Let the Weaning Begin

Today marks an important milestone in Beth's recovery. The medical staff was able to reduce her oxygen supply level from 100% to 80% on three separate occasions. She was able to tolerate the reduced oxygen level each time (kept her pulse-oxygen level above 88). We are hopeful that she will be able to move to a bedside chair tomorrow. She has not been able to leave her bed since May 24th.

Beth's spirits were lifted today as she learned that her youngest son, Peter, will be traveling from Los Angeles on Saturday to visit her. Peter's visit has been delayed due to the fact that his wife is 36.5 weeks pregnant. Beth was overjoyed to learn of the visit. Beth also learned that her youngest brother, Marshall, will be traveling from Charlotte, North Carolina on Friday to visit her over the weekend. With Marshall's arrival, all four of Beth's siblings will have had the chance to visit her. Each visit from her family members means so much to her.

There have also been numerous people from Beulah Church and the Richmond area who have stopped by the ICU waiting room to visit and pray with Beth's family. Ellen Stamps has dubbed these as "long distance hugs". These visits have meant a lot to Beth, even though she cannot actually see her visitors. The visits have also been supportive to Beth's family.

Beth's family would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has pitched in to help support us over the last week and half. The cards, notes, e-mails, phone calls, meals and childcare have worked together to make our lives easier during this emotionally and physically draining time. The outpouring of support for Beth has helped keep us strong and we are very grateful to each and every one of you.

Matt

The Emporer's New Mask

One of the biggest frustrations for Beth during this process is having to wear a very uncomfortable mask. She has been wearing this particular style mask since Wednesday, May 24th. The mask is strapped to the back of Beth's head and has to maintain a tight seal in order to provide her with the oxygen she needs at the right pressure.

After some convincing last night, the family was able to obtain a new mask for Beth from the hospital. She had been using the same mask for 7 days and we were concerned about the risk of an infection being obtained through bacteria in the old mask. Beth received immediate relief along several pressure points that had been causing her discomfort as well. The padding of the old mask had evidently worn thin over the last week.

Pray that Beth will be able to remain comfortable during this process. Pray also for the continued wisdom and compassionate understanding of those responsible for Beth's care.

Matt

Baby Steps

Beth and I have been blessed to have the support of our two sons, their wives and children, her parents and all of you, our extended family, friends and colleagues. When we started down the path of treatment for cancer we knew the outcome would be uncertain but we continue to hold to the hope of a complete healing.

Matt has written of Beth's positive attitude. She also amazes me with her ability to stay on top of what is happening around her. Last night as I was leaving the last thing she said was, "Don't forget to take the trash to the street." I was so startled I just had to stop and stare at her for a minute. Not only was she right, she was aware that the schedule was a day off due to the Memorial Day holiday. Anyone who knows her well knows how much like her that is.

Matt described Beth's condition as dangerous. In my opinion that is a very fair assessment. We have agreed that we will celebrate every victory we see as she makes baby steps toward a full recovery. But we also agree that the prayers of a faithful people and the touch of our mighty and powerful God will be what makes the difference for "our girl".

We appreciate the expressions of support we have received from so many of you. We regret that we are unable to respond personally to every call, card and email - there have been hundreds already. Please continue to send your notes though. We have shared every one of them with her. She longs to hear about what is happening in your lives. Be sure to include the latest news!

Jim

The Gifts of Sight & Sitting Up

Beth continues to show very small signs of improvement. The most important thing right now is that she is no longer getting worse. She has been able to sit up on the side of her bed several times over the last two days and has maintained a healthly appetite during this whole process. Eating with a vent mask on has provided many funny moments.

Our hope is that Beth will be able to move to a chair over the next couple of days, but I have not received any word on when we can expect that to happen. We do expect her to remain in the ICU for many days to come (probably several weeks).

At one point during the last few days, Beth's eye doctor (Dr. Roxanne Robinson) fashioned a special pair of glasses for her that fit around her mask. This gift of sight was a thrilling experience for Beth as she was able to see everyone and the environment that has become her home over the past several days.

Matt

Praying From Sea to Shining Sea

One of the biggest things that has helped Beth and our family during this time of crisis has been knowing how many people have been praying for her. Here is a list of some of the locations where we know fellow believers are praying for Beth.

Here in the states:

• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Nevada
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia
• West Virginia

And those praying in foreign countries:

• Athens, Greece
• Bagdad, Iraq (there are actually soldiers fighting in Iraq who are taking the time to pray for Beth, let's not forget to pray for them as well)
• Germany
• Tasmania, Australia

Matt

A Litte Background

Beth was diagnosed with Stage IIA Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in February 2006. She began chemotherapy treatments almost immediately. Towards the end of April, Beth began having trouble breathing and was experiencing extreme fatigue. On May 19th, Beth was admitted into the hospital when it was discovered that her pulse-oxygen level was at 37. Amazingly, she had managed to walk into the doctor's office just minutes before having her pulse-oxygen level tested.

Beth was placed on oxygen and many tests were run by the doctors. It was determined that she was suffering from a toxic reaction to Bleomycin, one of the four chemo drugs Beth was receiving. Beth's condition continued to worsen each day, culminating with her being moved to the ICU on Wednesday, May 24th. By the end of the week, Beth had been placed on a non-invasive ventilator.

As time has progressed however, the prayers of Beth's family, friends and Christians worldwide has had a huge impact on Beth's condition. Beginning Saturday morning, Beth began feeling better and has begun showing signs of improvement each day (including quicker recovery in her pulse-oxygen levels when her mask is off for things like eating and brushing her teeth). She is still in a very dangerous situation at this point and is highly susceptable to infections. Her road to recovery will be a long one.

It is important to note that Beth's attitude has never changed during this process. Even in her darkest moments last week, Beth was telling everyone that we will get through this. She is experiencing great peace and comfort in her room at the hospital and can feel the power of the prayers of God's children.

Dr. Robert Stamps, Beth's pastor and friend, has pointed the family to Luke 11:5-13 for a plan on how to approach God about this situation. I encourage everyone to read this short passage from Scripture and then continue praying for Beth's healing and strength. Pray also that God will use her situation to bring glory to Himself and His Kingdom.

Matt