Laurie-ann was diagonosed with inflammatory breast cancer stage 3B on August 16, 2019
We Copples have completed more than half of our mission, teaching, and ministry work here in South Africa. We had a successful and busy home visit in eastern Ontario, a family visit in Toronto (where L-A's family is based), and a special time in Virginia with dear family friends (Williamsburg and Richmond). Shortly after we arrived back in SA, L-A began experiencing shooting pain in her left breast from the nipple to the chest wall. She could find no lumps. She went to her replacement GP to be treated for mastitis, and was given a large antibiotic injection, which did help, but not for long. At the same time, she was diagnosed for an unrelated illness (hidradenitis supertiva), which is a debilitating auto-inflammatory skin disease. This was confirmed by her new dermatologist in Paarl. That doctor was concerned with the inflamed breast, but that was not her area of expertise.
L-A returned to one of her wonderful GPs, who was concerned and booked her into the local MediClinic (private hospital) right away, so that ultrasounds could look at the breast and she could be on antibiotic drip and pain meds. This was done for four days, with a followup ultrasound. The technicians could find no lumps, just a "massive amount of inflammation." They were concerned about the size of the lymph nodes in L-A's left underarm. These responded a little to the antibiotics, and when checked again in a week, they grew again. On August 6th, Dr S discharged her due to financial reasons, and gave more meds. We were to followup very soon. The next course of action was to check for the possibility of a rare form of cancer. L-A heard that and thought to follow up for info online, with her symptoms. She found breastcancer.org, which is a reputable site. Other sites were scary.
We called for an earlier appointment for August 13th - when Dr S performed core biopsies, using a laptop ultrasound. L-A prayed softly for Holy Spirit to fill the room, and after the doctor told her that she would hear a sound from the device, she imagined it would be a whirring sound. Instead it sounded like a staple gun, which L-A found hugely funny and she began to laugh. The picture she had in her mind was of him stapling posters to her chest. We love it when God brings joy into the room and brings peace into the situation. Then she was given more pain meds and sent to get a diagnostic mammogram. The techs were very gentle, even though it was difficult getting the side-scans of the left breast. But again, prayers were answered and they could accurately tell what was going on in all the images. Then we had the third ultrasound. This thing was growing fast.
On August 16th, Dr S personally called with the diagnosis, and while we wanted to see him to talk options, it was important to get the treatment process right away, with staging imaging (to determine how far the cancer spread), meet the oncologist (who is based in the northern Cape Town suburb of CapeGate an hour away), an echocardiagram to see if L-A could handle the chemo treatment), port-insertion surgery and more. We began responding quickly, and appointments were laid out quickly. We are amazed how fast this timeline was moved up to get ahead of this cancer. We aren't sure how fast the Ontario system would have responded. Perhaps we are to be where we are - and continue with ministry.
We went away on a pre-arranged break to the West Coast to see the spring wildflowers, sea and a friend who lives in Yzerfontein. This was a perfect time away, not to draw as L-A had hoped, but to reflect, pray, be by the ocean and receive peace. We had trouble with our special travel medical insurance once they found out that the HS-boils claim was morphing into a bigger illness. We were asked to start a new claim for cancer - they wanted all diagnostic reports, doctors' notes etc. The doctor and oncologist both wrote letters pleading that I be allowed to stay for treatment. This was ignored. After more than two weeks of decision making, the case manager phoned Tony twice. First that they they would not support us staying for treatment. The second that L-A must leave within the week, without the first chemotherapy, and fly to Ottawa. Then she would have to present herself (even with no place to live, transport or carer) to the nearest hospital ER as a walk-in. This would put us back over a month of treatment (although the hospital doctors would have fast-tracked her somewhat due to xrays, ultrasounds, mammograms, doctors' notes and a perfectly new port surgery). Still, this would have been very traumatic. L-A insisted on having Tony stay due to so many unexpected loose ends.
While Tony was trying to figure out a plan, L-A was inspired by Holy Spirit. She already had a dream the night before of gold falling at her feet. That meant to us, alternate funding. We would crowd fund, as soon as allowed by our Iris supervisors in Canada and South Africa. Both approved, although with the stipulation that any funds that would come through Iris Ministries Canada have to go to our ministry work/living expenses rather than medical costs. We still pay out more in ministry than comes through IMC, so that's not a problem. We are setting up the campaign poster, which will be on this page. We went ahead with the first haircut (the middle picture of L-A above), arranging a wig, and the first chemotherapy treatment on September 5th. L-A doesn't have too many side effects other than tiredness and a little nausea, but the side effects are cumulative. Hair loss may incur in mid-September, so we have the supplied chemo hat (see above picture on the right), as well as another hat. The wig will arrive a little later.
So Holy Spirit's inspiration came with a beautiful compromise: we could stay in South Africa for the chemo treatments, and followup imaging (mammogram, xrays etc) and then return to Canada in March. We would have half the process in SA, and half in Canada. We would need cooperation from doctors on both sides of the Atlantic. We shared with Dr S, who was compassionate and willing to work with our Canadian GP, who will likely refer us to an Ottawa surgeon and oncology team (maybe Ottawa Civic or Ottawa General Hospital)? If so, Dr S and this surgeon could work well together, and the transfer of care would go well. We may have found a willing Ottawa surgeon already and are making that option available.
However, there are possibilities that L-A could be healed completely by March. Also that we would have more than enough funding for the masectomy and follow-up to be done in South Africa. We completely trust Dr S and respect our oncologist. We love our South African doctors, our churches, our South African Iris team, our friends, and the children, teens and inmates are very dear to our hearts. We don't want to leave them until we have to do so.
L-A will continue with light children's ministry, writing, art and webwork and bookkeeping for ChangeMakers as well. Tony will do the bulk of everything else with help of others. So both of us need prayer - not just for healing, and ministry but also daily life as Canadian missionary-expats in South Africa.
Newsletters
So if you would like to be added to our ministry newsletters (note whether for prayer and general update), please email us at laurie-ann@coppleswesterncape.ca
If you would like to be added to the health updates, please email Laurie-Ann at laurie-ann@coppleswesterncape.ca
Helping us financially (to help cure L-A's cancer, but also for our ministry if you feel so led)
UPDATE on fundraising: As of September 14th, we have raised just under $5,700 Canadian. This is roughly a quarter of our goal, but it gives us breathing space and is an excellent start. While Tony estimated our needs would be $18,000 Cdn, with having then spent $6,000, (now is approx $8,440); the treatments, procedures and medications may end up being between $20,000 - $23,000. This depends on pain and nausea medications, response to secondary infections (chemo causes an immune system issue), extra blood tests to determine the time of the next chemo session (to see if there are enough white blood cells) and surgical fees, which have not been charged yet. If L-A has to be hospitalized, this would also add to the costs. There could be more, but we trust that will not be the case. We are being very careful of who L-A is exposed to in the house, and in the school settings. Each chemo session roughly costs $1,250- $1,350, depending on the rand exchange rate, and there are follow-up consultancy appointments. We just wanted you to know that we're still working on that total - everything is noted for income tax purposes, and especially should the insurance company change their minds and at least pitch in somewhat. They would want to examine all the paperwork so we need to be prepared in case they do. It would be a win-win.
Just a note that the medical costs we have already paid include: 4 day Hospital stay with the meds, GP doctor's visits, surgeon visits (hospital), cardiologist visit, medications (many), five ultrasounds, two mammograms, two sets of xrays, port-insertion surgery, anesthesia, day hospital fees, surgical fees, biopsy fees, lab-work/blood-work fees (many), swabs for more lab-work, oncologist fees, the chemotherapy meds/consumable meds fees, cancer clinic fees, cardiologist fees (echocardiogram), and more. You get the drift. Even if they use a syringe, all is included and itemized. The surgeon's fees beyond the initial hospital fees have not been presented to us. These would include consultancy, prescription writing, biopsies, port-insertion surgery and lots of reassurance.
We have seven more chemo sessions to go, with doctor follow-ups, oncologist follow-ups, meds, blood work and more.
Thanks so much to (first names only): Ellen, Bev, Luanne, Minx, Mella, Claire, James, Kathy, Cindy, Diane, Gaets, Don, Miriam, Koliah, Samantha, Terri, Cathleen, WC, Dave, David, Henry, Jennifer, Keith, Tanya, Harry, Stewart, Christine, Richard and Susan. Others are waiting on their pay cheques to come in, which we completely understand. We are so, so thankful for your kindness and loving hands reached out to help carry us through.
Here's how you can give financially:
DIRECT GIVING TO THE COPPLES (For Medical expenses, NO TAX RECEIPT)
South Africans can contribute via Tony's South African account. via EFT to: FNB (First National Bank) Account Number 62757609494, Branch Code 200407 Account holder: Mr Anthony C Copple.
Canadians can contribute via our regular Canadian banking account by emailing tonycopple@gmail.com
Others can contribute via Tony's Paypal via this link: https://www.paypal.me/WaystogrowinGod
MISSION GIVING TO THE COPPLES (Online Tax receipt through Canada Helps for Canadians, IMC Tax receipt sent later for those donating directly through Iris Ministries Canada office)
Due to Canadian charity laws, our ministry (or 'work')funds from Iris Ministries Canada has to be kept separate. IMC is not a sponsor of L-A's medical needs. IMC is however, the sending agency of the work we do.
Iris Ministries Canada online portal at Canada Helps - please scroll down to South Africa-Tony & Laurie-Ann Copple
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/2555
If you are in Canada and prefer to donate to our mission work by cheque, please visit this page and find out more from the Iris Ministries Canada office. http://irismin.ca/giving
Mailing address:
Iris Ministries Canada, 10 - 1425 Abbeywood Drive Oakville, Ontario L6M 3R3 Canada
Telephone: 905 847-7749 Email: info@irismin.ca
Thank you for considering us and keeping us in your prayers!
PRAYER SECTION at bottom of the page!
L-A returned to one of her wonderful GPs, who was concerned and booked her into the local MediClinic (private hospital) right away, so that ultrasounds could look at the breast and she could be on antibiotic drip and pain meds. This was done for four days, with a followup ultrasound. The technicians could find no lumps, just a "massive amount of inflammation." They were concerned about the size of the lymph nodes in L-A's left underarm. These responded a little to the antibiotics, and when checked again in a week, they grew again. On August 6th, Dr S discharged her due to financial reasons, and gave more meds. We were to followup very soon. The next course of action was to check for the possibility of a rare form of cancer. L-A heard that and thought to follow up for info online, with her symptoms. She found breastcancer.org, which is a reputable site. Other sites were scary.
We called for an earlier appointment for August 13th - when Dr S performed core biopsies, using a laptop ultrasound. L-A prayed softly for Holy Spirit to fill the room, and after the doctor told her that she would hear a sound from the device, she imagined it would be a whirring sound. Instead it sounded like a staple gun, which L-A found hugely funny and she began to laugh. The picture she had in her mind was of him stapling posters to her chest. We love it when God brings joy into the room and brings peace into the situation. Then she was given more pain meds and sent to get a diagnostic mammogram. The techs were very gentle, even though it was difficult getting the side-scans of the left breast. But again, prayers were answered and they could accurately tell what was going on in all the images. Then we had the third ultrasound. This thing was growing fast.
On August 16th, Dr S personally called with the diagnosis, and while we wanted to see him to talk options, it was important to get the treatment process right away, with staging imaging (to determine how far the cancer spread), meet the oncologist (who is based in the northern Cape Town suburb of CapeGate an hour away), an echocardiagram to see if L-A could handle the chemo treatment), port-insertion surgery and more. We began responding quickly, and appointments were laid out quickly. We are amazed how fast this timeline was moved up to get ahead of this cancer. We aren't sure how fast the Ontario system would have responded. Perhaps we are to be where we are - and continue with ministry.
We went away on a pre-arranged break to the West Coast to see the spring wildflowers, sea and a friend who lives in Yzerfontein. This was a perfect time away, not to draw as L-A had hoped, but to reflect, pray, be by the ocean and receive peace. We had trouble with our special travel medical insurance once they found out that the HS-boils claim was morphing into a bigger illness. We were asked to start a new claim for cancer - they wanted all diagnostic reports, doctors' notes etc. The doctor and oncologist both wrote letters pleading that I be allowed to stay for treatment. This was ignored. After more than two weeks of decision making, the case manager phoned Tony twice. First that they they would not support us staying for treatment. The second that L-A must leave within the week, without the first chemotherapy, and fly to Ottawa. Then she would have to present herself (even with no place to live, transport or carer) to the nearest hospital ER as a walk-in. This would put us back over a month of treatment (although the hospital doctors would have fast-tracked her somewhat due to xrays, ultrasounds, mammograms, doctors' notes and a perfectly new port surgery). Still, this would have been very traumatic. L-A insisted on having Tony stay due to so many unexpected loose ends.
While Tony was trying to figure out a plan, L-A was inspired by Holy Spirit. She already had a dream the night before of gold falling at her feet. That meant to us, alternate funding. We would crowd fund, as soon as allowed by our Iris supervisors in Canada and South Africa. Both approved, although with the stipulation that any funds that would come through Iris Ministries Canada have to go to our ministry work/living expenses rather than medical costs. We still pay out more in ministry than comes through IMC, so that's not a problem. We are setting up the campaign poster, which will be on this page. We went ahead with the first haircut (the middle picture of L-A above), arranging a wig, and the first chemotherapy treatment on September 5th. L-A doesn't have too many side effects other than tiredness and a little nausea, but the side effects are cumulative. Hair loss may incur in mid-September, so we have the supplied chemo hat (see above picture on the right), as well as another hat. The wig will arrive a little later.
So Holy Spirit's inspiration came with a beautiful compromise: we could stay in South Africa for the chemo treatments, and followup imaging (mammogram, xrays etc) and then return to Canada in March. We would have half the process in SA, and half in Canada. We would need cooperation from doctors on both sides of the Atlantic. We shared with Dr S, who was compassionate and willing to work with our Canadian GP, who will likely refer us to an Ottawa surgeon and oncology team (maybe Ottawa Civic or Ottawa General Hospital)? If so, Dr S and this surgeon could work well together, and the transfer of care would go well. We may have found a willing Ottawa surgeon already and are making that option available.
However, there are possibilities that L-A could be healed completely by March. Also that we would have more than enough funding for the masectomy and follow-up to be done in South Africa. We completely trust Dr S and respect our oncologist. We love our South African doctors, our churches, our South African Iris team, our friends, and the children, teens and inmates are very dear to our hearts. We don't want to leave them until we have to do so.
L-A will continue with light children's ministry, writing, art and webwork and bookkeeping for ChangeMakers as well. Tony will do the bulk of everything else with help of others. So both of us need prayer - not just for healing, and ministry but also daily life as Canadian missionary-expats in South Africa.
Newsletters
So if you would like to be added to our ministry newsletters (note whether for prayer and general update), please email us at laurie-ann@coppleswesterncape.ca
If you would like to be added to the health updates, please email Laurie-Ann at laurie-ann@coppleswesterncape.ca
Helping us financially (to help cure L-A's cancer, but also for our ministry if you feel so led)
UPDATE on fundraising: As of September 14th, we have raised just under $5,700 Canadian. This is roughly a quarter of our goal, but it gives us breathing space and is an excellent start. While Tony estimated our needs would be $18,000 Cdn, with having then spent $6,000, (now is approx $8,440); the treatments, procedures and medications may end up being between $20,000 - $23,000. This depends on pain and nausea medications, response to secondary infections (chemo causes an immune system issue), extra blood tests to determine the time of the next chemo session (to see if there are enough white blood cells) and surgical fees, which have not been charged yet. If L-A has to be hospitalized, this would also add to the costs. There could be more, but we trust that will not be the case. We are being very careful of who L-A is exposed to in the house, and in the school settings. Each chemo session roughly costs $1,250- $1,350, depending on the rand exchange rate, and there are follow-up consultancy appointments. We just wanted you to know that we're still working on that total - everything is noted for income tax purposes, and especially should the insurance company change their minds and at least pitch in somewhat. They would want to examine all the paperwork so we need to be prepared in case they do. It would be a win-win.
Just a note that the medical costs we have already paid include: 4 day Hospital stay with the meds, GP doctor's visits, surgeon visits (hospital), cardiologist visit, medications (many), five ultrasounds, two mammograms, two sets of xrays, port-insertion surgery, anesthesia, day hospital fees, surgical fees, biopsy fees, lab-work/blood-work fees (many), swabs for more lab-work, oncologist fees, the chemotherapy meds/consumable meds fees, cancer clinic fees, cardiologist fees (echocardiogram), and more. You get the drift. Even if they use a syringe, all is included and itemized. The surgeon's fees beyond the initial hospital fees have not been presented to us. These would include consultancy, prescription writing, biopsies, port-insertion surgery and lots of reassurance.
We have seven more chemo sessions to go, with doctor follow-ups, oncologist follow-ups, meds, blood work and more.
Thanks so much to (first names only): Ellen, Bev, Luanne, Minx, Mella, Claire, James, Kathy, Cindy, Diane, Gaets, Don, Miriam, Koliah, Samantha, Terri, Cathleen, WC, Dave, David, Henry, Jennifer, Keith, Tanya, Harry, Stewart, Christine, Richard and Susan. Others are waiting on their pay cheques to come in, which we completely understand. We are so, so thankful for your kindness and loving hands reached out to help carry us through.
Here's how you can give financially:
DIRECT GIVING TO THE COPPLES (For Medical expenses, NO TAX RECEIPT)
South Africans can contribute via Tony's South African account. via EFT to: FNB (First National Bank) Account Number 62757609494, Branch Code 200407 Account holder: Mr Anthony C Copple.
Canadians can contribute via our regular Canadian banking account by emailing tonycopple@gmail.com
Others can contribute via Tony's Paypal via this link: https://www.paypal.me/WaystogrowinGod
MISSION GIVING TO THE COPPLES (Online Tax receipt through Canada Helps for Canadians, IMC Tax receipt sent later for those donating directly through Iris Ministries Canada office)
Due to Canadian charity laws, our ministry (or 'work')funds from Iris Ministries Canada has to be kept separate. IMC is not a sponsor of L-A's medical needs. IMC is however, the sending agency of the work we do.
Iris Ministries Canada online portal at Canada Helps - please scroll down to South Africa-Tony & Laurie-Ann Copple
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/2555
If you are in Canada and prefer to donate to our mission work by cheque, please visit this page and find out more from the Iris Ministries Canada office. http://irismin.ca/giving
Mailing address:
Iris Ministries Canada, 10 - 1425 Abbeywood Drive Oakville, Ontario L6M 3R3 Canada
Telephone: 905 847-7749 Email: info@irismin.ca
Thank you for considering us and keeping us in your prayers!
PRAYER SECTION at bottom of the page!
L-A with Tony and our friend and spiritual daughter, Jamelia
(in Hillsong Somerset West)
(in Hillsong Somerset West)
Here is the poster that we are sharing on Facebook, and different websites. We will update it in time, but meanwhile it's sufficient for what is needed now. When you see one, please feel free to share with anyone you believe may be able to help.
Thanks and may God bless you.
Thanks and may God bless you.
Prayer Points
- For Laurie-Ann's healing – accelerated and gradual
- For God’s glory to shine as he does something wonderful as promised. This illness was allowed for a good reason.
- For the chemotherapy to go well without complications (nausea, exhaustion, neuropathy (fire spots all over))
- For pain management (the cancer, neuropathy in left arm and hand from cancer pushing the underarm)
- For “good pain” days – that L-A can continue certain assigned work and ministry within the context of rest.
- For miracle provision (through crowd funding, direct gifts as needed, and stretching of funds)
- For wisdom and direction on how to raise these specific funds. We didn’t get more specifics other than the gold at L-A’s feet.
- Debt cancellation for what has already been spent
- Wrapping up loose ends of ministry to end early (unless God heals this by the end of 2019, when we would give notice to our landlords that we won’t stay a complete year)
- For continued funding towards our ministry work, which we are still continuing. L-A is still doing some ministry with the kids that is not taxing, art work, and writing. They are now not allowed to kiss her, but they can hug.
- Wisdom on what ministries to drop or tie up loose ends. L-A’s position as bookkeeper for Change Makers will wind down end of 2019 and well as her teaching art at Master Peace Academy.
- For the children and teens we work with: that they understand the process, and grow spiritually through it.
- For supernatural grace for all the medical team working with L-A
- For Tony: wisdom, grace and strength as caretaker and missionary husband, and his health.
- Our regular finances to continue to pay for Ottawa and South Africa expenses. (non-mission related)
- For protection against secondary illnesses while going through chemo. L-A may not be covered for these by insurance.
- That the insurance company may relent on saying no to our claim – and at least pitch in somewhat
- That L-A can be inspired and have a chance to draw more and more colouring sheets to be used in a colouring book, colouring calendar and with the children.
- For preparation for treatment in Canada that will follow treatment in South Africa.
Thank you for your perseverance in reading! If you get any words of knowledge or encouragement, please do pass this on to us. We thank you for praying, loving and supporting us as you are able.
Love, Laurie-Ann and Tony