Last night mom finished her first round of intensive chemotherapy. Now it's waiting time....
My Aunt Cindy and I got an update from the doctor today regarding what to expect for these upcoming weeks. Here goes...
Mom has what they call "Secondary Leukemia". They call it "secondary" because she has had Breast Cancer before; therefore; they treat her current condition as a high-risk case. Shockingly, the doctor said 1 out of 50 breast cancer patients develop some form of leukemia in their lifetime (due to the type of radiation and/or chemotherapy they receive). Crazy unfortunate statistics! So, if you have ever had breast cancer make sure you are getting regular bone marrow biopsies done (for preventative purposes).
Now that her intensive 7-day treatment of chemo is over, they will be monitoring her very closely in the hospital for the next week. On Day 14 (next Saturday) they will perform another bone marrow biopsy to assess how her body has responded to the treatment. There are 3 possible outcomes to this biopsy:
Outcome 1: The leukemia goes into remission and she immediately will get a bone marrow transplant (hopefully from Uncle Larry or Aunt Cindy...lucky winners!). Pray for this outcome!
Outcome 2: The chemo treatment doesn't work; therefore, they reroute the treatment process & give her different chemo. Pray against this outcome!
Outcome 3 (most common): The chemo has been somewhat effective but they still find leukemia in her bone marrow. If this is the case, they will give her 5 more days of the same chemo she has been receiving, and then on day 28 they do another bone marrow biopsy to see if it was effective.
So, as of now, we just wait and pray. She has been exhausted the past few days and all she seems to do is sleep. But when she is up and alert she is full of hope and love and humor. Below are a few pics for your visual pleasure.
Picture 1: My mom and dad on the OHSU tram on the day we arrived here.
Picture 2: Me and my mom cozied up in her bed watching Anne of Green Gables on her computer.
Picture 3: My mom and her granddaughter, Olive (Kyle & Wendy's baby).
Picture 4: My mom wanted you all to see a picture of our family from Sean & Courtney's wedding on February 2nd .
More soon... Love you all & thanks for your support!
17 comments:
Hi,
It was wonderful to see you yesterday on our way to the coast. After we left, George and I commented on how good you looked, Pam, in spite of what you're having to endure. The disease and treatment certainly haven't lessened any of your sweetness or positive spirit either, which says a lot about your character. We also thought Lindsay was adorable, and we were awed by Ron's remarkable memory. We were sorry to have missed Cindy, however.
We're presently listening to the crash of the waves, watching several fishing boats--and thinking of you.
Sweet dreams, Pam and Company.
Love, George and Denie
Pam, of course all our positive thoughts are for outcome #1. It's so great that your daughter is keeping us updated as we think of you everyday. Your photos are fabulous. What a wonderful family you have surrounding you. Keep up that positive spirit you are so well known for.
Penny C.
Great job Linds on the update info and the pics. Pammy Sue I keep thinking of how you stated when you woke up that you had been at war. I am so glad I know who is battling for you sweet sister. I am holding your arms up in prayer. You are my brave little soldier.
Love you all!
Cindy
Linds, I'm praying for your mom and your family. If you need anything, let me know - really. I will cook you dinner if you don't have time to. I love you.
Trisha
Pam,
we love you and your family dearly and are all praying for you daily. Thanks, Lindsay, for keeping us up to date.
Much love,
Bob, Noelle, Kaelee & Emily Taylor
Dearest Pam,
I'm trying to remember the last time I had a visit at the Beall house--clearly it has been too long. Just thinking on all of the times spent sitting with you and Lindsay in your kitchen fills my heart.
I hear your laughter and your singing...and am reminded of your grace, peace, faith, patience, devotion, forgiveness, strength, and love.
You are a remarkable woman, Pam, who I have been truly blessed to know. I will be praying that the Lord continues to grant you strength and a sense of calm as you move through this senseless storm.
Much love to all of you.
Katie Waldron
Checking in on your progress daily. Thanks, Lindsey, for your faithful and engaging reports. Who'da thought the tables would turn and instead of our words encouraging you, your words encourage us? But they do! Your confidence in God's goodness assures us that even in dark places his light still shines brightly. We will continue to pray for quick and thorough healing.
Hi Mrs. Beall!
Just received word via email from Lindsay about your fun situation. Wanted to let you know that my family and I will be praying for you and specifically about your results this Saturday. Was just talking about you the other day to my sister...she was playing Wee Sing for her little kiddos! Keep that fighting spirit. We'll keep check'n in on the blog for updates.
David Anderson
Thanks for the update Linds!!! Love the pictures. Especially of the wedding.
I will continue to pray for outcome #1...and for your everyday recovery from the drugs.
With Love and Support,
Shana
Dear Pam,
I just heard of your illness from Brenda B. I wanted you to know that I will be praying for you along with many others in the Dallas, Texas area. Your beautiful smile in the pictures do not look like a woman that is ill. You're radiant! I know you are surrounded by wonderful family & friends bathing you in pray & love. Just Lindsey's words on the blog tell the story of a woman loved by many. Getting to watch Anne of Green Gables with your sweet daughter curled up next to you is the BEST, isn't it? I wanted you to know I will keep you in my prayers and heart. Remember, "The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you."
In His love,
Susan Vineyard-Bennett
We are praying hard for you today Auntie Pam! Outcome #1!! I'll say one thing according to the pics, I know who the prettiest patient is at OHSU. Thanks for doing the blog Linds, we are praying for the whole fam too. Love you all.
Hi Mom! I can not wait to be with your sweet bones this weekend! Claire and Ellie know that Grammy is sick...and at least twice a day (all on their own) they ask God to heal your body and to make you all better! Yes and Amen I say to that!
I love you so very, very very much!
Hilary
Hi Pam
Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking and praying for you. I go to Calvary Chapel Corvallis with your sister Cindy. What an awesome sister you have!! I know you already know that though. You have many people praying for healing and strength for you and holding your and your family's arms up in prayer. God is standing with you in your war.
The Lord Bless You and Keep You.
Hello My Sweet Forever Friend.
If I had a flower for every time I think and pray for you, I would have a magnificent garden. Today and everyday, on this journey, may Our Precious Heavenly Father give you everything that you need.
I love you dearly,
Patti
Sweet Pam and Fam,
I pray that you know the love being sent your way is powerful. The positive feelings of your friends and family are helping your spirit grow to fight this unfortunate and unwelcomed cancer. Sarah and I both send our love and support and hope that combined with the hordes of other supporters we will show you how many people your life has touched(and lifted) so far.
I have a random fond memory of your that I wanted to share. it is the countless roller coaster rides you took me and kids on. You know the one, it started at the top of your hill and went down towards the golf course and what was then Adam Liebergs house. You would put the van in nuetral I think then we would all put our hands up in the air(not you you were driving) and we'd go blasting down that hill then near the bottom we'd go over that little rise and feel that weightless feeling and it was just awsome. I loved it(my parents were not "fun" drivers)!!! All the time I spent at your place as a child I feel like you had as much Mom power as my own Mom. I thank you for all the amazing memories, for having the greatest kids ever to be my friends.
The Bealls, one the finest groups of people I have ever met...and Pam that was all you babe, you have always been the nuclues of such an amazing family. We pray for you and send all our love.
Fight the Good Fight,
Love,
Nate Boucher
Aloha, Pam!!
You are on my mind and my heart constantly! I had several Hawaiian drinks in your honor! Even came with the little umbrella... it made me smile! We both are under the Lord's umbrella right now as He watches
over us each day. Stay strong! YOU are going to be victorious over your cancer! We will have a VICTORY lunch in September when the AXO's meet for our Sisters' Reunion! I am praying for option #1 to get the bone marrow transplant that you need! :o) My love and blessings! I love you, dear friend! Hugs, Phyl
Hi Pam,
You are especially on my mind right now, as I just finished a LONG phone conversation with Joan Long Szmodis. Phyl got her number for me from Janet Hall Long. It had been so many years since we'd been in touch, and we laughed almost the entire time, remembering so many fun times we'd all had together.
I'm sure you're feeling all the love and support your many friends and family are sending your way. We're all grateful to Lindsay for giving us this avenue to send you some of that love.
Continue to stay strong, my dear friend.
Love,
Denie
Post a Comment