Sunday, November 16, 2025

Biopsies

Last Tuesday we took Beth to the dermatologist for two biopsies on her scalp. She's been on a topical medication for the scarring alopecia but it's gotten worse.

I made the appointment more than two months ago but we told Beth about it the day before. We didn't know how she would take it and didn't want her nervous for days leading up to it.

Chuck had two punch biopsies when he was going through treatment for melanoma so he explained to her exactly what would happen, and took the day off to come with us.

The morning of the appointment I believe the Holy Spirit told me to call them about a chair. When Chuck had his done he was just sitting on the table in the exam room. Beth does not like those because they're so high off the ground and there's nothing to support her and nothing to hang onto. 

So I called and asked if there was any way they could do the procedure while she sat in a chair. They put me on hold, then came back and said they absolutely could do that, and it wouldn't be a problem. I was so relieved!

When we walked into the room, there was - like a dentist chair in the middle of the room! 


It was perfect for her! They even put her feet up to really make her comfortable! They gave her the numbing medication, then got right to work. Did two biopsies and were done in less than 10 minutes. 

One thing I've learned to do when Beth is at the doctor is to watch her hands. If she's gripping the arm rest or her hands are in a fist, I know she's in pain or is really scared.

Doing the actual biopsy


Putting in the stitches


She was so chill. Even the doctor said, "You didn't even flinch! You're the first one today who didn't flinch!"

I'll add a picture of her scalp but I'll leave it small. Although the spots are pretty tiny. You can always click on it if you'd like.


So now we wait for the results. There's no cure, it will just tell us the best treatment to keep it from spreading anymore and to make sure there's nothing else going on with her scalp. 

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Our Days Have Been Full

 Good evening friends,

I'm writing this on Monday night, although when I was getting on the laptop almost 30 minutes ago, I uploaded some photos, then noticed the desktop was cluttered with documents and so I started organizing those... and now my sister is calling from San Diego. 

Okay, so now it's Tuesday afternoon. Chuck is at a doctor's appointment and Beth is down in her place watching TV. We've been so busy lately. All good things, but just really full days.

Chuck and I took a drive over the weekend, headed east over the 520 floating bridge and into Bellevue, Redmond and Issaquah. It was nice to get away for a few, just us. Mount Rainier was out in all her glory, so close it felt like you could reach out and touch it.

This is a picture of one of the bridges (Seattle has two floating bridges) that I took a few years ago flying into SEA Airport. The bridge is on pontoons that float in the somewhat shallow water.


Mount Rainier from the bridge





We've been video chatting with Diana and the kids. Adelaide was helping her make chocolate chip cookies.


Beth had a doctor's appointment and needed to get some lab work done so they could check her thyroid.


And Christmas. I am so ready to decorate for Christmas! The other night I fixed some hot chocolate with whipped cream and watched a Christmas movie. I don't know, it just felt right!


Chuck should be home soon from his appointment so I need to get ready to go to our storage unit. We're putting away my greeting card/market displays and bringing back Christmas decorations! We usually wait until after Thanksgiving but for some reason this year, I want to decorate now. Do you usually wait for a certain day to decorate?

Enjoy the rest of your week!