***MinnieM3 Update--cancer in brain***

[MinnieM3]

I sure with there was better news today......

Beth has been through a grueling battery of tests since her hospitalization on Monday. She has a port that was inserted her chest for future chemotherapy administration last week. The nurses here at the hospital could not access it Monday night. She was stuck in the chest with a needle six times before they gave up. It was finally accessed yesterday morning by a radiologist who used xray equipment to locate it.

Turns out that the port has moved since it was implanted...Beth will have a followup surgery tomorrow morning to reposition the port.

Tests done before her hospitalization reveal that cancer is in both kidneys, her thyroid gland, and in her left breast. She had the breast tumor biopsied today.

An MRI of the brain done yesterday shows that Beth has a number of tumors near her cerebellum. These might explain her fatigue and fevers that got her to the point of being hospitalized. Lung function tests show her lungs are not performing well due to the tumors growing larger. She was started on a couple of inhalers to help her breathe easier.

We have a new oncologist looking over her case now, and we may change over to him. He recently came here from Duke University, where he oversaw development of new cancer treatments. He did tell us that by doing a new biopsy, he may discover that her tumors have taken on new characteristics that will guide him in which treatment options will help. We have a lot of confidence in him.

Needless to say, we are both very scared right now. It is doubtful that Beth will be able to return to teaching in August. I pray every day for some *good* news.

I will update again soon.

Thanks for all of your prayers.

Jim

 

[mickeyboat]

Oh my, Jim.

Please let Beth know that she is in my prayers and thoughts. Best wishes for her recovery. for you, too.

Denae

 

[Chilehead Too]

My heartfelt prayers for your family. I hope for a miracle of G-D.

 

[pennst8r]

I was just searching to see if there was an update--she's my tshirt pal! I'm so sorry to hear this news. I used to work at Duke---the drs there are awesome and there are new treatments found everyday. I'll keep you and Beth in my prayers.

 

[Virgo10]

Please let her know how much we are thinking of her. You are in my prayers.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

You guys are all in my prayers..thank you for updating us!

 

[CarolG]

Jim, I'm continuing to pray for both of you.

 

[monarchsfan16]

I must have missed the last update. Wish the news was better for her. Thanks for updating us, and I'll continue to keep your family in my thoughts

 

[helenabear]

My prayers are with you all, Jim. I do hope you hear good news very soon

 

[JadenLayne]

My prayers are with Beth and your family Jim. Wishing good progress with the new Dr.

 

[Serena]

I sure hope you get some good news soon.

 

[Sthronds]

Prayers coming your way - for both of you.

 

[ADisneygirl]

Oh Jim, I wish the news was better. I will continue to pray for her and I hope her new doctor has some promising treatment. Please let her know how many of us here on the DIS are thinking of her and wishing her well.

 

[SplshMtn99]

I don't believe I know Beth, but I'm praying for her anyway. Here's a for Beth & Jim & family & friends.

 

[kimber79]

Many many heartfelt prayers for you and Beth.

 

[Disney Ella]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope the new oncologist will be able to help.

 

[FreshTressa]

Thank you for the update. Prayers your way!

 

[crazee4mickey]

Jim, please let Beth know we are all thinking of her....heartfelt prayers and good thoughts being sent your way

 

[MELSMICE]

I wish you would have gotten better news. Please tell Beth we are all praying for her.

 

[alliecats]

I am keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers. Sounds like you have a great doctor on board and that she will be in good hands.