Beth is an Anchor - July 11th

It’s hard to say that Beth is feeling better the last few days because it is all relative, but she does feel a little better than she did a few days ago. When we went to Chicago last week they took her weight and she had lost another 6 pounds over the last 2 weeks. Her legs and arms are so skinny. This girl needs a Double-Double and a large chocolate shake from In-N-Out, STAT.  

A quick update as to where we are in our decision regarding Beth’s treatment. Beth’s oral chemo treatment called for 2 weeks on and 1 week off.  Beth finished her first round of chemo last Wednesday and has had this current week off.  We found out on Friday that her blood work showed that the chemo has been ineffective. If she was to continue with the treatment she would have to start back up this Wednesday.  Beth is leaning towards not continuing with Chemo. She says that if the chemo showed even the slightest sign of positive effects on the cancer she would continue. However, after her tumor markers doubled in 2 weeks she is unwilling to waste another 3 weeks with the current treatment all while feeling sick and miserable and with no benefit. The issue is, there are no other traditional treatment options for her.  We have not fully made a decision yet as we still need to ask some clarifying questions to our doctors and continue to pray about what we should do. (Note: This whole Pokemon Go phenomenon is making her decision a little easier). This has been very hard for Beth. She is used to her doctor telling her what the next step is. She is used to her doctor telling her what is the best path to take.

One decision she HAS made is that we are going forward with our trip to Florida next week. She is adamant about this.  A few months ago, we planned a trip to Florida to visit my brother and help my parents move into their new house (yes, that means there are officially no more Mowreys in Los Angeles - so sad).  A very emotional Beth said, “I am not going to be an anchor around this family’s neck that keeps them from having fun”. Beth likened herself to an anchor in a negative light. The more I thought about her anchor comment the more I began to agree with Beth. She is an anchor. She is the anchor of this family. An anchor symbolizes strength and stability.  Through her battle she has been there for her kids, she has tried to make as many memories as she physically can. She is there to talk to the kids 1 on 1. She even let’s us finish watching Game 7 of the Cavs-Warriors series and the championship post-game celebration before politely announcing that she needed someone to take her to the emergency room (true story).

#BATTLETOGETHER