Beth met with her plastic surgeon yesterday - just to see how everything is now that radiation is completed... And it's A-OK, however she can't complete the reconstruction for at least 6 months after ending radiation - next May or June, but again it's great to start seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!!
Beth's hair is growing back - yeah!!! Almost 2" long now, but of course we all know Beth, so no doubt she's not going anywhere without her best friend, her wig!!! and besides, with the winter cold coming on - the wig helps to keep her warm...
Boys are doing great - Devon loves school and is doing very well and Hayden is growing in leaps and bounds and is definitely becoming qite the little man and not a baby any longer.. Beth is hoping she'll have some new pictures for us soon, maybe on Thanksgiving...
Amazing - this time last year the lump had just been found and Beth was just about to begin this journey - so at Thanksgiving this year, be sure to be thankful for the many blessings we all enjoy - especially for all the lights at the end of the tunnels... And keep those prayers coming - they are for sure, what have helped make this journey a successful one!!!
FYI-Shhhh...You didn't hear it from me, but..... rumor has it Beth will be celebrating her 29th birthday next Sunday November 29th - no doubt she and we all have some wonderful reasons to celebrate..
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Radiation Done Today - Yeah
Good news - Last Radiation Treatment Today - Yeah - Awesome !!!!
It certainly has been a long haul, but Beth feels as though she's finally able to see the light at the end of the tunnel.. Radiation treatments are really tough and once you're done, the area that has been radiated looks like it's been battered by by a baseball bat and right now she's not able to use that arm very much at all, needless to say it's very uncomfortable... And of course it's also starting to peel - but hopefully it will begin to improve in the next week or so; but in Beth's words "right now it's pretty gross"!! Always said with a smile...
So chemo continues every 3 weeks for many months to come yet; but at least the radiation is done!!!! As always, keep those prayers coming - your love and continued support are more important than you can imagine!!!
It certainly has been a long haul, but Beth feels as though she's finally able to see the light at the end of the tunnel.. Radiation treatments are really tough and once you're done, the area that has been radiated looks like it's been battered by by a baseball bat and right now she's not able to use that arm very much at all, needless to say it's very uncomfortable... And of course it's also starting to peel - but hopefully it will begin to improve in the next week or so; but in Beth's words "right now it's pretty gross"!! Always said with a smile...
So chemo continues every 3 weeks for many months to come yet; but at least the radiation is done!!!! As always, keep those prayers coming - your love and continued support are more important than you can imagine!!!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Phase 3 Has Begun - October 1st
The journey continues and it’s apparent the medical team saved the ‘best for last”
Beth started her daily radiation October 1st and that will continue thru November 17th… Beth insists it pretty quick “only 10 minutes” she says… but we all know how long 10 minutes can be… We're so glad she got her wish and goes quite close to home and work in Mansfield for her radiation; so that’s a tremendous advantage – anything to avoid going into Boston…
And then Friday October 2nd she began the Herceptin – which will continue every 3 weeks for 9 months – and again she’s quick to say “but it’s only a 30 minute infusion”…
Beth continues to smile and be strong for everyone, especially Devon and Hayden. But she’s finally admitting that’s it’s not so easy and can be quite uncomfortable.. She’s been having horrible pain in her hands and feet, along with very uncomfortable muscle pain in her legs and arms – all of which I from the neuropathy and of course now that tell her, it will get worse before it get’s better. Hopefully the new meds will help offset it some…
And of course we have to end with some exciting news – Beth is shopping for another “wig” “Amanda” as she loving named her first, has just about had it, so Beth has decided to be quite stylish and she’s going to choose something shorter this time… it’s been a lot of years since she’s had short hair, so she’s going to start getting used to the change preparing for all that new hair that will begin to grow in before long…
Devon, Hayden, Beth’s nieces and nephews keep her busy for sure and with school, homework, special activities, Halloween and so many other fall events approaching – it’s easy to see why she smiles… Your prayers and special thoughts are so very important – so we’re thrilled that you continue to keep Beth and her family in your prayers – for that we are all forever grateful…
Beth started her daily radiation October 1st and that will continue thru November 17th… Beth insists it pretty quick “only 10 minutes” she says… but we all know how long 10 minutes can be… We're so glad she got her wish and goes quite close to home and work in Mansfield for her radiation; so that’s a tremendous advantage – anything to avoid going into Boston…
And then Friday October 2nd she began the Herceptin – which will continue every 3 weeks for 9 months – and again she’s quick to say “but it’s only a 30 minute infusion”…
Beth continues to smile and be strong for everyone, especially Devon and Hayden. But she’s finally admitting that’s it’s not so easy and can be quite uncomfortable.. She’s been having horrible pain in her hands and feet, along with very uncomfortable muscle pain in her legs and arms – all of which I from the neuropathy and of course now that tell her, it will get worse before it get’s better. Hopefully the new meds will help offset it some…
And of course we have to end with some exciting news – Beth is shopping for another “wig” “Amanda” as she loving named her first, has just about had it, so Beth has decided to be quite stylish and she’s going to choose something shorter this time… it’s been a lot of years since she’s had short hair, so she’s going to start getting used to the change preparing for all that new hair that will begin to grow in before long…
Devon, Hayden, Beth’s nieces and nephews keep her busy for sure and with school, homework, special activities, Halloween and so many other fall events approaching – it’s easy to see why she smiles… Your prayers and special thoughts are so very important – so we’re thrilled that you continue to keep Beth and her family in your prayers – for that we are all forever grateful…
Monday, August 31, 2009
August Update
It’s been an interesting summer - Busy and hectic are understatements. Best news is, that Phase 2 of chemo, which has been every Friday since June, will be done and over with on September 11th – yeah!!!
Beth’s youngest, Hayden who turned 2 in July, had some surgery a few weeks ago for his tonsils etc.. but after a tough few weeks he’s doing wonderfully; breathing so much better and not drooling anymore – yeah!! Such a trooper like his mom…
Her eldest, Devon, has had a busy summer himself with camp, friends and enjoying the pool whenever we’ve been lucky enough to have good weather… And he can't wait for school to begin this week - Devon's a great student who loves school and can't wait to see so all his friends...
No surprise to anyone; Beth has continued to work all summer, main reason she scheduled her chemo's for Friday's so that she could have the weekends to "recoup"... and for the most part it worked... She's the poster for child for "not being able to keep a good woman down"!!
So once again – Chemo will be done on September 11th and then after a few weeks of “down time”, plan is for her to begin Phase 3, probably on October 2nd.. The next phase will be herceptin and daily radiation... Goal is to be able to have the radiation done close to home versus Boston – so keep your fingers crossed…
As always Beth is so grateful for everyone’s wonderful notes, thoughts and prayers – they are a tremendous source of support – so keep ‘em coming…
Beth’s youngest, Hayden who turned 2 in July, had some surgery a few weeks ago for his tonsils etc.. but after a tough few weeks he’s doing wonderfully; breathing so much better and not drooling anymore – yeah!! Such a trooper like his mom…
Her eldest, Devon, has had a busy summer himself with camp, friends and enjoying the pool whenever we’ve been lucky enough to have good weather… And he can't wait for school to begin this week - Devon's a great student who loves school and can't wait to see so all his friends...
No surprise to anyone; Beth has continued to work all summer, main reason she scheduled her chemo's for Friday's so that she could have the weekends to "recoup"... and for the most part it worked... She's the poster for child for "not being able to keep a good woman down"!!
So once again – Chemo will be done on September 11th and then after a few weeks of “down time”, plan is for her to begin Phase 3, probably on October 2nd.. The next phase will be herceptin and daily radiation... Goal is to be able to have the radiation done close to home versus Boston – so keep your fingers crossed…
As always Beth is so grateful for everyone’s wonderful notes, thoughts and prayers – they are a tremendous source of support – so keep ‘em coming…
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Chemo Round 1 is Done; Round 2 Will Begin
Greetings - and thank you for your patience...
Beth is doing very well - and as many of you know - along with everything she else she is doing, has been busy trying to write thank you's - she really wants everyone to know how grateful she is for all the continued support she is receiving - No doubt the financial has helped but more important have been all the prayers and well wishes - they make a difference each and every day - so thank you again....
Chemo round 1: The first round of chemo, which began back on March 23rd and was administered at Dana every 3 weeks, is finally over and done with - Awesome....
Chemo round 2: This Friday, June 26th, Beth begins the second round of chemo, which will be administered weekly, every Friday, for 12 weeks.... this next round is a combination along with taxol and herceptin... Beth requested and they agreed, to administer this round on Fridays, so hopefully she'll "recover & recoup" over the weekends and be able to return to work on Mondays.. Doctors have assured her that the side effects shouldn't be nearly as bad as the first round of chem... YAY!!
Beth was pleased that her request to have these treatments locally was approved - She will be going to the new Cancer Treatment Center in Milford for her weekly treatments, instead of having to drive into Dana Farber in Boston every week - that in itself is a blessing for sure...
Beth had another MUGA SCAN to be sure her heart is OK. The chemo drugs used in her first round, can cause cardiac problems, so the Muga Scan is a great tool to monitor what's happening. It's a noninvasive test that shows a moving image of the heart, so that they can be sure the heart’s major pumping chamber (the left ventricle) is working as it should... It's amazing to have a radioactive substance injected into your blood bloodstream and then you are placed under a special camera (a gamma camera), and with some fancy computer manipulation, a “movie” of your beating heart is made. How wonderful that from this moving image, they can see exactly what's happening...
Beth is hoping the next 12 weeks will go by quickly, so that her hair can finally start growing back - no doubt having a wig is great, but it's also very hot!!!! So - if all goes well - September 11th is a day she is looking forward to - it will mean that Round 2 is over and done with...
The issue of radiation is still looming but one step at a time - right now the focus is on Chemo Round 2 and of course enjoying the summer with Devon and Hayden and her family...
From our families to yours, we hope you all have a safe and wonderful 4th of July and we'll be back in a few weeks and update you on how this round is going... We promise we'll update the photos in the next posting...
Once again - thank you for all your support and keep those prayers and best wishes coming - they truly help and are greatly appreciated...
Beth is doing very well - and as many of you know - along with everything she else she is doing, has been busy trying to write thank you's - she really wants everyone to know how grateful she is for all the continued support she is receiving - No doubt the financial has helped but more important have been all the prayers and well wishes - they make a difference each and every day - so thank you again....
Chemo round 1: The first round of chemo, which began back on March 23rd and was administered at Dana every 3 weeks, is finally over and done with - Awesome....
Chemo round 2: This Friday, June 26th, Beth begins the second round of chemo, which will be administered weekly, every Friday, for 12 weeks.... this next round is a combination along with taxol and herceptin... Beth requested and they agreed, to administer this round on Fridays, so hopefully she'll "recover & recoup" over the weekends and be able to return to work on Mondays.. Doctors have assured her that the side effects shouldn't be nearly as bad as the first round of chem... YAY!!
Beth was pleased that her request to have these treatments locally was approved - She will be going to the new Cancer Treatment Center in Milford for her weekly treatments, instead of having to drive into Dana Farber in Boston every week - that in itself is a blessing for sure...
Beth had another MUGA SCAN to be sure her heart is OK. The chemo drugs used in her first round, can cause cardiac problems, so the Muga Scan is a great tool to monitor what's happening. It's a noninvasive test that shows a moving image of the heart, so that they can be sure the heart’s major pumping chamber (the left ventricle) is working as it should... It's amazing to have a radioactive substance injected into your blood bloodstream and then you are placed under a special camera (a gamma camera), and with some fancy computer manipulation, a “movie” of your beating heart is made. How wonderful that from this moving image, they can see exactly what's happening...
Beth is hoping the next 12 weeks will go by quickly, so that her hair can finally start growing back - no doubt having a wig is great, but it's also very hot!!!! So - if all goes well - September 11th is a day she is looking forward to - it will mean that Round 2 is over and done with...
The issue of radiation is still looming but one step at a time - right now the focus is on Chemo Round 2 and of course enjoying the summer with Devon and Hayden and her family...
From our families to yours, we hope you all have a safe and wonderful 4th of July and we'll be back in a few weeks and update you on how this round is going... We promise we'll update the photos in the next posting...
Once again - thank you for all your support and keep those prayers and best wishes coming - they truly help and are greatly appreciated...
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Chemo #3 & then some!!!
I know this post is long overdue, but Beth's had several busy weeks and we were waiting for the details of her May 14th meeting before posting this - so here's the news from the last few weeks.........
Saturday, May 2nd was a wonderful day celebrating Devon's 9th birthday ice skating and it was wonderful watching Beth skate along with everyone else...
Monday, May 4th - round 3 of chemo - and the usual few days of bad headaches and horrible taste that she can't seem to shake -
Wednesday, May 6th - meeting with plastic surgeon and some unsettling news - the team is recommending radiation, something that wasn't supposed to be needed
Thursday, May 14th - meeting with the team again to discuss this "surprising news that she would now need radiation and to find out why" Beth received a lot of info to absorb including the fact that there were 6 spots..3 bigger and 3 microscopic and theyd found cancer in the front and back margins which is what the medical team is still most concerned about - hence the reason for their changing their minds and now recommending radiation... There is no way of telling whether or not the chemo will kill anything possibly left from surgery so the radiation is an extra precaution... Initially when she heard the news on May 6th - total surprise, fear - you name it... but once she met with the team, she's decided it may not be as bad as she first thought - they've told her there won't be any real big side effects - but it's every day for 6weeks and of course it won't begin until the chemo is finished...
Chemo #4 is scheduled for Monday, May 25th, then Beth will be ready to begin her weeklys, which will be taxol and herceptin. Plan is to go to the new Dana Farber Center at Milford Hospital for those - which will be so much easier than going into Boston - Yeah!!!!
Beth will meet with the doctors at the DF Center in Milford in early June to get that schedule confirmed... She's hoping to be able to get those infusion treatments towards the end of each week, so she'll have the weekend to take it easy...
Beth's spirits continue to be high - her strength and determination are an inspiration to all of us... But she's hopeful there won't be any more surprises... she's hoping those are behind her and she's anxious to get this all done so she can get on with her life...
Boys are doing wonderfully - Devon will be out of school for the summer soon and excited about summer camp and Hayden is talking like crazy and putting sentences together... how quickly they grow - and no doubt they are her saving graces...
So keep those prayers coming - they are working and as always - Beth is grateful for every ones support and best wishes...
Saturday, May 2nd was a wonderful day celebrating Devon's 9th birthday ice skating and it was wonderful watching Beth skate along with everyone else...
Monday, May 4th - round 3 of chemo - and the usual few days of bad headaches and horrible taste that she can't seem to shake -
Wednesday, May 6th - meeting with plastic surgeon and some unsettling news - the team is recommending radiation, something that wasn't supposed to be needed
Thursday, May 14th - meeting with the team again to discuss this "surprising news that she would now need radiation and to find out why" Beth received a lot of info to absorb including the fact that there were 6 spots..3 bigger and 3 microscopic and theyd found cancer in the front and back margins which is what the medical team is still most concerned about - hence the reason for their changing their minds and now recommending radiation... There is no way of telling whether or not the chemo will kill anything possibly left from surgery so the radiation is an extra precaution... Initially when she heard the news on May 6th - total surprise, fear - you name it... but once she met with the team, she's decided it may not be as bad as she first thought - they've told her there won't be any real big side effects - but it's every day for 6weeks and of course it won't begin until the chemo is finished...
Chemo #4 is scheduled for Monday, May 25th, then Beth will be ready to begin her weeklys, which will be taxol and herceptin. Plan is to go to the new Dana Farber Center at Milford Hospital for those - which will be so much easier than going into Boston - Yeah!!!!
Beth will meet with the doctors at the DF Center in Milford in early June to get that schedule confirmed... She's hoping to be able to get those infusion treatments towards the end of each week, so she'll have the weekend to take it easy...
Beth's spirits continue to be high - her strength and determination are an inspiration to all of us... But she's hopeful there won't be any more surprises... she's hoping those are behind her and she's anxious to get this all done so she can get on with her life...
Boys are doing wonderfully - Devon will be out of school for the summer soon and excited about summer camp and Hayden is talking like crazy and putting sentences together... how quickly they grow - and no doubt they are her saving graces...
So keep those prayers coming - they are working and as always - Beth is grateful for every ones support and best wishes...
Monday, April 20, 2009
Chemo #2 & meet Curious George & Amanda!!
Sorry I''m a little late with with this posting... but thought it's better to wait a few days after each chemo... Chemo #2 was last Monday (4/13) and Beth is doing remarkably well with it. No doubt the meds seem to keep the worst of the sickness at bay, but as good as it is, it can’t stop all of the unpleasant side effects, like the “hot flashes” which can be pretty strong, powerful headaches and the horrible taste in your mouth that so many chemo patients talk about – Yuck!!! But #2 is over and that's a great thing!!!
It’s official – Beth is now bald!! I teased her a few days before Easter, when she knew it was time to shave her hair, that she was going to look like Yul Brynner (Magnificent 7 or King & I) or maybe Telly Savalas (Kojack the lollipop man)..It was immediately obvious we are from different generations: Beth had no idea who they were.. so instead she compared her soon to be baldness to that of Brittany Spears!! Hair falling out from chemo is one thing, but of course they forget to tell you that it hurts when you lose your hair… Anyway, now that it’s done, she’s convinced she looks like Curious George with her beautiful nice round head. She was so worried the kids (her own 2, her nieces and nephews and her friends children) would be “uneasy” but of course they aren’t and don’t think anything of it…
When she showed her little nephew Nicholas her head without hair, he kind of stared at her & said "Uh Oh" Leave it to a child to add sunshine to any moment….
Beth is now introducing everyone to “Amanda” – her wig, who by the way looks very much likes Beth’s own hair… And although she was afraid it would be her baldness that would make everyone uneasy, well it’s not – it’s the darn Styrofoam “head” that the wig sits on – now that everyone agrees is creepy – even the makeup & jewelry Beth added hasn’t helped…Yikes!!!
Beth’s next chemo is May 4th - fortunately it's a few days after her son's Devon's 9th birthday party at the ice skating rink, so it won't surprise any of us if Beth is out on the ice skating along with everyone else... Devon officially turns 9 this Saturday, April 25th... Beth is hopeful that her medical team can arrange for her to have her treatments a little closer to home, especially before she has to begin going in weekly. It’s challenging going in and out of Boston all the time, not just for the chemo, but for the numerous doctors appointments and of course they all take time & the expenses for parking etc. all add up…
Beth received some unsettling news last week a few days after her 2nd chemo while visiting her Plastic Surgeon. Beth may now need radiation as well as chemo. Beth and her family had been told at surgery that she wouldn't need radiation - just the chemo - which is why the decision was made to go ahead with the reconstruction at the time of the mastectomy. It seems that the medical team may now be changing their minds. Beth will meet with the doctors May 14th to find out the details and why they are possibly changing their minds. It makes no sense that they would allow the reconstruction only to have to remove it later for radiation – and of course the thought of not just 1 surgery but possibly 3 (the 2nd to remove the reconstruction and the 3rd to then redo it several months after the radiation is completed) well – it’s just confusing at best…
Everyone who loves and cares for Beth continues to be impressed with her incredible spirit and resilience – no matter how badly Beth feels after her treatments, she continues to smile and push on for the sake of those around her – especially the children – She is proving to be a much stronger woman than any of us ever could have imagined…
So keep the prayers coming that help each day to give Beth and her family the strength and courage to handle whatever comes their way.
It’s official – Beth is now bald!! I teased her a few days before Easter, when she knew it was time to shave her hair, that she was going to look like Yul Brynner (Magnificent 7 or King & I) or maybe Telly Savalas (Kojack the lollipop man)..It was immediately obvious we are from different generations: Beth had no idea who they were.. so instead she compared her soon to be baldness to that of Brittany Spears!! Hair falling out from chemo is one thing, but of course they forget to tell you that it hurts when you lose your hair… Anyway, now that it’s done, she’s convinced she looks like Curious George with her beautiful nice round head. She was so worried the kids (her own 2, her nieces and nephews and her friends children) would be “uneasy” but of course they aren’t and don’t think anything of it…
When she showed her little nephew Nicholas her head without hair, he kind of stared at her & said "Uh Oh" Leave it to a child to add sunshine to any moment….
Beth is now introducing everyone to “Amanda” – her wig, who by the way looks very much likes Beth’s own hair… And although she was afraid it would be her baldness that would make everyone uneasy, well it’s not – it’s the darn Styrofoam “head” that the wig sits on – now that everyone agrees is creepy – even the makeup & jewelry Beth added hasn’t helped…Yikes!!!
Beth’s next chemo is May 4th - fortunately it's a few days after her son's Devon's 9th birthday party at the ice skating rink, so it won't surprise any of us if Beth is out on the ice skating along with everyone else... Devon officially turns 9 this Saturday, April 25th... Beth is hopeful that her medical team can arrange for her to have her treatments a little closer to home, especially before she has to begin going in weekly. It’s challenging going in and out of Boston all the time, not just for the chemo, but for the numerous doctors appointments and of course they all take time & the expenses for parking etc. all add up…
Beth received some unsettling news last week a few days after her 2nd chemo while visiting her Plastic Surgeon. Beth may now need radiation as well as chemo. Beth and her family had been told at surgery that she wouldn't need radiation - just the chemo - which is why the decision was made to go ahead with the reconstruction at the time of the mastectomy. It seems that the medical team may now be changing their minds. Beth will meet with the doctors May 14th to find out the details and why they are possibly changing their minds. It makes no sense that they would allow the reconstruction only to have to remove it later for radiation – and of course the thought of not just 1 surgery but possibly 3 (the 2nd to remove the reconstruction and the 3rd to then redo it several months after the radiation is completed) well – it’s just confusing at best…
Everyone who loves and cares for Beth continues to be impressed with her incredible spirit and resilience – no matter how badly Beth feels after her treatments, she continues to smile and push on for the sake of those around her – especially the children – She is proving to be a much stronger woman than any of us ever could have imagined…
So keep the prayers coming that help each day to give Beth and her family the strength and courage to handle whatever comes their way.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Chemo has begun - just 15 months to go!!
Beth is really well - she received her first chemo last Monday March 23rd and the first week has been much better than she or anyone else anticipated.. It's obvious the meds they prescribed for nausea worked and although she has had some issues, it's nothing she can't handle (but then again - we know that Beth won't complain no matter what's happening).. and yes - she did pick out her wig!!!
Beth is not a happy camper about having to be careful about how much time she spends in the sun; as a nanny-Beth spends her entire summer by the pool with the kids, so she's still pouting about this directive!!!
Beth went to work yesterday for the first time since her surgery and she's hoping to be able to work some - As most of you know Beth is a nanny for 5 wonderful kids (she's prejudiced of course because they are her nieces & nephews).. It's her first attempt since the surgery..
No doubt the kids are so excited to have her back and to be together again, especially little Nicholas and Beth's youngest "Hayden" - it was very obvious how much they missed each other!! And you can only imagine how excited Beth's beloved Sydney was, when her Auntie Ba picked her up from school yesterday.. And Beth is planning Devon's 9th birthday party, so it's better than we could have imagined!!!
So, the routine will be chemo every 3 weeks for the first 3-4 months; then every week for several months, and then back to every 3 weeks ... and so it will go for 15+ months.. But, how wonderful that it's there to help make sure that Beth's wins this challenge!!
As always - thank you - thank you - thank you for your continued best wishes and support - it helps more than you will ever know - so keep those prayers coming - they are making all the difference!!!
Beth is not a happy camper about having to be careful about how much time she spends in the sun; as a nanny-Beth spends her entire summer by the pool with the kids, so she's still pouting about this directive!!!
Beth went to work yesterday for the first time since her surgery and she's hoping to be able to work some - As most of you know Beth is a nanny for 5 wonderful kids (she's prejudiced of course because they are her nieces & nephews).. It's her first attempt since the surgery..
No doubt the kids are so excited to have her back and to be together again, especially little Nicholas and Beth's youngest "Hayden" - it was very obvious how much they missed each other!! And you can only imagine how excited Beth's beloved Sydney was, when her Auntie Ba picked her up from school yesterday.. And Beth is planning Devon's 9th birthday party, so it's better than we could have imagined!!!
So, the routine will be chemo every 3 weeks for the first 3-4 months; then every week for several months, and then back to every 3 weeks ... and so it will go for 15+ months.. But, how wonderful that it's there to help make sure that Beth's wins this challenge!!
As always - thank you - thank you - thank you for your continued best wishes and support - it helps more than you will ever know - so keep those prayers coming - they are making all the difference!!!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Getting Ready for the next Step
Yesterday, Beth saw her plastic surgeon and had an outpatient surgical procedure done at Faulkner to remove the dead skin/scab from her reconstruction and everything went well; shortly after the procedure Beth was sitting up, eating and drinking and able to go home-per usual anxious to be home with the boys.. Her immediate challenge continues to be the stretching of those muscles each day to get her arms over her head and although it's more difficult than she expected and despite the pain, she works at it constantly hoping to avoid going to physical therapy...
Next week Beth has 3 tests scheduled; a cat scan and a bone scan, both of which will be done at Dana Farber and then the following day she will go back in to have a MUGA test (heart); all in preparation to begin chemotherapy in 2 weeks on Monday March 23rd. No one looks forward to chemotherapy but Beth continues to have a wonderful attitude and we have total confidence she'll continue to do whatever it takes to beat this!!
As always, thanks again for your good wishes, prayers and encouragement.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
1 Month Today
Hard to believe it's been one month today since Beth had her surgery and she's feeling better and working hard to get those arms over her head!!!
Beth met with the oncologist today and it's definite - Beth will begin chemo in a little over 2 weeks on Monday, March 23rd and she's been told to plan on at least 15 months of chemo..
We all knew this what was anticipated from discussions prior to Beth's surgery, but I think we had all hoped that just maybe it wouldn't be necessary.. But we now know it was wishful thinking, so now the plan is to concentrate on preparing for the next stage of her journey..
The chemo will be strong and there's no doubt that Beth will lose her hair and despite her smiles she has to be overwhelmed. But as is usual with Beth, she's making jokes. She has a phenomenal attitude and with the continued of support from everyone, there's no doubt she's going to beat this!!!
So continue to keep her and her family in your prayers and we'll keep you updated...
Friday, February 27, 2009
Recovery continues (3 weeks since surgery)
Beth is doing well as she completes her third week since surgery. It's so obvious how much progress she is making each and every day and her doctors are so pleased. It's still uncomfortable to raise her arms over her head which is an absolute must.. So she continues to work on this daily hoping to avoid physical therapy. She is still very limited to what she can lift - absolutely nothing 10 lbs or heavier for a few more weeks - easier said than done..
Big step was receiving an OK to drive, but only when she absolutely has to - so she's not doing much driving. She is out and about, but no doubt tires easily which for her is a big frustration...
She looks wonderful though and the smile and sparkle are no doubt coming back...
What's next: meeting with the oncologist in early March to discuss the next phase, but one thing at a time.
So right now it's time to concentrate on regaining her strength and getting as much rest as possible and keeping those muscles stretched so she can get her arms "comfortably" over her head!!! As always - your continued thoughts and prayers are so appreciated...
Monday, February 16, 2009
Beth is doing wonderfully!!
I spoke to Beth last Thursday afternoon and she sounds wonderful. She was looking forward to her appointment the next day (despite it being Friday the 13th) with her plastic surgeon, hoping she could get rid of some of the drains... Well she did-yeah!!! And her plastic surgeon is so pleased and said she's doing much better than expected.. so half the drains are out and the plan is to remove the remaining drains this Wednesday. That in itself will be liberating not having to carry them around!!!
She's doing fine - going up and downstairs and has even gone out shopping with a friend. She is still sleeping on the couch because she needs to stay on her back but she is feeling better each day. She's off all her pain medications - just taking her antibiotics and ibuprofen now and then.
This Friday, Feb 20th, Beth will be meeting with her other surgeon and they will then be scheduling an appointment to meet with her oncologist to begin discussing the next phase.. But so far so good and it's encouraging that everything seems to be going better than we'd hoped...
Beth can't thank each and everyone of you enough for all your prayers and good wishes, she feels they have made all the difference. We've assured her that every one's support is going to continue until she has completed this journey and WON!!!!
She's doing fine - going up and downstairs and has even gone out shopping with a friend. She is still sleeping on the couch because she needs to stay on her back but she is feeling better each day. She's off all her pain medications - just taking her antibiotics and ibuprofen now and then.
This Friday, Feb 20th, Beth will be meeting with her other surgeon and they will then be scheduling an appointment to meet with her oncologist to begin discussing the next phase.. But so far so good and it's encouraging that everything seems to be going better than we'd hoped...
Beth can't thank each and everyone of you enough for all your prayers and good wishes, she feels they have made all the difference. We've assured her that every one's support is going to continue until she has completed this journey and WON!!!!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Beth is recuperating
Day 6 since surgery and Beth is doing better each day. She's still quite sore, but coping - as many of us, it's never easy to find the right balance with pain meds and even moreso for someone who doesn't like to take medication..
As always, thank God for "moms" and that's true for Beth as well, her mom s making sure she gets the rest she needs...
As always, thank God for "moms" and that's true for Beth as well, her mom s making sure she gets the rest she needs...
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Beth is home
Just a quick note to let you know that Beth is home - obviously very sore - but so glad to be home so that she can see the boys.. I think everyone recuperates much better at home than in the hospital - so now she just has to remember that she can't lift anything heavier than a coffee cup and she has to allow herself to be taken care of for awhile - which for Beth is easier said than done!
As always - Beth is so thankful for every one's good thoughts and prayers and we will keep you posted on her recovery and as she continues on this journey..
As always - Beth is so thankful for every one's good thoughts and prayers and we will keep you posted on her recovery and as she continues on this journey..
Friday, February 6, 2009
It's been almost 24 hours since surgery and Beth is very sore, which is to be expected. She's been having some episodes where she has difficulty breathing, which isn't unusal when someone is in considerable pain and gets anxious and it might also be a side effect of the anesthesia. But as you can imagine, no matter what the reason, that's very scary for her. Thanks to everyone who has sent their well wishes via email - we will be copying them and getting them to her.
For those of you who asked for an address to send cards:
For those of you who asked for an address to send cards:
Beth Giovannucci - 12 Everett Street - Norfolk, MA 02056-1609
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Surgery is over and Beth's doing wonderfully
UPDATE-Surgery is over and Beth is doing very well and pleased that she has 'boobs!!!" Awesome!!!
They have just moved her to her room and she looks good considering all she's been thru today, but as Sean said, she's still pretty medicated - but in true Beth style - asking for her make-up (which is in her dad's car!) Go girl!@!!@
Obviously the next few days will be painful, but hopefully she'll keep using the button on her medication drip and take what they give her... as we said before they are wonderful about pain management and will do their best to keep her as comfortable as possible so she can begin to heal...
Thank you for your prayers and support and we'll keep you posted as her journey continues...
They have just moved her to her room and she looks good considering all she's been thru today, but as Sean said, she's still pretty medicated - but in true Beth style - asking for her make-up (which is in her dad's car!) Go girl!@!!@
Obviously the next few days will be painful, but hopefully she'll keep using the button on her medication drip and take what they give her... as we said before they are wonderful about pain management and will do their best to keep her as comfortable as possible so she can begin to heal...
Thank you for your prayers and support and we'll keep you posted as her journey continues...
Surgery is going very well
UPDATE-Surgery is going very well - the double mastectomy is completed and the great news is there doesn't appear to be any cancer in the lymph nodes - yeah---what wonderful news... And the next great news is the surgeons decided to go ahead with the reconstruction portion of the surgery, which is what they are doing now - Beth was so frightened not knowing what she would wake up to and this will be such a boost to her spirits...
No doubt she still has a long road ahead of her - but it's so obvious to all of us that the prayers are working, so keep 'em coming!!
We will keep you posted as soon as we know she is out of surgery and into recovery..But what a relieve that so far the news is all good..
No doubt she still has a long road ahead of her - but it's so obvious to all of us that the prayers are working, so keep 'em coming!!
We will keep you posted as soon as we know she is out of surgery and into recovery..But what a relieve that so far the news is all good..
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Beth's surgery is tomorrow morning
Beth had a very busy day Friday meeting with the surgical team, anesthesiologist and getting all the necessary papers signed.. Fortunately she’ll be on a morphine drip after surgery and they’ve assured her that pain management is a top priority… Reality is no doubt setting in for her and her entire family-when I spoke to her Saturday she was busy cleaning the house and getting everything ready for the boys; she’d hoped to only be in the hospital a day or two so was disappointed when they told her to plan for at least 5-6 days; the drains will come out in 7-8 days and chemo will probably begin in 30-35 days.. Although they are planning to do the reconstruction tomorrow during surgery; a final decision won’t be made until surgery is underway and they know for sure what they are dealing with.
Beth will arrive at Faulkner Hospital very early tomorrow morning and family will be with her throughout. Surgery is expected to be quite long -7 hours or more, so we don’t expect to have any news until very late afternoon or early evening at the soonest. Once we do we will add it to the site…
Beth, her family and all of us who love her have been overwhelmed by everyone’s graciousness, support and prayers… Together we know she’s is going to win this challenge for sure…. Please keep her and her family in your prayers…
Beth will arrive at Faulkner Hospital very early tomorrow morning and family will be with her throughout. Surgery is expected to be quite long -7 hours or more, so we don’t expect to have any news until very late afternoon or early evening at the soonest. Once we do we will add it to the site…
Beth, her family and all of us who love her have been overwhelmed by everyone’s graciousness, support and prayers… Together we know she’s is going to win this challenge for sure…. Please keep her and her family in your prayers…
Thursday, January 29, 2009
An important appointment tomorrow
Beth goes to the doctor's tomorrow to get the low-down, non-sugar-coated details for her surgery next Thursday and the recovery, so she will have a better understanding of what
to expect. They have told her she needs to quit drinking the AMPs (energy drinks) that she loves, so she's bummed about that, but overall in pretty good spirits considering all that she's facing.. We are pleased that Beth's sister Sarah finally has the link for the donations up and running and Cherie and Jen are all set to release our emails and letters.. now the challenge is left to Beth's mom Jane to to tell Beth what we are doing with this blog and the fund raising efforts for her and the boys... Just be sure to keep them all in your prayers...
to expect. They have told her she needs to quit drinking the AMPs (energy drinks) that she loves, so she's bummed about that, but overall in pretty good spirits considering all that she's facing.. We are pleased that Beth's sister Sarah finally has the link for the donations up and running and Cherie and Jen are all set to release our emails and letters.. now the challenge is left to Beth's mom Jane to to tell Beth what we are doing with this blog and the fund raising efforts for her and the boys... Just be sure to keep them all in your prayers...
Monday, January 19, 2009
Good & Bad News
The good news is the genetic testing is back and it's negative-she doesn't carry the BRAC gene, so that's wonderful. The bad news is the doctors feel strongly about the radical double mastectomy, so have scheduled surgery for Thursday, February 5th..
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)