Betty A. Smith

Welcome to our CaringBridge website for Mom. As much as she dislikes modern social media sites, she agreed to using Caringbridge to connect with friends near and far. A little background: Mom’s health began to slip in the fall/winter of 2017. By February of 2018, we had a clear diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer with metastasis to her adrenal glands. She was hospitalized three times in succession due to the failing adrenal glands. She did one course of chemo which knocked her sideways. It proved too potent for her to endure. Beginning in May of 2018, Mom  began hospice and actually  stablized for almost a year. She was able to see some dear friends, enjoyed many visits from family members and created a “new normal” pace for many months. Around Thanksgiving of 2018, we began noticing more frequent declines but she was able to celebrate Thanksgiving in Sunriver with our family and was the guest of honor at a holiday open house in December. As of now, the cancer complications have gotten more severe and difficult. Roger, Jacque, her dear friend Denise, Jenn, Taylor, when available Claire & Daniel, and Chris & I have been the brigade behind the scenes trying to assist in her care.  
Chris & I moved back in to her condo with her so we can help morning and night.  We have a care giver who just started for some daytime help and we have hospice care, too. Occasionally we have have the need for a little companionship for her during the day. I will try to use the calendar on this site so if you’re available to drop in, we can get it scheduled. 
Health concerns always beg the question, “What can I do to help?”  My answer first and foremost is for prayers.  Pray that Mom is comfortable and at peace, and pray for strength  those of us who are tirelessly trying to care for her. She loves personal notes and cards. If you’d like to reach out, here is her address: 1620 NE Broadway St., Unit 416, Portland OR 97232. 
Making phone calls to friends is emotionally exhausting for her so please feel free to share this site/information with mutual friends. This will be an easy way for us to keep you informed. Thank you so much.