Sunday, January 20, 2013
It has been many moons since we have given an update and we are pleased to report.....there is nothing to report! The Oncologist has decreased the check ups from every 6 months to once a year. Occasionally we read through old journal entries and remember the challenges that we went through. We always come away with renewed gratitude for so many blessings and vow to enjoy every day of good health.
Happy!!!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
It is hard to believe that it has been 8 weeks since surgery. Beth is feeling really good. She has full range of motion, lots of energy and a great attitude. She says that she is not just a cancer survivor but she is a cancer thriver!! We still count our blessings every day that the surgery was successful and there is no need for follow up treatments. Life is different than it was before because of the lessons we have learned, the wisdom we have gained, the love we have received and felt, and the priorities that have been rearranged. Orson F. Whitney said it best: "No pain we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our character, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God...and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven." To these words we say....AMEN!!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
We must share the amazing news from yesterday's oncologist appointment.......no need for chemo or radiation therapy!!! Yip, yip, yippeeeeeeeee!!! The surgery has taken care of the cancer. We are more than thrilled and thank all of our family, friends and acquaintenances for their well-wishes, prayers and faith that strengthened and supported us on the cancer rollercoaster for the past 10 weeks. We are now anxious for Beth to continue to heal, get all her energy levels back and really start enjoying life. We would not trade this experience for anything because of the marvelous lessons learned and experience gained. Life is beautiful...even with all its ups, downs and turn arounds!!!
Sunday, October 10, 2011
It is hard to believe that it has been 8 weeks since surgery. Beth is feeling really good. She has full range of motion, lots of energy and a great attitude. She says that she is not just a cancer survivor but she is a cancer thriver!! We still count our blessings every day that the surgery was successful and there is no need for follow up treatments. Life is different than it was before because of the lessons we have learned, the wisdom we have gained, the love we have received and felt, and the priorities that have been rearranged. Orson F. Whitney said it best: "No pain we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our character, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God...and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven." To these words we say....AMEN!!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
We must share the amazing news from yesterday's oncologist appointment.......no need for chemo or radiation therapy!!! Yip, yip, yippeeeeeeeee!!! The surgery has taken care of the cancer. We are more than thrilled and thank all of our family, friends and acquaintenances for their well-wishes, prayers and faith that strengthened and supported us on the cancer rollercoaster for the past 10 weeks. We are now anxious for Beth to continue to heal, get all her energy levels back and really start enjoying life. We would not trade this experience for anything because of the marvelous lessons learned and experience gained. Life is beautiful...even with all its ups, downs and turn arounds!!!
Sunday, October 10, 2011
Beth is back to work full time. She worked 10 - 14 hour days last weekend during General Conference. With the assistance of a caretaker (Jared on Saturday, Katie on Sunday) and the placement of a comfy couch, she was able to take care of her responsibilities. She loves her job!
Other than the need to have the doctor drain fluid from a pocket of swelling (100 cc), she is doing pretty good. Wednesday she sees the oncologist to see what post-surgery treatments are recommended. Thanks again to all who continue to check up on her and wish her continued healing.
Wednesday, Sept 28, 2011
Beth here: Hard to belief that surgery was three weeks ago! The body has an amazing ability to heal but the mind has a hard time being patient with the process. However, I have a new appreciation for the discomfort, it reminds me...and gives me permission... to take it easy, take a nap and take it slow.
With the last drain removed last Wednesday, my darling and wise husband whisked me away for a long weekend in the country. It was good to enjoy the peace and quite of our "enchanted cottage" in Randolph. Sweet friends and neighbors there strengthen us with their kind acts and genuine concern. It also made it impossible for me to push too hard and go to work for the General Relief Society event. He knows me so well and takes such good care of me. What would I do without him?! I am a lucky girl.
Returned to work this week, staying for a few hours each day. It is good to be busy and to associate with wonderful co-workers again.
Tuesday, Sept. 20th, 2011
Beth tried to get some work items taken care of today. She loves her job so much, especially the Guest Services Missionaries that she works so closely with at the Conference Center. The many phone calls and emails that occurred today as preparations are made for Saturday's General Relief Society Meeting and next weeks even bigger General Conference were a boost to her spirits, but I dare say made her pretty tired. She really wants to be well enough to work the RS meeting Saturday. Does this surprise anyone who knows Beth? The doctor said she could go if she feels up to it. I have my doubts but I am not counting her out. Should have the last drain pulled tomorrow but she still has a slight fever from the infection. Our neighbor, Janey Jones, came over today and brought a wonderful lunch to eat with Beth. So many people have been so kind and helpful.
Frank
Monday, September 19th, 2011
We took a trip to the doctor today. The hope is that Beth's infection will be under control in a day or so. She is feeling better though tonight and the doctor was able to remove 2 of the 3 drains.
Sunday, September 18th, 2011
What started out to be a good Saturday ended up pretty rough. Beth is not feeling well at all. Drains are still producing more than the doctor anticipated, pain level higher than it has been. We are heading in to see the doctor on Monday to try to get things sorted out. This has, needless to say, taken a toll on the usually upbeat and positive Beth.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
After an entire day of dozing and sitting still and Beth is on the mend. The infection appears to be responding well to the antibiotics reducing the swelling under her arms where they took out the lymph nodes. This makes her much more comfortable. We are hopeful that the drain tubes can come out on Monday. Cross your fingers for us!
Thursday Night, Sept. 15, 2011
We have had a little set-back today. Beth seems to have developed an infection which, we are told, accounts for the unusually high amount of fluids draining and the pain levels. The doctor is treating her and we hope things get under control soon. Please continue to keep her in your prayers. Frank
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Beth here, playing the waiting game...waiting for the wounds to slow the drainage so they can be removed... waiting to learn what other patients mean when they smile and say having the drains removed will "take your breath away".... waiting for Frank to give me the okay to quit wearing PJs and get dressed in real clothes (he knows me so well that once I start getting dressed up he will have a hard time keeping me still)... waiting to feel comfortable enough to spend time in our enchanted cottage in Randolph...waiting and waiting. However, I am not complaining but instead am grateful for the practical experience of applying and internalizing the virtue of patience.
Thank you to all for your thoughtfulness, kind acts and get well wishes. It hastens the healing.
Monday, September 12, 2011
The pathology report came back and confirmed that the lymph nodes are clear and that the infiltrating cancer was much smaller than we thought. This is great news!! After Beth is healed from the surgery, she will visit with the oncologist to see what he recommends by way of follow up treatment.
She is feeling quite well with minimum discomfort. We took off the bandages yesterday and the wounds appear to be healing well. That adhesive residue is quite stubborn and we laughed as we experimented with a number of home remedies to remove the sticky stuff including peanut butter!!!
The kindness of neighbors, friends and family has been absolutely overwhelming and has an amazing ability to brighten and cheer each day. Thank you for the gifts, phone calls, faith and prayers....they help the healing.
September 9, 2011
No word on the pathology report today; looks like we wait till Monday. Beth was up and about today and went for a little walk outside with Katie. All of our children have been so kind and attentive to their mother. They are truly our treasures in this life. Beth's pain has been very manageable and we are grateful that she has experienced little discomfort today.
September 8, 2011
Beth's surgery went better than expected. The doctor told us that preliminary tests of the lymph nodes were negative!!! We will have final results Friday or Monday when pathology reports are completed but this is a very good sign that the cancer has not spread, which will make the follow-up treatments much more palatable! We are so grateful for the kindnesses of friends, coworkers, family, and ward members who are so supportive. From the very start, Beth's name has been on the prayer role of many temples throughout the country. This, along with priesthood blessings and the faith and prayers of dear friends and family, has proven a tremendous blessing in our lives. Heavenly Father has been so good to us. Our testimony is that He knows each of his children individually and hears and answers prayers. Whatever the outcome, we feel of His love and tender care. Beth has been overcome by feelings of peace during this trying time. Continue to remember us in your prayers. Beth is resting comfortably tonight. We were fortunate to be able to spend last night in the hospital thanks to an exception by the insurance company. Can you believe a double mastectomy is usually considered out-patient surgery?!!
Well, I need to get her ready for bed, Thanks again to you all, especially to a loving Father in Heaven.
Frank
September 6, 2011:
Beths surgery is scheduled for noon tomorrow at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake. I will update this as we know more. Frank
September 5, 2011: In early August Beth found out that she has Ductal Carcinoma, a type of breast cancer. The entire month was an interesting roller coaster ride which included low spots of worry and tears and high peaks of hope and encouragement. These have been sweet and tender days of quiet inspiration which have increased our faith and courage. We feel confident that everything will come out just fine.
We have great confidence in the medical professionals and facilities who will take care of her. They have been wonderful.
We have been amazed at the support, expressions of love, and offers to help from our neighbors, friends and family. All of those things help to lift out spirits.
This blog page will be updated often to help those who would like to follow her along what she calls her "Journey to Fine" to keep informed of what is happening.
Surgery is scheduled for Sept 7th.