of when I was diagnosed with renal cancer. I am thankful and happy to report things are going really well. My oncologist reported today that things have stabilized. He desires to keep monthly treatments going to keep things stable. We are so thankful for your prayers and encouragement. I will not give another update unless there is a change. We give our faithful God all the praise for His healing.--Irwin Van Leeuwen"
- Aug 10: Our condolences go out to Katie and Nic Koth and their family and friends on the passing of Katie's mother, Laurie. Please keep them in your prayers. Thanks.
- Aug 8: Judy VanMeetern surgery went well. She will spend tonight in the hospital and come home tomorrow. Please keep praying for her recovery. Thanks.
- Aug 6: Grace Marette Vanden Heuvel's funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM, Friday, August 8, 2025, at the Community Reformed Church, Sioux Falls. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. A Graveside Service will be held 2:00 PM, Friday, August 8, 2025, in the Riverview Cemetery, Rock Rapids, Iowa.
- Aug 6: Laura Thesenvitz relates the following, quoting: “We haven’t given an update over the last six weeks or so because it has been rough and I honestly haven’t known what to say. We’ve been operating strictly on a day at a time survival mode, and some days- hours at time the way things seem to change and roll like ocean waves. Since we arrived home from his most recent infusion three weeks ago, his bowl system seemed to just go haywire. At first, we thought he maybe got a bug, but then quickly realized it had to be something much more complex or worse as it progressed and became more difficult to handle. Leaving home, let alone getting sleep or enjoying a window of normal functioning time during the day was nearly impossible. Waves of nausea, uncontrolled bowels and paraplegia are a combination that make for a low quality of living with feeling so crappy all the time and a frustrating cycle of trying to determine what is the root cause of the sudden changes. He meticulously keeps notes on medications and dosage changes so then started the one by one trying to rule out each one by trialing changes in dosage or removal – but this is a fine line to walk as to not cause other problems as well. Again, frustrating when nothing feels like it makes any sense or seems to help. Christopher even stayed home and sent the kiddos and I for a few days to meet up with the Thesenvitz family on the annual lake vacation because he wasn’t feeling up to it, not wanting to need to spend the entire time in a bathroom or asleep in a chair. It was good for the kids to have a couple days at the lake. They have been looking forward to going all summer and with the ups and downs of the last several weeks/months we haven’t been able to plan anything or make anything stick for “big summer adventures” for them this year. They understand that not every year will have big adventures, but they were most excited about being able to join the big family again on the annual lake trip since we have missed the last couple of years so that by far made up for it with them. For me, it was bitter sweet missing Christopher, but I was appreciative of the time with the kids and being able to watch them have fun regardless. We came home after just a few days sunburned, bug bitten and very ready to see Daddy. Last week, after continued and worsening issues, we visited with GI doc at Sanford(ironically this was a pre-planned appointment that was scheduled quite a while ago, though thankful to meet with them regardless) and they had ordered a stool sample test and what I would consider the “easy” things to be, all came back negative – like the C-diff and other various intestinal virous tests. Though the test that measures the swelling levels of the colon was high and the test that measures the enzymes that the Pancreas makes was quite low. GI requested additional long version tests to look further at absorption levels and Mayo added an abdominal CT to the imaging list for surveillance scans. This week we traveled Mayo. Monday was Chest CT and MRI and Tuesday morning was abdominal CT and blood work followed by meeting with the oncology team. We didn’t meet with Dr. Ho as she is still out on maternity leave. We met with other sarcoma specialty doctors on the team.. two actually. In review test discussed: Chest CT: shows several new solid nodules and growth of some previous existing nodules and some stable nodules, and also development of pneumonitis - inflammation of the lung tissue / ground glass visual on imaging- like we had seen develop from the last go with immunotherapy. Couple of the nodules appear within the pneumonitis so could be enlarged by swelling rather than accurate growth. MRI: Progressive, but not specific tumor growth on the spine. T12 – L-1 region. Continued spinal stenosis in additional levels. (narrowing of the spinal canal by the encroachment of the tumor). They didn’t spend a lot of time on this and the read on this imaging was also disappointingly vague. Noted on both the CT and MRI were new fractures of ribs on either side right and left. CT of Abdomen: showed fracture of iliac wing (back part of the hip bone), prominent mesorecta lymph nodes which could be from normal bathroom regimen or from ongoing inflammation issues and uncontrolled bowels. Other inflammatory things that are much of the same. Bloodwork: Thyroid slightly trending down from three weeks ago otherwise, several tests were all over the board. Game plan that was decided on was that immunotherapy is no longer an option and will be discontinued. With the results from the scans and the current side effects that are being experienced, the immune checkpoint inhibitors (of the immunotherapy) must have switched into over drive, and instead of helping the immune system to better find and attack the cancer cells, wherever they are in the body, decided to attack healthy tissues instead. Thus the pneumonitis, and MAYBE the some of the bowel issues?? We won’t know really on the bowel issues until we get farther away from the immunotherapy and also continue with some additional GI testing to rule out other inflammatory disease possibilities. So, giving time to let Christopher’s body heal a bit and catch up and start some steroids to aid in that process as well. In the meantime, the team is working on approving a new drug that isn’t quite FDA approved to have on stand-by that is a “cousin” drug of the first he tried late last year that turned his hair white that they think will fair better on it’s own. In about 4 weeks the plan is to have a follow up chest CT to determine the clearing/healing of the pneumonitis in the lungs to help rule out what is true solid nodule growth and then set and perform a new biopsy of growth tissue to send to pathology to test for comparison of previously confirmed mutation markers and also test for any possibilities of new mutations that may qualify or respond to other medications that are available or recently available. Overall, it was a lot. And unfortunately, Christopher still felt like crap the whole time. The whole car ride there and back. It sucks to have to watch him go through all of this and not be able to do anything to help ease any of it. To not be able to DO anything for him. I hate this. I hate waiting. I’m inpatient, and being overtired makes that worse. Being home eases things only a tiny, tiny bit. But then reality also sets in that I need to catch back up from what was missed while we were gone and that is a whole different ball game.. Kids are about 2 weeks from school starting (21st). Claire is playing school tennis this year for the first time, so her official season actually started on MONDAY while we were gone.. yikes! There is a family wedding this weekend we are looking forward to.. Henry is starting drumline practice next week… it doesn’t stop, and it will only get busier once school gets into full swing… I can’t look too far out otherwise it’s a bit overwhelming... so I just try to remember the mantra… ONE THING, ONE DAY AT A TIME. I know we can do all things through Him and He will make all things possible. I need to focus on letting go, and letting Him do His work. Easier said than done though, so I’ll definitely need the continued prayerful support on that. I say it and I pray it daily, and often, but I need the follow through help. I’m praying for some quality improvement for Christopher. Longer good windows of time and to see when and to be able to take good advantage of that time together. That something starts to work in his favor and give relief and allow for some joy again. For our kids and family as a whole. Thank you for your continued support! We don’t necessarily ask for visitors at this time as it ss difficult to navigate the days ups and downs, but we certainly appreciate your ongoing encouragement. We’ll keep you posted with the next round of scans and status of drug approvals. Thank you for your love and praying with and for us! -- Laura Thesenvitz”
- Aug 5: Judy VanMeetern will be having an artificial hip replacement revision on Friday. She will likely stay at least overnight. Please keep her in your prayers. Thanks.
- Aug 3: Ken Stellenga will be starting his first round of chemotherapy on Wednesday. Please keep him in your prayers. Thanks.
- August 3: Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Grace Vanden Heuvel who passed away last night. Funeral arrangements are pending, Please keep her family in your prayers.
- Aug 2: Our condolences go out to Jan Mellema and her family on the passing of her Uncle Chuck. Please keep them in your prayers.
- August 1: Tim DeLoof has been released from the hospital. He is still struggling with the symptoms of ALS. Please continue to pray for him. Thanks
- July 31: Grace Vanden Heuvel is in the nursing home and is very ill and weak. Please keep her and her family in your prayers. Thanks.
- July 30: Jan Mellema relates the following, quoting: "Update on my Uncle Chuck; They are doing comfort measures only now. He does wake up a little at times but is very weak. When he is awake he does recognize and talk to family members. But it is only a matter of time for him now. Please pray his passing will be peaceful. Thank you! Jan Mellema"
- July 29: Tim DeLoof remains hospitalized and they are running more tests, in addition to treating his symptoms of ALS. Please continue to pray for him. Thanks
- July 28: Our condolences go out to Shanda Cutler Hay and Chelsea Veurink’s and their families on the passing of their Uncle Curt. Please keep them all in your prayers. Thanks.
- July 25: Mary Hanson has been discharged from the hospital. She will be doing her recovery at home. Please keep her in your prayers. Thanks
- July 25: Tim DeLoof has been hospitalized again. He is struggling with ALS and now also has a serious infection. Please keep him, and his wife Sandy and family in your prayers. Thanks
- July 25: Jan Mellema reports that there is no change with her uncle, Chuck Holm (who is 90 years old). Please keep praying.
- July 24: Dree Mayer is now home from the hospital. She will be getting PT and home health as she recovers. Please continue to keep her in your prayers.
- July 23: Jan Mellema relates the following, quoting: "My uncle, Chuck Holm (my mom's brother and last living sibling), had surgery for a bowel obstruction last week. The surgery went fine but he hasn't really woken up from the anesthesia yet. The doctors are trying to figure it out but at this point nothing seems to be going in the right direction. They are now starting to focus on comfort care. His wife, Maxine, and the family are need of lots of prayers in the days ahead. Thank you church family! Jan Mellema"
- July 21: Dree Mayer fell this morning and is in the Avera emergency department. She has suffered a fracture (possible around the pelvis/hip area). She will be spending the night but does not need surgery. Please keep her in your prayers.
- July 19: Jon Harmsen relates the following, quoting: “Today update: Same as yesterday, pain isn’t really better but pain is being better managed. She’s still learning how little movement she actually has and that’s been really frustrating for her. She spent most of today in bed again, but this afternoon she felt like being up and around for a couple hours. That was good for all of us, I think. She’s really worn out and really hurting, but it was nice for her spirits to be lifted for a bit. We got a little place set up outside for her to go sit and be with her chickens for a while tonight. They’ve been missing her, too. Praying for somewhat comfortable sleep tonight and a decrease in pain tomorrow!—Jon Harmsen”
- July 17: Steve Lee relates the following, quoting: “My Doctor : Shiriski Banskota. Long story short, we (Becky, Nikki and I) met my new oncologist at Avera Oncology today and liked her. First words out of her mouth were, “You look better in person than on paper.”…..made us all laugh. We started the new treatment today with a weekly shot (in the stomach) then every 2weeks, then once a month, etc. The treatment will lower my immunosuppression further than it already is and will kill all the lymphocytes…not just the sick ones. That makes me more susceptible to infections for awhile. The last Vancomycin infusion will be at the Avera Infusion tomorrow (7/18/25). We’ll proceed with the monoclonal antibody treatment as my condition and doctor’s judgement direct us through the next 4-6 weeks. If I’m not responding as necessary we’ll start to add some chemo. More updates as I have them. Thanks for your prayers! Steve Lee”
- July 17: Jon Harmsen relates the following about his wife Gracia, quoting: “Day 2 was as rough as we expected. Many big incisions on her back are proving to make getting comfortable nearly impossible. She managed to sleep pretty decent last night, but is in a terrible amount of pain. Going to talk to her surgeon about upping some meds for the next few days. 3 big things to pray for: 1. That she stays infection free. 2. That we could stay on top of the pain. 3. That cabin fever would stay at bay. Thanks for the continued prayer!—Jon Harmsen”
- July 16: Ken Stellenga is scheduled for a pre-op appointment Tuesday with plans to put in a port on Wednesday. Please keep him in your prayers. Thanks
- July 13: Please pray for Gracia Harmsen who on Monday, July 14, will be having surgery to install devices which will help control her pain. The recovery from this surgery can be brutal. She is having this done out of town. Please also keep her husband, Jon, and their son Ezra in your prayers. Thanks.
- July 12: Angie reports that her son, Wes Hinks, has been released from the hospital and they are now heading home from Mayo. Thanks for your prayers.
- July 12: Justin Hinks reports about his son, Wes who had surgery yesterday at Mayo, quoting: “Pain levels have been very high all night. His right lung has been slower to re inflate, and that has been painful. We may be staying another day.—Justin Hinks”
- July 11: Justin Hinks reports that the surgery for Wes went well. He thanks everyone for their support and prayers.
- July 10: Please pray for Wes Hinks, thirteen-year-old son of Justin and Angie. He will be having chest surgery at the Mayo Clinic on Friday July 11. Thanks. July 10: Please pray for Gracia Harmsen who on Monday, July 14, will be having surgery to install devices which will help control her pain. She is having this done out of town. Please also keep her husband, Jon, and their son Ezra in your prayers. Thanks.
- July 10: Paul and Nastia Logan, missionaries who Community supports related the following, quoting: “Good morning all, Had two drones and a rocket come into our region here today--about six blocks from where we live. One exploded. The other two were shot down. It seems that they were aimed at our neighboring airport. They were "hit the floor" kind of moments. We heard that they are seeking to send 1000 into Ukraine each day now. Yesterday 728 entered the Kyiv area. L'viv has also gotten hit badly. Please pray for the nation...our team...Nastia & me. Thank you! "To thee, O LORD, I call; my rock, be not deaf to me..." (Ps 28:1) Much love, Paul & Nastia”
- July 8: Steve Lee relates the following, quoting: "I have recently been diagnosed with a type of cancer that can occur in post transplant patients. At this point we’re pursuing treatment in Sioux Falls. Please pray for God’s direction and peace as we navigate the next steps in our journey. --Steve Lee"
- July 8: Please pray for Mary Hanson (who once attended Community) as she is now in Avera with blood clot issues and will be having surgery today (Tuesday). Thanks
- July 6: Our condolences go out to Laurel Feenstra and her family on the passing of her grandmother, Evelyn (VanderTuin) Niewenhuis. Please keep the family in your prayers. Thanks.
- July 6: Brenda Carlson-Himes, Cory's mother, was taken by ambulance to Avera ER from Luther Manor. Tests revealed a displaced fracture in her hip which was missed after her recent fall. She was admitted and treated for her pain. Tomorrow doctors will evaluate and make recommendations. Thank you to those who have reached out to the family. They need your prayers.
- July 6: Please join us in praying for the Community Reformed youth group as they travel to Texas for a mission trip. Thanks.
- July 3: Daisy Johnston relates the following, quoting, "My cousin, Jackie, has cancer and a massive seizure, on vent and fighting for her life (is in Indy). Please keep her in prayers--Daisy Johnston"
- July 1: Ken Stellinga has been diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer. He and his family will be meeting with on oncologist in the near future. Please keep him and his family in your prayers. Thanks.
- June 30: Justin Hinks relates the following about his son, quoting: “Wes goes in for surgery on the 11th. He is having a pectus repair. They are putting in a Rod that will lift his rib cage off his lungs and heart, the rod will stay in place until adulthood. He is expecting 1 night in the hospital, this is fairly invasive and obviously has risks. Please pray for a Gods hands to guide the surgeon and keep Wes close over the coming weeks.—Justin Hinks”
- June 27: Please keep Tim & Sandy DeLoof in your prayers. Tim has recently been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease)
- June 27: Please continue to pray for Cory Carlson-Himes' mother, Brenda. She is have some challenges at the rehab facility. Thanks
- June 25: Chris Thesenvitz relates the following, quoting: “Hello everyone! In a shakeup of things, I Chris, figured I would fire off an update of how things have been going since our last update a few weeks back. It has been busy! I will not do as good a job as Laura does but I’ll give it a go. Appreciation first off, I am beyond blessed to have Laura by my side through this crazy mess! She is truly amazing at juggling the normal, everyday chaos that every family must deal with; however, when my mess is added on top of all of the ‘normal’ stuff, I don’t know how she does it, but she does. She keeps our house going and does it with amazing grace and strength. We would be lost without her. On to the update. Three weeks ago, June 4, we had left Mayo with a plan of a continuing immunotherapy and adding a new ‘targeted treatment’ drug, Cabozantinib. We needed to wait for it to work through the insurance approval process before the specialty pharmacy could send it to me. After getting it to the ‘approved’ pharmacy, in a rare twist of insurance actually working smoothly and quite quickly, it was approved and I received the medication on June 11. On the 12th, I had my new medication education session virtually with Dr. Ho’s nurse to discuss potential side effects, and things to watch for, and I was able to start the medication on the 13th! As Laura had previously mentioned, with my rare cancer, there is not much for known paths forward in terms of effective treatment plans beyond surgical resection. With that, the hope and prayer is that this drug, combined with the Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) I am already taking, may do something to the beast I am fighting! Slow down its growth, stop its growth maybe, we will just keep praying! While all of this had been going on, I had also been fighting some ongoing pain management issues. Palliative care had increased my fentanyl patch a while back hopeful it would cut down on some abdominal and hip/pelvis pain I had been having. We are unsure if the pain is something else going on in that area, or if it is just some additional nerve pain. After a few different tests and scans to rule out anything obvious, nothing really presented itself. For now, we pray that it is just nerve pains. With the increased dose, brought a larger patch. The larger patch didn’t really want to stay stuck down unfortunately and as a result, I was not getting the medication I should have been getting and needed. The fix for this was to switch to a new oral pain medication. I began taking that about the same time I had started the cancer drug. I have now been on the new medications for almost two weeks. As for pain management, I will be asking for a bump on the amount of pain medication to see if I can get a little extra help in cutting down on some of the pains I am still fighting. As for side effects, I am not sure what to blame it on, but midafternoons have not been the best. Because of the location of the tumor in my spinal cord, my abdomen is the transition point of what I can feel and what I cannot feel. Since I cannot feel everything in my lower abdomen, it makes some things feel just, odd and different. What I feel is a bit like nausea, or maybe like I need to have a bowel movement (which I cannot sense or feel anything in that department otherwise). Whatever it is, it zaps my energy for at least an hour or two and makes me feel, well, really crappy! A quick nap has helped some, so for now, resting about that time has been the easy solution if I am able. The only real way to pinpoint the real culprit or cause of this feeling would be to cut out either the cancer drug or the new pain medication for some time and see how I feel. After discussing this with my oncology team yesterday, I am not willing to cut out either now that they are started. I just want something to begin working! Sleep has been not the greatest either, so trying to get a few more things straightened out first sounds better than taking a break from the new meds at this point. I will instead monitor the feeling and see how things progress, praying that my body will get accustomed to the changes and just feel better! Some other things of note. Laura got me out to work last week to clean out my desk and office. It was time to be cleaned up since I have not been physically at work since late January and our office moved into a new building on base. My locker will have to wait since I ended up spending more time than I thought with just my office stuff, while chatting up everyone who swung in to say hello. It is always great to see my work family; however, I regret not being able to make it around to see everyone. It is a bit surreal cleaning things out from a place that I have been part of for 21 plus years. So, what happens with work??? I started the medical board process a few months back. This is the military process of deeming me fit or unfit for continued service. As we all would have expected, I was deemed unfit. I received my discharge orders last week and will be medically retired in October. Also last week, Laura’s grandmother (Jan Mellema’s mother), Margaret passed away. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon them. May she rest in peace. Amen. For those that don’t know this, Laura is older than I am! As of last Thursday, she turned the big 40! Happy Birthday to her… Laura and I returned to Mayo yet again on Monday for treatment planned on Tuesday. I had bloodwork earlier in the day yesterday and discussed the results with Amy (Dr. Ho’s PA). With the new targeted drug onboard, I was hopeful everything would still look good so the plan to continue immunotherapy would not change. New items noted from the draws: some elevated white blood cell numbers but nothing of major concern to Amy, and therefore a green light to receive treatment! After treatment we started our trek back home. With the time of day and side effect mentioned earlier, I started feeling crappy and dozed in and out for about the first hour or so of the drive home. With Laura at the wheel, we made it home without issue of course. So, big takeaways: New targeted cancer drug is on board with continued immunotherapy. Praying that the combo will fight the beast, Check! Live life as best we can while finding the blessings in every day, Check! Thanking God always and praying for strength to trust in his plan, Check! Thank you all, for your continued prayers for me and for my family. Thank you for checking in with us when life gets so busy, that we fail to stay connected with all of you. Extra prayer requests if I may: For Laura specifically, for continued health and strength to deal with and overcome all our families chaos. For Laura’s grandmother Margaret and family, on her passing. For my sister’s mother-in-law Rose and her husband Tom. Rose uses this platform for Tom’s fight against cancer as well, and she continuously asks their followers to pray for me, thank you Rose. For all the others who fight their own beasts, cancer or otherwise! Pray that they never give up or lose faith in God’s plans and promises. --Chris Thesenvitz”
- June 25: Pete Mellema's mom, Joyce, is being transferred to Encompass Rehab. Please pray for her recovery. Thanks.
- June 24: Pete Mellema's mom, Joyce, has a broken pelvis. She is in Avera. Please pray for her for pain control and healing. Thanks
- June 24: Brenda Carlson-Himes has been moved to a rehab facility. Please continue to pray for her.
- June 18: Brenda Carlson-Himes, mother of Cory Carlson-Himes, was in the ER and had surgery yesterday. It is reported that she has a massive infection and has fallen. She is now in Avera. Please keep her in your prayers. Thanks
- June 18: Jan Mellema relates the following, quoting: “My mom, Margaret Moncur, of Miller, SD, passed away this afternoon. She was 92 but was in a lot of pain and was ready to go home to Jesus and join my dad. I was able to be there with her during her last hours. She is at peace now and pain free in the arms of Jesus. Thank you!--Jan Mellema”
- June 16: Melanie Odens relates the following, quoting: “’Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41: 10. ‘Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.’ Psalm 30:2. Amber's heart Echo was "normal." She got her report and we are so thankful for her great report. We are thrilled her "ticker" is doing well. Thank you for helping us with our dear Amber. As always, your prayers are a precious gift to our family. With Love, The Poppen Family—Melanie Odens”
- June 14: Sharen Harms relates the following, quoting: “Hello dear family, friends, colleagues, clients, and my PRAYER WARRIOR ARMY. It is with a very HUMBLE AND GRATEFUL HEART that I say THANK YOU to all of you for your words of support, encouragement, and prayers as we walked this tumor journey. This journey was one I had not planned but through it all I have witnessed the Lord’s endless love He has for all of us. He truly is the Ultimate Healer and the Great Physician. God walked with me every moment, step and need and I felt his presence in all who cared for me, those who sent messages, cards and phone calls. I could have not made it through this without my phenomenal family. Doug was truly my loving anchor and never left my side, our 3 fantastic kids, Eric, Trisha and Heidi, gave me the inspiration and determination to keep pushing through it all and our 11 precious cutie pies gave me the will and desire to get stronger and better. I was truly overwhelmed by the number of people who sent messages to Doug Harms Eric Harms, Trisha HD and Heidi Blom-- sharing heartfelt texts, emails, and prayers. The day after surgery, I was struggling with pain and our kids read to me the messages that people sent and it brought tears to my eyes-----you will never know how those messages help me get stronger and instill in me the will to stay positive and fight to get over the mountain. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me climb that mountain. I am making wonderful progress and am only dealing with some occasional headaches--- piece a cake—I can handle that. My hope is to be back to work in the next week for a couple of hours just to see how things go. FYI—I have lost all my hearing in my left ear, but I am so lucky that is all--- others who have had this surgery have not fared as well. So, my tumor is about 97% gone and when the Drs. took it out, I asked them to stitch me up with some “be feistier stitches”. So fair warning—the surgery did not make me any nicer or smarter –but I think I may be a bit feistier!!!! I know some of you were hoping the Drs would give me a lifetime prescription of “BE NICE PILLS” but I am just not ready to get that soft yet!!!! Love you and thanks for your unending prayers, encouragement, and support on this journey. 'GOD BLESS YOU ALL. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." Ephesians 3:20. “The joy of the Lord is my strength, and His joy brings healing to my body and soul.” Nehemiah 8:10—Sharen Harms”
- June 13: Brenda Carlson-Himes, mother of Cory Carlson-Himes, requests your prayers. She had an MRI last week which found damage to the small veins of her brain. More tests will be done on 6/26 to check her heart. Brenda is also having a kidney stone removed on 6/17. About 3 weeks ago she went to the ER because of a headache and vision issues which may have been a TIA or a mini stroke. She's been pretty sick most of the year. They hope to find out what is going on so she can enjoy a full life. Thank you!
- June 13: Steve Lee is now home from the hospital. Please keep praying for his recovery. Thanks.
- June 11: Daniel Burlingame will be having a number of other tests and scans to evaluate his condition and help know what treatments are needed. He made need some rides from these tests. I will post more about that as needed. Please keep him in your prayers.
- June 7. Steve Lee has been in the hospital in Minneapolis at University of Minnesota since Monday. He has a pneumonia. He will be there probably another week. Please keep him in your prayers. Thank you.
- June 6: Daniel Burlingame had the doctor's appointment and had encouraging news. He will be staying on oral antibiotics for a while more, and be reassessed in a few weeks. Thanks for your prayers.
- June 5: Melanie Odens relates the following, quoting: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41: 10. Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. Psalm 30:2. Amber got her results this afternoon and got to talk to her doctor. Her scan was clear! Praise God! Every time a scan is recommended and scheduled it is tricky...isn't it? The leading up to it... the day of...God is in the waiting. His soul-filling, invisible presence. He sits with us and calms us. One more area of prayers is Amber's heart. Due to some medication, she has had some "heart palpitations" and so her doctor ordered an EKG. She had that test and the results came early this evening that she will have a ECHO tomorrow (time TBD). Amber (and our whole family) thank you for your prayers. Amber said a few times how she knew people were praying because she could feel it. We know others are needing our prayers and we are praying for you too. We thank you for your prayers, love and support. God continues to use you in a powerful way. Prayer Requests-*Praise-good health continues *Heart tests come back unaffected *Clear scan for decades and decades. Thanks so much. All our love,--Melanie Odens”
- June 5: Melanie Odens relates the following, quoting: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41: 10. Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. Psalm 30:2 Thursday morning sweet Amber has her next scan. We are praying that her results reflect a clear scan. Please join our family in this, if you are able and think about it Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Thank you for your love and prayers. --The Poppen Family”
- June 5: Laura Thesenvitz relates the following, quoting: “This week it was time for Christopher’s follow up surveillance scans. Yesterday morning we drove out and he had his MRI in the afternoon and we passed the rest of the rainy afternoon spending some time together before finding some dinner and then checking in to our hotel and attempting to scroll through Netflix to find something to commit time to watch before calling it a night. This morning we had enough time to take in a quick breakfast at the hotel before starting the day with blood work, chest CT and then passing time until we could meet with Dr Ho for the oncology check-in. Meeting with Dr. Ho we discussed all of the tests – Blood work - was fairly normal overall. She is going to increase the thyroid meds slightly since his numbers are still trending after being on the adjusted dose for several months. Otherwise she is happy with blood work. Chest CT – there wasn’t much for concerning new growth but there are some mild signs pneumonitis beginning (lung swelling / opacity on the scans) that was also seen last year when he was first on Keytruda. MRI – No new growth within the lower lumber of the spine. However there is continued growth within the thoracic, especially the T-10, T-11 and T-12. This doesn’t come as a surprise with his increase in discomfort with back and rib pain, but does still bring a level of disappointment in that the immunotherapy isn’t doing it’s job. SO…. Following discussion of what the tests look like we had a lengthy conversation on what some options are moving forward: 1. Stop treatment altogether: 2. Stop the immunotherapy (Ketruda) and start an oral chemo drug (Cabozantinib) – different from the one tried late last year: 3. Continue with the immunotherapy (Ketruda) and the other oral chemo drug (Cabozantinib) together. It was decided that he is going to continue with immunotherapy and she is putting in the order to request to add in Cabozantinib -an oral chemo drug. Basically, she is calling in one more reinforcement in hopes that combining them, they will have a synergistic effect before the Keytruda causes any further lung issues that would force the need to stop using it and giving it one more chance to be successful at slowing the growth. There is so little information on anything that has been successful in treatment against chondrosarcoma so she is using an oral chemo drug that has shown some better succuss with soft tissue sarcomas when paired with immunotherapy. Thus the synergistic effect = better/more effective together. In theory it seems simple – keep moving forward, add a new medication and pray. Three simple steps and yet my heart remains a bit heavy and anxious. So I will ask for your help and call in your reinforcement for step three. Step one was completed today by moving forward with immunotherapy treatment as planned. Next (step 2) the Cabozantinib needs to be approved by insurance or helped to be pushed through their possible compassionate access grant program on the pharmaceutical side. Adding this additional drug of course comes with possible side effects and things that will need to be monitored and may bring back that sexy white hair.. but if it will slow the progression and aggression of the beast, then it will be worth the try. Third and most important, we will continue to pray for strength and faith in His plan as we take each day as it comes. I pray that we will take advantage of the time we have and make the most of it - to find the joy, even in the small things and remember to celebrate our milestones, wins, gains and time we have together. I pray that we stay healthy and strong. I pray to keep us going in all directions and remember to ask for help and accept it graciously. I pray for continued, blessed, GOOD time together. Christopher’s immunotherapy schedule will remain on a 3 week cycle currently and we will give an update again once we know more or he is able to start the oral chemo. We are so thankful for the constant outpouring of love and support we continue to receive from so many directions! Thank you for your continued prayers and help in SO many ways! Words are not enough, but please know how much we appreciate each and every one of you. Day to day and week to week, there are so many that have been such warm and bright rays of sunshine on gloomy days or helped at the perfect time (and you didn’t even know it) – Thank you! --Laura Thesenvitz”
- June 4: Our condolences go out to Jenna Hooogendoorn and her family on the passing of her Grandma Janet. Please keep them in your prayers. Thanks.
- June 4: Daniel Burlingame reports that he had an MRI and it shows some troubling things. He will see the doctor again on Friday. Please keep him in your prayers. Thanks
- June 3: Denny Spitler has chronic foot pain. Please keep him in your prayers. Thanks.
- June 1: Larry Long has been discharged from the hospital. He will be healing up at home from his pelvis fracture. Please pray for a swift recovery. Thanks
- May 31: Larry Long fell and injured his pelvis. He has been hospitalized at Sanford. Please keep him in your prayers. Thanks
- May 31: Heidi Blom relates the following about Sharen Harms, quoting: “Mom update: We have had many requests for an update on mom. We are 3 weeks and 2 days post surgery. The first 8-10 days were the honeymoon phase. It was like she didn’t just have a 10 hour brain surgery. Then, as she weened off the steroids, she started to have a little more head pain, but nothing Tylenol couldn’t take care of. Now these last 3 days have been a different story. She is barely sleeping and is in a lot more pain, and the pain is all over not just on the back side of her head. Tylenol is no longer doing the job. She is trying to keep the house dark and quiet and likes to sleep in her recliner. She loves sitting outside watching the golfers (thank goodness that’s a quiet sport) and seeing all the different birds on their feeders. We knew this going in, the 6-9 month recovery is a rollercoaster. It’s just so hard to see her in pain and not be able to do much. The good news, her incision is healing wonderfully, she didn’t have any cerebral spinal fluid leak and her balance has been pretty darn good! Thanks for all those that continue to pray for her recovery, she soaks in the good hours and we pray through the tough ones. 1 Peter 3:12 “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayers” –Heidi Blom”
- May 31: Joe McMartin was discharged from the hospital. He is now on blood thinners. Please pray he has no side effects. Thanks.
- May 29: Joe McMartin was admitted to the hospital, last night (Wednesday), with a blood clot in his left lung. Please pray for him and his medical team caring for him. Thanks.
- May 28: Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Delores Hassebroek, who passed away. Joyce Tarrell reports the following, quoting: “I am requesting prayers for our family. Our sister, Delores Hassebroek, passed away last night. She was the oldest of 11 children and had been diagnosed with dementia. We feel the Lord decided it was time to bring her home. Thank you for lifting us up with your prayers.—Joyce Tarrell”
