Betty's Cancer Blog

Betty, I’m glad to get caught up on how you’re doing. Sounds like you’re hanging in there just fine. I’ll be thinking of you, and will check in again later. Love, Mona

Betty,
Just wanted to say that after reading denise’s post this morning I cried for the first time in 48 Days I have been a cancer club member. You need to stop that …..

Cheers,

Eyecandy,

Have a great day!

Posted on August 8, 2008 at 1:39:27 PM by eyecandy

Hey Betty!
I made you something special to put at your meds in! wink wink you know what i mean! have a great day/night and hope to see you next week!

Posted on August 8, 2008 at 2:54:56 PM by jacob

Dear Betty,

You are going through a difficult time, but you have a lot of support from friends and family. We will make sure you have good things to think about. Keep adding things to do on your bucket list except skydiving and mountain climbing. We will think of something.

Love,
Lars

Hi Betty ,It was great to see you this morning I forgot to tell you you looked great I hope you feel good,,We got some rain so the flowers can grow. I will see you soon ,Neighbor David

Posted on August 13, 2008 at 9:05:25 AM by gtbread

Hi Betty – I’m just thinking of you, sending good vibes. Jealous of your trip. :) Will see you soon I’m sure. Hugs. Jenifer

Posted on August 15, 2008 at 1:49:06 PM by jenifer

Hello Betty,
I have to tell you the swim team girls blew me away yesterday after swimming 8000 yards from their 2 a day practice. Each day we have the Coaches story time. Its awesome, I find inspirational things and quotes and sometimes just talk with them for about 10 minutes.

I was reading something and they loved the line from the post I wrote you a while back, They do read your posts… “Because I Can “. So as a team they have decided that they are swimming because they can, so if there is a day you are not swimming always remember they are swimming for you, Just Because They Can!

I know you can also, Though your task is one of great difficulty, the capabilities you bring are even greater.
Not only is there much you can do, you can learn and grow to do much more.

When the situation changes, I know you can adapt. When a new problem arises, I know you will discover the fresh opportunities that come along with it.

Call upon the wisdom inside you that grows more extensive with each new experience. Always listen to your heart, where there is valuable truth that goes beyond what your mind can explain.

You can draw great strength from the connection you have with others. You can align yourself with the beauty and goodness that reside firmly and persistently in every corner of life.

In the darkest darkness, your light always shines through. Dealing with your most difficult circumstances, you have made a profound and positive difference, not only in your life but ours also.

Know, you can understand, and you can live in the service of a purpose that becomes more powerful and refined with each passing moment.
Choose to do what you can, and there is no limit to what you’re able to achieve.

Love You
Denise

Posted on August 16, 2008 at 4:36:13 AM by denise

Hi Betty,

I know you can make it through the treatments. You’re tough, as Jeff always says. Don’t worry about the trip because you’ll have 3 people nearby to cater to your every need.
Love,
Jenny

Hi Betty:

That is a wonderful honor! I know the road ahead my seem daunting, perhaps this verse will help you as it did me:

Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfast in prayer. Rom 12:12

You are in my prayers every day!
Kim Schutz

Betty, you are one cool looking chick in that sweatshirt, I may need to borrow it! It was great talking to you earlier, let’s “do lunch” soon :)

Take care,
Love ya, Lisa

Love the sweatshirt. you look fantastic!

Posted on August 5, 2008 at 8:47:34 PM by jill

Hi Betty ,This is your neighbor,I am praying for you ,you are an inspiration for everyone,I found your blog today so I thought I better say hi.See you tomorrow.Love David

Posted on August 6, 2008 at 8:21:02 AM by gtbread

Hey Betty,
Please do try and keep yourself out of trouble on your trip…remember…we’ve travelled with you before and have seen the trouble you cause wherever you go. We still laugh out loud every time we remember the police chasing you down on your motorcycle! Ooops….was that supposed to be a secret? ;-)
Keep fighting – you keep life interesting and a little more fun for everyone! You’re in our prayers everyday.
Love,
Karen, Mike, the kids & the zoo

Even though your morning may not have been productive, there is still much you can accomplish in the afternoon.
Even though you’ve suffered some setbacks, there are still plenty of options for moving forward.
Even though you may disagree with what someone has to say, you can benefit greatly from understanding that person’s point of view.
Even though you find yourself in difficult and challenging circumstances, there is much value for you to create.

Even though you may feel like quitting, you have what it takes to keep going. Even though the goal seems far away, every step brings you closer.

Even though there are plenty of reasons for you to feel sorry for yourself, you can choose instead to renew your determination and enthusiasm.
Even though your path is filled with obstacles, you can truly enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes from successfully moving beyond each one.

Even though darkness may at times surround you, your light can shine more brightly than ever.

Even though you may occasionally grow weary, there’s always a way to renew and re-energize yourself.

Even though the road has its twists and turns, the journey is worth the effort.
Keep going, keep growing, keep learning and loving and living with all the richness your precious life deserves.

Even though you may feel like your walking this journey alone, know we are all walking with you and Lars every step of the way.

Thank You for sharing some of your courage with me. Its taken a long time to be able to write again.

Denise

Posted on August 7, 2008 at 5:28:18 PM by denise

hey Betty! nice sweatshirt! hope you are doing good, hopefully i will see you next week!
stay strong and keep fighting, i am always a phone call away, or at julies(heheeheh)have a great weekend, see you soon!

Posted on August 7, 2008 at 6:23:00 PM by jacob

Hi, Betty:
What an honor to have the swim season dedicated to you! It just shows how many people you have influenced and how many truly care about you. And then there’s all the blog members——-we care about you, too. You inspire me because you are not letting cancer get you down. You seem to continue to enjoy time with your family and friends instead of letting cancer force you to the sidelines. You go, girl!

Posted on August 7, 2008 at 7:51:34 PM by staypositive

Hi, Betty:
You could be my twin in the best part of your life: you have terrific grandchildren as I do and a son with an unbeatable sense of humor like my son has. You are totally blessed in this area!
I hope the biopsy results are very positive, but if they aren’t, remember it’s only a bump on the roller coaster——-you will be climbing again soon. I will be thinking of you and your wonderful family. Keep in touch!

Posted on August 2, 2008 at 8:52:04 AM by staypositive

Hi Betty!
Thanks for the update…...I am praying for good news and the doctors “attack plan” is that much more effective.
Blessings!
Kim Schutz

Betty,
Your grandchildren and I are praying for good results. It’s a blessing to have good friends keeping you busy almost every day doing fun and exciting activities.
Love,
Jenny

Sounds like a great weekend! I am glad to hear that you had fun jet skiing!

Posted on August 2, 2008 at 12:16:21 PM by naunie

Hi Betty,
We all had a good time at breakfast this am and before that our swim at the Y. I look forward to our time together as I know it is not long before I have to leave and go back to Florida. I will miss our weekly activities, swimming, mah jongg, bible study and all of the other wonderful things we are able to do. What a full life you have and it is a privilige to share all of these great things with you. Julie

Good Morning Betty,
Enjoyed spending time with you,Juli & Judy over breakfast, many good stories shared.

I pray for you to the beautiful star filled skys, & then I give a howl to the moon.
(As an exclamation point)

One of my favorite motivators, is a good discription of how you appear to be living your life:

” If you want to be interesting, be interested. If you want to be heard, listen. If you wish to truly learn, teach. If you would like to be wealthy, be generous. If you desire to be understood, take the time to understand. If you want to have many friends, be friendly. If you want the world to change for the better, make a positive change in yourself. If you long for peace, be peaceful. What you give to life is what life becomes for you. The treasures you accumulate all come from the good things you do. Every day is your opportunity to raise your life to a higher level by giving the best that you have. Whatever it is you desire, give, be, support it, and you will enjoy in great abundance.”
(Ralph Marston)

You yourself are a motivator to all around you, including me ! Thank You !

Love Ya, Lori S

Betty, I’ll be praying for good news!
Love you, Lisa

Hi Betty
Know I am always thinking of you….

At peace in this moment
By selflessness you fulfill yourself. By generously giving you gather riches.
Resentment costs you much and gives you nothing. Forgiveness costs you nothing and sets you free.

Fighting against something gives it added strength and influence. Whatever you accept, you’re able to control.

When there’s no one telling you what to do is when you truly learn. When your thoughts are still, you gain great insight.

By being flexible you can remain firm. By knowing your limitations you’re able to transcend them.

Though some of life is bad, all of life is good. Be at peace in this moment, and you will always be.

Love You
Densie

Posted on July 28, 2008 at 2:39:14 PM by denise

Hey Mom,

This is just round 2 of a long championship fight that I know you will win.

We are there for you, and if it makes you feel any better, feel free to take the grandkids with you to stay overnight ANYTIME you like….preferably for LONG periods of time ;)

I know they always take my mind off my troubles…wait…THEY ARE MY TROUBLES! ;)

Just kidding,

Love,

Jeff

Posted on July 28, 2008 at 2:57:41 PM by jzuzu

Hi Betty:

The prayers are rising-steadily!. One of my favorite “strength verses” is this: He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might, He increases strength. Is 40:29. You are NOT alone in this! Blessings to you,
Kim Schutz

Betty,
Wanted to let you know I’ll be thinking of you and praying that your biopsy goes well. Keep us posted!

Posted on July 28, 2008 at 5:13:44 PM by jkgullo

betty just a little note to let you know my thoughts and prayers are with you and if I can help you in any way give me a call i’m not far away alice

Dear Betty,
I’ve been thinking about you all day—am hoping that you are comfortable and results are what you had hoped! According to Rachel Naomi Ramen, the physician and therapist whose books I like so much, “we are all here to grow in wisdom and learn how to love better. As we each do this in our own ways, we slowly become a blessing to those around us and a light in the world.” You have become a blessing to so many of us and a light in our world! Take time to nourish yourself these days.
Love, Sandy

Betty, there are many people who are thinking about you and are hoping the test results are positve. Remember we are here for you to help you any way we can. When life throws someone an obstacle to overcome friends are there to help. May a ray of sunshine be with you today.

Posted on July 29, 2008 at 7:45:42 PM by tomp

mom always thinking of you, keep fighting!

ok figured this out:-)
always thinking of you, keep on fighting!
Kim

Your welcome.
Thanks for sharing the fun things with us.

Hug Sherri

Posted on July 25, 2008 at 9:49:30 AM by karlak

Hey Betty,
Now that you have those goofey headphones from the pool out of your ears I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Don’t worry..Just Rise to the challenge
The more burdensome the challenge, the more valuable the response. Out of extreme difficulty, greatness is born.
When things seem to be at their worst, they are likely to soon get much better. The more intensely the problems are illuminated, the more effectively they can be addressed.

Always remember that life is incessantly dynamic. Life is able to respond with innovation, determination and an underlying goodness that cannot be denied.

The best cure for a problem is the problem itself. Because each problem is a well-defined opportunity for improvement.

Whether you judge something to be a problem or opportunity says more about you than about the situation. The way you choose to see the world is the way the world will be for you.

In life there is challenge and in challenge there is life. Rise to each challenge, and continue adding value to the ever-growing richness of life.

I havent seen you turn down a challenge yet.
Stay Strong and Good Thoughts

Denise

Posted on July 25, 2008 at 12:50:29 PM by denise

Hi Betty,
I just came across your blog and wanted to say welcome. You and I are about the same age. I was born on November 7, 1941, and I live in the northeastern part of North Carolina.
Hang in there, keep your positive attitude and keep having a good time.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you each and every day.
Hugs,
Joyce

Posted on July 25, 2008 at 11:04:36 PM by joyce

Thank you, Betty. Yes, it was tough losing the special members of my family. The worst was losing my #1 Supporter, my wonderful husband. He was always there for me. I miss him so much.
Have a great day.
Love and prayers,
Joyce

Posted on July 26, 2008 at 4:41:53 AM by joyce

Hi Betty,

Very glad to know you are fighting. Stay strong:)You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hope to see you soon.
Take Care,
Anne

Your blog seems to be accomplishing its’ intended purpose of keeping us all informed about your cancer odyssey!

Love and prayers for the week ahead—
Betti

Now this is one AWESOME site, and posting comments is SUPER EASY! I just want to remind everyone to sign up as a supporter for Betty. (look in the upper right corner of the page. You will get automatic email notifications whenever she posts new entries, so you will always be up to date with the latest news! Good luck Mom!

Posted on July 22, 2008 at 8:42:35 AM by

Remember to sign up to be a supporter!

Hi Betty welcome to the family

“We need to take care of each other.

Hug Sherri

Posted on July 22, 2008 at 12:10:53 PM by karlak

I told you I would finally fique it out. It just takes me a while. I wanted to let you know what happened yesterday at our first High School Practice. I told them the story of my lovely fist swim lesson instructor yes that failed me. This is what I read.I want everyone to truely understand the Betty I know!
Im sorry its so long.

What brought me here today as your Coach?

39 years ago my mom took me to my first swim lesson at the Lodi outdoor pool, I was so excited to go “play in the water”. Little did I know what I was in for. I waited anxiously for my name to be called, Denise Millard come stand over here..Yikes it was my turn. I looked up to who called my name and there stood a very tall lady with a shinny red suit on. Ok now lets slide into the water that was 2 inches deep, yes I thought finally I was going to swim. I jumped in like a champion and dropped like a snail to the bottom, the realization that the water was absolutely freezing, and that I could not do a thing, took my breath away. I cried and cried I just wanted to go home. I remember my teacher saying now come on you’ll be fine its really fun. I just kept thinking to myself how can I get out of this

. My Teachers name was Betty Zuzunagga, I know her very well because she failed me 4 times in my beginner classes. I did not want to keep going, but my mother was having none of that. She continually re assured me that some day I would be so happy I went through lessons. So every session I went until the day I finally passed. What a great day it was. From then on I went through every class I could. Always remembering that teacher in the red suit.

Then came bay watch and oh my goodness, I could do that and the way they ran to help someone was just awesome. I did not do bay watch, but I did continue in the swimming world. I have been involved in swimming since I was 5 years old; I ended up teaching lessons for Betty Zuzunagga and the Lodi outdoor pool when I turned 16. Throughout my life that experience has lead me to where I am today. I am a trainer for the American red cross , and I work at the YMCA in Lodi teaching guess what, that’s right swimming lessons., and I love every minute of every day I get to go to my job.

I believe with my whole heart and soul we are all here to serve a purpose and only a select few get the opportunity to be encouraged to work towards that purpose sometimes not even knowing why at the time like myself. I also believe everything comes around back to you in the circle of life. I thought about my first teacher often throughout my life wondering if she still taught. Then one day I was life guarding at my job the locker room door opened and oh my gosh there she was, my first teacher Betty Zuzunagga now Betty Peterson. I felt like a bolt of fire went through my body. Betty was here rehabbing from just receiving a new hip.

As the days went by I found out Betty also was dealing with some cancer. Each time Betty came in I watched her in amazement as she came in dragging her walker waiting for me to put her in the electric chair that lowers her into the pool, after a long fight and many months, the day was here, she opened the locker room door and walked out on her own down the steps into the pool no walker. Man I though to myself she is pretty strong. While battling with her cancer Betty still was determined to swim each day and she did, and still does to this day.

I anxiously watch the clock each day when I know she comes to swim, the door opens and Betty walks out with a cup of coffee and a smile on her face. Her cancer is back, but she refuses to give up her love of swimming. I would like to dedicate this first ever Lodi High School Girls Swim Team season to my friend Betty Peterson for teaching me to never quit, and to dream the big dream. You can if you try. Thank You Betty and I will still always remember you flunking me for 4 years of beginner swim lessons, I know in my heart it has made me the person I am today.
Denise

Posted on July 22, 2008 at 1:02:20 PM by denise

This is much easier you just have to page down and find Add comments how easy is that? I Love You, Juli

Hi Betty! Well now Bob and I can finally get an answer to our long awaited question (I wasn’t able to access the first blog)............How in the heck do you pet a porcupine?
I am so glad Jeff set up this site, it will be so nice to check in and see what’s going on. I’m looking forward to spending Thursday with you and the Schoepp girls, were all looking forward to it!
Love ya, Lisa

Betty,
I once read a quote by WIlliam Shakespeare that read, “A rich praise is to say that you alone are you.” You are a very special person who has touched the lives of many by being yourself. Thinking of you during this time and praying for the best.
-Floating toes towards the sky, Tom (See profile photo for evidence)

Posted on July 24, 2008 at 4:20:30 PM by tomp

Hi Betty!
You have been and continue to be in my thoughts and prayers daily! I pray the biopsy goes welland the news is positive. I look forward to your new blogs and will be anxious to hear the results!
Be strong and of good courage,
Kim Schutz