Last days

This is my first entry to Betsy’s blog and I write as our precious sister lies in hospital. Originally we started the blog to be able to keep our nearest and dearest in contact with Betsy’s progress through her cancering journey and I know the silence has been hard for a number of people. So, I am writing now, on behalf of Bets to let you know what the last couple of weeks has held and where she is now.

On Betsy’s return from Mexico she began to have pains in her legs. After a quick deterioration she soon lost power and control of them entirely and relied on those of us around her to be able to transfer her from place to place. Her head continued to cause her pain and discomfort and after a few days we were back in the clinic having a discussion with the oncologist who has dutifully been looking after Bets for the past few months.

The news was not good. Betsy’s condition had rapidly deteriorated and the cancer has spread to her spinal column and was progressing quickly in her brain. Bets was admitted in to the Sussex County Hospital on the same day.

Since her admission the staff have been attempting to manage Betsy’s symptoms as much as possible to allow her to be comfortable.

Sadly, it looks as if Betsy has no more than a few days left in this body of hers. After some trial and error the amazing doctors and nurses have succeeded in managing Betsy’s pain and helping her to be as comfortable as possible. She is aware of our presence although now unable to communicate.

The family are with her and she is surrounded by love and gentle strokes. We are now praying for her suffering to end and for a peaceful separation of body and soul.

Betsy’s cancering journey has been long and she has been a total inspiration to those around her who have had the privilege of joining her on her path of healing. The ebs and flows have been equally painful and beautiful to be a part of and the lessons she has shared have rippled through our communities. Betsy has maintained her humour, dignity and strength throughout this journey, and her faith has never waivered. She has been true to her heart every step of the way and has always believed in her own innate wisdom. Betsy has had the most incredible ability to see beyond the physical manifestation of the cancer and the changes that have occurred within the body, maintaining a philosophical perspective despite the challenges she has faced so far. She has been thrown deep in to a spiritual journey, which she embraced with so much love, gaining huge comfort from the divine within. She is a true warrior of light and love.  

I am sharing this with all of you now so you can be present with her in her last days. Be with us as we sit with her and pray for a peaceful end.

With love and oms,

Kate