The first blog : The first blog

A Celebration of Life

2008-08-02T00:22:04Z

The morning sun was shining on my brow this morning as my dad and I rode Harley's to Jay's Chapel. Mom was riding along with us with a big smile. It was one last ride for mom as we all prepared to send her on her way with a Christian burial. We met at Jay's Chapel to see mom one last time before the Mass started. She is so beautiful. She even had a little "bling bling" to see her off right.

As family and friends gathered in the limos and vehicles, a great rumble started on the other side of the Chapel as each of us started up our motorcycles. Mom passed by in the hearse, followed by the limos. Dad, Mike VanHoogmoed, Rick Holt, Bill Pitman and myself provided a much deserved escort to the Church. What joy we felt as we rumbled down the street.

An overwhelming feeling of joy came over me as we processed in the Church. There were so many people who came to pay their respects to mom. Tears of joy welled up in my eyes as I looked to see every pew filled. Mom surely touch many lives during her short stay here on earth. What a great honor it has been to have her as MY mom. We have all been praying so hard for her. Those prayers were not in vain. We gave her an express ticket to Heaven. Now, she will looking down upon us to see that each of us gets to Heaven with her.

Today's funeral Mass reminded me of Easter Sunday. The was Church filled, and everyone participated in song and prayer. Not too many funerals are like that. You would think that she was a celebrity. Five priests celebrated the Mass. What a great tribute to mom. �I thank everyone who came to the rosary last night, the funeral this morning, and the reception. Dominic put together a beautiful�video�to commemorate mom's blessings and joys in life. Please enjoy this video and pass it to all your friends and family.

With sincerest gratitude, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your love with my mom and family. If we can take one thing from this experience today, I hope it's this: when we open our hearts to our brothers and sisters, we let God enter.

Please click on the word�video�to view the tribute Dominic put together.

Also, check out�Jay's Chapel�website and view info or light a candle for my mom.

Funeral Services for Maureen

2008-07-28T03:46:58Z

Visitation/Viewing begins at 2:00pm on Thursday at:

Jay's Chapel

1121 Roberts Avenue

Madera, CA 93637

(559) 674-8814

Rosary follows the viewing at 7:00pm

Celebration of the Eucharist with Rite of Christian Burial begins at 9:00am on Friday at:

St. Joachim Catholic Church

401 West Fifth Street

Madera, CA 93637

(559) 673-3290

Reception follows the Rite of Christian Burial at Holy Spouses' Hall at St. Joachim School.

Maureen's journey Home!

2008-07-27T07:58:46Z

I've been using "Maureen" throughout all my posts. But today I am calling her "mom".�

These last five and half years have been trying years for sure. But what have we learned? I am going to share with you the lessons I've learned. First, you don't realize how much you love someone until something bad or sad happens to them. A few days after Katie and I got married (2003), mom told me that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. At that moment, it felt like the world was crumbling down on us. We thought the worse would happen. Mom went through radiation and chemotherapy to beat the cancer, and, for a while, she was winning.

April 2006, three years later, her cancer came back. More chemotherapy and surgery would for sure defeat the cancer. Not this time. End of September 2006, the cancer moved to her brain. Did mom give up? NO! Not for one second was she going to let this cancer take her from her family. The moment before the nurses came to take her into her surgery, mom told me words that I will always cherish and surely will never forget. I hope to pass these words on to my children someday. These words are my words, so I will not share them here. So, a surgery so severe and mom stepped up to the plate to buy more time with her family. Her recovery wasn't what we all had hoped, and yet she was still determined not to throw herself a "pitty party".�

As the months went on, cancer moved to her bones, lungs, and back to her brain. She told me that she would do whatever it took to spend more time with her family. She was not ready to leave her family. However, God called her home today. The scene in her hospital room as she breathed her last was a sight I want to have while I'm preparing to make my final journey home. Her husband of 37 years, all of her children, brothers and sisters, her mom, cousins and friends, gathered around her bed during the Divine Mercy Hour, all reciting the Divine Mercy Chaplet as God sent his angels down to carry her soul into his heavenly�bosom. As she took her last breath, I felt peace knowing that her pain and suffering here on earth is over. She finally defeated her cancer. I say this because cancer can not go to Heaven.

Mom is now looking down upon us all with one goal in mind: get us all to Heaven, too! �I have learned to love more deeply because of mom's trials. I have learned to be patient as she went in for all her treatments/surgeries. I have learned to say, "I love you" today, because tomorrow you may not have the chance. Although mom has been gone for some hours now, I already miss her smile. I have placed her in a special place in my heart and will love her for eternity. I look forward to meeting up with her in Heaven to feel her warm embrace.�

I thank all of you for the outpouring of love you have shown towards mom. She is forever grateful, as we all are. For those who were not at her bedside or hospital today, I know that you were connected in your prayers. You are all beautiful people and I am glad God chose you to be mom's friends. From the Bettini family, Thank you and God bless you all+

Back home today

2008-07-23T16:54:58Z

Last week, Maureen went to Stanford for a special radiation treatment for three tumors found on her brain. While at Stanford, the did an MRI to pinpoint the exact location of the tumors. Upon receiving the results, they discovered a total of 13 tumors. They had Maureen go home on Thursday of last week after fitting her for a mask to protect her eyes, ears, etc., those things not needed to be treated. Maureen returned on Monday to begin her treatments.

The doctors expected that Maureen would be at Stanford until Thursday to fit her in the schedule for treatments. Fortunately, on Tuesday there were no other people needing treating. They were able to give her all her treatments on Tuesday and allowed her to rest in between sessions. Maureen will be coming home today. Please continue to pray for her as she continues to battle this cancer. She has the determination to defeat this battle. With your help, she will beat this. Thank you, and God bless+

Went to Stanford today.

2008-07-15T22:45:25Z

Good day everyone,

Yesterday, Maureen went in to her doctor to get her thoracic cavity drained from fluid buildup. It's been a while since she had her lung cavity drained last. That's a good sign that the cancer lesions are shrinking from her chemotherapy treatments. Maureen's voice tends to get lower in volume when the fluid builds up. So, if you have spoken to her recently, you may have noticed.

Stanford Medical Center called Maureen yesterday morning at 8:30am and wanted her to come to Stanford by 10:30am for a consultation. Because of travel time from Madera to Stanford is approximately 3 hours, they had to move the time to this morning at 10:30am. The plan is to create a mask for Maureen's face to protect eyes, ears, throat, etc, from the type of radiation they will be giving her. She will have three consecutive days of treatment to target the three small tumors located on the front part of her brain. Her oncologist referred her to Stanford, although Saint Agnes Medical Center has the same technology here in Fresno. The reason for this is because Stanford has been doing this treatment way longer than Saint Agnes. They are very positive in the success rate for this procedure. I do believe that they will start the treatments tomorrow and will go until Friday. Please keep Maureen and Jim in your prayers this week and pray, if it's God's will, that this will be the last necessary treatments for Maureen.

I thank everyone for your continued support and prayers. It would be very difficult for Maureen and Jim to get through these trying times if it weren't for the love and support coming from family and friends. God bless you all+

To Stanford!

2008-07-12T19:41:31Z

Greetings everyone,

Each day brings a new adventure, trial, joy, or whatever may be the case. For Maureen, it's a little of everything. �Maureen went in for her routine MRI last week while experiencing some headaches. It was discovered that Maureen has three small tumors on the frontal lobe of her brain. �Her oncologist told her that they would not be able to do radiation again because once they radiate a certain area of the brain, they can never radiate the same location again.�

However, her oncologist has referred her to Stanford where they have the newest technology where they can pinpoint a certain location with a laser beam to concentrate on only the tumors. It is very successful in application which is great news. They are trying to get Maureen up to Stanford this coming week. In the meantime, her oncologist has new chemo for her that is supposed to focus solely on this type of tumor. They are checking to see if they can start the chemo now before she goes up to Stanford, or she may have to wait until she returns home.

More news to follow...

Maureen is pictured below with her newest grandson, Dominic Alfonso Bettini, II, Gabriel and Siena.

Quick update.

2008-06-25T03:01:30Z

Last night, Jim and Maureen went on a motorcycle ride up to and around Bass Lake. They had a very enjoyable ride. However, due to the fires up in that area, the smoke got the best of Maureen. Unfortunately, the smoke affected her lungs. �Today she had a little difficulty breathing and was using her oxygen a lot throughout the day.

Today, Maureen went in to Kaiser for her chemotherapy injection. Usually after these injections, Maureen has a couple of "down" days. Her energy level decreases and she gets tired real easy. So pray for her especially in these next couple of days that she will not have such "down" days. I did ask Maureen today if the doctor had to "tap" her lung cavity. She said no, which is a great sign of the tumor decreasing in size. It's unknown if or how much fluid is around her lungs. This is awesome to see God's power working in Maureen's life.�

God bless you all+

So it's been one month...

2008-06-21T20:56:46Z

Sorry I haven't posted here in a while. Maureen has had many good days. She is able to get out and about, doing some shopping and visiting. We had a big birthday party/BBQ for Jason, Dominic and Siena on June 1st. It was nice to have a get-together.

For Father's Day, we had another BBQ, even though it was so hot. Maureen's sister, Gerrie and her family came for the fun. The kids enjoyed themselves. Lots of swimming, eating and hanging out together. God blessed Maureen with energy to be able to visit with everyone for the afternoon.

And, as this post's title says, it's been one month since Maureen has had to go to the hospital for a procedure to drain the fluid around her lungs. This means that the tumors on her lungs are shrinking, creating less fluid. This is wonderful news. Her chemotherapy is working! Praise God!

Your prayers have been crucial in Maureen's healing. Please continue to pray as she travels this road to full recovery. God bless you all+

Here's an update...

2008-05-31T04:14:52Z

On Tueday this week, Maureen went in for her chemo injection.� She has been feeling good lately, but today the chemo finally caught up to her. She wasn't feeling to good today. She has been going out lately to feel like she is still part of the community.� It makes her happy to get out of the house for a while.

On Monday, Mary had a fall and was transported to Saint Agnes Hospital by ambulance. Come to find out, Mary sustained fractures to her spine.� She has been transfered to San Joquin Gardens (convelescent/rest home) until her surgery next week.� The surgery will help take her pain away from her spine.

Please continue your prayers for Maureen and Mary as they continue with their daily crosses.� They are much appreciated.

Tapped out, again.

2008-05-20T21:32:17Z

The past few days Maureen has been having more difficulty breathing. �She called her doctor yesterday to let him know her condition. �He had her come into the hospital for another "tap" from her thoracic cavity. �The doctor removed another four cups of fluid from her thoracic cavity. �Immediately after the procedure, Maureen was able to breath 100% better.�

Great news, there was no blood in the fluid they drained. �This is good news because it means the cancer (lesions) on her lungs are not bleeding anymore. �It also means that the lesions are getting smaller. �Her chemotherapy is working!! �The doctor mentioned that if her white blood cell count was not where it should be, then he would not be able to do the procedure. �Because the count was high enough, she was able to have it done.

It has been about three weeks since her last "tap" which is another sign that her lesions are getting smaller (less fluid being produced, longer time between "taps").�

Maureen was able to get out of the house on Saturday. �She went to the Chowchilla Fair where Dominic showed/auctioned his steer. �She was happy to get out of the house. �The next day, we all got together (Maureen, Jim, Dominic, Mary, Jason, Katie, Gabriel, Siena, Tiphanie, Noah, & Rossi) to celebrate Noah's 6th birthday. �We all had banana splits at Perko's and then went back to my parents' house to have Noah open his presents. �Maureen always has a happy face when her grandkids are around.

Today, Maureen had a couple friends come to the house to give her Holy Communion. �Both Maureen and Mary participated. �A great appreciation to John and Adrian Souza for thinking of Maureen and Mary and for nourishing their soul. �Our prayers are with all of our friends and family. �Continue your prayers for Maureen, and please include Mary Bettini, as she, too, has many ailments. �Thanks again, and God bless+

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-12T07:26:10Z

Today was a great day. �All the children and grandchildren were present at the Bettini's to celebrate Mother's Day. �Maureen was in great spirits and was able to spent a lot of quality time with all of us. �Maureen had her strength to visit everyone outside. �We are all appreciative of our mom and her faith and strength that has brought us here this far. �Tina and all of her kids were there. �Tiphanie and her two boys were also there. �And of course, me, Katie and the kids also went over to have a great time with the entire family. �Maureen's sister, Gerrie, came over with her husband, Steve, and the kids. �Even though the temperature only reached 90 degrees today, all the kids jumped in the pool to cool off. �Maureen had a permanent smile on her face as she watched all the kids having fun in the pool. (Too cold for me, thank God Gabriel didn't ask me to go in with him.) �Jim's sister, Nell and her husband Malcolm, came with their daughter Chelsea from Turlock to visit. Just a simple get together can turn into a huge party! �That's the benefits of having a big family.

I asked my mom today how she was feeling, and I could see in her eyes that she is really starting to feel better. �She said every day she feels better and better. �She participated in a "Healing Mass" at St. Anthony of Padua parish in Fresno. �She truly believes a healing is in the process. �To see her strength and endurance today, I can see that she is physically getting better. �This is so exciting to see. �

We love our mom so much and thank God for the gift of her love. �I shall keep you posted on the progress of her healing. �Prayers are so awesome and powerful. �Keep them up. She sure can use them. �We wish all of you mothers a blessed day. �May your children pass the love you have given them to their children. �God bless you all+

�� This photo taken at Easter 2008.

A couple rough days.

2008-05-09T04:54:52Z

Yesterday and today have been spent in bed sleeping and resting.� Maureen has been been feeling under the weather.� Her white blood cell count was low, so her doctor gave her some injections (to give herself) to help increase her white blood cell count. She is still taking her chemo pill, but has stopped her chemo injections until her blood count is higher.

Today, my parents celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary. Although the last five years Maureen has struggled with her health, I have seen my parents love grow stronger. Your prayers not only helps Maureen in her health, but gives strength to both my parents. Continue with your prayers, they are much appreciated.

Routine Doctor's visit, a little more than routine.

2008-05-06T02:53:32Z

Last night and this morning, Maureen has been having difficulty breathing.� This is due to fluid collecting around her lungs, as the first post mentioned.� The fluid is caused from the cancer on her lungs.� Today was a routine doctor's visit, so Maureen took advantage of the time with the doctor to have him check her thoracic chamber for fluid.� The doctor took an x-ray and discovered fluid had gathered around her lungs.�

The doctor ordered the fluid to be extracted via catheter to relieve the pressure built up, causing labored breathing.� After the procedure, Maureen immediately was able to breath better.� More fluid was taken out than what was expected.� This may seem a little unnerving, but it has been over two weeks since she has had this procedure done.� This is a good sign because the fluid is caused by the lesions on her lungs.� Before, it was three to four days before Maureen felt labored breathing.� Now it's been two weeks.� That a sign the chemo is working by reducing the size of the lesions on her lungs.� This was an "out-patient" procedure, so she is back home.

Maureen in on the road to good health.� Continue sending up your prayer smoke for a complete healing of all Maureen's cancer/ailments.� Thank you, again, for your prayers.� We, too, are praying for all of you+

Out and about...

2008-05-05T00:14:09Z

Yesterday, Maureen was able to get out of the house for a while.� She took her walker and watched her grandson's, Noah, first t-ball game.� There was lots of cheering.� It was good to see her out and about.� Her strength seems to be getting better every day.� There is less need to use the oxygen while at home.

Generally, after big outtings, the next day is a day to recover.� However, Maureen felt good enough to take a little drive today.� There are more smiles on her face lately.� The prayers offered for Maureen daily are definitely working.� Along with her treatments, a continuous spring of prayer will be factor in fighting this cancer.�

It is hard to express in words the appreciation we have for all�of you, who, through your prayers, deeds, and words, have given strength�and courage to Maureen.� We love you all, and God bless�you+�

Feeling better...

2008-04-30T08:08:27Z

I spoke with my mom this evening.� She sounded a lot better.� She says that the last couple days she has felt really good.� Her strength is returning.� There is no need for a walker to get around the house, which is a huge improvement.� Her strength has been improving every day.� It's awesome to see all the prayers at work.� My mom says that she couldn't have done it without all the prayers and love from all of you.� Keep up the great work!

My mom will stop taking her chemotherapy pill for a week to give her body a break.� After a week, she will go back on it.� The next five weeks she will be going into the doctor's office for a chemo injection.� This is to supplement her pill she takes.� This treatment looks very promising.� My mom has a positive attitude and will defeat this cancer.� Again, she couldn't do it without all of your prayers.� Thank you+