tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449029573158391442024-03-13T16:31:07.345-05:00Day by Day With Beth Marie"When you come to the edge of all that you know, you must believe one of two things: there will be earth upon which to stand, or you will be given wings to fly." author unknown
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.comBlogger1217125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344902957315839144.post-62003862354160972382015-02-27T07:47:00.001-06:002015-02-27T07:49:40.437-06:00Update….Getting everyone caught up. I had the Pet Scan on Monday. I saw my oncologist and got the results yesterday. I was really scared to get the results as I have been having a lot of pain in the area in my neck where the cancer was. A large area did show up on the Pet Scan. The oncologist said that he personally thought it was inflammation. Whatever it is the pain is excruciating. I am waiting for some word from my kidney doctor to see if there is a med that is safe for me to take. I am being set up for a series of <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/basics/definition/prc-20019167">hyperbaric oxygen treatments</a>. <br />
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I will give another update later as I feel pretty tough this morning.<br />
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Thank you for all of your kind thoughts and prayer.<br />
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Love,<br />
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BethBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344902957315839144.post-51716008157182674442015-01-24T08:44:00.001-06:002015-01-24T17:23:38.809-06:00Update….<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>I met my new ENT doctor yesterday. I like him. He was very thorough and gave me some answers I didn’t want to hear but I like him anyway. I was told that the progress for recovery from the type of radiation I had is very slow, taking as long as months, perhaps years and in some cases never. Discouraging news for me as I am still existing on Boost and the Blender. I could use 2 or 3 blenders right now as washing my lone Blender is getting to be tedious. lol</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>I am going to start seeing a speech therapist who will work with me on being able to swallow better. Looks like my date at Red Lobster is still way off in the future. But I feel sure that time will come eventually.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>I am still in line to see my kidney/BP specialist on 3 February, the dentist on the 17th, the Pet Scan on the 23rd and my oncologist on the 26th. Plus my daughter’s birthday is the 14th so February will be a busy short month. However we will be closer to spring when March comes. Thank you all for remembering me in your thoughts and prayers.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Year 2015 Countdowns</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>First Day of Spring</strong></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Days until Friday, March 20th, 2015 <u>54</u></strong></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Countdown to Easter</strong></span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Days until Sunday, April 5th, 2015 <u>70</u></strong></span> </div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Beth</span></strong></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344902957315839144.post-91343192462688502172015-01-07T13:53:00.001-06:002015-01-07T13:53:27.199-06:00Time for an update….<p align="center"><strong><font size="4">I can’t believe that today marks the 6 week anniversary of when I finished the radiation treatments. I am improving although much too slowly for my liking. I started therapy for the winged scapula right after I finished radiation. I have 2 more of those treatments left. </font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4"> I am still having difficulty eating. I can manage a few things like soft scrambled eggs and soups in the blender plus Jell-O and pudding. My mouth is still very sore. I have dreams of sitting down at Red Lobster and having a gigantic serving of breaded shrimp with red sauce and ranch dressing. I am also longing for some French fries with cheese sauce. I keep trying and trying but the chewing and swallowing is still difficult.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">My ENT surgeon retired at age 60 in December. Imagine being able to retire at age 60 with no financial worries. I really liked him, he was a great guy and I had a lot of faith in him. I will be seeing his replacement on 23 January. I think I will like him too. He is young and good looking so that always helps. LOL!!</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">I have a Pet Scan scheduled for 23 February and I see my oncologist on 26 February for the results.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">I keep wanting to start blogging again, I just don’t have the energy or the want to yet, but the time will come. Thank you to all of you that have sent me emails and keep me in your thoughts and prayers. Bless you all!</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Beth</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4"></font></strong></p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344902957315839144.post-79679618334427654462014-12-19T14:53:00.001-06:002014-12-19T17:59:09.120-06:00Update….<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Sorry to be so late with another update. I had this silly notion that when I finished the 30 radiation treatments that I would magically feel wonderful. I tell you, it just isn’t so. I am improving slowly; I can swallow better and talk better. My tongue is still extremely painful and so I am not magically able to eat solid food. I can manage cream of wheat and cottage cheese by eating slowing and drinking a lot of water while eating. I fix soups with a lot of fiber and calories in the blender to supplement the Boost and Ensure I am drinking. I am managing about 1100 – 1200 calories a day. Since I had my surgery on September 4th to today I have lost about 22 lbs. These were not pounds that I needed to lose.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">The 27th is my family Christmas gathering and I am so wanting to be able to eat something good. I have no taste buds so everything tastes the same. My daughter is graciously cooking our meal. I am fixing a spiral cut glazed ham. </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">I missed the cookie exchange this year and I haven’t had the energy to do any baking so my son will have some goodies to take home. I will try and fix a few things next week.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">I ended up with a ‘<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winged_scapula">winged scapula’</a> and I am undergoing physical therapy for that. I finished my sixth session today.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">I saw my oncologist yesterday. I have been scheduled for a Pet Scan for 23 February to find out if there is still cancer in my body. I am praying that there is not.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">I sent only a few cards this year. I apologize to the ones of you who sent me cards and I promise to catch you next year. Thank you all for remembering me in prayer and with kind thoughts. I love you all!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Have a truly blessed Christmas.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Beth</span></strong></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344902957315839144.post-86103348395407569182014-11-26T19:38:00.001-06:002014-11-26T19:38:56.937-06:00Thanksgiving Update…<p align="center"><strong><font size="4">This morning I had my 30th and final radiation. It has been a long tough road and I couldn’t have made it without the love and prayers from all of you. Thank you. The good Lord held my hand and helped me to be strong.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Now begins the healing process. My body is still filled with radiation and will be for the next week or so. My neck is fried deep purple and is extremely painful. The whole inside of my mouth is burned including my tongue which is very painful. It is very hard to swallow and it is like I have a very severe sore throat. And of course I have the Bride of Frankenstein hair.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">I have a follow-up next week to have my skin checked. I have a foul smelling cream that I was given to put on my neck. I have been reduced to drinking the Ensure type drinks. Since I have no taste buds they all taste the same. It is still very difficult to swallow my pills.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">I am thankful to still be alive and writing this post. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving,</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Love,</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Beth</font></strong></p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344902957315839144.post-17223458770369462382014-11-17T05:46:00.001-06:002014-11-17T05:46:51.499-06:00One year ago today, 17 November 2013<p align="center"><a title="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onDlCCPalT4" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onDlCCPalT4"><strong><font size="4">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onDlCCPalT4</font></strong></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">My son and a friend from Chicago had come to visit me for the weekend. It was a very warm stormy morning and I was glad to see them leave for home that Sunday morning because the weather forecast was not good. They had only been gone an hour when they came back. My son’s friend had a terrible headache and so they returned. As time passed my son mentioned going to the Red Lobster in Peoria for lunch. I really didn’t want to go as the weather was beginning to frighten me a bit. No tornado watches or warnings had been issued for our area so finally we left for Red Lobster.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">This was divine intervention. We had just been seated at Red Lobster when our waitress told us there had been a tornado in Pekin. The rest of the day and the weeks to come were chaotic.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3ExyJ5ghlWM/VGngI2WkyTI/AAAAAAAAHns/NtytnJk5sLA/s1600-h/010%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><strong><font size="4"><img title="010" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="010" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IYAvgHwBk1Y/VGngJgD26dI/AAAAAAAAHnw/rtF0G6coQfQ/010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></font></strong></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SP1jqerXa4M/VGngKNuckUI/AAAAAAAAHn8/iTHTnfNPEAo/s1600-h/005%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><strong><font size="4"><img title="005" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="005" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3IHlz2dtAMg/VGngKpSuNVI/AAAAAAAAHoA/81Rli4sMSqQ/005_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></font></strong></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">So many homes on my street were damaged. They have all finally been rebuilt. My kitchen window was blown out and for weeks after I found shards of glass in my kitchen and living room.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">If my son and his friend hadn’t returned that Sunday morning I would have been in the kitchen preparing my lunch at the time the tornado struck.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Today, one year later I am getting ready to leave for my radiation treatment. After this morning I will have 7 treatments left. I appreciate all of your kind thoughts and prayer.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Love,</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Beth</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4"></font></strong> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4"></font></strong></p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344902957315839144.post-21792383051219971052014-11-07T09:46:00.001-06:002014-11-07T09:46:03.896-06:00What it is like for me….<p align="center"><font size="4">I get up each morning at 5AM. I have the first morning appointment in radiation each week day morning. Most days I am taken in on time but some days like this morning I am taken in a bit early. Today was my 18th appointment, I have 12 treatments left.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">The reason I get up early is so we can leave home by 7AM. This enables us to get a parking spot in front of the building where the radiation is done. First thing when I get up each morning I take a tablespoon of a compound prescription and swish it around in my mouth and then swallow it. This is to coat my tongue and throat that has been burned by the radiation, I have to wait 15 minutes for the numbing to start. I then can swallow my meds which feel like rocks that I am swallowing. In the interim I make my bed and get dressed. By this time the 15 minutes are up I take my meds and eat a bowl of cream of wheat.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">I have lost some more weight (3 lbs last week) but I am not in the danger zone yet. I am forcing myself to eat as I declined the feeding tube. It takes a long time to get a cup of soup down. The blender has been a blessing. Bean with bacon soup has been a staple as is cream of chicken and mashed potatoes.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Yesterday I saw an associate of my beloved Dr. McGee (my radiation oncologist). Very nice looking young man but not nearly as nice as Dr. McGee. I finally asked the question that I have been afraid to ask, what is my prognosis? This Dr. M said Dr. McGee would have to tell me but he did say my radiation has been very aggressive and they do have good results with it.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">My daughter has cheerfully taken me each day and missing part of her work day on Wednesday. Thank you Marcia.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Thank you to Nana Diana for the prayer blog she did for me. Such a wonderful caring lady.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">I am not intending this blog to be a complaint. I am just saying what my day is like now. God has been good to me and I am ever thankful.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Love,</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Beth</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font></p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344902957315839144.post-67712432678054610262014-10-28T09:15:00.001-05:002014-10-28T09:15:59.507-05:00Update….<p>I have finished 10 of the 30 radiation treatments. The radiation is directed to my neck and head so they are pretty tough. The worst side effects are to my mouth. It is raw inside. I have been given a compound prescription that is helping a bit, numbing my mouth and throat so that it is easier for me to swallow meds. Eating is difficult but I have resisted having a feeding tube inserted. So far I haven’t lost a disastrous amount of weight. Sadly I don’t have any extra weight to fall back on.</p> <p>The radiation frizzes (burns) my hair so I look like the bride of Frankenstein. I can live with these side effects if it kills the cancer. I will not choose to go through treatment a 3rd time though.</p> <p>I think about all of you often. I just don’t have the energy to visit you all. Most of my time is spent just getting through each day. I have the good Lord to thank for helping me to do that.</p> <p>Stay safe and be happy!!</p> <p>Beth</p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344902957315839144.post-28796781788152513152014-10-02T07:57:00.001-05:002014-10-02T07:59:17.286-05:00Until later….<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">I have been trying to keep up with you all but it has been difficult. I am not getting the energy back like I did before. I am getting ready to start the radiation (on the 13th I think). The radiation will be on my neck and throat and I have been told by the doctor that there are a lot of bad side effects.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">I have decided not to blog at all for the next few months. I am praying that I will feel better when this is all done. I won’t forget any of you. I am so grateful for the prayers and kind thoughts you have sent my way since 2005. May God Bless you all!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Love,</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Beth</span></strong></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344902957315839144.post-1175220026356339952014-09-29T09:00:00.001-05:002014-09-29T09:03:00.432-05:00Cardinals clinch National League Central championship….<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24728748/cardinals-clinch-nl-central-championship" title="http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24728748/cardinals-clinch-nl-central-championship">http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24728748/cardinals-clinch-nl-central-championship</a></span></strong></div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CR0FN0vTU5w/VClmBSiiluI/AAAAAAAAHm4/uwxnz6QrnRI/s1600-h/stl%252520cards%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="Sep 13, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Pat Neshek (37) celebrates with catcher Yadier Molina (4) after defeating the Colorado Rockies 5-4 at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D80Ob1Li1bg/VClmCEXG5JI/AAAAAAAAHnA/DxOwpvO17QA/stl%252520cards_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="404" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Sep 13, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Pat Neshek (37) celebrates with catcher Yadier Molina (4) after defeating the Colorado Rockies 5-4 at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports" width="644" /></span></strong></a></div>
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Photo from CBS sports</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Most of you know that I am a St. Louis Cardinal fan and I have been for many years. One of my favorite memories is of my dad sitting in the front yard listening to the Cardinal ball game on his little transistor radio. </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">I really hated to make mention of the Cardinals winning because I seem to jinx them when I get carried away. So I will just say ‘Go Cards’ and leave it at that.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">I just received a call from my oncologists office and my appointment has been changed till late afternoon. I am not very happy about that as I hate a late afternoon appointment. If I would have rescheduled I would have been looking at an appointment several weeks down the road and that just wouldn’t do.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">I hope you all have a good week. It is hot and summery here with the temp to reach the upper 80s today.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Stay safe and be happy!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Beth</span></strong></div>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344902957315839144.post-68388798551191081632014-09-27T08:22:00.001-05:002014-09-27T08:22:50.181-05:00Another birthday come and gone…<p align="center"><strong><font size="4">and I marvel at the fact that the good Lord saw fit to let me have another birthday. It was a lovely day too, in the 80s with sunshine. Lunch at the Red Lobster was great. I had the never ending shrimp special. I had the parmesan shrimp and breaded shrimp with salad and baked potato and of course the cheddar bay biscuits. So good!</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">It has been 3 weeks now since I had the surgery. On the day I was having surgery I sat in the waiting area with a young father. He had cancer in the throat, tonsils, on the tongue and the lymph nodes in his neck. He was having the same surgeon as I, Dr. Parrish. We had a conversation and he told me that he had just recovered from an illness that he had been told would be terminal. He didn’t tell me what it was and I didn’t ask. I remember thinking at the time what a courageous guy he was and I told him that I would pray that he would be OK. </font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">When I first went in to my assigned room the patient there was getting ready to leave. She and her husband/boyfriend? were causing quite a disturbance and flounced out of the room in a huff. After they were gone I watched the cleaning lady go through the drawers in the stand next to the bed. She filled a garbage sack with bags of chips and other snacks. The windowsill also was loaded with cans of pop, etc. The nurse later told me that this couple had almost cleaned their kitchen out. Then the next morning I had a woman roommate who kept the bright lights on and the TV on 24/7. I could hear her talking to her mother and she was sobbing. By the 3rd day I told the doctor that I was ready to go home. </font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">I see the oncologist on Monday and I will find out about the radiation. That comes next and I will be glad when that is done.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L4KTlBqRZ20/VCa6H1JgAAI/AAAAAAAAHlM/Szgi2GSGVgw/s1600-h/IMG_0237%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><strong><font size="4"><img title="IMG_0237" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0237" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mE-8QDkK0PM/VCa6Iv2rQEI/AAAAAAAAHlU/4yGaGyxSivs/IMG_0237_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="513" height="484"></font></strong></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Sllcf3T5JB0/VCa6Jkq7pCI/AAAAAAAAHlc/9acW_r5aPRM/s1600-h/IMG_0238%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><strong><font size="4"><img title="IMG_0238" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0238" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HgpyiN6kBFM/VCa6KEWGivI/AAAAAAAAHlg/Kn_lN4qQQIY/IMG_0238_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="613" height="484"></font></strong></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">My birthday flowers.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Have a wonderful weekend. Stay safe and be happy!</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Beth</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4"></font></strong></p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344902957315839144.post-2477790188331573282014-09-25T08:25:00.001-05:002014-09-25T08:25:06.061-05:00Doing nothing today….<p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Today is my birthday so I am doing nothing. My daughter is taking me to my favorite place for lunch, Red Lobster in Peoria. I am hoping that the all you can eat shrimp special is still going on.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://bethmarie8457.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/0011.jpg"><strong><font size="4"><img title="001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="001" src="https://bethmarie8457.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/001_thumb.jpg" width="644" height="336"></font></strong></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Happy Birthday to my Twin in Tennessee!</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Stay safe and be happy!</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Beth</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4"></font></strong></p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344902957315839144.post-24263785965909278462014-09-24T08:09:00.001-05:002014-09-24T08:09:37.086-05:00Thank you!<p align="center"><strong><font size="4">I can’t find words to say how much I appreciate all of you, my blogging family. So many of you have been with me since before my husband died in 2006 and not once have you left me to fight a battle alone. I have made so many new friends through my 9 blogging years. You are all special to me. Thank you! </font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">My daughter has been a God send to me, always stepping in to help and my son has given me such comfort with his telephone calls. My sister in her time of grieving has also called me several times a day. My Twin has comforted me with her telephone calls. I am truly blessed.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">I am trying to get back in my normal routine which includes laundry, cleaning and all of that good stuff. I will be by to visit today, the Good Lord willing.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Stay safe and be happy!!</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Beth</font></strong></p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344902957315839144.post-85913929935983019692014-09-23T08:42:00.001-05:002014-09-23T08:42:30.690-05:00Time to move forward….<p align="center"><strong><font size="4">It is time for me to pick up the pieces of my life and move forward. The past can’t be changed so I am hopeful for a brighter future.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Many of you know that my niece in WV passed away. Her funeral was held Sunday at the same time as her ‘daddy’s’ memorial was held. Two new guardian angels looking down on us below.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">I see my oncologist on the 27th and I will find out when the radiation will start and how long that it will take. I realize now that a finish date by Thanksgiving is not possible but definitely in time to do some Christmas shopping.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">I am finally starting to feel better pain wise. I have been able to cut back on the pain meds and yesterday was the first full day I didn’t take any. That is good as I take so many meds anyway. My swallowing is better although my speech leaves a lot to be desired.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">I have set a goal to visit as many of you as I can this week, a few a day to begin with.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Thank you for all of the kind thoughts and prayers for my sister’s family and for me.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t7gMGPw_D4k/VCF4w7dyb6I/AAAAAAAAHj8/6vWTUWa4hWA/s1600-h/inspirational-motivating-quote-old-background-grunge-35770238%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><strong><font size="4"><img title="inspirational-motivating-quote-old-background-grunge-35770238" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="inspirational-motivating-quote-old-background-grunge-35770238" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ApXM53rbpkU/VCF4xPSt7VI/AAAAAAAAHkE/8by97SXPaTM/inspirational-motivating-quote-old-background-grunge-35770238_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></font></strong></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Love,</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Beth</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4"></font></strong> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4"></font></strong></p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344902957315839144.post-11073045935298904862014-09-17T12:31:00.001-05:002014-09-17T12:31:24.530-05:00Update….<p align="center"><strong><font size="4">A few weeks ago I asked for prayer for my niece in WV and her dad. My niece had undergone emergency surgery on Aug 11 and her dad had been admitted to the same hospital because of pneumonia. Sadly my brother in law passed away on September 1st. His daughter still remains hospitalized. Today the family asked that all life support measures be removed and family and friends are gathered around her. I am heartbroken that because I am undergoing treatment for cancer that I can’t be with them all.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">I am so very appreciative for all of the prayers and kind thoughts that you all have given the past couple of months. Thank you to <a href="http://thenanadiana.blogspot.com/">Diana</a> for the prayer blog she did for me. I love you all!</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Beth</font></strong></p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344902957315839144.post-63025750279735015092014-09-13T13:31:00.001-05:002014-09-13T13:31:37.044-05:00Update…<p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Sorry to be so late with an update. I saw the ENT surgeon on Friday. The drain was removed and the doctor told me that the stitches looked good, etc. I am still having pain and trying to pace out the pain meds. I don’t have any energy yet and I have depended on my daughter a lot. She has been really good as a backup and I am so thankful for her.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">An appointment was made with the oncologist for Sep 29. My goal is to get all 35 radiation treatments done by Thanksgiving.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">I do have lots of tales to tell from my hospital stay and I will get to those when I feel like posting again. I was given a choice on whether to be discharged on the 3rd day. Things were so hectic in my hospital room that I couldn’t get out of there fast enough. </font></strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KIM_UfZObbM/VBSNhY8nmzI/AAAAAAAAHjQ/gXrQ1INl4fA/s1600-h/003%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><strong><font size="4"><img title="003" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="003" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YU6_kDioV64/VBSNhwroz7I/AAAAAAAAHjU/GMhpQhNKAAc/003_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="470"></font></strong></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Looking down my street last October.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Beth</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4"></font></strong></p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344902957315839144.post-79855825374016442042014-09-06T13:10:00.001-05:002014-09-06T13:10:02.066-05:00I am home..<p>Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. I will be back online in few days to let you know how things are going. I will try to come visiting you all in a few days.</p> <p>Love </p> <p>Beth</p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344902957315839144.post-88512804550122885422014-09-02T07:14:00.001-05:002014-09-02T07:16:15.207-05:00Sad news….My brother in law, Hugh, passed away peacefully in his sleep last night. My niece Dee shows some improvement. Rae asked me to let you all know how much she appreciates your prayers and asks that you continue to pray for her family.<br />
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My surgery is scheduled for Thursday. Thanks for remembering me.<br />
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Love <br />
BethBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344902957315839144.post-39585031895286142052014-08-23T08:56:00.001-05:002014-08-23T08:58:44.235-05:00update….I had an EKG and lab on Tuesday at the hospital. On Wednesday I was to have the needle biopsy. It turned out that the PET Scan had shown a false hot spot. I had another CT Scan while I was in the hospital and it showed that the right side of my neck was clear. My doctor called me Thursday and confirmed that the surgery would only be on the left side of my neck. I have had some emails asking what kind of cancer this is. I guess you would call it neck cancer, I can’t think of anything else to call it. My surgery is scheduled for 4 September and 6 weeks later I will begin radiation treatments.<br />
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I am so very thankful to you all for the prayers, cards and emails! <br />
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My niece remains in very serious condition. Her dad was rushed to the hospital with pneumonia on Thursday morning and is not doing well. My sister has her daughter on one floor at the hospital and her husband on another floor. Please continue to pray for all of us. Thank you!<br />
<br />
Love you all.<br />
<br />
BethBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344902957315839144.post-62425706235328909702014-08-15T13:24:00.001-05:002014-08-15T13:24:42.305-05:00Update….<p align="center"><strong><font size="4">The PET Scan showed something else on the other side of my neck. I am having another needle biopsy on Aug 20th. I am having surgery on September the 4th. Then about 6 weeks after the surgery I will begin radiation. I have the same two doctors that I had before, Dr. Parrish and Dr. McGee. I have great faith in both of them. I do appreciate all of your prayers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Also at this time my niece Dee, in WV is in the hospital fighting for her life. She had emergency surgery on Monday and is greatly in need of prayer. Thank you so much for including Dee in your prayers.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Love you all. Stay safe and be happy!!</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Beth</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4"></font></strong></p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344902957315839144.post-29552080515677340372014-08-08T15:01:00.001-05:002014-08-08T15:01:16.955-05:00Pet Scan finished…<p align="center"><strong><font size="4">and I will see the ENT surgeon next Friday to find out what comes next, most likely surgery then radiation or chemo or both.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Love,</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Beth</font></strong></p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344902957315839144.post-87314819974113200172014-08-04T15:09:00.001-05:002014-08-04T15:15:53.053-05:00Update….<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">The biopsy report is back. I have cancer again. I will be scheduled for a full body pet scan and we will go from there. I am devastated as I had prayed that I was in remission. Please continue to remember me in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Love,</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Beth</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">I just found out that the pet scan is scheduled for Friday.</span></strong></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344902957315839144.post-76864422317322972452014-07-31T13:33:00.001-05:002014-07-31T13:35:42.165-05:00Biopsy finished….<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">and now the wait begins which I was told was 3 – 5 days. It was pretty tough. It took 4 needles before they got enough cells for a biopsy. I wasn’t given anything for the pain so by the 4th try I just stayed still but the tears were flowing. Very painful. My daughter stayed all night with me. </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Something very nice happened to me today though. My son in law’s brother sent me a gorgeous real tomato so I will be having a bacon tomato sandwich for supper. Thanks Tim and Val.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GE2RQ4rwRgI/U9qL-zTQieI/AAAAAAAAHh4/7R9DQC0mDWk/s1600-h/007%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="007" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-73y94ViMU10/U9qL_ueAJKI/AAAAAAAAHh8/Ap9uBO50MSA/007_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="185" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="007" width="244" /></a></span></strong></div>
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<strong><br /></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Not a very good picture. I am so delighted to have a real tomato.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">I will post an update as soon as I find out what comes next. I will face whatever it is as best I can. Thank you all for the prayers, telephone calls and cards. They have given me hope and strength.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Love,</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Beth</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></strong></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344902957315839144.post-66296950318639388732014-07-30T06:16:00.001-05:002014-07-30T06:19:02.613-05:00Update….<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">My biopsy is today. I am praying a lot.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KP7_n2rcDio/U9jUFMpRl6I/AAAAAAAAHhM/syVNSZV3YME/s1600-h/artcommentsfeelingsfunnylovequotessayingsmessagesandquotes-a132e83b964b16145098a8cad85222e6_h1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="artcommentsfeelingsfunnylovequotessayingsmessagesandquotes-a132e83b964b16145098a8cad85222e6_h1" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-h5RdMp1nwqc/U9jUFjiKE_I/AAAAAAAAHhQ/hGhkNncXvJM/artcommentsfeelingsfunnylovequotessayingsmessagesandquotes-a132e83b964b16145098a8cad85222e6_h1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="461" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="artcommentsfeelingsfunnylovequotessayingsmessagesandquotes-a132e83b964b16145098a8cad85222e6_h1" width="644" /></a></span></strong></div>
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<strong><br /></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Love,</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Beth</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></strong></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344902957315839144.post-56672256938652751662014-07-21T17:30:00.001-05:002014-07-21T17:30:49.026-05:00Update….<p align="center"><strong><font size="4">I wanted to let you all know that I am waiting to be scheduled for a needle biopsy. I just talked to the doctor’s office and they are to call me tomorrow. It appears that I am not in remission right now although it won’t be clear until I get the biopsy done. Pending results of that I will have a Pet Scan if the test is positive.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Please don’t forget me as I will be back as soon as I get this thing under control again.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Love,</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Beth</font></strong></p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020604933621899108noreply@blogger.com43