A Final Gift To End The Night

Today was tough. We were the first to arrive and the last ones to leave, and in between we saw a lot of good people struggling with a terrible disease. As we revisited the details of the visit from Dr. Paz, the anesthesiologist came out to speak with Steve. He had nothing but good things to say, which only lifted our spirits even higher. Ever the advocate, Steve lobbied to get us all in to see Beth at the same time. It worked. The nurse came out to get us and led us back to the recovery room. Everything was very quiet as we walked in. There was Beth with all sorts of tubes and monitors sprouting from her. She was very groggy, but she looked good. The nurse assured us that she wasn't in any pain, and that she'd done very well. We didn't stay long, but we really enjoyed that small gift that the staff had given us.

Positive News

After a very long wait we finally had a visit from Dr. Paz. The surgery went well and they accomplished what they set out to do. They removed all the cancerous lymph nodes and couldn't find any additional cancer. This doesn't rule out the presence of microscopic cancer, however that's what the chemo wash was supposed to address. Beth is still in surgery and we won't be able to see her until she is moved to a recovery room later this evening. Overall, the outcome is very positive. Beth still has a long way to go, but we couldn't have asked for anything more tonight.

On To The Chemo Wash

Finally some news. Steve got a call a few minutes ago to update him on the progress of the surgery. Unfortunately they couldn't give him anything too specific, but at this point she's through the tumor removal and on to the chemo wash. I can't express how relieved we are to get some kind of an update. At this point we've been here at the hospital for 12 hours. Dr. Paz will be out in an hour or so to give us more information, and of course I'll post the information just as soon as we get it.

Still Waiting

Hey everyone. It's now 5:12 p.m. and we are still waiting for some kind of word. The doctor told Steve he would give him an update during surgery, but we have yet to hear anything. Let's hope no news is good news. I'd like to thank those members of the LAPD that came to the hospital to support Beth and Steve. I'll post again as soon as there is news.

Surgery Update

Well, it's been a long day so far and we are only about 2 hours into the surgery at the moment. We left Long Beach about 6 a.m. and were lucky enough to breeze up the 605 without any trouble. At about 6:50 we arrived at the City of Hope and Beth checked in. Shortly after that she was called back into pre-op. Steve was with her while they waited for Dr. Paz. For some reason they were running behind, so instead of being wheeled in at 9 o'clock sharp they didn't get her in until 11:40. Steve came out while they were giving Beth an epidural to fill us in on what was happening. Because of Beth's previous reaction to anesthesia it was decided she would have an epidural. The doctor explained that this would better allow them to control her post-op pain and would mean less intravenous anesthesia resulting in decreased nausea afterward. More to follow later on. Keep those thoughts and prayers coming.

The Guest Blogger Is In

Hello everyone. It's Beth's brother Mike. I'll be guest blogging while Beth is recovering from surgery and wanted to take a few minutes to introduce myself and let you know what to expect from me in the coming days.

First off, because she's a loving sister she talked me up quite a bit. I had a hard time getting my head through the door for a while and then it dawned on me that you'd all be expecting greatness. Contrary to what she'd have you believe, I don't walk on water or anything like that. However, I do plan on doing my best to keep you all updated on the surgery and her condition afterward. I'll be there at the hospital tomorrow (the 29th) and will post an update as soon as I know anything.

Second, I'd like to thank you all for the heartfelt prayers, positive thoughts, and encouragement you've given Beth. It gives me and my family comfort knowing so many wonderful people are pulling for her.

Finally, I'd like to say that through all of this my sister has inspired me in many ways. Some things are simple, like appreciating the small things in life. Others are a little more daunting, like a marathon. I'm still working on that one. I've changed the way I eat and the way I exercise. I've learned to take charge of my life and my body, and to envision perfect health. Ironically, Beth and I have a similar vision, which is why the picture below is hanging on my fridge.

Saying Good Night to the Kids Was Hard

Steve and I procrastinated telling the kids about the surgery until after baths tonight. I simply didn't want to ruin their day and I wasn't prepared for the reaction I got when we told them. I thought they would listen, not really understanding what was about to happen, ask a few questions and then go on with business as usual. We collected them in our room and sat them on the bed. Steve began by telling them I would be seeing the doctor in the morning. Their little faces got very serious. They knew... I don't even remember what Steve said to them after that because I could see on their faces that they knew what was happening. Ryan looked at me, started to cry, and they all rushed to my side. They cried and I cried. We all cried for a bit.

I reassured them that this was a good thing and that the doctor was going to make me healthy. Ryan asked over and over if I was going to the doctor or going to the hospital. I tried every way I could think to explain to them that I would be at the hospital for a few days but that it wasn't going to be as long as last time. They kept saying they didn't want me to go and that they were going to miss me so much.

After that the kids had dessert and we sat together watching tv and talking. Then it was bed time. We said our prayers and I read stories. Ryan and Kylie couldn't keep their eyes open. But Jane stayed awake as long as she could. She told me to tell the doctor when I got there tomorrow morning that I couldn't stay because my kids wanted me to be home. I told her I would tell the doctor that. Then she asked me what I would do if he said no. I asked her what I should do. She told me to slap him in the butt. We both laughed.