Slater Recovery Fund
Donation protected
My beautiful friend, Beth Nelson-Slater, is in the fight of her life battling an aggressive form of breast cancer and the ensuing treatments that followed this diagnosis. The past 11 months have been quite a nightmare for her and her family, beginning with Roy's injuries in a fall. When I asked if I could set up this fund for them there was a great deal of reluctance and it has taken months of convincing to get them to agree to it. Here are Beth's thoughts on the past few months...
“God allowed this to happen to YOU to save MY life, I don’t know what that means and that scares me.”
Those were the words flowing through me and out of my mouth to Roy the evening that he was injured,
June 24, 2015. I don’t know how to explain who told me to say that other than…God.
Roy fell from 8 feet onto very hard ground and thought he just sprained his ankle. Out of male stubbornness and financial concern he refused to go to the emergency room. After 3 days of horrible pain and his foot swelling to the size of a loaf of bread he agreed to get checked. Long story short his foot was in pieces and his heel was crushed! After seeing many specialists and having surgery he was sent home to heal. Three months of no weight on his foot and not being able to work added to the stress.
Because our deductible had been met I decided to schedule a mammogram. After multiple tests 2 radiologists decided there was something, both agreeing that it was atrophied breast tissue. They both agreed that I could wait a year and check to see if it had changed. Something just clicked in my spirit; I just knew that wasn’t ok. I stood there in front of him and asked him what he would tell me to do if I was his wife. He answered….get another opinion. So, next was MRI and biopsy. On Sept. 18, 2015 I got the dreaded call, “you have invasive ductal carcinoma.” Testing positive for HER 2 NEW and estrogen receptive, if we would have waited a year to “check it” my family would have been making other plans for me in a year. In a flurry of doctor appointments, genetic testing, meetings and surgeries the next month was like a bad dream from which I couldn’t wake.
I survived 11 weekly infusions of chemotherapy (Taxol) and the anti-body Herceptin. I received IV fluids twice a week to help with the sickness and fevers. I was very sick. At times in the depths of sickness and fear, slipping away sounded comforting. But, my family, faith and wonderful friends held me up when I didn’t have the strength. I just finished 6 weeks of daily radiation and will need to be patient with the healing process of everything. I will continue with infusions of Herceptin every 3 weeks for a year. I will be on oral estrogen blockers for 5 years.
I was unable to work, although, it is true having and treating cancer is a full-time job. Our daughter Candace was an amazing support for both of us this past 10 months. She was starting her senior year and going to WITC taking classes and working long hours to try to help. The trauma of cancer is something that physically and emotionally affects the whole family and unfortunately, is far too common.
Like so many other people we have huge medical bills. I never thought we would be in this position needing help. It is a hard thing to ask for help….humbling. We would be so grateful for any contribution. Our hearts are filled with thankfulness to you.
Sincerely,
Roy, Beth and Candace Slater
“God allowed this to happen to YOU to save MY life, I don’t know what that means and that scares me.”
Those were the words flowing through me and out of my mouth to Roy the evening that he was injured,
June 24, 2015. I don’t know how to explain who told me to say that other than…God.
Roy fell from 8 feet onto very hard ground and thought he just sprained his ankle. Out of male stubbornness and financial concern he refused to go to the emergency room. After 3 days of horrible pain and his foot swelling to the size of a loaf of bread he agreed to get checked. Long story short his foot was in pieces and his heel was crushed! After seeing many specialists and having surgery he was sent home to heal. Three months of no weight on his foot and not being able to work added to the stress.
Because our deductible had been met I decided to schedule a mammogram. After multiple tests 2 radiologists decided there was something, both agreeing that it was atrophied breast tissue. They both agreed that I could wait a year and check to see if it had changed. Something just clicked in my spirit; I just knew that wasn’t ok. I stood there in front of him and asked him what he would tell me to do if I was his wife. He answered….get another opinion. So, next was MRI and biopsy. On Sept. 18, 2015 I got the dreaded call, “you have invasive ductal carcinoma.” Testing positive for HER 2 NEW and estrogen receptive, if we would have waited a year to “check it” my family would have been making other plans for me in a year. In a flurry of doctor appointments, genetic testing, meetings and surgeries the next month was like a bad dream from which I couldn’t wake.
I survived 11 weekly infusions of chemotherapy (Taxol) and the anti-body Herceptin. I received IV fluids twice a week to help with the sickness and fevers. I was very sick. At times in the depths of sickness and fear, slipping away sounded comforting. But, my family, faith and wonderful friends held me up when I didn’t have the strength. I just finished 6 weeks of daily radiation and will need to be patient with the healing process of everything. I will continue with infusions of Herceptin every 3 weeks for a year. I will be on oral estrogen blockers for 5 years.
I was unable to work, although, it is true having and treating cancer is a full-time job. Our daughter Candace was an amazing support for both of us this past 10 months. She was starting her senior year and going to WITC taking classes and working long hours to try to help. The trauma of cancer is something that physically and emotionally affects the whole family and unfortunately, is far too common.
Like so many other people we have huge medical bills. I never thought we would be in this position needing help. It is a hard thing to ask for help….humbling. We would be so grateful for any contribution. Our hearts are filled with thankfulness to you.
Sincerely,
Roy, Beth and Candace Slater
Organizer and beneficiary
Pamela Elwood Hartmann
Organizer
Amery, WI
Beth Slater
Beneficiary