Sorry I haven't updated in a while. Lots has happened in the past 4 weeks! First off, surgery was June 2. Per the surgeon, everything went just as planned! They removed 1 1/2 feet of Beth's colon, the tumor and 27 lymph nodes around the tumor and a ful hysterectomy. Also, they did an iliostomy as well. BIG SURGERY!!! Surgery lasted about 6 hours or so. Beth spent 6 days in the hospital. She was excited to come home needless to say! The recovery has been going exceptionally well. I am amazed at how well Beth has done. I even told her recently that I didn't give her enough credit for how she has handled things. She has faced this head on and strong!!! We are ALL very proud of her and her positive attitude!! 10 days after surgery Beth, Kathy, Mackenzie and myself did the Susan B. Koman walk....what an amazing experience. I have done that walk before, but this year it meant so much more to me. It was very emotional. We had Beth in a wheelchair, she felt strong that she wanted to be a part of it and we wanted to back her in this endeavor. Although she is not a "Breast Cancer" survivor, she is a "Cancer" survivor!!!
On June 15th (I believe that was the date), Beth had an appointment to talk to her medical oncologist to get her pathology report back. Several of us went with her to this appointment...we wanted to hear some great news....that is exactly what we got! The Pathology report showed the cancer was contained in the tumor....ONLY!!!! She was also told before surgery she was considered stage 3 cancer, after treatment and before surgery she was considered stage 1 cancer!!! That means prayer and treatment was working! With that being said and the tumor being gone, Beth is CANCER FREE!!!!! The doctor proceeded to tell her that he wanted to give her an "insurance policy"...due to her age he said he would HIGHLY recommend doing a second round of chemo. BUT, the good news in all of this is initially he told her it would be a 6 month round of treatment, he changed that to only 3 months!!! Which of course he has said that from the beginning.
.....SO, that brings us to today. Today, July 1st, as I am typing this blog, right now, Beth is currently at the hospital getting her first round of chemo. This round is pretty aggressive compared to the last round. She has to go to the hospital once every other week for 4 hours while the medicine is being administered. So all in all, she only has 6 times she has to do this. They said she may lose her hair and they said she may have some other side affects, cold sensitivity, fatigue, upset stomach, vomiting. So I am asking, once again, please continue to keep Beth, Al and the kids in your prayers. This disease does not just affect the person it is trying to invade, it affects the family and friends as well. I know how powerful prayer can be...so I say, "Thank you" in advance.
~Mary
Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Eph. 6:10
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Day before surgery
So this long journey has brought us to today. Beth begins her prep for surgery today. She has to be at the hospital bright and early tomorrow at 6:30 am. Surgery is scheduled to begin at 8:30, they expect surgery to last about 4 hours. I will do my best to update the blog when I can, but I will be at the hospital for the day and will be limited on my computer access. So if you would, when you remember Beth, Al or the kids please say a prayer for them. This has been a 6 month ordeal and I know they are all ready to move past this and get on with living a normal, healthy life.
Beth is going to be in the hospital for a minimum of 3 days could be as many as 7 days. As I have mentioned before, my friend Kelli is organizing taking meals to them. To reach Kelli, her number is 314-221-3498. Anything you feel led to do would be appreciated. I know she is planning on taking meals to their house on Sunday (June 6th).
These past few months have been very trying for Beth, Al and our entire family. Such a roller coaster ride. Good days, bad days, horrible days, great days...you name it, she has had it! I am sure there are more roller coaster day rides coming up. So I would ask you to continue to keep her in prayer. I have talked to a couple dear friends in the past couple of days that have felt led to pray for Beth and they both keep telling me that they have complete peace about surgery and the upcoming months. And I too have complete confidence that Beth will be able to say she is "cancer free"! I feel that is a promise and God doesn't go back on his promises. I have a book that has nothing but scriptures in it and the ones I am posting today have to do with healing. These are promises, they are promises that I am believing are directly for Beth. Thanks again for your love, thoughts and again most of all your prayers.....
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. I Peter 2:24 (NIV)
He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16 (NIV)
Beth is going to be in the hospital for a minimum of 3 days could be as many as 7 days. As I have mentioned before, my friend Kelli is organizing taking meals to them. To reach Kelli, her number is 314-221-3498. Anything you feel led to do would be appreciated. I know she is planning on taking meals to their house on Sunday (June 6th).
These past few months have been very trying for Beth, Al and our entire family. Such a roller coaster ride. Good days, bad days, horrible days, great days...you name it, she has had it! I am sure there are more roller coaster day rides coming up. So I would ask you to continue to keep her in prayer. I have talked to a couple dear friends in the past couple of days that have felt led to pray for Beth and they both keep telling me that they have complete peace about surgery and the upcoming months. And I too have complete confidence that Beth will be able to say she is "cancer free"! I feel that is a promise and God doesn't go back on his promises. I have a book that has nothing but scriptures in it and the ones I am posting today have to do with healing. These are promises, they are promises that I am believing are directly for Beth. Thanks again for your love, thoughts and again most of all your prayers.....
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. I Peter 2:24 (NIV)
He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16 (NIV)
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Surgery - 2 weeks from today
I know it has been a while since my last post...but thankfully nothing has been going on! Until now....Beth is 2 weeks away from surgery. She goes in on Wednesday June 2. Surgery begins at 8:30 a.m. They have said for her to anticipate being in the hospital 5-7 days. About 4-6 weeks for recovery. So the next 2 months we are in BIG need of prayer! Here are the details:
When Beth went to see the surgeon he gave her a LOT to think about.
First off: He told her as a result of the chemo and radiation, her ovaries and uterus are fried. This has sent her into early menopause. She is having hot flashes and all that good stuff. For that reason and the fact that cancer of the uterus and colon cancer are direct relatives, he has recommended she have a complete hysterectomy.
Second: He is giving Beth the choice, he is recommending either complete removal of her colon or removal of a portion of it. He doesn't want the cancer to move into the colon. He said the ONLY way he would be comfortable NOT removing the entire colon would be if he knew for sure that she would be in EVERY 2 years for repeat colonoscopies. He said even 10 years down the road when this is a memory and she is feeling great, she cannot afford to miss one of these tests.
Third: Of course removal of the tumor that is remaining (he was able to tell her at the last appointment that the tumor is shrinking!!!!). He told her by surgery day he expects the tumor to be almost gone, at least that is how I understood it.
So those are the options and this is what Beth is going with.....Of course getting the remaining tumor and all lymph nodes around it out! She is going to go through with the hysterectomy and at this point she will have only a portion of the colon removed. The doctor anticipates surgery lasting a total of 4 hours.
So as you can see, lots of things happening on June 2. I can tell you that Beth is getting anxious (rightly so). So once again, I am asking each of you to keep her in prayer. Pray for Beth, Al and the kids, for peace and no fear. Pray for the surgeons (there will be 2 performing the surgeries) pray for the nurses. Pray that everything go smooth and a quick recovery.
I forgot to mention, 4 weeks after surgery she will begin chemo again. That will happen I believe every other week, for 6 months.
I think that brings everyone completely up to date. I will update with any changes and of course I will update after surgery. As always, thank you seems inadequate for all your faithful prayers, without them, not sure where we would be.
Eternally grateful!!!!!
Mary
Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments. Psalm 78:7
The hope of the righteous shall be gladness. Proverbs 10:28
When Beth went to see the surgeon he gave her a LOT to think about.
First off: He told her as a result of the chemo and radiation, her ovaries and uterus are fried. This has sent her into early menopause. She is having hot flashes and all that good stuff. For that reason and the fact that cancer of the uterus and colon cancer are direct relatives, he has recommended she have a complete hysterectomy.
Second: He is giving Beth the choice, he is recommending either complete removal of her colon or removal of a portion of it. He doesn't want the cancer to move into the colon. He said the ONLY way he would be comfortable NOT removing the entire colon would be if he knew for sure that she would be in EVERY 2 years for repeat colonoscopies. He said even 10 years down the road when this is a memory and she is feeling great, she cannot afford to miss one of these tests.
Third: Of course removal of the tumor that is remaining (he was able to tell her at the last appointment that the tumor is shrinking!!!!). He told her by surgery day he expects the tumor to be almost gone, at least that is how I understood it.
So those are the options and this is what Beth is going with.....Of course getting the remaining tumor and all lymph nodes around it out! She is going to go through with the hysterectomy and at this point she will have only a portion of the colon removed. The doctor anticipates surgery lasting a total of 4 hours.
So as you can see, lots of things happening on June 2. I can tell you that Beth is getting anxious (rightly so). So once again, I am asking each of you to keep her in prayer. Pray for Beth, Al and the kids, for peace and no fear. Pray for the surgeons (there will be 2 performing the surgeries) pray for the nurses. Pray that everything go smooth and a quick recovery.
I forgot to mention, 4 weeks after surgery she will begin chemo again. That will happen I believe every other week, for 6 months.
I think that brings everyone completely up to date. I will update with any changes and of course I will update after surgery. As always, thank you seems inadequate for all your faithful prayers, without them, not sure where we would be.
Eternally grateful!!!!!
Mary
Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments. Psalm 78:7
The hope of the righteous shall be gladness. Proverbs 10:28
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Surgery date
Last week Beth turned 30!!! We celebrated this past weekend with a surprise party for her. Al did a great job of putting the details together and everyone had a good time.
Beth is feeling good and actually went back to work this past Monday. Due to the fact that she isn't a patient person (but we still love you!) she got her appointment moved up to see the surgeon. She saw him today. Lots of information was given at the appointment. Bottom line, Beth is having surgery on June 2nd. She will have about a 5 day stay in the hospital, give or take. The doctor was able to tell her that the tumor is responding to the meds, which is an answer to prayer!!! He thinks by the time she has surgery it will be even smaller.
They have lots to think about right now and decisions to make, if you could keep them in prayer I know they would appreciate it. If I have more information or if anything changes between now and June 2nd, I will certainly keep everyone up to date. Thanks again for your love and prayers.
I will...guide you along the best pathway for your life; I will advise you and watch your progress. Psalm 32:8
Beth is feeling good and actually went back to work this past Monday. Due to the fact that she isn't a patient person (but we still love you!) she got her appointment moved up to see the surgeon. She saw him today. Lots of information was given at the appointment. Bottom line, Beth is having surgery on June 2nd. She will have about a 5 day stay in the hospital, give or take. The doctor was able to tell her that the tumor is responding to the meds, which is an answer to prayer!!! He thinks by the time she has surgery it will be even smaller.
They have lots to think about right now and decisions to make, if you could keep them in prayer I know they would appreciate it. If I have more information or if anything changes between now and June 2nd, I will certainly keep everyone up to date. Thanks again for your love and prayers.
I will...guide you along the best pathway for your life; I will advise you and watch your progress. Psalm 32:8
Friday, March 19, 2010
LAST DAY ---TREATEMENT DAY 25
Today was Beth's last treatment. I went with her today along with the kids. Before we went back for her treatment a woman walked into the waiting room and announced "I am done!" she got to ring the bell!!! The hospital has a gold bell in the waiting room and on the last day of treatment when you walk out, you ring the bell. Everyone in the room clapped for her. It was cool to see.
So when they came to get Beth we were all able to go back with her. We got to see the room where they actually administer the radiation, we saw the body mold that Beth lays in daily to receive treatments. It was all pretty interesting. From there me and the kids stepped out during the actual treatment and we were able to watch via a monitor while she was receiving treatment. It was pretty interesting...I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't what I envisioned. When she was done, they pressed the intercom button and Avery announced to her "you are done." They asked Beth if she wanted the body mold, she told them she would pass, they could burn it!!!! So then it was our turn...we walked through the waiting room, Beth got to ring the bell. I don't know about her, but I did get a little emotional. I didn't cry, but I was close. So excited to see her get to this point. When we were in the car driving back home Avery asked Beth "is that the last time you ever have to do that for the rest of your life?" I almost cried then too...I just assumed the kids didn't really get it, but they understand far more than they are given credit for. Of course Beth's response was, "I hope so."
As I was driving to work I was replaying the entire morning. I suddenly felt a great peace over me. With EVERYTHING in me I believe Beth is going to be able to say "I am a cancer survivor!" I believe in MIRACLES and I believe a miracle is happening before our eyes.
This will be my last post for a while. I won't be posting daily, unless something unusual happens, but I will for sure post something after her appointment on April 20th. We should have a surgery date then. Again, I thank each and everyone of you for your continued prayers. I can't imagine having gone through all of this without prayer. Thank you!
What a God he is! How perfect in every way! All his promises prove true. Psalm 18:30 (TLB)
So when they came to get Beth we were all able to go back with her. We got to see the room where they actually administer the radiation, we saw the body mold that Beth lays in daily to receive treatments. It was all pretty interesting. From there me and the kids stepped out during the actual treatment and we were able to watch via a monitor while she was receiving treatment. It was pretty interesting...I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't what I envisioned. When she was done, they pressed the intercom button and Avery announced to her "you are done." They asked Beth if she wanted the body mold, she told them she would pass, they could burn it!!!! So then it was our turn...we walked through the waiting room, Beth got to ring the bell. I don't know about her, but I did get a little emotional. I didn't cry, but I was close. So excited to see her get to this point. When we were in the car driving back home Avery asked Beth "is that the last time you ever have to do that for the rest of your life?" I almost cried then too...I just assumed the kids didn't really get it, but they understand far more than they are given credit for. Of course Beth's response was, "I hope so."
As I was driving to work I was replaying the entire morning. I suddenly felt a great peace over me. With EVERYTHING in me I believe Beth is going to be able to say "I am a cancer survivor!" I believe in MIRACLES and I believe a miracle is happening before our eyes.
This will be my last post for a while. I won't be posting daily, unless something unusual happens, but I will for sure post something after her appointment on April 20th. We should have a surgery date then. Again, I thank each and everyone of you for your continued prayers. I can't imagine having gone through all of this without prayer. Thank you!
What a God he is! How perfect in every way! All his promises prove true. Psalm 18:30 (TLB)
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Treatment day 24
This time tomorrow I will be posting, Treatment day 25...last day!!!! Hard to believe. Beth has been SUCH a trooper during this process. Sure she has had her days of not feeling well, vomiting, fatigue...all normal things to experience while battling cancer. She has remained positive for the duration of this process. I think we could all say she has done an amazing job. I will be joining her tomorrow at treatment, I am sitting in the waiting room with the kids and we are all going to witness her ringing the bell. It signifies her last radiation treatment. It will be a great day! Thank you for all the prayers during these past 5 weeks, please don't stop!!!! This is just the first 5 weeks, she has more weeks to go with surgery, recovery and more chemo after surgery. But I promise to keep you all updated as we finish this journey. Thanks again..............
These signs will accompany those who believe...they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well. Mark 16:17-18 (NIV)
These signs will accompany those who believe...they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well. Mark 16:17-18 (NIV)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Treatment day 23
2 more days!!! As excited as I am I KNOW Beth is WAY more excited.
She met with her Oncologist today, she has an appointment on April 20th with the surgeon. THIS IS JUST AN APPOINTMENT, this is NOT the day of surgery. I would assume on the 20th is when they will schedule the surgery. The Oncologist told her it will probably be 2 weeks after the April 20th appointment she will have surgery. Will let you know as soon as we have a date.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
She met with her Oncologist today, she has an appointment on April 20th with the surgeon. THIS IS JUST AN APPOINTMENT, this is NOT the day of surgery. I would assume on the 20th is when they will schedule the surgery. The Oncologist told her it will probably be 2 weeks after the April 20th appointment she will have surgery. Will let you know as soon as we have a date.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
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