Mom and Dad have gone to dinner and a play with a group of their friends for a few years. Last night was the first night since chemo that they were supposed to go. Dad said he was up to it so they went. They had a great time at dinner but Dad was not up to going to the play. Mom said they loved the dinner.
Dad woke up this morning in a lot of pain. It was obvious that it was time to switch the pain patch. When the pain patch wears off we are amazed and saddened by how much pain his poor body is really in. We have been told that after a few chemo treatments he should start seeing a reduction in pain. That cannot come soon enough!
Mom is teaching her preschool today. We are so grateful for these sweet children who brighten Mom’s day. She fought us kids tooth and nail to let her keep some of the classes. We were worried about her level of stress, yet it seems most times the children reduce the stress and are a great escape for her. And yet another testament of what a selfless woman she is!
The family has been trying to move the chemo treatments so Dad can see his doctor (long story) and yesterday it finally happen. So….Dad now has his second round of chemo tomorrow instead of Wednesday. I have to keep reminding myself of something we learned in “Chemo School.” They emphasized that chemo is not the enemy…the cancer is the enemy and the chemo is fighting the cancer. While we know this logically, it is so hard to be enthusiastic about this poison given to our father. Dad’s positive attitude however is contagious and we are grateful for that!
Dad is the epitome of one of my favorite quotes:
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Hello, Gary and Raynee,
ReplyDeleteYou haven't heard from me lately but I am still thinking of you every day.
Raynee bore a wonderful testimony on Sunday, the peace has seemed to have come to her and to you, Gary, are remarkable. It will sustain you throughout whatever may come.
I love both of you, I pray for you every day that you may have the strength and the faith to withstand everything.
Lots of love and many hugs, Eva
Life must be tough at the Bengtzen home. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
ReplyDeleteGary is really an inspiration to all of us. As he fights forward regardless of the situation. As said in the quote, he really has tremendous inner strength and has exhibited it throughout his life. And Raynee is right there beside him fighting forward in her way as well. What a tremendous couple they are as friends, leaders, and inspirations in every way. It's an honor to know and associate with them. Our thoughts and prayers are with both of them constantly.
ReplyDeleteDear Bengtzens:
ReplyDeleteHow great you were able to go out for dinner. It must have been so good to your spirit to share some time with your friends.
Love you!!
Angie
We're still rooting for you and praying for you! Thank you to the Bengtzen Family for keeping this blog so current so that we can all know how Brother Bengtzen is doing! I hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow :)
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate the updates. I don't know what is to come I just know you guys can meet it.
ReplyDeleteJulie Reynolds
We hope that the chemotherapy treatment goes well today Gary.
ReplyDeleteKnow that we are praying so hard for you,that the pain will begin to decrease as the chemo starts to do it's work. We love you both so much.
Thank you Raynee for your beautiful testimony on Sunday,you are amazing.I am sure that everyone who heard you talk was deeply touched by your words as l was.
You are both such an inspiration to all us who are your friends.
Thank you so much to all the Bengtzen family for keeping us updated with this blog,we love to be able to read it daily.
Love from Mike and Linda Barlow.