Dear Family, Friends,
We just made arrangements for Will's funeral this morning.
The ceremony will take place:
Monday September 20, at 2:00 pm
McInnis & Holloway Funeral Home
5008 Elbow Drive SW
Calgary
If you would like to participate in Will's ceremony in any way, please contact me (Jack Vanderlee)
jack@jawdropmarketing.com - 403 809 4214) before Sat. Sept 18 - to ensure proper preparation.
Please feel free to pass this information on to everyone you know, who would like to attend our farewell to Will.
Thank you.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
September 15, 2010
ENGLISH
Dear Family, Friends,
With deep sadness we have to announce that our dear husband, father, son, brother (in-law) and friend William (Willy) Lenz who we all love so much, has passed away this morning.
After a courageous battle, Will succumbed to the injuries he sustained from his severe heart attack 8 days ago. Though he put up a serious fight, trying to overcome this event, his weakening lungs were predominantly the factor that he couldn't take any more complications. This morning, his blood pressure and oxygen level dropped to unsustainable levels, giving him no possible chance to survive.
Together with the doctor in charge, we decided to give Will the rest he clearly desired over the last few days.
As a family, we stood around Will's bed to support him during his last moments and let him peacefully fade away into eternity.
Marianne and family need some time to make preparations for his funeral and will let you know when the service will take place - a.s.a.p.
Thank you so much for all your support and still - keep thinking of Will.
NEDERLANDS
Lieve Familie, Vrienden,
Met diepe verslagenheid moeten wij mededelen dat onze lieve man, vader, zoon, broer, zwager en vriend William (Willy) Lenz, van wie we allemaal zo veel houden, vanmorgen is overleden.
Na een moedige strijd, is Willy bezweken onder de verwondingen, die 8 dagen geleden zijn hartaanval heeft veroorzaakt. Zijn hevige gevecht om te overleven kon niet voorkomen dat voornamelijk zijn verslechterende longen de factor waren dat hij geen extra complicaties meer kon verdragen.
Hedenochtend echter, daalden zijn bloeddruk en zuurstofgehalte tot een onoverkomelijk niveau, waardoor overleven onmogelijk werd.
In overleg met de dienstdoende dokter, hebben we allemaal besloten om Will de rust te geven waar hij de laatste dagen duidelijk naar verlangde.
Als familie, hebben we rond Will's bed gestaan om hem bij te staan tijdens zijn laatste momenten, en lieten we hem vredig wegglijden in de eeuwigheid.
Marianne en familie hebben wat tijd nodig om de voorbereidingen te treffen voor zijn begrafenis en we zullen allen zo spoedig mogelijk laten weten wanneer de plechtigheid plaats zal vinden.
Dank aan iedereen voor jullie betrokkenheid en - blijf aan Will denken.
Dear Family, Friends,
With deep sadness we have to announce that our dear husband, father, son, brother (in-law) and friend William (Willy) Lenz who we all love so much, has passed away this morning.
After a courageous battle, Will succumbed to the injuries he sustained from his severe heart attack 8 days ago. Though he put up a serious fight, trying to overcome this event, his weakening lungs were predominantly the factor that he couldn't take any more complications. This morning, his blood pressure and oxygen level dropped to unsustainable levels, giving him no possible chance to survive.
Together with the doctor in charge, we decided to give Will the rest he clearly desired over the last few days.
As a family, we stood around Will's bed to support him during his last moments and let him peacefully fade away into eternity.
Marianne and family need some time to make preparations for his funeral and will let you know when the service will take place - a.s.a.p.
Thank you so much for all your support and still - keep thinking of Will.
NEDERLANDS
Lieve Familie, Vrienden,
Met diepe verslagenheid moeten wij mededelen dat onze lieve man, vader, zoon, broer, zwager en vriend William (Willy) Lenz, van wie we allemaal zo veel houden, vanmorgen is overleden.
Na een moedige strijd, is Willy bezweken onder de verwondingen, die 8 dagen geleden zijn hartaanval heeft veroorzaakt. Zijn hevige gevecht om te overleven kon niet voorkomen dat voornamelijk zijn verslechterende longen de factor waren dat hij geen extra complicaties meer kon verdragen.
Hedenochtend echter, daalden zijn bloeddruk en zuurstofgehalte tot een onoverkomelijk niveau, waardoor overleven onmogelijk werd.
In overleg met de dienstdoende dokter, hebben we allemaal besloten om Will de rust te geven waar hij de laatste dagen duidelijk naar verlangde.
Als familie, hebben we rond Will's bed gestaan om hem bij te staan tijdens zijn laatste momenten, en lieten we hem vredig wegglijden in de eeuwigheid.
Marianne en familie hebben wat tijd nodig om de voorbereidingen te treffen voor zijn begrafenis en we zullen allen zo spoedig mogelijk laten weten wanneer de plechtigheid plaats zal vinden.
Dank aan iedereen voor jullie betrokkenheid en - blijf aan Will denken.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
September 14, 2010
It's been a week now, and Will is still hanging in there, which shows his natural strength. Today, he's been trying to recover from yesterday's 'switch' event. They administered a paralyzing fluid, that has to keep his body absolutely motionless, to give him the rest he needs. Now, hooked up to even more tubes, wires and machines, he managed to look a little bit better and less swollen than yesterday. Good work Will.
Will's parents and brother arrived in Calgary tonight to support him in this time of need.
The lungs are still the focus of concern. The start of an inflammation was mentioned in the afternoon by one of the doctors, which is not a positive issue. Good news is that his heart is now beating on its own, but unfortunately not strong enough to start the breathing process. Let's hope that his heart will now grow significantly stronger (fast) to take over from the ventilation machine.
We are all hoping for some incremental improvements in the next coming hours/days. It's crucial that it goes better from here...
But remember, Will is still holding on. At every visit we all whisper in his ears that he needs to keep on fighting and can't let go to win this battle.
Please, keep on fighting with Will - and all of us.
Thank you.
Will's parents and brother arrived in Calgary tonight to support him in this time of need.
The lungs are still the focus of concern. The start of an inflammation was mentioned in the afternoon by one of the doctors, which is not a positive issue. Good news is that his heart is now beating on its own, but unfortunately not strong enough to start the breathing process. Let's hope that his heart will now grow significantly stronger (fast) to take over from the ventilation machine.
We are all hoping for some incremental improvements in the next coming hours/days. It's crucial that it goes better from here...
But remember, Will is still holding on. At every visit we all whisper in his ears that he needs to keep on fighting and can't let go to win this battle.
Please, keep on fighting with Will - and all of us.
Thank you.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Monday - September 13, 2010
Another day where Will had to fight some battles. His digestive system is starting to give some problems. But that is something that the doctors can deal with.
We all know that Will likes to do things himself and doesn't like to ask or get any help which in this situation is very hard for him. And as a result Will started to reject the heart/lung machine. He wanted to do the job himself again.
Even though they wanted to wait another day, the doctors decided to remove the heart/lung machine since it was starting to give Will problems. They wanted to see if the heart was strong enough to do this task on its own again.
This afternoon around 4 pm local time, they started the process and half way through the procedure they noticed that his body wasn't accepting this responsibility yet. They had to hook up the heart/lung machine again but this time they inserted the tube in his neck. They had to give him another oxygen machine because they need to get the carbon dioxide out and the new machine seems to be doing a better job with that.
It has been an enormous traumatic day for Will and his body shows it at the moment. He's more swollen than ever but after talking to the nurse, she assured us that the trauma he has gone through today is the reason for that. Tonight they would hook him up to the dialysis machine again and the swelling will get less in the next couple of days.
Will has a long road ahead of him and it's not expected that he'll be leaving the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) soon. He is still in critical condition but stable at the moment. His heart is again a bit stronger today than it was yesterday and we're all happy about that. If his heart keeps getting stronger, which is the case since several days in a row, then when they take away the heart/lung machine his body will start the natural process again which will benefit his lungs right away.
As mentioned before... we believe in 'Will Power'!
We all know that Will likes to do things himself and doesn't like to ask or get any help which in this situation is very hard for him. And as a result Will started to reject the heart/lung machine. He wanted to do the job himself again.
Even though they wanted to wait another day, the doctors decided to remove the heart/lung machine since it was starting to give Will problems. They wanted to see if the heart was strong enough to do this task on its own again.
This afternoon around 4 pm local time, they started the process and half way through the procedure they noticed that his body wasn't accepting this responsibility yet. They had to hook up the heart/lung machine again but this time they inserted the tube in his neck. They had to give him another oxygen machine because they need to get the carbon dioxide out and the new machine seems to be doing a better job with that.
It has been an enormous traumatic day for Will and his body shows it at the moment. He's more swollen than ever but after talking to the nurse, she assured us that the trauma he has gone through today is the reason for that. Tonight they would hook him up to the dialysis machine again and the swelling will get less in the next couple of days.
Will has a long road ahead of him and it's not expected that he'll be leaving the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) soon. He is still in critical condition but stable at the moment. His heart is again a bit stronger today than it was yesterday and we're all happy about that. If his heart keeps getting stronger, which is the case since several days in a row, then when they take away the heart/lung machine his body will start the natural process again which will benefit his lungs right away.
As mentioned before... we believe in 'Will Power'!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
September 12, 2010
Family, Friends,
It's way too early to be jubilant, but Will showed the first signs of stability today. When the heart/lung machine was lowered down (a daily test), his heart clearly showed 'take over' signs. Still way too weak to do the real thing, but the recorded activity is hugely encouraging.
Also, the condition of his lungs did not deteriorate; meaning that the amount of fluid in there didn't increase. The swellings in his face, arms, hands, legs and feet are slowly but visibly decreasing. All together a clear and direct result of the continuous dialysis.
Will's medication was adjusted again, specifically the sedation part. Reason: they don't want to risk "hooking" him on any of the very addictive sedatives. So - good news. But again, no reason yet to get too excited. He's still marked as in critical condition.
Believe it or not, but we can 'read' that Will is more comfortable in his current condition. His determined body language and more relaxed look upon his face are evidence to us that he has clearly accepted this fight and that he is hanging in there with all his might. We told him that this is the biggest deal of his life, and that he better close it this time!
Marianne is a little bit less shaky after an overwhelming, and rocky 5-day emotional roller-coaster. She wants to let you know that she's grateful for all your support and asks everyone to pass the link of this blog on to other friends and/or relationships, who don't know yet about Will.
We hope that everyone understands the need for privacy in this situation, since Will is in no circumstance to accept any other visitors than direct family members. We have clear and stringent instructions from the doctors to keep the amount of visits at a minimum to give his heart the rest it needs to recover.
Resume for now:
Will is far from 'out of the woods', and unexpected complications may arise.
But the amount of technology, care and most of all the 'Will-Power!' is there to win this battle. We believe in it.
Please keep on posting your comments to keep Will, Marianne and family going.
Thank you.
It's way too early to be jubilant, but Will showed the first signs of stability today. When the heart/lung machine was lowered down (a daily test), his heart clearly showed 'take over' signs. Still way too weak to do the real thing, but the recorded activity is hugely encouraging.
Also, the condition of his lungs did not deteriorate; meaning that the amount of fluid in there didn't increase. The swellings in his face, arms, hands, legs and feet are slowly but visibly decreasing. All together a clear and direct result of the continuous dialysis.
Will's medication was adjusted again, specifically the sedation part. Reason: they don't want to risk "hooking" him on any of the very addictive sedatives. So - good news. But again, no reason yet to get too excited. He's still marked as in critical condition.
Believe it or not, but we can 'read' that Will is more comfortable in his current condition. His determined body language and more relaxed look upon his face are evidence to us that he has clearly accepted this fight and that he is hanging in there with all his might. We told him that this is the biggest deal of his life, and that he better close it this time!
Marianne is a little bit less shaky after an overwhelming, and rocky 5-day emotional roller-coaster. She wants to let you know that she's grateful for all your support and asks everyone to pass the link of this blog on to other friends and/or relationships, who don't know yet about Will.
We hope that everyone understands the need for privacy in this situation, since Will is in no circumstance to accept any other visitors than direct family members. We have clear and stringent instructions from the doctors to keep the amount of visits at a minimum to give his heart the rest it needs to recover.
Resume for now:
Will is far from 'out of the woods', and unexpected complications may arise.
But the amount of technology, care and most of all the 'Will-Power!' is there to win this battle. We believe in it.
Please keep on posting your comments to keep Will, Marianne and family going.
Thank you.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
September 11, 2010
This day didn't start too well for Will, but is ending on a positive note. The fact is, he is still in critical condition, completely sedated, and heart and lungs are kept going by the machines. Unfortunately, in the morning, his kidneys started to fail. He stopped producing urine, and as a consequence, he is holding way to much fluid. His face, hands and feet are very swollen, but the nurse assured us that it doesn't hurt him. Dialysis, was the only option, so around 2 PM, yet another machine was located between the others.(It truly looks like a spaceship in there with all the high tech stuff and a myriad of computerized equipment, LCD screens, and beeping sounds.)
We all agree that the people at the Foothills Hospital are doing a fantastic job. One of the nurses told us that for a patient like Will, a team of around FORTY people (working in shifts) are making sure that he gets the best care possible.
Obviously, Will is having a very hard time. Even through his sedation, you can see the struggle on his face, but it also shows that he's fighting back. We are telling him everyday that he has to keep doing that because this is without a doubt the fight of his life.
Heidi and Melody arrived in Calgary from Edmonton to visit their Dad this weekend.
Rudy had to go back to Vancouver yesterday.
The good news is: the doctor in charge let us know that Will's heart got a tiny bit STRONGER today! It's not even close to what it should be, but we're all grateful for every sign of progress. And proven progress it is. Also: he responded well to another 'heart-soothing' medication. They are trying different medication all the time when they're not happy with the results of some.
Hopefully, there won't be other complications like today with his kidneys.
Keep thinking of Will. He needs it.
We all agree that the people at the Foothills Hospital are doing a fantastic job. One of the nurses told us that for a patient like Will, a team of around FORTY people (working in shifts) are making sure that he gets the best care possible.
Obviously, Will is having a very hard time. Even through his sedation, you can see the struggle on his face, but it also shows that he's fighting back. We are telling him everyday that he has to keep doing that because this is without a doubt the fight of his life.
Heidi and Melody arrived in Calgary from Edmonton to visit their Dad this weekend.
Rudy had to go back to Vancouver yesterday.
The good news is: the doctor in charge let us know that Will's heart got a tiny bit STRONGER today! It's not even close to what it should be, but we're all grateful for every sign of progress. And proven progress it is. Also: he responded well to another 'heart-soothing' medication. They are trying different medication all the time when they're not happy with the results of some.
Hopefully, there won't be other complications like today with his kidneys.
Keep thinking of Will. He needs it.
Friday, September 10, 2010
English / Nederlands
ENGLISH:
Today was a day with ups and downs. We've had a very good meeting with one of the doctors who really took the time to explain to us what was and currently is happening with Willy. There are several doctors looking after Will and as a result we were getting mixed information. But today we were able to put all the pieces together and we can inform you more accurately what's going on. Apparently his left heart chamber was more damaged then the right one but at this very moment they're approximately at the same level which means that the heart is improving every day a little bit which obviously is fantastic news. The negative news is that his lungs contain fluids which can result into pneumonia. At this point they don't think he has pneumonia but they're giving him medication to avoid him getting it. The fluid is most likely caused by a certain blood cell that is decreasing. His oxygen level was too low and they replaced the lung machine that was providing oxygen to Will with another machine which, as we learned tonight, is momentarily doing the job and at this very moment, his oxygen level is very acceptable. Most patients in this severe situation are becoming delirious because of the medication, pain and sedation. But not Will, which according to the doctor is exceptional. Considering the circumstances, Marianne and the boys are doing well. They are strong and stay positive. Will keeps fighting and we're all on his side fighting with him.
NEDERLANDS:
Vandaag was een dag met ups and downs. We hebben een heel goed gesprek gehad met een van de artsen die echt de tijd nam om ons precies uit te leggen wat er is gebeurt en momenteel nog steeds gebeurt met Will. Er zijn verschillende artsen die Will behandelen met als resultaat dat wij verschillende diagnoses hebben gekregen. Vandaag hebben we eindelijk de puzzelstukjes in elkaar kunnen leggen en kunnen we jullie meer accuraat informeren betreffende Will zijn situatie. Blijkbaar was zijn linker hartkamer meer beschadigd dan zijn rechter maar op dit moment zijn ze beide vrijwel op hetzelfde level wat betekent dat Will zijn hart iedere dag een klein beetje meer zelfstandig gaat functioneren wat uiteraard fantastisch nieuws is. Het negatieve nieuws is dat hij inmiddels vocht in zijn longen heeft gekregen wat longontsteking kan veroorzaken. Ze denken niet dat hij momenteel longontsteking heeft maar geven hem preventief medicijnen om het te voorkomen. Het vocht in zijn longen wordt waarschijnlijk veroorzaakt doordat een bepaalde bloedcel in level vermindert. Hierdoor was zijn zuurstof level veel te laag en hebben ze de longmachine vervangen door een andere longmachine die op een andere manier werkt. Vanavond hebben we vernomen dat deze machine momenteel zijn werk doet en Will zijn zuurstofgehalte weer acceptabel is. De meeste patienten in deze extreme omstandigheden worden deliries door de pijn, medicijnen en verdoving maar niet Will wat volgens de arts uitzonderlijk is. Ondanks deze zware tijd doen Marian en de jongens het goed. Ze houden zich heel sterk en blijven positief. Will blijft vechten en wij staan aan zijn zijde en vechten met hem mee.
Today was a day with ups and downs. We've had a very good meeting with one of the doctors who really took the time to explain to us what was and currently is happening with Willy. There are several doctors looking after Will and as a result we were getting mixed information. But today we were able to put all the pieces together and we can inform you more accurately what's going on. Apparently his left heart chamber was more damaged then the right one but at this very moment they're approximately at the same level which means that the heart is improving every day a little bit which obviously is fantastic news. The negative news is that his lungs contain fluids which can result into pneumonia. At this point they don't think he has pneumonia but they're giving him medication to avoid him getting it. The fluid is most likely caused by a certain blood cell that is decreasing. His oxygen level was too low and they replaced the lung machine that was providing oxygen to Will with another machine which, as we learned tonight, is momentarily doing the job and at this very moment, his oxygen level is very acceptable. Most patients in this severe situation are becoming delirious because of the medication, pain and sedation. But not Will, which according to the doctor is exceptional. Considering the circumstances, Marianne and the boys are doing well. They are strong and stay positive. Will keeps fighting and we're all on his side fighting with him.
NEDERLANDS:
Vandaag was een dag met ups and downs. We hebben een heel goed gesprek gehad met een van de artsen die echt de tijd nam om ons precies uit te leggen wat er is gebeurt en momenteel nog steeds gebeurt met Will. Er zijn verschillende artsen die Will behandelen met als resultaat dat wij verschillende diagnoses hebben gekregen. Vandaag hebben we eindelijk de puzzelstukjes in elkaar kunnen leggen en kunnen we jullie meer accuraat informeren betreffende Will zijn situatie. Blijkbaar was zijn linker hartkamer meer beschadigd dan zijn rechter maar op dit moment zijn ze beide vrijwel op hetzelfde level wat betekent dat Will zijn hart iedere dag een klein beetje meer zelfstandig gaat functioneren wat uiteraard fantastisch nieuws is. Het negatieve nieuws is dat hij inmiddels vocht in zijn longen heeft gekregen wat longontsteking kan veroorzaken. Ze denken niet dat hij momenteel longontsteking heeft maar geven hem preventief medicijnen om het te voorkomen. Het vocht in zijn longen wordt waarschijnlijk veroorzaakt doordat een bepaalde bloedcel in level vermindert. Hierdoor was zijn zuurstof level veel te laag en hebben ze de longmachine vervangen door een andere longmachine die op een andere manier werkt. Vanavond hebben we vernomen dat deze machine momenteel zijn werk doet en Will zijn zuurstofgehalte weer acceptabel is. De meeste patienten in deze extreme omstandigheden worden deliries door de pijn, medicijnen en verdoving maar niet Will wat volgens de arts uitzonderlijk is. Ondanks deze zware tijd doen Marian en de jongens het goed. Ze houden zich heel sterk en blijven positief. Will blijft vechten en wij staan aan zijn zijde en vechten met hem mee.
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