Beverly's Story

From January 23, 2009

2009-01-23T05:03:00.001-08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

4 weeks of Chemotherapy left for Beverly! We're both pretty excited.

I have to laugh at how she keeps messing with her eye brows, which have really started to thin out with the last few treatments. She says it's very obvious how one is thicker than the other - I tell her that's nonsense...they both look pretty bald to me. So next time you see Bev, just sort of cock your head to the side and ask why one eyebrow is thicker than the other :)

Even though the latest chemo drug that she's on isn't as hard on her body as the first, the biggest downside remains its ability to keep her up day and night. And I don't know if it's the Chemo or the steroids they inject along with the chemo or what, but for the first few days after her Wednesday treatments Beverly is moving 100 mph. Today, she did some work, cleaned the house, did four loads of wash, did paperwork, and when I got home she spent several minutes rattling off everything i just typed but in greater detail...without taking a breath. Funny as it is, Beverly NEEDS more sleep, so please keep her in prayer.

On a more serious note, 2 of our friends are dealing with serious challenges as a result of breast cancer. One mother of two young children passed away this week, leaving a family in great need of prayer. Another single mother of two young children was just diagnosed this week and will be undergoing a double mastectomy early next week. Please keep these situations close to your heart.

Thank you as always for all of your encouragement and prayer,

Love, Dustin & Bev

From January 9, 2009

2009-01-09T05:14:00.001-08:00

Hey guys,

I wanted to let you know that Beverly is doing well. She just finished her 6th treatment of the new Chemo, and she has 6 more treatments to go. Now she's getting her treatments every week instead of every other week. All her treatments are still on Wednesday mornings, and so far her blood counts have been right where they need to be (no BAD shots). Sadly, Bev's sister Sarah has returned to Las Vegas, after spending three months taking GREAT care of Beverly.

Bev has gotten a little bolder with this round of chemo - she's driven her jeep a little bit, walked at the park, tried going to church a couple of times, made a Charlie Brown Christmas tree, and she even tried a little Christmas shopping. She'll be fine for the first 10 minutes of whatever she's doing, and then it's amazing how the fatigue just knocks her down. But her attitude is still great though.

Besides the fatigue, she's had some bad luck picking up whatever sicknesses are floating around. So if you're praying for her, please pray that she would be protected from "side" illnesses and also that God would give her an extra dose of energy.

Bev and I thank God for friends like you pretty much every time we pray. For me personally, it has been unbelievable watching all of the kindness poured out on Bev and me, and in so many different ways.

Well I think that's it. Bev is really looking forward to seeing people at the Benefit our friends have planned that's scheduled for the end of this month. If you can't make it, we'll still send you email updates...probably :)

Thanks again, I'll be better about the next update.

Dustin

This is what the Lord says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom OR the strong man boast of his strength OR the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he undestnads and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the Lord. Jeremiah 9:23,24

From November 23, 2008

2008-11-24T05:11:00.001-08:00

I'm late on sending this update after we had a good doctor's visit last Wednesday. Last Monday and Tuesday Beverly was just having a miserable time of it, especially with migraines. It was at its worst Tuesday night. She had a regular check-up on Wednesday, and we both thought it was pretty much a given that she would be needing another "bad" shot to bring her counts up. But after her finger was pricked, the nurse came back in and said "I don't think you'll be needing a shot today."

Her white count was a good 6 points or so above where it needed to be-she's never had a reading anywhere close to that. Bev gave me a high five and was so excited not to need a shot. Then our oncologist came in and said that everything looked good and that he doesn't THINK that she'll ever need one of those "bad" shots again. It's amazing how much that good news started to make Beverly feel better. She's been feeling good since about Wednesday afternoon and she even gave Sunday School a shot this morning for the first time since chemo began.

This Wednesday she's scheduled to pick up again on her next and final 3 months of chemo. We've been very blessed so far in that she's been able to stay on schedule. Her judges and co-workers have been great to her. The cards, gifts, and prayers from you guys continue to be unbelievable.

Usually I want the winter to fly by just b/c cold weather is terrible. But the end of February this year represents the end of chemo for Beverly. It's getting closer!

Love,

Dustin & Bev

No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love... We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. Psalm 33:16-20

From November 5, 2008

2008-11-06T04:57:00.000-08:00

Well, we definitely felt the prayer today. Bev's white count was up a tenth of a point from yesterday, which was enough for the doc to tell us that she was good to go for another chemo treatment. thank the Lord

Even though the girl was exhausted today, she was thrilled that this treatment was the last of the nastiest of her chemo drugs. So, she has that to boost her spirits for the next few days. Even better is the fact that she gets a 3 week break before she transitions to the next course of chemo treatment. That news got a big smile out of her, b/c we weren't expecting that.

Anyway, just figured it's wrong to ask you to pray and then leave you hangin'. So there ya go. Great news!

Dustin

From October 21, 2008

2008-10-27T06:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Bev goes in tomorrow for her third chemo treatment. After her first two treatments, the pattern seems to be that she's ok for a few hours and then she's fairly sick for a few days.

The chemo treatments right now are spaced two weeks apart. After she's given the chemo, her white blood cell count drops so much that she has to be given a shot that forces her bone marrow to produce more white blood cells. To say that it's painful when the shot starts to work would be an understatement...but at least we know that the pain means that her white blood count is going up. Since white blood cells are what fight off infection, we have to be very cautious with Bev when her count is low, as she's in danger of getting any sort of infection that may be going around.

Along with our other prayer requests, be praying that her blood counts stay high (so she doesn't have to get the shot) and also that she doesn't get too sick from the chemo. She does absolutely love her Oncologist, so that's been a blessing.

And I refuse to write an email without saying how humbled and thankful I am for all of your support for Beverly. Your cards, prayers, calls, gifts, and deeds are ridiculous and I feel that we are spoiled. But if any person deserves to be spoiled, its Bev. By the way, she's now bald, and if I may say, she looks good! (See attached photo, taken right after she had it cut, with Bev's mom and sister also).

Love,

Dustin

P.S. The Chemo room wasn't as fun last time, as we were seated next to someone who decided to share with Beverly a list of every single unpleasant side effect that chemo has had on her...i finally put an end to it by threatening to take her hat away if she didn't stop talking.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7

From September 28, 2008

2008-10-09T07:37:00.001-07:00

Thanks for your prayer going into Chemo this week. When we walked back into the "chemo room" at the doc's office, there were already about 3 older men relaxing in their recliners and receiving their chemo treatment. Bev and I sat in a corner chair next to very sweet woman in her 40's going through the same thing that Bev was. You really couldn't have asked for a more perfect friend for Bev to talk to at this first treatment - our friend was great at giving Beverly a heads up on what was happening and she was so positive about everything.

Bev did alright for the first few days after the chemo, but she's had it rough since Friday. Although, right now she's attempting to eat a honey bun that she's just warmed up, so hopefully she'll be feeling better soon.

Keep us in your prayers,

Love, Dustin & Bev

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philip 4:12-13

From September 10, 2008

2008-10-09T07:36:00.001-07:00

First of all, thanks for your continued prayers and support over the past week - you guys continue to be incredible.

So here's the update on our girl. We're 2 weeks and 2 days post-op. We thought she'd be walking around but she's still in a good bit of pain and weak, although she's getting stronger each day. Her surgeons tell us she's healing fine. We met with the Oncologist today, her cancer treatment doctor, and he outlined where we go from here.

He said that we need to get ready for 5 months of chemotherapy, and he'd like to start in 2 or 3 weeks.

If her body is ready for it in 2 weeks, she'll have a minor surgery where a "port-a-cath" will be put in her chest. It's a small device that lies underneath the skin and hooks into a vein. Its purpose is to allow easy access for the chemotherapy drugs. After we get this in, we're ready to start the chemo

Specific prayer requests are these -
1) for wisdom on our part,
2) wisdom on the part of Bev's doctors,
3) that Bev would really turn the corner so that her strength increases and pain decreases,
4) that Bev would get much-needed sleep (the pain meds keep her up),
5) for Bev's nerves going into chemo,
6) that our ability to have children be preserved after all this

Love,

Dustin & Bev

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

From August 29, 2008

2008-10-09T07:35:00.001-07:00

Hey guys, we got the pathology report back from the hospital today - Overall I was pleased with the news. First of all, the report confirmed that the cancer did not spread to the lymph nodes on either side. So we're definitely thankful for that. We also learned that due to the size and the grade of the tumor, it is very likely that she'll have to undergo Chemotherapy at some point in the near future. We really won't be certain about the treatment plan until we have our first appointment with the Oncologist.

Bev needs to do some recovering before that happens though. These past 4 days following her surgery have been tough on her, but she's hanging in there. She's been woozy, light-headed, very sore and tender, and has had some bad headaches. Hopefully over the weekend some of these symptoms will start fading away and she'll also start eating more.

Also, I know it's always an awkward situation when someone's in bad shape and you think, "If i visit them, i'll be a burden, but if I don't visit them, they'll think i'm a bad friend." So I'll make it easy for you (at least for the next few days) - give Bev some air until i send out an email giving you the ok that she's up for visitors. It means a lot whenever anyone offers to sacrifice their time and come over, but right now she needs uninterrupted rest all day every day until she gets better.

Finally, even though she's had to give the computer a break for a couple of days b/c reading worsened her symptoms, Bev has not been deterred from enjoying all of her email and regular mail and all the other cool stuff that's being sent. So thanks again, all of you.

dustin

Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

From August 26, 2008

2008-10-09T07:33:00.000-07:00

I sent this email from the hospital last night but it wouldn't send. The only change i'm making is to say that Bev was discharged from the hospital this morning and is now home resting in a recliner...still very sore and tired, but thrilled to be finished with her big surgery...

Thank you for all your prayers. Things went really well today.

When Bev went back for surgery this morning, the Geneticist called and told me that Bev does not have the gene that would make her predisposed to getting a couple different types of cancer - so this was great news. Then, after Bev's first surgeon finished up his part of the surgery, he came out to the waiting room with a smile on his face and told me that the lymph node biopsy on both sides was negative - so this means there's a good chance the cancer hasn't gone into the lymph nodes. We'll know more when we get the pathology report in a week or so.

The doctors said that Bev did great and everything went smoothly. Unfortunately Bev didn't feel so hot coming out of the sugery b/c of the anesthesia, so she was in recovery for a good while b/4 i got to see her. She was in a lot of pain for a while there, but the good news re the lymph nodes and the genetic testing has cheered her up a bit - not to mention all of your encouraging emails/calls/visits/prayers.
the day couldn't have gone much better as far as i'm concerned. right now we're feeding bev some green jello and she's doing alright. The plan is to go home sometime tomorrow.

each of you have been such a blessing to us so far and i really just want to thank you again from the bottom of my heart.

i'll try to get out another email soon

dustin

Psalm 37:7 "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him"

From Aug 16, 2008

2008-10-09T07:27:00.001-07:00

Hello Friends!

This is Beverly . I decided it was time I sent out an update – I did not want anyone thinking I was huddled up in a corner being sad all the time. As medical information goes, this will be a short update. I did want to take some time to share a few other things with you all also.

Medical News:
We met with the second of the two surgeons on Friday and made the final determination to have the surgery on Monday, August 25, 2008. We were faced with a choice of having the mastectomy surgery this Monday (8-18-08) and then having a separate reconstructive surgery once the first surgery (and possibly chemo/radiation) is complete months later. (This would actually mean I would have a total of 3 major surgeries.) After careful thought and much prayer and discussion, we chose to go with a single surgery (mastectomy & beginning of reconstruction) on Monday, 8-25-08 (with a final reconstructive surgery once the chemo/radiation is completed).
The surgery itself will take about 4 ½ hours and I’ll spend (hopefully) only one night in the hospital. Once I’m home it will be about a four-week recovery period. We hope to be able to begin the process of harvesting eggs during the later weeks of my recovery.
We should know within a couple of weeks from the surgery whether I will need chemotherapy and/or radiation. If I do, it will begin 5-6 weeks from the date of my surgery because I must be completely healed from that before the chemo can be administered. We will meet with the oncologist within a couple weeks of the surgery. Unfortunately, that is everything we know at this point.

In Other News:
I would just like to specifically thank all of you for the amazing emails, calls and cards of love, support and prayer. I know that before this situation jumped in my path, I did not fully appreciate how much it means to someone in the middle of a life crisis to hear that someone else is lifting them up in prayer. You all have made an unforgettable impression on Dustin and I and we do appreciate it more than you know. Your prayers and assurances are an incredible source of strength for both of us.

I Am Thankful:
Dustin and I have discussed that in the midst of this tough situation, we are blessed in many ways. We are blessed to have each other, our families, and our faith to lean on. We are blessed to have a host of friends all over the country constantly encouraging us through prayer, email, cards, phone calls, visits, etc.
We have both been especially blessed in our workplaces. Dustin’s bosses have allowed him to be with me at every step of this. My bosses and co-workers have gone out of their way to make this situation and my absence from work as easy on me and my family as possible. From supplying prayers, words of encouragement, cookie dough, funny books, listening ears, dinners and educated advice, our bosses and co-workers have been amazing. (I would also like to say thank you to my mother’s co-workers who have gone out of their way to show their love and to let her be with us also.)
In the moments when I do get scared and worried, I am thankful for a husband who hugs me tightly and prays for God to comfort me and remind me that He is always in control. I am thankful for family that has traveled to be by our side and has huddled around us in prayer and support and will see us through this. I am thankful for the strength we have found in being able to go to God with our fears and our desires. I am thankful for being able to find more reasons to laugh and smile than reasons to cry.
Finally, I am thankful for all of you reading this right now. You may never know just how thankful I am or how much you have meant to me, but I pray you do. Please read this knowing that I have read every email/text, heard every message, laughed at every joke, felt every prayer, and seen every card (and, sadly, eaten every snack) that you have sent! Every one of them has lifted my spirits and encouraged me.
I know that remembering someone in prayer requires a sacrifice of time, but I ask that you continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we move from preparing to deal with this sickness into actually beginning the fight. I also remind you that we are here to pray for you all too. Do not be shy to send us your prayer requests. We would be honored to pray for your needs. We thank you again for how much love you have shown. You all mean the world to us!

Specific Prayer Requests:

Please pray for wisdom in making decisions and then peace about those decisions;
that God would grant us strength, courage, wisdom, patience, and joy for this trial;
that God would direct the heart, hands, and minds of our doctors;
that God would heal me, either by his own hand or through the hands of our doctors;
that God will preserve our ability to have children; and
that we would handle this situation in a way that glorifies God.

Philippians 4:6-7: Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ.

Psalm 73:26: My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

From Aug 13, 2008

2008-10-09T07:25:00.002-07:00

Alright, last time we sent an update we were waiting on the results of Bev's MRI and her genetic testing, and also praying for some guidance in the decisions that we're making now.
We're still waiting on the genetic testing, but we're expecting that to take another week. However, the results of that test aren't going to be as important now since, after taking everything into account, we've selected the option of a double mastectomy (both breasts removed) as the best choice.

The MRI apparently shows that the biggest of the two tumors is slightly larger than they were thinking. One doctor also thinks that the MRI showed a possible blip in the lymph node area - but it's really a waste of time to worry about "possible" blips when they'll more accurately be able to examine the area once they go in for surgery. If it's in the lymph nodes, we'll deal with it and she'll be fine, but let's keep praying that it's not.

As i write this email, our immediate goal is to get her in for surgery as soon as possible and start the road to getting Bev better.

A less immediate goal has to do with having kids somewhere down the line. B/c chemo can have a damaging effect on the ovaries, Bev took the initiative to make an appointment with a fertility specialist (yes you idiot i told her to just worry about her surgery, but i'm actually glad that we met with him in order to be prepared). Basically, if you have to take chemotherapy drugs, there's a % likelihood that your ovaries will be permanently damaged. After her surgery next week, we'll know if Bev needs Chemo. If she does, then we're going to go ahead and harvest some of beverly's eggs - which is not comfortable for any woman, but will be especially uncomfortable for bev since she'll be recovering from her mastectomy.

The best thing you can do for us - continue to send us encouraging words. We're continually encouraged by your amazing support - I'll get a message from Bev at least once a day saying how uplifting your emails are. So keep it up.

More importantly, keep praying. So far, God has answered prayer by putting people in our path that have been THE perfect person we need to talk to at that time. Specifically, please pray for: 1) wisdom in making decisions and then peace about those decisions; 2) that God would direct the heart, hands, and minds of our doctors; 3) that God would heal Beverly, either by his own hand or through the hands of our doctors; 4) that God will preserve our ability to have children; and 5) that we would handle all aspects of this situation in a way that glorifies God.

Love,

Dustin & Beverly

Romans 5:3-4 "We...rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character hope." (easier typed than done)

From Aug 13, 2008

2008-10-09T07:25:00.001-07:00