Delwyn Scale

Del's Life Slide Show

2009-07-23T10:20:00.003+10:00

Donation to Charity - No flowers

2009-07-20T22:11:00.002+10:00

Del asked before she passed away for people not to buy her flowers for the funeral. Instead she asked to take the money that you would have spent and make a donation to International Children's Care where her Aunty Lorraine Birkett works. ICC specialises in working with orphans in a developmental way.

You can make a donation buy calling 03 5152 5774 or by donating on line www.iccaustralia.org.au

Be sure to mention that you are giving to Del's kids project.

Thanks for your understanding! See you on Thursday at 1:00pm at Delhuntie Park!

WANTED - Pics of Delwyn

2009-07-03T14:19:00.003+10:00

We are putting together a slideshow of Del's life and if you have some special pictures that would be suitable, please email them to wscale@gmail.com by 8:00am Monday 6th of July.

Thanks in participation!

Delwyn's Funeral

2009-06-28T22:23:00.003+10:00

The funeral for Delwyn will be on Thursday 23rd of July, 1:00pm at Delhuntie Park, 21 Cemetery Rd, Trafalgar East. It is hoped it will be more of a celebration of the wonderful life she lived, than mourning her death.

It was Del's wish, that rather than buy flowers to bring to the funeral that people provide a donation to Del's favourite charity. (I'll let you know what that is soon).

We've been touched by the wonderful words of encouragement from so many people all over the world! It is very much appreciated. Her life touched more people than we knew!

Delwyn Passed Away

2009-06-25T16:55:00.004+10:00

Delwyn passed away at 4:15pm Eastern Time at home in Trafalgar, Victoria, with a slight smile on her face. She was 29 years old.

Yesterday, (24th of June), Del was too tired to fight the battle against cancer any longer. She had had enough. She let her parents know and then called each of her brothers, in order of age, and said good bye to them! She is now resting in peace, less than 24 hours later!

She has been such a blessing to so many people, and inspired each of us with her courage and strength and love for God. Her faith never wavered.

The next thing she'll know will be Jesus's second coming. I, for one, want to be there! It's my prayer that each of us will be!

I will let you know when the funeral date is decided!

PLEASE spare the family in Trafalgar and don't call them unless it's really necessary. We thank you for your understanding.

Life's struggle

2009-06-25T08:35:00.002+10:00

Del is finding the struggle for life quite hard at the moment. It seems like she is pretty worn out and my even wonder if it's all worthwhile. I suspect that may be she's said that it's all too hard.

She is very tired and often not responding to verbal commands and is often struggling to breathe.

I suspect that the end is very near. The family has requested no phone calls and I'll keep this blog updated.

Del is not seeing so well

2009-06-24T10:27:00.002+10:00

Del's eyesight is not so good! Her left eye is closed and it's a real struggle to keep her right eye open now too. When it is open, her eye sight is poor. This places quite a challenge for her to read SMS text messages. Probably the best way of communicating with her is to send emails to her parents address info@delhuntie.org.au and they will be able to read them to her. Her hearing is very acute! Seems like there is some compensation happening! She loves phone calls (short ones), but her speech is getting a little slower and her voice is quieter. Her pain management is good keeping her quite comfortable. Her courage is still very strong and her faith and trust in God could never be higher!

Del in Broome, WA

2009-05-25T23:15:00.004+10:00

Delwyn come to visit us in Broome for the last week of April, with the help of two carers, Jemima Scale (her niece) and Jordan Chatelier, (a family friend) This coincided with her Dad's visit to Broome with the Pinnacle of Terror.

Del being helped with a swim by her Uncle Scas and her Dad. This is at Cape Leveque, about 2 and a half hours north of Broome. Del coped well with the rough journey lying on a mattress most of the way.

Del couldn't resist a joy flight around Broome. She's pictured with Jem and Jordie.

Del with her hand at the controls of the Cessna 172 RG

Jem and Jordie found a lovely green frog for Del!

I know that Del visiting us in Broome was a long time wish for her. And it wasn't easy. It took a long of persuading before QANTAS finally agreed to let her fly. She had been warned by doctors that she may have a seizure and was advised to carry her own oxygen. The flight up was without any dramas.

Dell shared her testimony at the Broome SDA church which was very inspiring to the local members as well as other people that she met at the campground.

On the return journey back to Melbourne, Del was happy to have the oxygen and used it for a while.

Del is very appreciative of the many people that helped make this trip possible, especially those who helped with air fares and she says a big "Thank You" for making it possible.

Del's condition is not getting any better, as you may have noticed in the above photos, her left eye is now closed due to a tumour putting pressure on the optic nerve. She still has pretty good sight in her right eye. She gets headaches from time to time. Her cancer count is still going up. Despite that, Del made many friends and inspired lots of people with her contagious smile and cheery disposition!

She's using patches for analgesia now and these seem to be working reasonably well.

Thanks for coming to visit us Del, where's your next adventure?

PS At the moment, she's staying with her Aunty, Lorraine Birkett, while Elwyn and Helen are attending a "grey nomad" camp at Yarrihippini, Central NSW.

Del in Tassie

2008-11-04T22:03:00.002+11:00

Del's still doing well!

2008-11-04T21:29:00.004+11:00

Montana and Del having fun together!

This is a little late as Rob and I are traveling to Broome and we're in Darwin at the moment!

Before we left we went down to see Del and family before heading off. I was so amazed at how well Del was. She showered by herself, she came with us for an all day outing to Paynsville and she's up walking around (with a walker)! Del is certainly living with cancer! She hasn't needed a blood transfusion lately either. She's on Dexamethasone, a steroid, and this has given her a "rounded" face.

Del enjoyed her trip to Tassie. She flew down with a few mates and they hired a car and travelled around for 4 days!

We've thrown a challenge to Del, to come and visit us up in Broome!

Del's in hospital

2008-08-21T11:36:00.002+10:00

In the past few months Del has been doing very well. The doctor put her on Dexamethasone, a mild steriod and she put on 4 kilos. Even her cancer markers were down. She went on a day trip to French Island with Simone and other friends.

Last week, she went to hospital for a CT scan. They found more tumours through her body and they recommended radiation therapy for her lower back. She's had the 5 treatments and is much more active and in less pain.

She's now wanting to visit Tasmania! Elwyn and Helen are making plans to take her within the next few weeks. This will fulfill a life long dream she's always had! She'll fly across, but Elwyn and Helen will take their 4WD van so she can get around.

She's still witnessing to everyone, including the nursing staff and fellow patients. She remains a huge inspiration to so many of us! Keep it up Del!

She's still loves to receive text message of love and encouragement, but please understand if she can't always reply!

We greatly appreciates the many people praying for her. The local Moe church members have just had a day of prayer and fasting for her.

Witnessing!

2008-05-06T18:52:00.000+10:00

While Del was in hospital for her second blood transfusion, she met a guy by the name of Bob who she was able to share her love for God. She was able to witness to God’s leading in her life and this had an impact on Bob. He was so touched by Del’s testimony that he has started coming to Moe SDA church again and has been there every week for the past month. Praise the Lord.

Another carer.

2008-05-06T18:51:00.000+10:00

While staying at Highwood Health Retreat last year, Del met Simone, one of the carer’s and they quickly became good friends. Simone decided to help care for Del back at Delhuntie, and has been caring for her a couple of days a week since then. She’s been a real blessing to Del and she really enjoys her friendship too.

A new carer, Sheryl has started helping one day a week in addition to Simone. Sheryl has trained under Dr Agatha Thrash in the US and is quite experienced in natural therapy treatments. She is so blessed to have these two people helping.

A new niece or nephew?

2008-05-06T18:50:00.000+10:00

Del is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her newest niece or nephew. This will be the second baby to her brother and sister-in-law, Daz and Neda Scale. Neda’s already over due so the wait shouldn’t be too much longer! If nothing has happened by Friday, she will be induced.

2008-04-19T20:10:00.001+10:00

We’ve just returned from a few days down at Delhuntie and we were able to catch up with Del. I was surprised to see that she seemed better than when we last saw her at Christmas time. She has lost a little more weight since then, but she is much brighter, even teasing Elwyn and ripping him off! It was beautiful to watch. Her cancer count is only 20 points higher since Christmas.

Next day she had many spasms and was in a lot of pain and spent most of the day in bed. She has some good days and some not so good days! She has a lot of hot packs to help the spasms.

Her haemoglobin was checked and it was only 77 so she had another blood transfusion on Thursday at Warragul hospital. It seems the cancer is in the bone marrow and therefore not able to produce enough red blood cells. She finds it very painful to sit and spends most of her time lying down. Some days she’s able to walk around, even outside, but other days, she’s in bed all day.

A couple of weeks ago, she went on holidays from Delhuntie and spent a week with some of her friends under the care of Simone, her carer. They had lots of fun and enjoyed some girl time! While away, she had a couple of treatments in a hyperbaric chamber which really made her feel a lot better for a few days.

One evening, Del produced a bottle of sparkly as we celebrated her surviving 2 years in her fight with cancer, probably longer than most of us expected.

Del is still on about 25mgm of morphine twice a day. She also has some “break thru’s” or “top ups” when the pain gets too strong.

It was lovely to see a number of friends drop in and visit her and encourage her. Of course, it’s always good to make an appointment and make sure she’s available. Text messaging is also good, but she may not be able to respond personally.

Once again, we left inspired and very impressed at her strength and resilience, but yet, not knowing the future. It’s wonderful to know that God loves her and her future is in His hands.

Del appreciates all the love, encouragement and prayers! Please continue to pray for her and her parents, Elwyn and Helen, and all the family, as it’s hard on everyone.

Blood Transfusion

2008-02-02T21:17:00.000+11:00

Del's haemoglobin was getting low (79) and she was getting tired. Last night she had a couple of units of blood to help build her strength. The transfusion took place at the local hospital in Traralgon.

She got back home early this week again after spending a few days at Highwood. She took the sermon there last Sabbath! How's that for strength!

Delwyn at the Scale Family Reunion over Christmas

2008-01-24T11:14:00.001+11:00

Del being "chauffeured" around by her brother, Daz

Elwyn mada a special seat for her on the quad motor bike

Del was getting into the Spirit of Xmas

Del with her Mum and Dad

Del and the descendants of Norm Scale (her grandpa)

Not doing so well!

2007-12-13T20:50:00.000+11:00

After seeing Del doing so well last month, we have been tempted to think that a miraculous cure had healed Dell, but a body scan last week shows that the cancer is still spreading. Del is still up and about but is needing more and more time to rest. She's not enjoying her food as much, and is loosing some weight. Her pain is coming back again, and she needs more analgesic. This is a particularly hard time for Del (and the rest of the family too). They would really appreciate your prayers at this time.

Sill Improving!

2007-11-08T20:40:00.000+11:00

The blood test is dropping showing that the cancer is getting less! This is certainly confirmation as to why she's feeling so much better. She's now walking around the boundary of Delhuntie each day. That's 1.5 kilometers! Del even went down to Melbourne today!

She's now only on 5 mgm of Morphine day and night and soon will be cutting that out too!

She continues to get stronger and stronger and being a blessing to others.

I asked Del, "What do you attribute the dramatic change in your condition" to which she replied "It can only be a miracle". Praise the Lord! Let's keep praying that the trend continues, and that she has a complete recovery.

Still getting stronger!

2007-10-22T21:50:00.000+10:00

I visited Del on Sabbath and to my surprise, Del got up from the couch and walked over to me and gave me a real big hug! Despite her cancer count going still higher, she is feeling and looking a whole lot better. She still inspires me with her strength and determination.

2007-10-22T21:38:00.000+10:00

Del & Kelly Jo. KJ came for a few days and stayed for over 3 weeks (leaving her job behind) to help take care of Del. Thanks a million KJ!

2007-10-22T21:34:00.000+10:00

Del with her nephews, Joey Scale, son of Roo and Marg, and Jalen, son of Daz and Neda

Del is still improving!

2007-10-17T06:36:00.000+10:00

Del is getting much stronger, she walked up the stairs at home by herself! She's getting her appetite back, and she's needing less morphine for the pain! Last Sabbath she even attended church! The atmosphere was electric! She recently witnessed to female ambulance driver who attended church and sat next to Del! Let's keep praying that this trend continues!

Del has had a good week!

2007-10-12T16:59:00.000+10:00

Del has been up and about this week.... walked down to the lake, been over to her flat and is getting stronger! Her cancer count in the blood test is on the way down and she's been eating more! Let's keep praying that this trend will continue!

Del's back home after being is hospital

2007-10-08T12:22:00.000+10:00

Del is back home after a few days in hospital. The nausea meant that she was becoming dehydrated. After about 8 litre bags of fluid, she has improved considerably!

On Sunday, she even walked out to the kitchen for breakfast and even had some eggs!

Del's birthday was on Sunday! She turned 28! There were many friends and loved ones to help her celebrate!

She's on a different pain medication now and that's better for her too.

The results from the blood test for the cancer markers have gone up a little, which is not good news.

I'm still amazed at her courage and strength and witnessing to people while in she was in hospital.

Update on Del #4

2007-10-01T21:01:00.000+10:00

Del's contagious smile! (Picture taken on 28th September 2007)

Del’s courage and her strength was very inspiring to me as I had the opportunity of spending a few days with her. She is so strong!

Her Aunty Robyn was able to organise an electric hospital bed, a wheel chair, a walker and a support for the bath making it easier for her to shower. These are free and on loan from the State government.

She is needing a little stronger pain killers each day and still struggles with nausea thus making it hard to keep food down.

Since Robyn is back at her other job, a carer (Simone) is helping to look after Del along with one of her mates, KJ, from WA. The community nurses (district nurses) are coming in daily to keep an eye on her condition and medication etc.

Happy Surprise Birthday

2007-10-01T20:37:00.000+10:00

Aunty Lorraine organised a beautiful birthday cake

A couple of mates from College, Renae (with her baby) from Newcastle and Kelly Jo from WA

Del watches her slide show pictures

Del will be turning 28 on the 7th of October and a surprise party was organised by Margaret Scale (sister in law) last Sabbath (29th of September). A few of her college mates travelled from interstate to be with her on this special occasion. Most of her immediate family were there, as well as Robyn & Warren and Julie from Cooranbong.

Her niece, Danielle, made a lovely slide show celebrating her life. There was hardly a dry eye at the end as everyone was reminded all the things she has accomplished in her life so far. There was a season of prayer asking God for his continued blessing and healing, but trusting in His providence.

Thinking of visiting Del?

2007-10-01T20:34:00.000+10:00

Del does love having visitors, but we are tiring! Making it short and sweet is the message! Please coordinate with her parents, Elwyn and Helen on 03 5633 1000.

Contacting Del

2007-10-01T20:32:00.001+10:00

Del’s mobile is chockers with text messages! If you’d like to send your love and blessings, drop her a line or send a card instead! Here's the address
Delwyn Scale
Delhuntie Park
Princes Highway
Trafalgar East
VIC 3824

2007-09-28T12:04:00.002+10:00

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Update on Delwyn #3
Robyn flew down last Sunday to help Del. As a community nurse, Rob specialises in palliative care. She has been able to assist with Del's pain management which has helped her lots. Robyn just said that she was walking a little in the house today and even went outside in a wheel chair! That's good news. Julie and I are to Melbourne tomorrow morning to see her, so hopefully we'll be able to give some more up to date news.Thanks so much to people who are sending messages to her... she really appreciates it, even though she is not able to respond to everyone! And of course, thanks too for upholding her in prayer.

2007-09-28T12:04:00.001+10:00

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Delwyn is back home at Delhuntie after a good stay at Highwood. The good news is that the blood tests show a reduction of cancer in her body (down from 275, to 261), making Del, the doctor and family very happy. Blood test will be continuing! She’s definitely feeling better, but still got pain. She’s stiff and not up and about too much.Should you be planning to visit Del, please coordinate with her parents, Elwyn and Helen just to make sure that there isn’t too much going on. They’re phone number is 03 5633 1000 or 0438 563 329.Del wants to thank all of her friends for their love and support. She particularly enjoys text messages, rather than phone calls. She is by no means out of the woods and still needs your love prayers and support. Her faith is stronger than ever.Should you have any nice pictures of Del for the web, please email them to me wscale@gmail.com

2007-09-28T12:02:00.001+10:00

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Almost a couple of years ago, my niece Delwyn, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite having surgeries and a lot of treatment, the cancer has spread through her body with metastases in her lungs and back.While the prognosis is not good, Del’s faith in God is very strong and she’s certainly not giving up. She’s currently in a specialist health retreat centre at Highwood in the Dandenong Ranges. She’ll be there until about the 21st of September when she returns home to her home Delhuntie Park.The cancer is impacting on Del’s life. She’s spending more time in bed due to a tumour putting pressure on her spine. She’s needing some morphine (Endone 5mgm) to help control the pain. As the morphine makes people nauseated, she’s having anti nausea medication when needed (Maxalon).Each of us, as family members, are amazed at her faith in God. Del has said that she’s much closer to God as a result of her struggle and that it is worth going through all of this to bring her closer to God! She is even taking the time to encourage loved ones who are finding it hard accepting this illness.Probably the best way to communicate with Del is by text message as she can then reply at her leisure. Del was anointed some time ago, and just a couple of weeks ago, we had a Sabbath of prayer and fasting petitioning God to heal her if it was His will. We also prayed that if she’s not healed that she won’t be in a lot of pain. (Bone cancer can be very painful).I know that you’ll join with the family in praying for her continued strength and that she may be a blessing to others.