Liz reading to a gaggle of grandkids during the 2010 Christmas festivitiesA story of a grandma. A mother. A friend. A sister. A cancer fighter. A party planner.
You know her. And you haven't heard her story in a while. That's because she's had an amazing year. A year that is worth documenting. A year filled with family, and friends, and Disneyland, and Hawaii. A year's worth of activities and a lifetime worth of memories. Oh...do I have some stories to tell. And I will tell them. But not today.
Because today is filled with another tale. A tale of a fight. And you need to know how those winds of war are blowing. And Liz needs to know that we all still march behind her.
After an incredible year, Liz has hit a rough patch. She has valiantly endured multiple rounds of various chemotherapies. The cancer retreated...long enough to give her some valuable time doing the things she loves (again...more on that later...). But it's a formidable foe and she again finds herself in the trenches.
This week has been a real battle. Liz has made several recent trips to the ER to mitigate complications of a compromised liver. The most recent scans showed small but ever present tumors in her liver and now excess fluid is building in her abdomen. The resulting side effects are difficult to bear and make everyday activities daunting. Medications and the care of dedicated professionals are moderately helpful....but at its core, this is a solitary war.
Liz, as you probably guessed, is enduring like the warrior she is. Mark is at her side every step of the way like the the attentive partner he is. The family has rallied like the bunch of crazy people we are.
The next step is to definitively determine the cause of all the accumulating fluid. That will hopefully happen later this week. Hospice is an option in the near future to relieve the worst of the symptoms and allow her to remain at home so we all can sit by her side. Helping out. Hanging out. And, of course, telling stories...
Should you wish to contact Liz with your story, notes to her email at lizardhatch@gmail.com are frequently checked and you may send cards and letters to the home address at 2323 Stonebridge Rd. Livermore CA 94550. You can also leave your story here in the comment section....
Liz and Chloe with Santa on the Polar Express, Christmas 2010And check back here for more stories.
Thanks so much Paige for the update, I wish it was better news...although you have such a beautiful way with words.
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers to Liz and you and Erin (her angel daughters)! I think you are with Liz now, give her a little extra squeeze from Em.
Yes give Liz a hug from us as well and let her know that she is in our thoughts and prayers as well as all of you at this time. We know how strong she is and what a fighter she is. Keep on fighting Liz. We love you!
ReplyDeleteJulie, Eric, Andrew, Josh and Alex
You guys are so great to update this. Our prayers are with you Liz as you fight this battle, you are an amazing strong woman who many look to as an example..Love you!xoxoxox
ReplyDeleteMelanie
Liz, you are the most amazing woman and friend I know. You are so strong and having your family close by and so so many friends near and far praying for you. I so enjoyed our visit last summer, but even then, you were concerned about so many other's. But then, that's the way you have always been. I have often thought that if we had never joined the church we might not have ever known you, Mark and your amazing family. Just another blessing from the gospel I guess is having you in our lives. Stay strong my friend, and feel the love all around you. Hugs, Rhonda
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers are with you as you fight this fight! Liz, you have been and continue to be amazingly strong! We love you all and prayer for peace and comfort! Love, Jenny and Kyle
ReplyDeleteLiz, I think of you quite often. I'm sorry for not writing more regularly. I've only known you for a brief time but I am so appreciative of that time. Thank you for your example of determination with a cheerful spirit. We, your sisters at the temple, are with you.
ReplyDelete