Support Becky in her Fight!

It is with unimaginable sadness and heartache that I write this bittersweet update... My beautiful, loving, genuine, sweet soul of a sister and friend left this unforgiving, unexplainable world on October 6th, 2014, after succumbing to the monster known as pancreatic cancer.

Had we all known how this journey would unfold as it began in early 2012, we all would have done things differently.... Valued time more... Said I love you more... Enjoyed the beauty of nature more....

Of all the different medications Becky had to take during the last two years, the best medicine to Becky was valuable time with her friends and family and especially her grand babies.... Along with trips through the countryside where she felt closer to God.

It was only appropriate that Becky left this world on an absolutely beautiful day followed by a beautiful full moon.... Beauty representing beauty....


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Much has changed since we started this fundraiser.... with multiple setbacks, the hope for the Whipple procedure was just not in the cards.... After different rounds of chemo, we are now focusing on enjoying what time God has given her as she continues to fight for more....  We do believe in Miracles!!!

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Hello Everyone! I set this page up to assist my dear friend and 'sista' Becky with expenses as she undergoes treatment for Pancreatic Cancer. While she has has numerous setbacks, she is still a candidate for the procedure explained below,after she finishes her rounds of chemotherapy.  The new picture depicts her in one of her favorite settings... Nature!  

Background:  
After almost two long years of unexplained and recurring abdominal pain, with numerous trips in and out of the hospital for weeks at a time, she was finally able to get NEA Hospital to perform the proper tests that resulted in her seeing a specialist at the Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. 

Her surgeon, Dr. David Linehan, is an innovator in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, specializing in the Whipple Procedure, which involves removing the affected portion of the pancreas, the gallbladder, a portion of the small intestine and then re-routing the digestive tract. This is the procedure they will be doing on Becky in just a couple of weeks. Luckily, her surgeon has given her great comfort with his bedside manner and expertise. He actually performed the same procedure on Steve Jobs from Apple Computers. His procedure was done in 2004 while it was fairly new and it extended his life for seven more years!  That was 10 years ago!! Now that this procedure has been mastered by Dr. Linehan, the survival statistics are even higher!!!



The link below will show a video involving her doctor and the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

http://www.barnesjewish.org/video/view.aspx?id=4575&sid=2&videoid=24
(if this link is not fully highlighted, copy and paste to open it in a browser...otherwise you will get a video about a liver transplant)

Dr. Linehan was shocked that the doctors here in Jonesboro had dismissed her pain, blaming it on fibromyalgia and only prescribing minimal pain medication. He was appalled that they were not empathetic to her situation after she had medical records documenting recurring acute pancreatitis. Had she not demanded NEA hospital to perform the MRI and CT scan, they would not have found the mass that had been growing in her pancreas. Dr. Linehan explained that had she waited any longer at all, she would not be a candidate for this procedure and would have basically been given a death sentence.

Had it not been for her 'gut' feeling (pardon the pun)... she would not have this opportunity for surgery. However, she does have a strong support system pulling for her, consisting of family, friends, and colleagues. She also has multiple reasons to stay on this earth a while longer, as her grandbaby Maddie has already stolen her heart and will soon be welcoming a little sister into this world.... not to mention Becky's love for her ASU family and students!

For those who do not know, Becky has already won a battle with Breast Cancer and is all-to-familiar with the ugliness cancer sheds on its victims. She is a fighter!

With the help of your donations, she will be able to afford her growing medical expenses as well as travel expenses, as she and her family venture back and forth to Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, which will consist of multiple chemotherapy treatments... after which she will be evaulated for the Whipple procedure since she was unable to have it done as orignially planned.

These love offerings will eliminate the financial burden and stress that she is undergoing and help her in her recovery. No amount is too small, however, even a small amount is too big for some, so if you are unable to donate, please send up a prayer for her a speedy and full recovery!!!

Thanks and God Bless you all!!!
Beverly.... on behalf of Becky

https://www.facebook.com/beverly.b.weems