Home Sweet Home

After a week and three days in Royal University Hospital the Doctors gave Brent the boot. Seriously though on Monday Nov. 22nd Brent had another ultrasound and as far as the radiologist could tell there was no fluid, or even a pocket to be seen. Praise the Lord.
On Nov. 23, Carolyn and Brent went to Regina to see Dr. Saczek. Scot was unable to go so Carolyn's AWESOME friend, Heather drove to Regina with them. Brent saw Dr. Saczek on the 23rd to check out the drain sight and abscess and to answer a few questions. He felt that the hematoma could have just been a result of the extra blood thinner Brent got after the surgery. He ordered a contrast study done and a sinogram on the 24th. These tests showed that there was a possibility that the abscess may be connected to the colon. (Not guaranteed but maybe, the radiologist could not say for sure.) The contrast study showed that there was possibly a VERY small leak from the place where they had attached the intestines (the last surgery) but once again the radiologist couldn't guarantee this. Sooooo the next apointment is on Jan. 5. They will redo these tests and see what they find. See if anything has changed. If everything looks good Dr. Saczeck will do the closure of the stoma. This is Brent's deepest desire and prayer request.
Brent went back to school on Nov. 29 for a few days but came down with a cold and was having bad headaches so he once again missed school. He is getting better and will be back at school on Monday Dec. 6th. He has been trying to keep up with his studies at home. The teachers are all so great to keep him up to date through emails. Thanks to Tommy Douglas Collegiate teachers.

Thank you for your prayers.

Keep hoping.Keep loving. Keep praying.

Still in the Hospital

Hi once again, just thought we would give an update.
Brent had an ultrasound on Monday and the hematoma has become smaller. It is now 8.8 x 8.3 x 4.8. It is still draining and the drain and abscess site still needs dressing changes but praise the Lord not as often. Brent will continue to be in the hospital until the drain comes out. The drain can't come out till it is draining 20 - 30 mls within a 24 hr period for 2 consecutive days in a row.
Brent is attending school in the hospital. He is doing English and Science.
Brent has had some visitors which is wonderful since it makes the days not so long. Thanks to the ones who have come.

Thank you for your prayers.

Keep hoping. Keep loving. Keep praying.

Once again ...In Royal Universty Hospital

Hello to all of Brent's family, friends, and prayer warriors. Once again we as a family ask for prayer.

Carolyn took Brent into emergency at RUH on Thursday afternoon because the abscess he had on his left side filled up again and ruptured during the night. His incision also started to bleed Thursday afternoon. The doctors gave him some antibiotics and they ordered a CT scan on the lower abdomen and left side where the abscess was. Brent was able to go home with an IV in his right arm but had to return to Emergency Friday morning. The Doctors ordered a sinogram which put a dye in the abscess to better see where and how big the abscess actually was. It measured 18.5 cm x 10 cm x 8.5 cm . The doctors then suggested putting a drain in. Brent lost a whole unit of blood since the drain was put in at around 4:15 and continues to drain. Brent felt instant relief. He had been taking extra strength tylenol and morphine at times to contol the pain.

Our prayer request are:
Brent will not have or get any infection in these abscesses.
Brent will be healthy and well for the 2nd part of his ostomy reversal which will happen in a few weeks.
Patience for Brent because even though he loves seeing all his friends (the Doctors and nurses on 3000 pediatric floor) he says "Hospital stays REALLY SUCK" .

Thank you for all your steadfast prayers!

Keep hoping. Keep loving. Keep praying.

Surgery 45 - A HUGE Success

Wednesday
Got to Regina and was admitted to 6A around 3PM on Wednesday.
Brent visited MPICU friends.
Went to Western Pizza for supper with Grandma Peterson, Dad and Mom.
Thursday
Went down for surgery around 7:15, and he went into the OR around 8:10.
He was never admitted to any of the ICU wards because he was doing so well. PTL !!!!
He got back to his room on Ward 6A around 1:30 PM.
He went for a walk with Dad for around 5 minutes tonight before bed.

Thank you to all the family and friends that came and visited today.

Thank you for your prayers.
Keep hoping. Keep loving. Keep praying.

Back home from the hospital

Brent came home today around 6:00. The infection still exists but he is on oral antibiotics.

We will be leaving for Regina next week on Wednesday for the ostomy surgery on Nov 4th @ 8:00 AM.

Thank you for your prayers.
Keep hoping. Keep loving. Keep praying.

Brent in hospital again with infection

Brent came home from school early today and developed a fever. The fever got higher as the day went on. He also was very sore on his left side (sore to the touch) where he had the infection earlier in July. He went to the hospital around 3:00 and was admitted and is now on antibiotics through IV.
Please pray that this infection will clear up soon as we will be in Regina in 2 weeks for the ostomy surgery on the 4th of November.

Thank you for your prayers.

Keep hoping. Keep loving. Keep praying.

1 month till surgery

We found out early last week that Brent will be having the surgery for his ostomy reversal on Nov 4th in Regina.
Brent also got his learner's license last week.

Thank you for your continued prayers for this surgery and Brent's continued health.

Keep hoping Keep loving Keep praying.

Brent and new Youtube video

Brent has a new video from the Hospitals of Regina Foundation.
Here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8NBDXTBc8o


Keep hoping. Keep loving. Keep praying.

Camp - AWESOME, Back to school - BOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Brent, Auntie Midge, Nicole, Uncle Roy, Dad, and Auntie Val.



The whole Gang at Ikea.

Brent playing the Jumba drum.

Brent's Two Wonderful Ostomy Nurses (What great Friends!) Kiera and Alicia.

We all stopped at Frank's slide.

Brent and Kyle stuffing their face with Kiera's birthday cake.

Pirates skit with One Eye (T.J.), Two Toes (Taylor), and the three bad pirates (Pastor Ang, Brent, and Kiersten.)

Worship in the Amphitheatre.

Camp was awesome I had lots of fun. The trip out was very very long, we drove about 16 hours straight through, minus the bathroom breaks and Tim Horton's. Thanks Alicia and Kiera for being my ostomy nurses for the week of camp you both did a great job. At camp I was in the pirate skits that we do and of course I was a bad pirate. I was on the worship team and I also played the jumba for the slow worship. We had two little puppets that we called Rusty and Bucky and Pastor Angela and myself were Rusty and Bucky. All the chapels were outside, the morning services we set up in an amphitheatre then for the evening service we had to move all the equipment up to the campfire and set up so there was alot of set up and tear down each morning and night. The food was AMAZING thanks to the great cooks at Pines Bible Camp. On the way home from camp we spent 2 days in Calgary. The first day some of the group went shopping while the rest went to the Calgary Zoo. Dad and I stayed at the hotel because I was really tired. Uncle Roy, Auntie Val, Auntie Midge, Randy and Nicole came to visit Dad and I. The next day the group went to the Cross Iron mall and Kyle and I went to bass Pro Shop and had lots of fun in there.
We got back to Saskatoon around supper time and the team debriefed over supper at our house. It was great to be home.

Monday morning came and school started boooooooooo!!!!!!! I'm taking Band and playing percussion. I'm also taking English, Science and Information processing (computer). I haven't been taking my wheel chair to school as I've been walking all around.

We still haven't heard anything about a surgery date still waiting and praying.

Thanks for your prayers .

Keep hoping. Keep loving. Keep praying

Summertime Fun

Auntie Dean, Tory and Phoenix with Brent.

Another tradition ...Ice cream. YUMMY!

The family having a tube ride.

Brent driving Uncle Norm's boat.

Mom insisted on putting the picture in because she thinks her boy is so goodlookin!

Welcome back to the blog. Brent has been having a very GREAT summer. Its been busy.

We had an amazing time at Emma Lake. Thank you so much Don and Maxine for giving us another year of memories.

After we returned from Emma it was time to set up the pool in the back yard. It has been such a relief on these hot days. The family has even been taking a dip before going to bed. The water has been so warm.

Brent was very excited that he could make it to his friend, Amanda's wedding. Lots of fun till the wee hours of the morning. :)

We went out to Grandma and Grandpa Peterson's for a weekend. We helped them out with some yard work and Grandma rewarded us with some fresh garden vegetables cooked in a cream sauce. Thanks Grandpa for sharing from your garden.

Grandma and Grandpa Neufeld came for a visit on the weekend of August 6 - 8th. We had lots of fun, playing some games and visiting. We all went to Uncle Phil and Auntie Pat's on Sunday the 8th.

James, Katie's very best friend and now a very dear friend to us all came for a visit this week. Brent and James went swimming, played xbox, and watched the t.v. series Numbers. We had a great time.

Brent has continued with physio 3 times a week and massage once a week.

Brent is looking forward to August 21st when he leaves with Pastor Rob and his crew that he's gotten together to do a children's camp in B.C. Good luck and traveling mercies as they go.

We have heard that there is a waiting list for Brent's ostomy reversal for 4 - 12 weeks. We are praying for sooner than later. Brent is so ready to get rid of that thing. It's cramping his summer recreation like swimming... ! Thanks for everyone and their constant prayers.

Thank you for your prayers.

Keep hoping. Keep loving. Keep praying.

On the road again

After getting out of the hospital Brent wasn't able to go out for the whole week of teen camp but he got to go out on Friday and spend the day. It was awesome!
Brent did however get to go help out at kids camp out at Living Waters bible camp this last week. They went into Prince Albert to go swimming. Auntie Nadine met Brent at the pool with Tory and Phoenix. Thank you Auntie Dean for helping Brent out that day.
Now we are heading to Emma Lake for a break and having a fun time with Auntie Barb and the kids and Uncle Norm and Auntie Ang and their kids. This is an annual event.
It won"t be quite the same without Katie.
Brent and everyone will miss Uncle Dwayne (aka "Uncle Buck").

Thank you for your prayers.

Keep hoping. Keep loving. Keep praying.

Home Again

Brent got discharged from Royal University Hospital this afternoon. All test and cultures came back negative for anything conclusive. The Doctors feel it was probably a virus. Brent is feeling much better. We praise the Lord for His healing once again.

Scot, Carolyn and Brent would like also thank the Doctors and Nurses at Royal University Hospital for their excellent care. Last but not least they thank everyone for their faithful prayers.
Brent may not make it out to teen camp but is looking forward to helping out at kids camp next week. Please pray for his health and safety while out there.

Keep hoping. Keep Loving. Keep praying.

Prayer Alert # (??- Not sure)

Brent went to Royal University Hospital tonight around 8:00. He was feeling sick and throwing up earlier today so Carolyn took him to Emergency. They have admitted him to Pediatrics and his x-rays have came back showing nothing. They have done blood work and urine samples but we don't have any results yet.

Brent has an infection. We are not sure about anything more than that at this time. We will keep everyone posted as soon as we know more.

He is supposed to be headed to Teen Camp tomorrow. We will see what God has in store for tonight and tomorrow.

Thank you for your prayers.
Keep hoping . Keep loving Keep praying.

In My Own Room At Last!

Brent and his Rider stuff.

Brent and his soccer stuff.

On June 11th and 12 Grandpa and Grandma Neufeld came to visit and we all enjoyed some GREAT Mennonite food at the MCC sale.

The last few day there has been MUCH progress.
First, Dr. Saszeck called on June 16th. He went over the procedure of Brent's ostomy reversal and got Scot and Carolyn's consent. Brent is now on the surgery list, PRAISE THE LORD! Now we wait for a date. Thank you for your prayers. Please continue to pray that the date is sooner than later.
Second, to Brent's delight school is done except for picking up his report card. Brent has completed his Social requirements to get his credit. Just waiting to see what mark he got on his final assignment which was on Napoleon Bonaparte. Brent did a 1000 word report and then gave a 4 minute Powerpoint presentation. He finished his English and Math assignments and had his Math final on Monday, June 21st. He wrote his Band final on Thursday, June17th and did a in class test on Monday (21st). He passed Band. Now Brent is looking forward to sleep in mornings and a little brain relaxation. He still has Physio 3 times a week.
Third Brent is very excited. He moved downstairs to his old bedroom and has been very busy decorating it with all his Roughrider and Soccer stuff. He says it's good to be in his own bed again, that by the way ISN'T too short as was the case in his upstairs bed.

Thank you for your prayers.
Keep hoping Keep loving Keep praying.

What a month

Brent and his "big sis" Tara

Brent and his awsome (youth pastor) Pastor Shawn

Brent and his hat stealing friend Kiersten

Thank you everyone who prayed for Brent's infection so that he would be able to go to YC Alberta. Your prayers were answered.

Brent's antibiotics are almost done and he will see the Doctor tomorrow. He has had no more pain in his side. Good sign!

Brent's trip to YC Alberta was EXCELLENT!!!! Brent and Carolyn went together on Friday night. Brent thoroughly enjoyed everything especially Thousand Foot Krutch. Carolyn realized she was WAY TO OLD for such a band.

Saturday Brent went to YC alone and hung out with the other youth from Elim. He did very well on his own. Thanks to everyone who hung out with Brent in his wheel chair area. Brent was able to get his Thousand Foot Krutch CD signed. He was thrilled with that. Brent also got to spend a lot of time with one of the performers from Junkyard Poets, Cameron Strohschein.

Sunday our family and Uncle Dwayne , Auntie Barb, Ryan, Tanner, and Jaeda all went out to Olive Garden. Yummy! This is a tradition with Uncle Dwayne. Then we all spent time at West Edmonton Mall. In the afternoon Brent and Scot went to the final session of YC. Brent and Scot thought Skillet was great. YC ended at 6:30 and it had been a long day so the family decided to stay an extra night in Edmonton instead of getting home so late and being tired the next day.

Tuesday was school in the morning and then Brent had a Fit Assessment in the afternoon. This assessment was to see how Brent was doing in his rehabilation. The assessment was Tuesday afternoon and all day Wednesday. He saw a Physiotherapists, Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, Chiropractor, and a Doctor. After everyone had seen Brent they discussed how best to continue Brent's rehab.

The rest of the week was school as usual.

Brent is doing well in school. If he keeps working hard he will get his Grade 10 Math and English. His Social will be almost be done but his teacher has said he can finish it during the summer. He also will take an exam in Band and if he passes he will get his Grade 10 Band credit also. We want to thank the teachers for all the extra help they have given Brent in helping Brent accomplish this goal of gettting these credits.

We still have no word on a date for the ostomy reversal. We ask for your continued prayers concerning this.

Thank you for your prayers.

Keep hoping. Keep loving. Keep praying.

Sweet 16 and Great News

Brent had a good day yesterday. In the morning when the doctors came to see Brent they told him he would be able to be discharged on Friday and he would be able to go to Edmonton to YC.
PTL!!! Thank you for all your prayers.

He was able to go to Long and McQuade and get a double sided practice drum with birthday money. He came back to the hospital and Britney and Kiersten came and brought a delicious ice cream birthday cake. We left around 5:00 and went home and had supper and then went to youth and celebrated his birthday with 3 ice cream cakes. We got back to the hospital and he had to have some IV antibiotics at 9:00 and then again at 5:00 AM. We are leaving for Edmonton as of 11:00.

Thank you for your prayers.
Keep hoping. keep loving. Keep praying.

Bad Tuesday...Worse Wednesday

Daily schedule has been the norm since the last blog up until the long weekend.
On Friday May 21st Brent went out to spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa Peterson. Scot and Carolyn got some long awaited alone time. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa and Brent. Brent helped Grandpa a little outside while Grandpa was stacking wood.
On Saturday night Brent started feeling sore.
By Sunday Morning Brent was really sore, threw up a small amount and was spiking a temperature. Scot and Carolyn got to Canwood Sunday afternoon. Brent slept most of the day and had a fever. He started perking up a little by the evening but was still very sore.
We spent Monday in Canwood helping Grandpa chop down a very tall spruce tree. Brent watched from the swing. We left back for Saskatoon after supper.
Tuesday Brent went to school but came home early since everything hurt. He went to physio and did a few exercises but once again was sore. After supper Carolyn took Brent to emergency at RUH and they did some blood work and said the kidneys and liver were fine but that there was a sign of an infection. The doctor let Brent come home for night but to come back Wednesday (today) for an ultra sound on his left side. They noted fluid in the soft tissue so the vascular doctor said to put him on iv antibiotics and to be admitted to the hospital. We do not know how long he will be on iv antibiotics or how long he will be in the hospital.
Brent was supposed to be going with his school band to Red Deer, AB and then stay in Edmonton for YC Alberta. He is very disappointed because this will be the second year in a row that he has missed YC Alberta.

Please pray for God's divine healing and that Brent will still make YC Alberta. We also ask that you contimue to pray for a date for the ostomy reversal. We are all very anxious to have that done SOON.

Thank you for all your prayers and support.
Keep hoping. Keep loving. Keep praying.

Busy Weekends and Life

Brent with the winners of the WCP Cup 2010 "LAOS"

Brent and one of his crazy cousins - Cari.

Hello everyone! We have been busy with life in general. After the highlight of the WCP in Regina, we also spent some time at Uncle John and Aunt Kathy's. Cousin Brian came and spent some time also .... Brent got some xbox gaming in to his delight. We had terrible weather (snow ...YUCK) but it was cozy in the house. We got back to Saskatoon late Sunday afternoon. It was great to get home.

On Tuesday, May 4th Brent had an Echogram again. Praise the Lord it showed nothing in fact the Dr. said that there was no sign that there had ever been a blood clot.

Grandpa and Grandma Peterson came in on Thursday.

Friday Brent and Carolyn headed to see Carolyn's sisters Kathy, Susan and niece Cari . It was great to see them. Scot stayed home to keep the home fires burning.

On Sunday Carolyn, Brent, the Aunties and Cousins all went to Swift Current to suprise Grandma Neufeld for Mother's Day. Then we all went out for Lunch at Wongs Kitchen with Grandpa, Grandma, Auntie Lydia and Carolyn's Cousin Ev. It was a great time. Brent and Carolyn got home in time to get to go out for supper with Grandpa and Grandma Peterson. That was a pleasant suprise for us and Grandma and Grandpa (thanks Gordie).

Brent is doing well in school. He is caught up in English and is still working on Math. If he keeps working hard he should soon be caught up in this too. Brent also takes Social Studies and Band. In Band he plays percussion.

Today we found out that Brent will be able to start weening off his heart medication and his blood thinner (which was a needle). He is very happy about these changes. Carolyn won't miss giving that needle and Brent won't miss the bruises.

Brent is doing great in Physio. He is a little more independent now. When he arrives he starts out on his own and Travis or Kayla come and check on him. Way to go Brent!

Please continue to pray that a date will be set for the reversal. Brent is planning on going to YC Alberta at the end of the month. Please pray for his health and protection while at the event.

Keep Hoping. Keep Loving. Keep Praying.

Good Results - PTL!!!

Brent with some of his friends from the Laos soccer team.

We drove to Regina on Tuesday and had our Doctor's appointment with Dr Saczek. He informed us that we had a CT test on Wednesday at 11:00. Brent didn't have to be admitted to the hospital so we all stayed at Regina Inn.

We had the CT done and Dr Saczek looked at the results and said YES the reversal can be done as far as he could tell. Dr. Saczeck was going to consult with another Dr. so we stayed in Regina till Friday just in case more tests would be needed.

We didn't need the CT to check the artificial graft as they feel that if there are no symptoms of it being stretched then we didn't need to do the CT.

We went to the World Class Players (WCP) Cup and watched all 4 of the Mens soccer quarter-finals games on Wednesday.

Brent and I went to the WCP again on Thursday and watched the semi-finals. The games were awesome.

We got a chance to visit our friends in MPICU, 6A, and Noreen and the therapists on 5F. It was fantastic to see them again. Brent only got one little water fight in. Kim on 6A was the poor victim.

Now it is the waiting game as to when they will do the reversal. Our prayers are that it will happen sooner than later.

Thank you for your prayers.

Keep hoping. Keep loving. Keep praying.

Off to Regina AGAIN

Brent has had a challenging time but good all the same.
While Brent and Carolyn were visiting in Abbotsford Brent tripped and fell. He hurt his left hip and right knee. He became quite nauseous from the whole ordeal and ended up not eating very well. Brent spent 2 days in the Abootsford Regional Hospital. The staff and Doctors were amazing and took very good care of Brent. Thanks to Dr. Newton and Dr. Hews and all the Nurses on the pediatric ward for such excellent care. We teased Brent that he didn't have to see the inside of every hospital in every city we go to.
Brent and Carolyn would like to thank Kathy and Bill for opening their lovely home to us so we could visit Auntie Dean and Phoenix. It was also great to meet Kay and Anne.
Our first part of the trip home was hard on Brent. He was in quite a bit of pain all over. The second day though was much better. He tolerated a longer day. On the way home Brent, Grandma, Grandpa and Carolyn stopped in to see Uncle Jim and Aunt Elsie, Harold and Edith Larsen, and Uncle Frank and Aunt Hazel.
It was so good to get home to Scot and Harley and our own beds.
It was back to school on Monday the 19th. Brent was pretty tired and his knee was still bothering him alot, but with Travis at physio working on him and getting lots of much needed rest Brent is doing much better.
We are off to Regina tomorrow, Tuesday the 27th to have some tests done to see if the ostomy can be reversed. Please pray for wisdom and guidance for the Doctors.
Brent is looking forward to seeing all of his Regina General friends. Nurses beware... Brent still has that very mischievious side of trying to get you with syringes of water.

Thank you for your prayers.
Keep hoping. Keep loving. Keep praying.

Fun in the mountains

Brent with his new cousin Phoenix such a cutie!!!!! Love him.

The 2 girls and the 2 boys.

Had lots of fun at Uncle Jasons house. Some good old airsoft gun fun.

Grandma and Grandpa with there grandkids.

Highlights:

Easter holidays were lots of fun. On Saturday April 2nd Auntie Ang, Uncle Norm Alecia, and Elianna came and spent the week with our family. Uncle Norm took Brent to the music store and got Brent a practice pad for drums. Brent loves it ...Carolyn and Scot not so much. Norm also helped Scot with his work bench in the garage. Carolyn and Ang got a little shopping in but Carolyn was busy with physio quite abit and appointments.

On April10th Brent and Carolyn made a spur of the momment trip to Abbotsford. They came with Grandpa to pick Grandma up and got the extra perks of seeing some family. Poor Scot had to stay home to work. :( Our next visit to B.C. will be as a family!

We arrived in Abbotsford on Sunday in one piece... considering Carolyn drove the whole way. Brent was so happy to see his cousins and Auntie and Uncle. Brent never seems to get to see them enough. The last time they had seen Brent he was still in Regina General. They were a little teary eyed when they saw him walk to them.

Brent is still having to do homework while he is away. (NOT LOVING THAT!) Part of Brent and Carolyn's physio is holding Phoenix LOTS!!!! It's hard let me tell you. On Tuesday Brent is planning a sleepover with Parker. He will do lots of hand therapy playing xbox with Parker! He sure has a tough life! Brent and Carolyn miss Scot lots and wishes he was here with them.

Please continue to pray that Brent's tests in Regina (April 27 - 29th) will make it possible for the reversal of the ostomy. Pray for wisdom for the Doctors that they will know how to accomplish the reversal.

Thank You for your faithful prayers.

Keep hoping. Keep Loving. Keep praying.

Farmville Fun

Brent with Grandpa Peterson.

Brent was driving the John Deere. Keep all your pets and kids off the sidewalk.

Brent with the Farmville group.

Highlights:

Brent is doing amazingly well. Physio is going fantastic. Brent continually keeps his therapists on their toes. They plan a weeks worth of things for Brent to do and he does it in a day or two. A few things he is working on now is balancing, kicking around the soccer ball, working on the foot drop, strengthing with therabands.

We are so proud of him.

Brent is now going to school all morning till 2:30 in the afternoon. He started this on Monday the 29th. He was pretty tired after the first day. (That was because of all the fun he had in Canwood last weekend).

Brent is helping with small groups and the worship team in Children's church. Brent enjoys this ALOT!

Besides all of that Brent is still enjoying youth on Thursdays, hanging out with friends, playing his gaming systems, going on xbox live with his cousin Parker, and eating ALL THE TIME!!! Yes its true the boy is a bottomless pit. (PTL) He is finally eating and nothing seems to bother him. He hasn't put on much weight but at least he is eating.

Brent misses Katie greatly. We all miss her.

Thank you for your prayers.

Keep hoping Keep loving. Keep praying.

Remembering Katie and Seeing Old Friends Again

Brent with Dr Saczek.

Brent and Dr. McCarville.

Brent had to show off all his progress to Myles.

Some of our friends from MPICU at Regina General.

Some of our friends from 6A at Regina General.

Please pray for Brent's upcoming 2 or 3 days of testing to see if the ileostomy can be reversed.

Highlights:
Weekend of March 6th

Brent invited some 20+ friends and family to come to our place and celebrate the 1 year anniversary since the accident and remembering Katie.

Week of Mar 8th to 10th

We went to Regina as Brent had some doctor's appointments. He saw his Pediatric Surgeon and we discussed the possibility of reversing the ileostomy. He saw his vascular surgeon and everything looks good. He also saw his back surgeon and the x-ray showed that everything is fine and good.

We will be going down to Regina for 2 to 3 days sometime after Easter to get some tests and x-rays done to see if Brent's ileostomy can be reversed. Brent will also be getting a CT scan and other testing done to check on his artificial graft to make sure it is doing well.

Week of March 15th
Brent is now going to school for 3 hours per day (full mornings).

Brent is still doing physio at Canadian Back Institute 3x a week.

Brent continues to have 1 massage and 1 chiropractor appointment per week.
Brent is also having counselling appointments.

Thank you for your prayers.

Keep hoping. keep loving. Keep praying.

Remembering Katie - 1 year later

Katie posing for her Dad when she was 2 years old. Looks awesome Katie.

Katie enjoying Waskesiu at Thanksgiving 2007.

Thanksgiving 2007 at Waskesiu. Our usual once a year picture.

We have set up an online memorial book for Katie at the following website:

http://www.legacy.com/can-saskatoon/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=140067659

Please feel free to comment and leave your good wishes.

Thank you to everyone for all the support and prayers during the last year.

Keep hoping. Keep loving. Keep praying.

Can you believe its almost a year?

Hi everyone. Wow what a year of seeing GOD'S GREATNESS! He showed us miracles, He showed us mercy, and He showed us how He provides. "When we are weak then He is strong."
We can not praise God enough for carrying our family through this year.
Brent had a very good week off of school.
We started it out in the big city of Swift Current, Sk. We went to visit Grandpa and Grandma Neufeld Sunday till Tuesday. It was Carolyn's Aunt Lydia's birthday so Grandpa took us all out to Wong's Kitchen...YUMMY! If Katie didn't have perfect food in Heaven she might have been jealous. It was great fun.
On Wednesday Brent had physio and then a massage. His right side by his aorta bypass was hurting so his massage therapist thought we should get it checked out at emergency. The doctors and nurses were wonderful. They couldn't find any definite reason why it was hurting.
We got home late at night so to say the least Thursday was a sleep in day.
Brent went to physio again. Travis (Brent's physio therapist) is working on Brent's lower half of his body and not on the upper part to be extra cautious not to cause any stress on the bypass. While Travis was working on Brent's legs and feet Brent was able to move his left foot up and down a little and twitch his right one a little also. This is very exciting because he hasn't been able to do this yet. Each day we see God working on healing Brent's body . We made another trip to emerg on Thursday afternoon and the vascular surgeon, Dr. Ulmer came to see Brent. He said he didn't think it was an infection by looking at the blood work, x-rays and ultra sound, not that he totally ruled it out but we are to keep our eye on it. It may be just the different muscles and such being used, maybe some scar tissue.
We leave it in our Great Physcian's hands and will trust Him.
Friday was a relaxing day. Brent had his friend Tara over in the evening. It was a great visit.
Saturday Carolyn's friend Rachelle and her son Ronin flew in from Toronto. While Carolyn was visiting with her friends Rachelle, Heather and Lindsay, Brent had Reid, Kiersten and Ali over for the evening. FUN TIMES!!!!! Sunday after church we all did some serious relaxation. So as you can tell it's lucky there was no school because we were BUSY!


Thanks for your prayers and support
Keep hoping. Keep loving. Keep praying.

Physio Therapy Report

This is Brent with his two therapists, Travis and Kayla.

Here Brent had to step on and off the step backwards having to keep his balance. He found this difficult but was able to do it. WAY TO GO BRENT!

This is an arm stengthening exercise that Brent's doing. Posture was very important in this excersise.

Highlights:

Brent has had a very good 2 weeks. He is enjoying getting back into school. His teacher Mrs. Grismer has been helping Brent with his Math and English. The last 2 days she helped him choose his classes for next year. All the staff have been terrific in helping Brent with his integration back into school.

Brent is doing awesome in his physio therapy as you can see. He always enjoys going.

He has been feeling really good and eating us out of house and home.

After Grandma Peterson had to go home, Brent's cousin Joyce and her 4 children, Abby, Reece, Seth and Maxwell came for a visit.

Now, to Carolyn's delight her two sisters, Kathy and Susan are visiting. Brent is enjoying bugging and teasing his Aunties.

Thank you for your continued prayers.

Keep hoping. Keep loving. Keep praying.

Answer to prayer

Brent and Bob ( Bob did some Brent's Echos)

Brent, Ida, and Dr. Kakadekar. Ida was the one who initially found the blood clot, and today saw that it was gone.

Yes it's true...THE BLOOD CLOT IS GONE! Dr. Kakadekar was thrilled not to mention all of us!

Our prayers have been answered again. PRAISE BE TO GOD!

Thank you everyone for all your prayers today and always.

Keep hoping. Keep loving. Keep praying.

(We haven't stopped BELIEVING!)

Life at Home

Well Brent has been home for a week plus...and what a week it's been.
This is a rough idea of what a week looks like for our miracle boy.
Every Monday morning Brent goes to see his pediatric doctor, Dr. Bruce for follow up check ups since discharge.
Brent has been going to a school classroom at Royal University Hospital for one hour a day. This next week starting Wednesday he will start going back to his own school Tommy Douglas Collegiate. Brent will start out working an hour in the resourse room for two weeks, then progress to two hours for two weeks until he is attending full time and integrated into the classroom.
Brent is doing physio therapy in the afternoons at CBI (Canadian Back Institute). His therapy is 3 days a week. The spoiled boy gets a 1 hour massage a week. He also goes to counselling once a week.
Some social activities include Youth on Thursday nights, getting together with friends (his "Gaming Buddy"). Tonight he is out at a movie with his friends Reid and Kyle.
We have had Grandma Peterson visiting and helping out this week. We are so blessed to have her here.
When we looks at Brent's schedule for the week we wonder how everything will fit in but it does and God gives our family the strength for each day.

PLEASE PRAY THIS TUESDAY AT 10:00 AM BRENT HAS HIS ECHO. BRENT HAS BEEN FEELING SO GOOD. WE PRAY THAT THE BLOOD CLOT WILL BE GONE, IN JESUS NAME!

Thanks for continuing to pray for our family. You are all an amazing support to us.

Keep hoping . Keep loving. Keep praying.

New Rider chair and FINALLY HOME

Brent with his new RIDER wheelchair.

Notice the GREEN with WHITE spokes.

Brent with his cousin Brian.

Continue to pray for:

Pain in Brent's back.

Highlights:

Came home Thursday for Good. PTL!!!!

Brent went to Canadin Back Institute where he will be doing Rehab. He will start on Tuesday.

We had a WELCOME home BBQ on Thursday (hamburgers and farmer sausage).

Brent enjoyed his visits with his cousins (Shauna and Brian) on Friday.

Thank you for your prayers.

Keep hoping. Keep loving. Keep praying.

Long time No read

Brent has an Echo (to check the blood clot) on Feb 2. Please pray that it will have TOTALLY and COMPLETELY disappeared.

Continue to pray for:
Pain in Brent's back.
Pain in Brent's left ankle and knee.

Highlights:
Thanks to all who visited last week.
Brent had a massage from Corrine.
Brent had an allnighter at the church on Friday night.
Brent went home for the weekend again.

Thank you for your prayers.
Keep hoping. Keep loving. Keep praying.

Weekend at Home

Brent with friends from children's ministries at Elim.

Continue to pray for:
Pain in left ankle and knee.
Pain in back.

Highlights:
Got to go home Friday for the WHOLE weekend.
Dad, Mom and Brent watched the movie Cloudy with the Chance of Meatballs... It was Really Funny.
Brent got to sleep in his own bed (which by the way seems Huge compared to the single hospital bed).
Got to sleep in on Saturday.
Mom made a big brunch YUMMY!
Brent's cousin Brian came and spent time playing gaming systems (don't know who was having more fun).
Brent's cousin Shauna stopped in for a visit.
Sunday morning went to church.
Had Red Lobster for dinner.
Spent the afternoon with Brian gaming and watching movies.
Monday morning had to go for follow up check ups with Doctors at RUH.
Stopped in to visit friends on Peds floor.
Came back to City hospital for rehab. (Have to be here for the week but counting down the days till the weekend when Brent can come home again.)

Thanks for yor your prayers
Keep hoping. Keep loving. Keep praying.

The Last Supper

Brent with Pastor Shawn and family eating the last supper at Royal University Hospital.

Continue to pray for:

Pain in Brent's left ankle and knee.

Pain in Brent's back.

Highlights:

Sunday:

Went to church.

We had Chinese food for dinner with Auntie Dean.

Ben stopped by for a visit.

Monday:

Moe stopped by for a vist.

Tuesday:

Had pizza dinner with Pastor Shawn and family.

Brent moved to Saskatoon City Hospital and back to Rehab.

Went to friends and watched the World Juniors gold medal Hockey game.

Brent says Boooo USA won!!!!!

Wednesday:

Josie stopped by for a visit.

Thank you for your prayers.

Keep hoping. Keep loving Keep praying.

Visitors during the holidays

Brent with Jonathon, Nicole, Julia and Nicholas.

Brent with Joanna, Dean and Ethan.

Continue to pray for:

Pain in Brent's left ankle and left knee.

Pain in Brent's back.

Highlights:

Thank you to all who came and visited during the holidays.

Brent got to come home and sleep over for New Years Eve.

Thank you for your prayers.

Keep hoping. Keep loving. Keep praying.