Greetings Part A

Dear Friends and Family,

Am I the only one that wonders where time goes?  For those of you that have checked this blog and have not found an update... I'm sorry.   Let me bring you up to date on what has been going on.

First up to the plate is Becky:

Beck has completed all of her testing and it was sent to Mayo.  It has been concluded that she has PSC (primary sclerosing cholangitis)  I could explain it to you but it would be easier to 'google' and read up on it.  As far as what this means to Becky is that she will have to have cancer testing every 6 months and a colonoscopy every year (Yes at 23!)  I have spoken at length with her doctors and specifically her Oncologist (Cancer doctor) although PSC is specific to the liver and ducts it has a very high relationship with the colon and in almost all cases will end up with cancer in either the liver or colon.  Best is to stay on top of the disease and catch it early.  You ask: Is there a cure:  No.

Is there something to be done?  Not really.  What then?  Beck rests... in the Lord.  She has an amazing outlook on things.  Her faith is and continues to grow strong.  Lots of prayer.

We trust the Lord with our daily activity in guiding us and lean not to our own understandings... when you are faced with a young person; your child with an illness, you have many things that you learn and the one that comes to mind as I type this is that:  Who is the One that loves her more than me (her mother) that One is the Creator, the Savior, the Healer... Beck is in the Lords hands and has been all along.  When you say that and believe it... you can't help but find the rest and comfort of a love that is unshakable... indescribable... and for some just not understandable.  Remember we love and serve an AWSOME God!

Back to Becky;  She had the pain spinal stimulator removed.  If you recall she had a device placed along her spine that went to a little box (much like a pacemaker) in the hip that was suppose to be an alternate way to control pain.  Well... it didn't do much after all.  Plus, she couldn't have an MRI which Mayo wanted to have done.  When it was removed she had an MRI it again confirmed PSC and the cirrhosis which we knew about. It also revealed that Becky has "spots" on her liver.  Here is the thing... we don't know what the spots are; yet.  I'm not certain that we will know soon either. 

Some of you may wonder why they don’t just do a liver transplant.  Both the liver transplant team and Mayo have told us that at this point it would be more dangerous for her to have a transplant now (meaning a negative outcome; death)  verses waiting.  After digging a little deeper it appears that when a liver transplant is done or considered that the patient has about 3 or so months mortality time. After that was explained we were able to understand why they just continue to do... very little... because there is no cure there is not much that can be done but treat symptoms.

Well, praise God she is not at the 3 month mortality point!   

I tell friends that if you were to see Beck you would never guess she was so ill.  I also have to explain that what you don't see is when she gets home after being at church for an hour or two her need to sleep for 5 to 6 hours because it wears her out that much.  She is making it to church and I enrolled her in a one hour class for cake decorating which she loves to do.  These outings are pretty much the only time she gets out.  In April she is in one of her friends wedding as a bridesmaid.  She at first wondered if she would be able to stand up that long and have that long of a day (to be honest I wondered too)  but she agreed to be in it and I feel that overall it will be good for her, although exhausting!

--Continue to part B--

Greetings part B

Moving on:

Steve and I are the same...  which is a GOOD thing.  We love each other and although we think it is impossible to love each other more... we continue to grow more in love.  Steve is working still trying to grow his business.  I am still working in ICU at night.  I have found out that our lives are conducive for a person to work nights with it being quiet and dark... I just can't.   I feel like I've aged 10 years, so with that I am going back to days as soon as I can.  I am checking daily for openings and come March I will start calling my connections to see what they can do for me.  Please pray for this to take place.

Mary now up to the plate:

Well, where do I begin?   Okay, from the beginning.  Last March (2010) Mary was asked to travel to Uganda to help some missionary friends with a situation.  After much prayer she went.  (Please understand that as I share this story I am doing so with a smile on my face.  Putting this on black and white just does not do the story justice... hopefully she will see you soon and share it with you personally)  While there she met the staff of a ministry called: SOS (see link to the right).  There she met a man and soon there after ended up ... well they were drawn to each other.  Anthony is a Ugandan and attended The Master's College in California; recall that is the same college Mary attended.  He graduated in May 2003, she started attending August 2003.  He was on the basketball team; she was on the volleyball team.  Her v-ball coach who was engaged at that time married Anthony's best friend; who was also one Mary's friend. Anthony dated one of Mary's v-ball team mates for a short time... Do you see the connections?  Do you see the hand of God leading these two to meet each other???   There is more... after Anthony graduated he went to Texas for a number of years.  While Mary was in college she had ... you know those special friends that make your years away amazing.  One of those friends was Michael who introduced her to his sister and brother in-law which the Lord created a special bond.  They are the missionaries in Uganda.  While in Texas, Anthony lived with Michaels parents for a time.

I had expected Mary to come back from Uganda wanting to adopt a baby...not invite a man home! Well,Mary followed her dad's advice when he asked for her to "Bring the young man to dinner" and in June/July that's what happened - we had a 6'8" Ugandan black man live with us in our little apt. Mary & Becky bunked together for a month, which they both appreciated that special time together during this special time in Mary's life.

Since then they have stayed in contact and if any of you have had a long distance relationship...imagine one literally on the other side of the world.  Does the word SKYPE mean anything to you?  :) It's invaluable, though not as reliable as Mary would like.  Mary made another trip to Uganda in January and came home knowing that the Lord continues to draw her to Uganda. 

Now the kicker to Mary's story from my point:  When Mary was in elementary school Steve and I remember her telling us that God wanted her to be a missionary in Africa.  As parents we smiled and said something like 'that would be wonderful'.  Over the years she would mention that she felt the Lord wanted her to be a missionary... to AFRICA.  Her education, her hearts desire... placed her as a missionary yes... to Africa.   She even spoke to her aunt in Arizona whose brother is a missionary in Africa many summers ago about this desire. 

Steve and I marvel over what the Lord has done in her life.  She loves people and more than that she loves telling them about the Lord and sharing the Gospel.  After meeting Anthony and learning his heart desire his love for the Lord and how he shares on a daily basis... if not multiple times daily the love of the Lord and the saving grace of our Lord Jesus and hearing and seeing his amazing testimony and love for others.  Steve and I can not wait to see what takes place next. 

FYI:  Anthony is coming to stay with us again in May or June.  During this time Mary and Anthony will fly to California to see friends and her 'adopted' college parents (hopefully) and then travel over to Arizona to see family and friends then come back to Kentucky.  We all look forward to seeing him again.  Becky has developed a close bond to him as well; he has been an encouragement to her as had all of you!

My goodness!  This blog note has turned out to be long.  Please pray for all of us. 

We love you all.

Beth

We continue on (Dec 23, 2010)

Merry Christmas!!
We love you all!!
Becky has had the last test completed (that we know of at this time). The slides have been sent to Mayo for them view. Then we will recieve more conclusions; hopefully.
On December 23rd Becky will go into surgery; out patient. The pain stimulant device she had placed in her back and spinal area will be removed. It appears that the device does not work well for her. It is designed to “distract” the pain nerves by pulsating/vibrating. For Becky that pulsating/vibrating only changes the pain minimally and causes more nausea. So OUT it goes.
Christmas is just a few days away and we wish all of you a very merry Christmas as we look to the celebration of the birth of Christ our Savior and look at him not only as the King of Kings, Lord of Lords.
Mary is doing well back to a more normal 5 days with 3 of them being 12 hr days. She continues to prepare for Uganda.
Steve and I celebrated 27yrs of marriage last Friday. Where has the time gone? I still adore him and that has never faultered. The Lord blessed me greatly.
The weather outside is ‘frightful’ cold, cold and cold; especially for this Arizona native. I guess for all those who wish they had seasons it could be nice … well I could do without Winter. Do I sound like scrooge? HA ha.
Good night to all,
Love
Beth

Update? (Dec 8, 2010)

I wanted to send a quick post regarding any updates that we have. We don’t have one officially. In the last post I mentioned that Becky had to complete another test here in Louisville. She did complete it and the slides are on there way for Mayo to view.
She continues to gain strength although at times she seems to slip backwards. The old saying “two steps forward one step backward” or what ever the number of steps may be. Basically, she is just able to do a little bit each day and she feels worn out. It’s tough for a 23 year old (Oh she just had a birthday too) especially one that enjoys being active and loves the outdoors.
For the rest of us:
Mary is working long hours as she is preparing to travel to Uganda in January. I think she has worked 9 days straight. When I spoke with her today she sounded very tired. Her next day off is Saturday.
Steve has a cold/flu which he is trying to take care of.
Me, well I just take care of those above the best I can. I usually work three 12hour shifts a week occasionally four days.
Please keep us in your prayers. Becky for strength and endurance. (Emotionally and Spiritually I think she is doing well) Mary for strength while working long hard hours and the travel that will be coming soon. Steve to recover from the sickness that he has now and me as I work in a very stressful field (ICU) I want to be a good witness for my Savior.
I will let you know results as they conclude. Hang patient with us. Often the medical time line is not our time line. We will let you know the conclusion hopefully soon.
Thank you for your prayers, questions and concern. We turn all things over to Him that cares for us.
Love
Beth

Home from Mayo Clinic (Nov 15, 2010)

Dear Family and Friends,
First, I just want to give praise where praise is due.  Praise the Lord! He is faithful in all things!
Our trip:  Becky and  I left last Wed. (11-3) and drove up through Indiana on I65 once we got to Gary Indiana we headed toward Chicago then on into Rochester MN.   Over all the trip was very enjoyable with the exception of Chicago where it took us over two hours to drive 35 miles!  Oh my!!   None the less we saw down town Chicago.  To say the least we did not go home the same way we went.
Once there we had a nice couple that we made contact with that had a guest suite at their home.  This contact was made by some dear friends in Sedona.  The suite was very nice and welcoming.  We had a sitting/dining/kitchenette room, a large bath and a large king bedroom.  Their home was on the banks of a beautiful lake which Becky and I walked to on one of the warmer days.
At Mayo Clinic we met with many specialists.  It was nice that Becky was seen by people with a fresh perspective.  I know that you are all wondering about the conclusion… Sorry, I don’t have one yet.  We have another test yet to be done.  They wanted it to be done there but…  I’ll get to that in a moment.
Thursday and Friday we had meetings with doctors.  Saturday and Sunday no appointments (Clinic closed)  Monday another doctor and Tuesday a test procedure that took Becky into the same type of pain that she had experienced here.  She was admitted.  Thankfully, they attacked aggressively the pain and nausea and the next morning when we expected to come home after a conclusive meeting she was able to keep that appointment.  At that last appointment they wanted to have Becky stay and do another procedure she decided that she would like to do that.  Well… the last procedure took a lot of ‘prep’ to be taken at home.  What they did not understand was how physically worn out Becky was from being NPO for the prior 36 hours for the other appointments and tests.  As she started the ‘prep’ which had to be taken orally she became very sick and could not keep it down.  After a few phone calls to Steve we decided that this test could be done at home and that we would send the slides to Mayo for them to look at.
The next morning we headed home. this time we went down through Waterloo IA toward Bloomington IL and on into a small town where we have lots of family.  We stayed for dinner and a nice visit with some of them then we headed home.
Just a FYI:  If anyone want to try the ’5 hour shot’ drink that is supposed to keep you alert… well it does… even only half of it!  I was a little leery of drinking the entire thing thinking that I might be admitted with heart palpitations and so forth because the only caffeine I take in is from iced tea and chocolate (mmmm).  I must let you know that the lemon lime flavor reminded me of the taste of perfume.  (okay for all of you who are wondering why I would know the taste of perfume… just don’t talk walk spraying the perfume on.)
It is good to be home.  Although we don’t have a conclusion yet it was such a blessing to spend time with Becky and to have a few others look at her and tell us the degree of her liver or any other situations that need to be looked at.  I praise the Lord for her ability to make the drive.
Thank you for your prayers!!!!  I know that we were had many, many of you that prayed for us daily and we are very thankful for all of you.
We will try to keep you updated as conclusions (if any) come.
We love you,
Beth

Heading to Mayo on Wed. (Oct 8, 2010)

Dear Friends,
It has been a few weeks since our last update; sorry.
Becky is doing so much better.  Her strength has increased and she has been home since October 3rd.  The longest stretch since March.  Her pain is being controlled as is her nausea.    We had two days of vomiting but it was not every thirty minutes nor did it last long.
She was able to attend church last Sunday and a friend took her to a lunch gathering that was close to our house with the promise that if Becky showed any sign of trouble that she would bring her home.  Becky did very well, but came home and slept most of the afternoon.  It is amazing  what is taxing to her.
We are on for Mayo this coming week.  Mayo is a twelve-hour drive.  The time that she has had this month to get stronger has been a real blessing.  It will just be her and I on the road trip.  Please keep our travel in prayer as well as the doctors that we are to meet with.  We have been introduced to a couple in MN by some dear friends in AZ that has a guest house/room that we will be staying in.  They are about 5 miles from Mayo Clinic.  How wonderful it is to be in the family of Christians that open their home to strangers; only united in Christ.
Steve is doing well and will be teaching during our travel.
Mary is doing well and will find out if she is getting a second job at a clinic on the West side.  It will expose her to area’s of nursing that will be very beneficial in Uganda.
Her side business ’31′ has been a blessing for her to share about Uganda as well as share the gospel to all ladies that attend.  Her testimony is also on the invitations and thank you notes.  She is in contact with the missionary family in Uganda as to what is needed the most so that she will be sure to bring it when she goes in January. 
I am busy working night shift.  I have not figured out how to get my schedule right.  I’m sure I’ll get it eventually.
Words cannot express our love and thankfulness for all of you and your prayers for Becky and for us.  THANK YOU!
We love you all,
Beth.

She's still home & doing "well"

Right now Becky is sitting on the couch wrapped up in a blanket watching The Price is Right (hehe).  She seems to be doing well.  Taking things very slowly, which is good.  She is trying to get the strength to go to church on Sunday – at least for 1 service.
My mom has been on the phone all morning with her insurance company making sure she can go to Mayo next month.  There is no conclusion on that regard yet.
Thank you again for all your prayers.  Please continue to pray for us: discretion, wisdom, love, grace & strength.  All to walk in a manner worthy of our Lord & to be a testimony to the lost around us

The Mom Update (Oct 5, 2010)

Hi Everyone,
Again, I am very thankful for Mary.  Mary’s last update summed up the situation with Becky very well.    Mayo has been rescheduled till Nov. 4th.  Mary mentioned the reasons, all of which we had no control over.  It is wonderful to know that when we have no control over situations that the Lord is in complete control.  Maybe it would be best for Becky to gain strength before the trip… again we just rest in knowing that as much as we can do; we’re doing it.
It’s best not to ask what I think of the new health reform, but one of the things that I believe will work for us is that Becky will most likely be able to get on my insurance come the first of the year.  This will benefit her greatly and she will not have to pay the large costly insurance premiums.
Keep us in prayer as the new date will be here soon that Becky will be able to gain strength and we’ll make the trip and see the doctors that will be open to seeing her and her illness with a fresh perspective.
Side note:  As Mary mentioned in one of her previous posts she is now a “31″ representative.  For all of you who don’t know about “31″ it is a company that is based on Proverbs 31.    This company is a company that allows women to sell high quality products for the home and women such as handbags, totes, baby bags, home organizers, stationary and so much more for the home and you can get them personalized as well.
This evening UPS dropped off her ”box” of illustration bags and totes.  I was very impressed.  The quality was great and the use of the bags are endless.  I have to remember that she has these things for illustrations when she sells products.
So here’s a pitch from mom.  If you are wanting to organize your home, give graduates some totes for their dorm room to carry their laundry or simple create a livable area from a small space this is for you.  New brides or brides to be can use these for her own home or for gifts for her bridal party… you get the idea … it’s endless and colors/designs are versatile and fun.
As she mentioned all proceeds are for Uganda, Africa.  If you are not aware Mary is very involved with a mission called SOS (see links to view a great video and information regarding this wonderful ministry)  Mary has set up an account for all ”31″ funds to go into.  These funds will help with the cost of travel, purchasing or collecting medical supplies and so on to take with her as she travels there throughout the year.
Please remember her as you think of Christmas gifts or other needs and be sure to view Mary’s link for “31″ to view the fall catalog and the Christmas/holiday catalog.  www.mythirtyone.com/MaryFranklin
If you want to have Mary ship you a catolog to view “in hand” email her at maryelizabeth06@gmail.com.
Only if you’re wondering… Steve and I are fine.  Steve is busy with the office and so forth and I am officially off orientation this week and will be on my own as an ICU nurse.  I am enjoying my job… but I have never worked nights until now and although conditions for sleeping is conducive to our home (quiet) I still have to get used to it.  I feel like I’m loosing days…or is it nights?????
Much love,
Beth

Mayo Update (Oct 5,2010)

Becky is still home!  That is so exciting after such a long hospitalization round.  She has a Mayo clinic visit scheduled for October 7.  That unfortunately needed to be postponed until November 4th.
It was postponed due to insurance issues.  When Becky went to long term disability from her work in March, she had 6months of insurance coverage.  When that time is up (now) she has to pay for her insurance.  It will take up to 15 days for her insurance to switch over and cover her, unfortunately this trip to Mayo was scheduled during that period of time.  One would think we could go anyway, and allow the insurance to catch up…but I guess that can’t happen on either the insurance side of things or Mayo side of things.  Mayo doesn’t allow anyone to be seen or admitted until there is proof of insurance and ability to pay for whatever the insurance doesn’t cover within 60 days.  I believe Becky has met her 100% out-of-network coverage, but I’m not sure about that – my mom will have to fill in more of that.  (She said she will blog an update tomorrow as well).
So, for now Becky is home.  :)  We are praying for the next step.  Thank you for your questions, concerns & most of all for your prayers!
Mary – for the family.

She's Home! (Oct 4, 2010)

I’m so sorry that this hasn’t been updated recently – but until now there hasn’t really been anything to update.
Last night they (the hospitalist doctor & her) decided to try oral medication once again, now that the new medicine she is trying has been keeping her nausea down.  She was able to handle all her food and the oral medicine all night!  I called her this afternoon and she made up her mind to go home today.  I think she felt the pressure of having to come home today or we would have to cancel her trip to Mayo clinic again.  We all thought on Friday night that we would be calling Mayo on Monday to have the trip canceled.
Mayo’s trip may be canceled anyway, if Becky isn’t given an extension on her insurance.  Please pray for God’s will in that decision. We don’t want to put our hope in Mayo clinic, they don’t offer anything more than our good creator & sovereign God has in his hands.  So if it is not God’s will for us to go to Mayo then allow the insurance not to accept her extension.  Mayo does not have “care forgiveness” programs – whatever your insurance does not cover the patient has to pay out of pocket, no matter what.
Yesterday was mom’s birthday, Becky was very sad to have us celebrate in her hospital room.  She is glad, though anxious, to be home.  She is now resting in her bed!  Please pray the medications she is on will work, we had to “tweak” her medications a little in order to compensate for what insurance doesn’t cover.  Did you know that Vancomycin is $1200.00 for a 10 day supply?  CRAZY!  Praise the Lord for a great pharmacist who helped us choose different medications that do the same thing, have the same ingredients and are much cheeper!  She seems fine with the change. Hospitals don’t have to worry about that sort of thing – they just give whatever the doctor orders.
Other random family news – I (Mary) am trying another job to pay for trips to Uganda.  Including living expenses, medical supplies & equipment, etc etc.  I will be posting more details about it soon, but I am selling “31″.  You can check out my website at: www.mythirtyone.com/maryfranklin
For the family,
Mary
PS – Sorry if this update is discombobulated – it’s late & it’s been a long day at work.  I will update more tomorrow! Thank you again for all your prayers & love shown to us – we are so undeserving!

Mayo Postponed/ Liver Biopsy over (Sep 14, 2010)

 I am very thankful that Mary has kept this blog up to date.   I thought I would let every one know what is going on today.  (9-13-10)

First,  Mayo has been postponed until October 7th due to Becky still having trouble with nausea and vomiting and remaining admitted in the local hospital.
Next, she had a liver biopsy today.  The last CT showed some “spots” on the liver and the GI doctor wanted to check the status of what was going on.  This may end up being … nothing?  Remember that she is to healthy for a liver transplant right now.  hmmmm???.  None the less, her liver showed something and they are checking it out.  The local GI specialist who we really like said that if nothing else it will be more data for Mayo to look at when we get there.    We should know more later regarding the results of this test.
We are pleased that even though  we have had this additional time in the hospital after a brief visit home that Becky is feeling better and the pain has subsided substantially.  She is off of the PCA pump (the machine that gives pain med when a button is pushed by the patient) and receiving IV pain med instead.  If you are wondering this is a step up.  She would be on oral pain med if she was able to keep it down, but she hasn’t been able to yet, so we wait for a little longer.
On Saturday when I was working I heard my name called to come to the desk and I saw Steve with Becky next to him.  She walked around in the hospital and laughed and said that her Dad was treating her to a sucker in the gift shop.  You can only imagine how happy I was to see her up and walking around.  If I knew that all it took was a sucker I would have offered that a long time ago. 
Hopefully, Lord willing, we will get her home this week.  Becky has been looking at websites to see material and design her next baby quilt that she is looking forward to sending to Uganda; she can’t wait to get started.
Thank you for all of your prayers.  We feel them all with the peace that each one of us have during this time.  The Lord is faithful.
Beth

Answers for the vomiting (Sep 7, 2010)

Becky was admitted on the 5th because of extreme vomiting.  At home she was vomiting every 15 minutes. She vomited every hour (sorry if this is to graphic) yesterday, but has not as much today.  Last night the doctor ordered a CT of her abdomen & head (she had a severe headache, light & noise sensitivity).  The CT showed that she had a bowel obstruction in her transverse colon.   That answers ssoo much about the nausea and vomiting.  The doctor said he is going to try some shots to help things pass along, because right now it is not severe enough for surgery or a NG tube (NasoGastric Tube that goes into the stomach to drain the fluid so she stops vomiting).  That is good news.  Bowel obstructions are very painful, especially with all the other things going on with her causing pain.  I think, in my very unprofessional opinion, that the extreme headache, light & noise sensitivity was related to her pain medicine being significantly & suddenly being reduced, but thats just my opinion.
Hopefully now that we know what this admission problem is she will be headed home soon.  Mom & Becky are still headed to Mayo clinic on the 14th, God willing.
Thank you again so very much for your encouragement and prayers!! Please continue to do so, our God is big and hears our prayers
On behalf of the family,
Mary

Home for a few hours & back again in room 723 (Sep 5, 2010)

Yesterday around 3pm Becky came home.  She was able to sleep on the couch, get a shower, and rest some more.  Later in the evening she started throwing up, and kept throwing up for 6 or so hours until they brought her back to the hospital.
She arrived at the hospital around 1 am this morning, and she has thrown up about half a liter of fluid from that time to now; pretty impressive for someone that doesn’t have anything in them.  The doctor put her back on the Diladid pain drip (PCA pump) giving her pain medicine through her IV, but not as much as before.  He also took away her Phenergan (nausea medicine) saying it is making some of her treamors worse and making her feel anxious, which is not like her.  She is now just getting Zofran for nausea.  That’s all we know for now.
My dad is there with her now, my mom had been all night.  I hope she is headed home to rest now.  Pray for strength for them as they are very tired.  Thank you for your continual prayers!  God does hear our prayers, and is faithful Father sovereign over ever step of our lives.
On behalf of the family -
Mary

Going home on Saturday (Sep 3, 2010)

Dr Reaser just came in and discussed a plan of care for Becky.  He sat down and asked about Becky’s pain, which is still very high.  She has completely baffled these doctors – they don’t know what to do.  My dad made a great point that it shows that even the highest educated can’t compare to the vast creation of God.
Dr Reaser said the ultimate goal right now is to send her home and make her more comfortable.
Here is the plan of care he discussed:
- PCA pump will be decreased to 1mg every 20 minutes (half of what it is currently).  Tomorrow night her PCA pump goes off.  She gets switched to oral pain medicine now and will be sent home on oral Diladid.
-  When her TPN (nutrition through her IV) is finished in at midnight then it is finished for good.  She now needs to eat enough on her own for her to get adequate nutrition.
- She has been given “pain pops” – Fentanyl tips to stick in her mouth to help with breakthrough pain.  She’s not convinced they work yet.
- She needs to get up and walking otherwise her muscles are going to atrophy and become disabling. (Yeah, easier said than done.  The poor thing can’t even move from the chair to the bed.)
- Going home on Saturday is going to happen – seemingly no matter what.  Insurance is barking down the doctors throat (unfortunate realities of American insurance – they run the show), and he thinks she will get better at home.
Things to be praying for:
- Strength, patience, endurance and love for each other during this time.
- The last time we stopped the PCA pump she went through withdrawals.  It was not a fun time at all, she was shaking like a leaf, her legs kept moving over & over again, and she couldn’t sleep or stop moving.
- Her pain, heart (spiritually)
My dad just came in, and he encouraged Becky & I so much.  I am reminded of Scripture that says when you goes through trials you are able to comfort others who go through trials.  Dad can comfort Becky more than mom or I can because he’s been through this.  (For those of you who don’t know, my dad was hospitalized in June of 06 for 7 weeks in Scottsdale, AZ.  4 surgeries, lots of pain during that time – he totally understands in ways my mom & I can’t).  My mom & I are the ones that push her to take a walk in hall (its the nursing in us).   He lead us in a tearful prayer – what could be more important than approaching our Creator in prayer & encouragement.
The nurses are in now, they are so great (busy & overworked).  I hope she is a believer, she seems to be as she keeps talking about prayer, she loves the Scripture faithful friends (Sarah & Chris) have put up in the room.
Becky wants me to add that she is currently in more pain now than she has been this entire time.  Pray for strength, it seems there is no option at this point.  Well let me rephrase – there is no option apart from continually trusting and faithfully serving our loving & good God.
For the family -
Mary

Out of surgery (Aug 31 2010)

Becky came out of surgery and to her room about 9pm last night.  The doctors informed us that the surgery went well… her pain level is expected.  Okay??
As the night continued we tried to get in contact with the doctor the pain med was not doing much for her level of pain.  This am we get an apology from the doctor who informed us that he did not know until he went into the office that his phone system was not in operation due to … something.
This morning she is a little better and is currently resting.  When she had the trial SCS it took a couple of days before she felt the benefits.    So we wait.
- Beth

Luke 18:1 – Vulnerability by Mary (Aug 31 2010)

After working 12 hours today on a busy L&D unit, I came home very tired and mentally exhausted.  Knowing Becky wouldn’t be out of surgery until 8:30 or so I went home & heated up some leftover McAlister’s for dinner.  I wanted ssooo badly to sit down and “vegg” while watching TV.  I didn’t want to do anything that required energy: mentally or emotionally.  I thought “I had a hard day at work, I deserve to watch some TV even though I know it won’t be profitable for me.”  I noticed I just wanted to “lose” myself and leave my reality – just during dinner I rationalized in my mind.  But the Holy Spirit is greater than I, and helped me fight my flesh!  I am so thankful he did.  On the couch my parents Bible was opened to Luke (I’ve noticed over the past few weeks that the Bible remains open and continues to progress through Luke).  Tonight it was opened to Luke 18 which said:

“And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.”
My dinner time alone turned out to be encouraging, profitable and eternal – all because, by the help of the Holy Spirit, I battled my flesh and turned to the Word.   It turned into a dinner praying for Becky and praying for strength even though at times I want to lose heart (or don’t even want to think at all) – but am told not to.  And the reason I’m told not to is because my Savior, The Mighty One, all knowing, caring, loving, sovereign Creator, has it.  And while the parable is dealing more with God’s giving justice to those who are His, the principle is clear through out all of Scripture – pray hard because God hears, expects it and wants his children to show dependence in such a way.   We serve such a loving & good God who cares about his children and whose loving compassion knows no end!
Thank you for your prayers!  We serve a God who hears them! Please continue to keep praying, it is encouraging to see the body of Christ coming together through the country.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart
Becky’s surgery went as expected.  She arrived in a great amount of pain related to the incision and the details of the surgery itself.  Last time it took about 3 days for her to feel the effects of the SCS (See previous posts to read explanation).  She is on her PCA pump right now hoping to get her pain under control.  My mom is with her, and probably will be through the night (pray for her, she also worked a 12 hour shift today).

Sunday... the Mom's update (Aug 29, 2010)

Hi Everyone,
I am new at this whole “blog” thing but am finding out that it is one way to communicate how Becky is doing to a lot of friends and family without making a ‘zillion’ phone calls/emails.
Becky appears to be having a good day today.  Her voice is clear and she is laughing.  She has been able to keep food down and even asked for me to bring her some ‘home’ food which she seemed to enjoy.
Regarding the knot on her forearm; it apparently will go away with time and warm compresses. She remains on a blood thinner to prevent other blood clots from beginning.
Tomorrow (Monday, Aug 30)  at 5pm she will go into surgery to have the SCS (Spinal Cord Stimulator – see post below) permanently placed.  She came to the conclusion that the percentage of pain that is relieved with the trial SCS would be worth the placement of the permanent one.  I have to agree with her decision, Steve and I have seen the improvement as well.  Becky a few days ago and certainly a few weeks ago was literally bent over in pain and placing all of her weight on me as I assisted her to the restroom and so forth; now she is standing up much straighter and actually got out of bed today without assistance (the nurses aide was not able to help her in time…don’t ask)
Regarding Mayo Clinic:   Becky and I will take a road trip to MN on Sept. 14th.  If nothing else having some of what we hope to be the best doctors in the United States look at her from a fresh perspective will be good.
Faithful friends continue to visit daily or almost daily.  The church has been a real blessing to Becky with faithful visits and faithful prayer for her.  Our other church family and friends in Arizona and Illinois have also been a real blessing with  calls and emails.  The Sedona family has given me a christian friend contact that lives very close to Mayo Clinic that may have a guest house for us to stay at while in town.  I am overwhelmed with the love that has been and continues to be expressed by all of you.  THANK YOU!
Love to all,
Beth

Pain, Blood Clot, Vomiting (Aug 27, 2010)

The SCS is still in, Becky says “it’s helped, but not 50%”.  The day before yesterday they turned her PCA pump off and gave her oral Diladid.  The problem with that is she has had nothing in her stomach for a while, so she threw it up & has for the past 2 days.  She is now back on the PCA pump but isn’t using it as much as she was before.  Today I (Mary) got her up to the bathroom and she was able to walk better than I’ve seen in weeks.  So that’s an improvement, I think at least.
Last night she had an ultrasound on her right forearm because she felt a big “knot” in one of her veins.  It was confirmed to be a blood clot.  She is now on Lovenox daily.
I think things are slowly improving…
Mary

Still undecided if it worked or not (Aug 24 2010)

The SCS was successfully placed last night, but it was a very rough night of pain – not only what it had been before, but now in her back.  She now has a remote that controls how much stimulation she gets in her spine.   Honestly, it’s a little freaky that an external remote can control something that is internally placed in her spine no less.  She said she is in pain all over, especially in her incision.  (I’ll post pictures soon-ish)
The rep for the SCS came into day and asked about how it was working.  Becky told him she was still in a lot of pain and can’t move.  She said there is a “setting” she thinks she likes, but it makes her toes tingly.  The rep is coming by tomorrow morning to help tweak the settings to hopefully make her more comfortable.
Thank you for those of you who have been faithfully praying!!  I don’t know what we would do without your prayers!  Please pray for strength, perseverance and love for all of us.

She's sleeping (Aug 24 2010)

We’re not sure how the surgery went.  She came up and the SCS was off, she turned it on and said “My toes are tingly”.  Does that mean its working?  Right now she is sleeping semi soundly. We’ll know more in the morning.
She’s on a 3 day trial to see if it helps her or not.

Spinal Cord Stimulator at 5pm (Aug 23 2010)

Dr. Reeser has been assigned to manage Becky’s pain.  After Mayo declined Becky’s admission Dr Reeser decided to pursue a different route.  Today at 5pm Becky will have a spinal cord stimulation rod placed.
“Spinal cord stimulation" (SCS) is a form of therapy used to treat certain types of chronic pain. It involves an electrical generator that delivers pulses to a targeted spinal cord area. The leads can be implanted by laminectomy or percutaneously and the source of power is supplied by an implanted battery or by an external radio-frequency transmitter”.
The doctor thinks this will help her pain by at least 50%.   Lets pray it does.  Unfortunately thats all we know at this time.

Mayo said... (Aug 19 2010)

Mayo said, as of right now, they don’t think they will be able to do anything more than what her current doctors & hospital are doing.  Her liver labs and pancreatic labs are “normal” so they don’t think they will be able to find anything our doctors haven’t.  They don’t want to just manager her pain.  So right now, they will only take her on an out patient basis.

Becky's Headed for Rochester, Minn (Aug 17 2010)

Through much prayer – we believe God has opened the door to send Becky up to Rochester, MI for further treatment (praying there will be that: treatment).
The doctors have approved the transfer, now we are waiting for Mayo to accept her.  Sometime this week Becky will travel 10 hours north to the hospital.  Dad & mom will drive her up in a van God graciously put on the hearts of some to let us borrow.
As of now we aren’t sure when she will head up there, Lord willing it will be Thursday this week.
On behalf of the family,
- Mary

The past 3 weeks (Aug 15, 2010)

On July 27th Becky was admitted to a local hospital in Louisville, KY for the fourth time since the end of March.  Diagnosis: Acute pain related to Pancreatitis & Autoimmune Hepatitis.
Despite being on a PCA (Patient Controlled Analgesia) Pump, which allows her to obtain 1mg of Diladid every 15minutes for pain Becky has yet to receive relief.  The pain is due to her disease process known as “Autoimmune Hepatitis” which is an inflammation of the liver that occurs when immune cells mistake the liver’s normal cells for harmful invaders and attack them!  Basically – her body is attacking her liver and slowly killing it.  The doctors recently think that she may also have autoimmune pancreatitis. Which is the same disease process – only her body is attacking her pancreas as well.
She has a variety of different doctors trying to figure out what is going on, but at this time there is nothing that can be done.  A liver transplant has been discussed – but she falls too short of the liver transplant requirements. They have discussed pain management options – including putting a rod into her spine which should help block the nerves to her liver through vibration.  (That was a little too extreme for us because it does nothing to help her liver…this leads to my next post…)