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My prayers are going heavenward for the requests above.

Quote from: Judy McKenna on July 19, 2004, 03:10:32 AM
My daughter-in-law is having major surgery that day., so I'll be sure to add Janet at the same time.

I'd say... OUR Janet could use prayer too!  How about it folks...lets go to prayer for the two Beth's":....Janet's Beth; my Beth (McKenna),; and Janet Damon!!!

You sure have that right, Judy!  The caregivers sure need to be lifted up before the Throne of Grace as they care for their loved ones.  Thanks for telling us about your Beth too, Judy.

(I'll probably see you tomorrow night for supper!)

I got Beth's pain prescription filled today, and when I took it to her, found she is having a terrible day.  She has loose bowels so bad she can hardly get cleaned up before she has another accident.  Of course, she can't move quickly, so that compounds the problem.  She (and I) are hoping this gets resolved before the trip to Lubbock on Monday.

She is still in a lot of pain.  Continued prayers appreciated.

Janet, it does seem you and Beth have been having your ups and downs.  That definitely would be a problem if the only thing that moves fast is your bowels.  I know that would be upsetting for anyone.  God, I pray that Beth has only positive/great days from now on. 

Janet:  How is Beth these days? 

This is just to gently remind you all that Beth's appointment with the specialist in Lubbock is Tuesday morning at 8:30 AM.  We are leaving here in the morning, will spend the night in Lubbock and probably be home late Tuesday night.

Specifically, I'd like you to pray that God gives supernatural insight and wisdom into Beth's problems and the right approach to treating them.  Thanks so much.

Janet, my prayers are on-going for Beth.  I will especially be in prayer on Tuesday morning.   

Janet I will continue to pray for Beth.

Janet, I am praying that the doctors will have the insight you referred to and will have some positive news and treatment plan available for Beth.

Janet - I am praying for your Beth as she meets with her doctors tomorrow.

I would ask all of you dear folk here to pray for my daughter-in-law too, (another Beth), as she undergoes abdominal surgery tomorrow morning.

After I hear from my son, Dave, I will write and let you know how she did.

I'll surely have a special prayer time for Beth tomorrow morning.

Let's pray especially for Janet tonight.  They've come home from the doctor's appointment and Janet needs prayer right now.

She'll be sharing more either later or tomorrow.

Father, as you are omnipresent - everywhere with us - I pray for You to send Your Comforter to both of these ladies and to their loved ones who care so deeply. May they be blessed by Your quiet ministrations to each person involved in these two situations.

Amen,
Ruth Ann

Just a quick note.... I spoke with my son, David several times today.  I'm thrilled to report that "my Beth" has come through the surgery well.   David expects that she might even be discharged tomorrow (to me, thats too soon)., but the nurse in charge said Beth did extremely well, and they need the bed.
We all thank you for your prayers.  They mean so much.

Now; I'm anxious to hear from Janet and to find out how "her Beth" made out.

Doctor's report on Beth

August 4, 2004

We just returned last night from Lubbock, Texas, where we took Beth to a Neurosurgeon specializing in base of skull and spinal surgery.  Our hope was that if it were stenosis (overgrowth of bone in some areas of her spine, exerting pressure on the spinal cord) that this doctor could do surgery that would help her regain some of her mobility.

The news is not good.  After reviewing her films from MRIs over the past several years, he told us she has several problems.  First, there is a large area, which appears to be a glioma.  This is a particular type of cancer associated with neurofibromatosis.  While it is a very slow-growing type of cancer, it still presents serious problems.  He does not think surgery is the best option for that, as it is scattered, and he feels that even a biopsy would endanger what mobility she still has.  Later on, he thinks perhaps chemotherapy and radiation may at least stop its progression.

There are numerous other areas, at every level in her spinal cord, of an erosion of the covering of the nerves that compose the cord.  These appear on the films as cloudy white patches against the gray of the cord itself.  He explained that this is the same condition that people who have MS suffer, causing the same kinds of disabilities.  There is really no treatment for this condition.

Other areas of concern are numerous bulging (ruptured) discs in her back, several areas of stenosis at various levels in her spine, the back pain she suffers constantly and the debilitating headaches that began recently.  Dr. Smith said hers is a very complex and troubling condition, and her prognosis is not good.  These things can cause ongoing loss of mobility, even to the point of stopping her breathing.

Dr. Smith's advice to us was to give serious and immediate thought to her living accommodations, making them handicapped accessible.  We are discussing several options at this time.  Beth cannot continue living alone in her trailer, because she can't stand long enough to prepare meals, wash dishes, etc.  She also cannot get into or out of the trailer by herself.  If there were to be a fire, God forbid, she could not escape.  Our ideas of what to do, at this time are not in sync with Beth's ideas.  And while we don't agree with hers, we do have to remember she is almost 41 years old and an adult, and has the right to determine her own future.

It has been a long journey to this point, and will get even longer emotionally, so your prayers are coveted and much appreciated.  We will keep you updated on her plans.  This doctor did write her a prescription for a wheelchair, so Medicare will pay for it.  With a wheelchair, she can move about, and it also makes her use her arms, retaining the strength she still has in her upper body.

Thank you, and God bless.


I am judging at the fair in Garden City today, and while I don't really feel up to it, I am counting it a blessing, as it will keep my mind occupied and I won't be crying all day as I would if I were here at home.  Thanks, friends, I love and appreciate you and all your prayers.

Janet, I'm just devastated at this news.

Most certainly you're already IN my prayers, but this brings you to the top of my list.

Love and prayers,
Ruth Ann

Dear Janet,

I am so sorry at this recent news re poor Beth and poor Mum too.  Such heartache.

Rest assured that I shall be praying for Beth over here and the little prayer group that I belong to will also.It is hard to know what to say.  It is such tragic news for her..such a young woman...wanting so much to maintain her independence.

May God Truly Bless and undertake for you.
Jenny.

Janet, I am so sorry that you and your family has been dealt this.  You wrote a long time ago in CP..."The one who made me understands all my problems and He can make them right."  I have this printed on a 3" x 5" card in front of me as I am typing.  I get great comfort from that statement. 

Lord, I pray that Janet and Beth and everyone who knows these two lovely ladies will pray for understanding and wisdom.  I pray that Beth will receive your healing hands and relieve the pain from her body.  I pray that Janet grows in understanding that Your will is always right.  May God's grace shine upon your family.  I ask this in your precious son's name, Amen.

Dear Janet: I am so sorry to hear this news about Beth, I will definitley have you on my prayer list and I will call it into the prayer chain as soon as I think some one is up this morning.
I was aware that this is the same thing that happens tothose with MS> Please know that you and Beth are loved and prayed for.

Father, I admit that I don't really know how to pray for Beth and Janet.  I ask You for mercy to relieve Beth of at least some of the pain.  I ask You to make Yourself very, very real and present to her, and to give her a sense of worth and a sense of purpose even in these hard things that she must bear.  Oh God - help!  Through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dear Janet and Beth ~ There are no words to adequately convey my heart to you.       Please know that I am praying and that, as the others have written, God knows all about it and He will continue to hold you close to His heart and bring you peace.  I love you

Janet, I am in the same situation as several other have expressed in not knowing of any words I could say that will bring you peace of mind in this difficult sitaution other than to say again that I am keeping Beth and you and Darrell in my prayers. 

So sorry to hear this, Janet.  God bless you guys and be with you.  You can count on my prayers.

Dear Janet i have read what you have writen about Beth it is so sad
But i pray for here and you dear Janet. I love you.
Ria

Dearest Janet and Beth:  I simply do not know what to say at hearing this most devastating news. This is probably the worse-case synario that one could imagine.
Please know that I am praying for you both, and also for Darrell.

My love always..... Judy

Janet, My heart and prayers go out to (and for) you and your family.

My dear Janet!  I've just now read the news about Beth's visit to the neurologist and am trying to imagine what you must be feeling.  The things I want to say sound so trite...  things that I know you are telling yourself, like "He never allows us to suffer more than we can bear", "Cast your cares...", "All things work for good for those who Love Him."   All easy things to say from where I sit, but not easy for a mother's heart to feel.  Please know that Gene and I will both be hold you and Beth and all of your family before the Throne. 

Thanks, Jeanne---it is really difficult to see her suffer so and going downhill so fast.  She says it isn't fair, that I shouldn't have to take care of her, because she promised me years ago that she would take care of me when I got really old and if I needed care.  I told her I know she meant that, but I don't need care, and she does, and that I am happy to be able to help her.  She was having really bad pain today in her back, and trying to hide it from me, but I can tell when she is hurting.  Thanks for the prayers, it is a comfort and a strength to me just knowing we have dear CP friends who do pray for us.  (((hugs)))

Janet - Its almost 4:30 AM on Saturday as I write.  I'm sure the Lord puts Beth on my heart to pray for her, during these small hours.

sooo I am praying...right now....

Love...Judy M.

Hello dear Janet.

Just popping in here again this morning from over the water, to see how things continue with dear Beth.  Be assured I am still with you in thoughts and prayers dear sister.

The Lord Bless you and Beth.

Give her a hug from me...

Jenny X