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)

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)

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)

Treatment day 22

Nothing new to report!!! Beth feels good...and there are only 3 MORE TREATMENTS!!! All good news! We went away this past weekend, just the girls. We had a really good time. Although Beth wasn't feeling the greatest it was fun to get away and not have to think about treatments, medicine or doctor appointments. You never really know how much you love your family until you are in a situation like this. There is always good that come out of bad situations...sometimes it can be as simple as realizing just how much you are loved!!! I am thankful for the family and friends God has put in our lives...we are truly blessed!

Someone shared this verse with me tonight...I really liked it...For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11

Treatment day 21

Beth's last week of treatment! It is going to be a great week! On Friday she gets to "ring the bell". At the Siteman Center they have a bell that patients ring when it is their last day of treatment. She is taking the kids with her to have them be a part of this. I think it will be fun for them, to see what mom has been doing for the past 5 weeks. She will be meeting with the surgeon soon to get a date for surgery! She is moving right along...it won't be long before we can say, "Beth is cancer free!!!"



"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Mark 11:22-24)

TREATMENT DAY 20

5 treatments to go and counting!!!!!! We are Memphis bound! Planning on enjoying each others company and getting away from all the stress for a while. It is a time to rejuvenate and get rested up! Will report more on Monday. Have a wonderful weekend...I know we will!

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance. Proverbs 15:13

Treatment day 19

One week and one day to go!!! That is nice to say. We are celebrating this weekend by taking a "girls only" trip. Beth, Trish, Kathy and myself are heading down to Memphis, TN for the weekend. Getting away for a couple of days, spending quality time together, I think that is what is needed by all of us!

Beth is still feeling good...still some annoying side effects, BUT all in all, she is able to deal with it. Hopefully we will have a surgery date and will let everyone know when that will be ASAP!

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. James 4:10

Treatment day 18

Today has been an interesting day. Beth had her 18th treatment today...7 to go! Something the doctors have talked to her about since the very beginning is that she will have a temporary colostomy bag. Obviously a necessary thing, but still not a fun thing. Especially for someone her age. Today she was having a difficult time with this. It amazes me how much of this battle is a mental battle. Of course the physical is obvious, the mental is just as intense. I do believe the human mind is a powerful thing. Please pray that she has peace about everything coming up in the next few months. Pray that she is given strength, both physically and mental to withstand the rest of this fight. When she can't stand on her own, please pray that people are placed in her path that will say uplifting words and speak words of encouragement. We still have a long road ahead of us, but we are up for the challenge! As always, thank you...

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6)

Treatment day 17

8 days and counting! Please keep Beth in your prayers, she is having some mild side effects, not enough to get her down though!!! She is feeling great, just some annoying side effects. We are planning a girls get away this weekend. A time for all of us to connect and spend some good quality time together. We are all looking forward to it!

By whom also we have access by faith into grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:2

Treatment day 16

Less than 2 weeks to go! Beth is feeling great!!! The one minor issue she is having is where they are doing the radiation she feels like she is sun burnt...a pretty normal thing to happen. She told me this morning she would take that over week one any day! Hard to believe she has made it through to this point. She only has 9 more days of radiation and chemo. A week or so after that she hopes to meet with the surgeon and he will let her know when surgery will be. We are thinking surgery will be somewhere during the month of May...no dates just yet. Keep watching and we will keep you informed!! Thanks~

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 (NIV)

Treatment day 15

WOO HOO!!! 3 WEEKS DONE!!!!!!!!!! It has been a GREAT 2 weeks. And just think, only 2 more weeks of this round of treatment! Beth is still feeling great, able to eat, and function like a normal human being...which is great news! She is still on a journey, so please continue to keep her in your prayers.

Until Monday.......here is something to think about....

~ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?Matthew 6:26 (NIV)

Treatment day 14

Today is another day with no new news. I have to say, I am excited to report NOTHING! I personally want to say how very proud I am of Beth and this ordeal she has been going through. As many of you know, she is not the most patient person, she can be demanding and she likes things to go her way. Since January 22, she hasn't had a lot of control of any of the above! I told her from day one, this is something that will require a great deal of patience. She is learning so much about herself through this process. I think she has learned she is a MUCH stronger person than she ever thought she could be. I think she has learned that is a very LOVED person. I also think she has learned to slow down and enjoy the ride of life. The things that we all take for granted, suddenly seem so important when you are faced with a situation like this. But at the same time she is trying to keep life like normal for her and her family. That takes a great deal of balance. So with that being said, again, Beth we are proud of you and you know without a shadow of a doubt you are loved, you are special and we wouldn't change anything about you!!!

I will praise thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are they works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14

Treatment day 13

BETH HAS MADE IT TO HALF WAY!!!!! These past two weeks have been wonderful in comparison to week one. I talked to Beth late last night (it was about 9:05 pm) which for her lately is SUPER LATE! She was getting ready to hang out with her girlfriend! I was tickled! Normally she is in bed and already asleep but yesterday she felt good and was able to have a "normal" day. She has been feeling really good and we are just praying it stays that way for the duration of these treatments. March 19th is getting closer!!!

Thank you to all of you that have sent cards, gift cards and words of encouragement. Just today she received a beautiful spring bouquet, with some of her favorite flowers and colors. She is truly touched. I keep telling her she is loved!!!

He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5 (KJV)

Treatment day 12

Nothing new to report. Tomorrow puts Beth officially half way done with chemo/radiation!!! I know she is pretty excited about that. She is still feeling good, able to eat and keep things down, just still battling with being tired. There is not much they can do to help that. Now that she is not working this gives her time to get treatments done, keep doctor appointments and hopefully get caught up on some rest. She needs to be strong for surgery and after surgery. Sorry nothing more exciting than that, but I have always felt "no news is good news".

Give ear, O Lord, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me. Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. Psalm 86:6-8

Treatment day 11

We are almost officially at the half way mark! Seems like this journey just started and here we are almost half way finished with treatments. Hard to believe. I was able to have dinner with Beth tonight...that was super nice, we don't get to do that very often! Thanks again for treating ;) Can't wait until we can title our post "Treatment day 25" that will be a great day!

For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12