Dear Ones,                          April 11, 2017

        When you go through a medical crisis, you soon realize that as wonderfully  skilled and experienced as the doctors are, and as kind and compassionate as the nurses are, you are really in God’s hands. He is the One who brings healing and improvement in our body’s condition…or not. That being the case, it makes us realize all the more why “prayer” is so important. And it’s not that we are trying to argue with or manipulate God, but it’s to ask that He will have His way and that He will ultimately be glorified through our situation.

        A couple of Bible verses come to mind along this line: Zechariah 4:6, “This is the word of the Lord…saying, ‘Not by mightnor by power, but by My Spirit’ says the Lord of hosts.” And also, Psalm 127:1, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.”

        Today (April 10) has been one of the busiest days of the last, few months. The high point is that it is Del’s 75^th birthday. We made it in time for her chemo appointment, and some of the nurses and staff came into the hallway as Del was going down to the lab to get her blood drawn, and they sang “Happy Birthday!” We met with Del’s oncologist and she would like Del to get a CT scan done next Monday (17^th). Once the doctor evaluates whether the chemo has been effective enough, she will decide whether the next step is a hysterectomy and lymph node removal, or more chemo. Del’s neuropathy (numbness and cold in the hands and feet) has just about reached the maximum point where the oncologist will say, “No more Taxol” which unfortunately is the chemo of choice for uterine cancer. If surgery is not the choice, then Del will begin a cycle of another chemo agent. On a lighter note, we brought birthday cupcakes to share with the office staff, and especially the nurses who have been so kind and caring with us over these months. In all the busyness of today, we still managed to go out to Cracker Barrel restaurant and have a nice birthday dinner.

        Thank you for your interest in our journey and especially for your prayers. Your concern means so much to us.

                Lovingly in Christ,

                    Bryan, for Del too

                       

Dear Friends,

Del and I have been reading about the life of the prophet Elijah in the Old Testament and have seen some wonderful examples of our own journey. Charles Swindoll likens God’s training of Elijah to a “boot camp,” something NTMers are familiar with. Swindoll writes, “In a very real sense, God has designed a boot camp for His children, but it doesn’t last just 8 weeks or 10 weeks. Nor is it a weekend seminar we can take or a day-long workshop we can attend. God’s boot camp takes place periodically throughout the Christian life. And there, in the very center of obstacles and pain and solitude, we come to realize how alive God is in our lives—how alive and in charge. He will invade us, reduce us, break us…so that we will become the people He intends us to be.” The natural tendency is to say, “What lousy luck I’m having right now.” But our loving Father has the situation totally in control…and it’s for our benefit!

        Del had her chemo infusion this past Monday, March 27. She always has an appointment with either her oncologist or a nurse practitioner before the infusion to determine if her blood values are within a safe range and also to have an overall exam. Because her neuropathy is so severe in her hands and feet from the chemo, her oncologist suggested that instead of having a weekly treatment for three weeks followed by a week off, she should try the reduced amount of chemo every other week—in other words, one week on and then a week off. So, Del will not have an infusion next week, but will the week after. I’m very thankful the warmer weather is coming, because it’s been hard for her to keep her hands and feet warm. We both enjoy walking, so we are anxious to get out in the Spring weather.

        We are so appreciative of the kind notes and words of encouragement. Just knowing that others are praying for Del is such a boost. What a blessing to be part of God’s family!

                   Lovingly,

                         Bryan, for Del too

                         Family blog:   thecouplandfamily.blogspot.com      

Update

Dear Friends,

        This past week was supposed to be an “off week” between cycles of three weekly chemo treatments, but it wasn’t really a rest time for Del. On Tuesday, March 21, Del had to go into Allegiance Hospital and have a “port” surgically inserted in her right shoulder area—the opposite side from her pacemaker. For the other chemo treatments she has had a PICC line in her arm, which is temporary and has to be flushed every day (I tease Del about having to have a veterinarian flush her PICC). The port makes receiving IV fluids so much easier, and blood samples can be taken from there without trying to hit a vein in her arm. Also it only has to be flushed every 4-5 weeks.

        This coming Monday, March 27, Del will start the next cycle of three weekly chemo treatments. We are so grateful to God for how well she has tolerated these reduced doses of Taxol. We are praying, of course, that the chemo agent is killing the cancer in the affected lymph nodes and elsewhere, without damaging other organs.

        As always, we would appreciate your prayers that her neuropathy (numbness and cold) would not increase in her hands and feet. It’s getting harder for her to do up buttons and other fine finger movements. Her appetite has picked up some, for which we are very thankful.

        Bless you for your partnership in prayer with us on this journey. Every day is a walk of faith and dependence on our heavenly Father. He alone knows what direction the journey will take, and we lean heavily on His promises like Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear, for I [God] am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I willstrengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

                Warmly,

                     Bryan Coupland, for Del too

                                                                                             March 14, 2017

Dear Ones,

        Six down; three to go! Del is on a modified schedule of chemo once a week for three weeks and then a week off, and this is repeated three times making it nine chemo treatments. I don’t know of anyone who looks forward to their next chemo infusion, but in a sense it’s good news for us. Around the middle of November, 2016, she came home on “home hospice” because her oncologist felt that since she wasn’t able to tolerate her first chemo treatment and had to be hospitalized, there really was no other treatment for uterine cancer. But instead of rapidly going downhill on hospice, Del began to have more energy. That’s when her oncologist suggested, “Let’s try a lower concentration of chemo and do it weekly.” So, Del “came off hospice” and went on regular oncology care. 

        Well, now you know as much as we do. We are trusting the Lord, day by day, and we’re very thankful that “the battle is the Lord’s.” This next Tuesday (21^st) Del will have a port surgically installed, on the opposite shoulder from her pacemaker. This should make it a lot easier to infuse the chemo. Looking ahead as best as we can, the plan is for Del to have three more weekly chemos beginning March 27. After that, she will have a CT scan to see how her cancer is responding to the chemo. If the results are positive, her doctors will schedule a surgical hysterectomy to remove the source of the cancer. So, there are many steps to trust the Lord for, and we are so thankful for your prayers. One of the most difficult side-effects right now is the neuropathy or numbness in Del’s hands and feet, which leaves them cold and numb most of the time—the result of the chemo.

        I recently read an interesting review in World magazine, of the book, “Union With Christ” by Rankin Wilbourne. He wrote regarding bonding with Christ, “Imagine a storm blowing a sailboat so fast that all night long, death seems moments away, but in the morning you’re hundreds of miles closer to your destination. We can rejoice amid suffering not because we’re masochists[those who enjoy pain], but because a deeper and sweeter joy will come in the morning. And, when we stop thinking so much about our own story that we enter into God’s story, we learn that’s the biggest and best of all.”

        Thanks again for being partners in prayer with us!

                               Warmly,

                      Bryan, for Del too

       

        Dear Ones,

        We don’t have any dramatic news after Del’s chemo yesterday, but maybe that’s good. We asked the Lord to oversee every detail and it seems like He did. The morning started out with an hour-long appointment with Del’s oncologist (Dr D). As always, she was very gracious and available to answer all our questions. Here are some of her comments:

·        She was adding the chemo agent Carboplatin to the Taxol that Del took in the last cycle.

·        They took a blood sample before the appointment, and it showed that Del’s blood values were excellent.

·        Dr. D said that she is not opposed to Del trying various ‘over the counter’ remedies for treating her neuropathy. [Some oncologists don’t like you to take any supplements when you are on chemo.]

·        She suggested that Del take ‘magnesium’ daily to help with regularity.

·        The cancer marker called CA 125 which is found in the blood, was lower this time which is excellent news.

·        Dr D said that they will only consider surgery (total hysterectomy) if after the 9^th chemo treatment, the CT scan shows that the affected lymph nodes are substantially reduced in size. 

·        Del was urged to drink a lot of water following chemo to wash the chemo out of the kidneys.

Following the doctor’s appointment, Del went right away into the infusion center. The nurses are so caring and kind there, and they almost make it a pleasant experience. The chemo infusion took about four hours and Del slept a good portion of that time. Most likely the days following the chemo will be the same this time as the previous treatments. The three days right after the chemo are usually good ones where Del feels energized and eats well. During the next two days she usually feels tired and even a little nauseated, and then feels gradually better leading up to the next chemo day.

Your prayers are making a tremendous difference in our lives and we can only thank you with our deepest appreciation. We are grateful to our dear heavenly Father for you and your loving concern.

               Lovingly,

                     Bryan, for Del too

Over the weekend, we got together to celebrate Dad & Kelley's shared birthday of February 19th

We decided Mom needed to wear her party hat

Dan, Todd & Dad

Some of the grandkids

Abbey & Willow with Grandma

Chemo #3

   Dear Ones,

        An interesting thought occurred to us recently and it was so encouraging. Throughout the Bible we read promises from the Lord that He loves His children deeply and He is with them at all times…especially during times of crisis and testing. He is the Great Shepherd and He constantly holds His sheep close to His heart when they are hurting. But it is a “faith hug” since He is not standing next to us in a literal, physical body…He is there “in Spirit” and He wants us to believe His promises. And so I believe He also touches the hearts of other members of the body of Christ to give us literal hugs, words of love and encouragement, and their prayers. The bottom line is that the Lord Jesus is reaching out to us in love, using the rest of His spiritual body…other Christians. Del and I greatly appreciate your hugs, your prayers, and your words of encouragement.

        Del had her third chemo treatment last Friday and now she has a week off treatment. The oncologist’s plan is for Del to have three treatments, then a week off, then three more weekly treatments, a week off, and then three more weekly treatments. At that time she will have another CT scan to see how effective the chemo has been. So far Del has reacted pretty much the same after each chemo. Saturday and Sunday she feels pretty good; Monday and Tuesday she feels blah (we call it a malaise); Wednesday she begins to pick up a little; and then Thursday she is ready for the chemo again on Friday. Her worst side effect (besides losing all her hair) is what’s called “neuropathy” and there is no real treatment for it. Her hands and feet feel numb and  cold most of the time. The cause seems to be that the chemo goes out in the blood vessels to the extremities (hands and feet) and actually destroys the myelin sheath that covers the nerves there. I have neuropathy in my feet from two rounds of chemo (2008 and 2014), but my hands are fine. At this very moment, we are sitting at the dining room table and my dear Del is wearing gloves on her hands even though it’s 74 degrees in the room. Our two main prayer requests are regarding her neuropathy and that she would have an appetite to eat—oh yes, and that the chemo would be effective against the cancer, if that’s what the Lord Jesus wants.

        Well, that’s our update as of Valentines Day. Del won’t have any chemo this week, but will have to have a series of blood tests done. We are so grateful for your encouraging thoughts and prayers. What a privilege to be a member of the body of Christ!

               Lovingly,

                     Bryan, for Del too

       

Follow up

       Hi Dear Ones,

        I thought I would send out a short summary of how Del’s second chemo went yesterday, since many have been praying and are anxious to hear. We had an early appointment at 8:30 AM and met first with Dr D’s nursing assistant. While we were talking about Del’s neuropathy in her hands and feet, Del mentioned about one particular area of her foot that really hurt and wondered if that was due to the neuropathy. We mentioned something our daughter Terry has suffered with called “plantar fasciitis.” The nurse is a runner and knew exactly the typical spot for this to occur. When she pressed on it, Del said that that was the exact area. In one sense that was a relief, in that it can be treated more easily than neuropathy. So Del was urged to get a heel pad for her shoes and was shown various exercises to help her foot pain.

       

        As far as the actual chemo, it went very well and Del basically slept through it. She was feeling pretty energized after the treatment which was the same as last time. I think it was the Benadryl and other drugs they gave her in an IV drip before the chemo. So Del really had a good evening; ate a sizeable supper; and just wanted to get up and do little jobs in the evening. We are thrilled with how God answered prayer so specifically regarding Del’s eating since Friday and Saturday, she has had a good appetite. We are so thankful to our loving Savior who so often expresses Himself through the caring prayers of His children.

        We have “Home Health Care” now and a nurse comes once a week. If we need a physiotherapist, we just have to call. A young man came last week and gave a lot of good counsel, and one thing he stressed was, “You have to force yourself to eat even when you aren’t hungry and the thought of food sounds horrible. You have to have the nutrients in order to fight the cancer.” So that remains one of our foremost prayer requests.

        A simple “Thank you” doesn’t fully express our great appreciation for your concern and your prayers.

                   Warmly,

                           Bryan, for Del too

Update

Dear Ones,

        First of all, thank you for your tremendous kindness and love demonstrated by your faithfulness in continuing to pray for my dear Del. Tomorrow is her 2^nd chemo treatment of this new cycle of a reduced amount of chemo, given weekly instead of every three weeks. She is doing fair as she heads into this next chemo, but a little nervous if this next treatment will worsen her symptoms.

        There is one prayer request in particular that we would ask you to pray for, and that is her appetite. Because the chemo probably affects her taste buds etc, even the smell of food is hard for her to handle. The net result is that she ends up eating very small amounts, which has negative effects in all sorts of ways, not the least of which is that she has lost 44 pounds since she was first diagnosed. Please join our family in prayer that our dear Father would give Del more of a desire to eat. Thank goodness ice cream is still appealing to her. Today we started including a “protein powder” with her drinks.

        One other matter has just raised its ugly head, and that is that Del has an intense pain on the bottom of her left foot. It could be part of the neuropathy that has left her hands constantly feeling cold and numb, and the souls of her feet the same. This pain is deeper than just the surface of the foot.

        We will let you know how tomorrow goes. Again, thank you so much for standing with us.

                      Warmly,

                              Bryan, for Del too

Requesting your prayers

Hi All,

        I thought I would just give you a brief update on today, and especially ask you to be praying tomorrow. In order to receive the modified (decreased) amount of chemo tomorrow, Del needs either a port or a PICC line which is much simpler. The oncologist thought the latter was the best choice for now, so she went into Henry Ford Allegiance hospital in Jackson today and had the line put into a blood vessel in her upper arm. The port would require an actual surgery whereas she wasn’t even put to sleep for the PICC line.

        Tomorrow at 10:00 AM, Del will have an infusion of Taxol chemo—about 60% of the amount she had back in November. If she tolerates it well, then she will have a second dose on February 3 and a third dose on the 10^th of Feb. We would ask for your prayers tomorrow that if it would please the Lord, that Del would do well and not have such strong side effects that they have to discontinue the process. We will keep you posted.

        Thanks so much!

                         Bryan, for Del too

UPDATE!

Hello All,

        This past month has presented many twists and turns in our family journey. The Lord Jesus keeps encouraging us that although we can’t see Him with our eyes, we can sense His presence with our hearts. I read such an encouraging verse the other day where Isaiah stated it so well: “Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; how blessed are all those who longfor Him (30:18).” It sounds like the Lord wants us to long for Him and Him for us.

        As you remember, Del had her first of a series of chemo treatments and ended up having to spend 5 days in the hospital to be built up physically. Since she was so run down, her oncologist felt she could not tolerate another round of chemo, so she recommended hospice care. The family agreed that she should come home, so we arranged for Home Hospice Care to come in, and with our kids’ help, managed to get all the jobs and needs taken care of. So Del has been here at our Jackson, MI apartment since mid-November. The awesome thing is that as we have moved into the new year, Del has been feeling brighter with a slight increase in energy. She had an appointment with her oncologist on Jan. 5, and to our surprise, the doctor said that since Del was feeling a little better, she could consider returning to weekly chemo treatments at a reduced amount. It would mean coming off hospice, since the focus of hospice is “comfort” and not “treatment.” We prayed about it over the weekend and discussed it with our kids and their spouses. We felt that if Del was going to go with further treatments, we needed to get on with it.

        Del has an appointment with her oncologist on Jan. 25 and it’s likely that she will start on a modified (decreased) amount of chemo at that time. If she tolerates it well, then she will continue the treatments each week. As always, the outcome is entirely in the Lord Jesus’ very capable hands and our confidence and peace rest in His promises like Isaiah 41:10 and Proverbs 3:5, 6. Thank you so much for continuing to pray with us.

               Lovingly,

                       Bryan and Del

HAPPY NEW YEAR

  2016 is now history and 2017 is a fresh slate. It’s sure comforting to know that if we choose to abide in Jesus, everything that touches our lives is under His direct leadership—even if it is something we don’t see coming. Proverbs 16:9 says it best, “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

     As you may recall, on October 25, Del was diagnosed with stage 4 uterine cancer. It was a traumatic day in our lives. We were left in shock, but slowly the reality of the situation has settled in and we are learning to live with it. Del seems to be holding her own these days. Her energy level isn’t up to par, but we try to either get out for a short walk every day or go for a little shop and walk at Walmart. The chemo treatment she had on November 7 seems to have affected her taste buds, so things just don’t taste like they used to. She has lost all her hair and about 20 pounds. We are so thankful that she is not experiencing any pain or nausea. She does have severe neuropathy in her hands and feet from the chemo, which causes her fingers to be numb and very cold most of the time.


Over Christmas, we enjoyed plenty of time with our family . Now that some of our oldest grandchildren are working away from home, our family is divided between Wisconsin and Michigan. So, rather than having a meal together and exchanging gifts on the 25^th,  we do it when we can—this year it was on the 30^th.

Mom & Kelley working in the kitchen on New Years Eve

Our New Years Eve was extra exciting, with the engagement of Kelley & Todd's daughter Anna to Tyson Estelle. We are thrilled for them and look forward to seeing all that God had in store.

Anna & Tyson

       I came across a very meaningful devotional this morning that really brings “real life” into the right perspective. It’s written by Toni Smothers atwww.writingforthemaster.com and it’s about what is truly important in our daily lives:

        “Each day we face challenges, whether it be traffic jams, rebellious children, a seemingly endless pile of work at the office, or illness, or any myriad of things that tax our ability to cope. We can sometimes feel like we are falling behind, like we are just not fast enough, or good enough, or smart enough. It would be prudent then, to stop and see a different, more joyful perspective on our lives.

Instead of wondering how you will catch up with the specific demands on your life, slow down and realize that getting every last thing done doesn’t make your heart any lighter. Thinking about the blessings surrounding your day can begin to show you what is and what just isn’t that important.

        The love of your heavenly Father, your cherished family, friends, and the simple fun you find in each day all conspire to make life great. These are the truly important things. And while it’s true that we will all die someday, as believers, we are also destined for the throne—joint heirs with Jesus Christ, our Savior and Friend. So, try spending much more time resting in simple gratitude [to the Lord].”

     We have so much to thank the Lord for.  May the Lord Jesus thrill your heart in this new year with His gracious promises.

               Lovingly,

                       Bryan and Del Coupland

Christmas

Merry Christmas to you, a bit late, but with great affection. We are pleased to report that we have been enjoying a wonderful Christmas with many really good days for Mom. She has been able to join in on a few outings and even some trips to the store. This is no small feat in Michigan this time of year, with the snow and temperatures in the 20's. Even so, it's been good for her to stay as active as possible.
When Mom reacted so harshly to her 1st chemo treatment in November, it became clear that she could not continue with mainstream medical treatment. Since that time, Kelley & Dad, have been researching various nutritional therapies for cancer. Though Mom's appetite is still very low, we have incorporated the mantra, 'make every bite count' and are making careful choices in that regard. Dad has become an expert smoothie maker, packing each one with as many nutritious goodies as he can.  We pray that God would continue to use this approach to provide Mom with more quality days. They have an exercise bicycle that they both manage to get on a few times a day to keep those muscles moving. The combination of medications she is currently on is controlling her pain well.
Their spirits have remained positive and their faith filled testimony of confidence and hope in the Lord, has been a powerful example to our entire family. Mom's nurse Susie stops in to check Mom over every few days. Susie is such a dear Christian lady, they end up fellowshipping and encouraging each other.

Christmas Day at Dan's House

We realize that some who read these updates are friends of some members of our family but may not know others. Here is a little overview.

Kelley (Coupland) & Todd Duston and family live 10 minutes from Mom & Dad. They are in fulltime ministry serving at the New Tribes Bible Institute in Jackson, MI.

Terry (Coupland) & Paul Calderwood and family live in Ada, MI

Dan & Kari Coupland and family live in Hillsdale, MI.

Thanks again for your continued love, support and prayers.We wish you all a Happy New Year and a blessed 2017!
~The Coupland Family

Anniversary Celebration

Happy Anniversary to Mom & Dad,

 celebrating 51 years today

We are so thankful for these 2 and for the wonderful
example they have been to our family.
We are blessed beyond measure.

Anniversary celebration with some of the grandkids

Encouragement for today.

I was reminded of a wonderful verse today.
Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

HOW DOES HOSPICE WORK?

        

              Our family is learning, one day at a time. We know that all this is not a surprise to our dear Lord Jesus and I’m sure He has much to teach us.

                I am particularly thankful for our three kids (actually adults) and their spouses who have really stepped up to help in a big way—providing meals, taking turns spending days and nights here with us, and being fellow counselors.

                Del has definitely slowed down physically. Her meds are designed to keep her comfortable and free of pain. The downside is that they also make her want to sleep a lot. So our chorus is often: “1. How about another glass of water? 2. Would you like to walk down the hallway again to keep your leg muscles toned? 3. Could you eat just a little bit more?”

                We are also thankful for the kind and caring thoughts that we receive from friends. One such note shared verses from 2 Corinthians 4:16-17, which we appreciated so much: “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison…” What a promise!

~Bryan Coupland 

Mom with Dan & Kari's youngest Riley

This weekend Mom & Dad with some of "the kids" :)

Beautiful Things

My husband was talking with a friend who has recently experienced great loss, with the death of his sister and his father. He shared that, although there are many difficult things at a time like this, there are also many beautiful things that can happen. We have found this to be true. 

During the days my mom was in the hospital, it was remarkable to see the bond that was formed between her and her care givers. One CNA named Brittany stood out in particular. She treated my mom with great gentleness and affection. At the end of her shift, on the last day my mom was in the hospital, she came to say goodbye. She hugged my mom and they wept together, knowing they may not see each other again. She didn't want to leave. 

Mom & Brittany

Another young CNA held my mom's hand and shared some of the hardship she is going through right now in her own life. 

Other ones, who were "all business" at first, would begin to linger a bit longer in my mom's room to chat. 

Even my mom's oncologist, who delivered the most difficult news to hear, did so, while gently stroking my mom's hand as she spoke.

My parents with their Oncologist

These things were beautiful to witness.

On December 19th my parents will celebrate 51 years of marriage. It's amazing to see these two, taking on one of the greatest challenges of their lives, with grace and love. They have served the Lord together in ministry for over 40 years with many challenges along the way. They desire for God to use them in this time to draw others to Christ.

Other things are more sentimental, as we, their family, see small beautiful moments. Moments when my dad helps my mom by washing her hair or when he situated his comfy chair so that they can hold hands while they watch tv. 

Our pastor's wife put it best when she shared with me these words. "What a beautiful picture of your dad caring for his bride.  I believe this is like the tender care of the Lord for each one of us".

Ecclesiastes 3:11 

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

The last beautiful thing I want to share is, the way so many of you have reached out to us. My parents treasure each card, email and heartfelt note. Such kind and thoughtful words of encouragement you have expressed. 

I have been the recipient of the generosity of friends who have stepped in to provide meals for my little family while I have been traveling back and forth to Jackson. 

Thanks you!

Prayer Request
-Wisdom in treatment decisions going forward.
-Balance in medications.
-Yay, colds are gone, but it is cold & flu season. Protection from other viruses.

Some pictures :)

Visit from Dan & Family

Mom enjoying special art from the grandkids

1st great grandbaby  

Alaina brought matching headbands

Good Day-Thank You

Today was a great day! Thank you for praying. We praise the Lord for days like this. We started by watching the church service at Ada Bible Church on line. Excellent message on gratefulness. Throughout the day my parents enjoyed lots of family, including many grandkids, coming over to visit. So thankful that God gave mom the energy to enjoy every minute of it.

Prayer Request

 One of the wonderful things about many of you who are following our blog is that, we know that you are praying.  Today is one of those days, we would appreciate your prayers.  Mom is feeling pretty rough.  Along with having a bad cold and more pain, this morning she lost lots of her hair, which is hard in itself.  We had planned to get together for our Thanksgiving as a family this afternoon. Thanks again for praying for her. ~Terry