I don’t need comfort, comfort, comfort…

Posted by on Feb 17, 2017

I don’t need comfort, comfort, comfort…

Music. Travel. Service. Cancer?

This was not part of the adventure plan…but it turns out I have breast cancer.

Needless to say, we were taken aback when the news came at us in Bath, England on January 31. Just two weeks earlier, after finding a small lump, I had seen a doctor just to clear any concerns, and he didn’t think it was much of anything but recommended a scan for peace of mind.

When the doctor in Bath recommended further testing, I told her if I couldn’t swim after the biopsy, I’d have to come back because I was NOT going to miss out on soaking in the hot springs. After all that’s why we were in Bath, NOT for biopsies. (I will never regret this brief delay—it was awesome).

Bath busker Mike, who sang Del Amitri, Lyle Lovett, and the Beatles. We're big fans.

Bath busker Mike, who sang Del Amitri, Lyle Lovett, and the Beatles. We’re big fans.

One week, two unused train tickets, two replacement train tickets, and three more expensive tests later, we were in the surgeon consultant’s office. He said cancer. Invasive ductal carcinoma, to be exact. Randy looked shocked. Somehow, by then, way in the back of my head, I had figured out that something was wrong. I was still surprised.

The Gathering

After this news, we went straight to the Gathering in Llandudno, Wales for the weekend, where we saw the Alarm, and it was absolutely the perfect place to process our news.

Screen Shot 2017-02-10 at 5.35.42 PM

Gathering meet/greet with Alarm frontman Mike Peters, co-found of cancer charity Love Hope Strength.

We saw our friend Sara who is a BC survivor and wealth of support and information, In addition, we got to play a sing-along/informal gig at 3rd Space/Great Orme Brewery. So fun! Here’s a video clip.

A guy walks into a bar (Video)

Our plans to go to Malta were cancelled, so we could get home to Ireland ASAP.  Ferry to Dublin, bus to the airport, rental car back in County Wexford.

Yesterday's walk.

Yesterday’s walk.

New home…

As bad news goes, we are told this is a best case scenario. Early detection. Small tumor.Soon enough, there will be surgery and radiation, and with any luck, no more big surprises. Our church community and friends here in Ireland have been amazing support and we are so grateful. Ireland will be home for a while as we take the steps to get me back to health.

Arty butterflies on the roadside between the hospital in Dublin and home.

Arty butterflies on the roadside between the hospital in Dublin and home.

 

 

 

Our days here are spent driving to and from Dublin for appointments, and working on new music in the home studio, as well as doing the practical moving stuff like looking for a house to rent, car to buy, etc.

 

 

 

Tour Plans

We are learning not to make definite plans for the moment, but we are very much hoping that schedules will still allow for us to join the Sweet Sorrows on the UK tour March 15- April 4. (This morning, we were told that was going to work. I just got another call saying MAYBE. See what I mean about this planning thing?)

We also have been given every reason to believe that a US summer house concert tour, though possibly a shorter one than planned, will happen. We hope to see Colorado, the Midwest, and the southern part of the East Coast.

In the meantime, we are so grateful for your prayers, support, and encouragement.

Beki (and Randy).

Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/bekihemingwaymusic

See more pics on Instagram: @bekihemingway

Introduce a friend to our music by sharing our free 5-song sampler. http://noisetrade.com/bekihemingwaymusic/free-sampler

Stay tuned for a new song to be released soon, and keep an eye out for Randy’s England blog in the coming week(s)

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52 Comments

  1. Praying for you guys. And please let us know when you can come play at Wilson Abbey in Chicago.

    • Great idea. We will be in touch if/when schedules allow. You know Chicago is always high on the list!

      • Loved your music tonight in Dunbar, what a great voice, really good songs, a lovely night for us all.
        So sorry you’ve not been too well, but your doing the right thing by keeping going, being positive and keeping singing.
        Wishing you all the very best from Dunbar and look forward to seeing and hearing you and Randy again.

  2. Beki, I know this must be life altering, but great to hear you caught it early. You and Randy are strong and will beat this! We will be praying for you and your journey. Good too that you are around so many wonderful friends and people that can give you support. Sending lots of Love, Hope and Strength! Now about that Summer tour, feel free anytime to come back to California, we love you and you’ll pack the house! 🙂

    • Thanks Floyd, will take all prayers in this situation. Y’all are awesome and we’d jump at the chance to spend time with ya. Blessings

  3. I’m so sorry to heear this, Beki. I’ll be praying for you.

  4. Becky, I will be lifting you up in prayer, and of course Randy too. So glad to hear you are surrounded by a great support system, faith and friends there. Sending love and hugs from afar.

    • Thanks Kara, it’s appreciated. We miss you. R&B

  5. Love you both — this is a blow! We will be praying for your complete healing and that God will be your strength. <3

  6. Well this is not news I like. Praying for you that you’re in good hands and weathering the process knowing God is aware of your every need.

  7. I am so sorry to read this. Sending you lots of love,hope and strength and positive thoughts xxx

  8. Praying for you my cousin! You know you can always talk to aunt Margie too! She has been there, done that. Prayers for both of you for comfort and peace as you navigate your next steps and rely on Him for guidance

  9. Oh honey..Sending you love and healing energy from Seattle …

  10. Julie and I are sorry to read this we send you and Randy our love and prayers, see you both soon. “You have to fight through some bad days to earn the best days of your life”.

  11. Praying for you. Stay strong! You’ve got this!

  12. Beki,
    I am so sorry to hear, but will be praying and make sure David Cervantes sees this! Take care and be well! Holly West

  13. My wife went through this just over 6 months ago. If, by chance, your husband wants to talk with another husband who was recently in the same situation, I’d be happy to chat with him.

    • Thanks Peter. I’m sorry to hear you all went through this too, but hope that your wife is doing well now. I’ll pass your info onto Randy.

  14. Wow Girl wow. I TOTALLY understand the feeling of being blindsided as after a year of surgery and chemo Rick’s cancer came back. We are here for you…prayers indeed, buy anything else you let us know. But I can’t bring you dinner. .you’re a little too far away..lol. we have switched to clean eating and clean personal care products and cleaning products as to put as few toxins in and on our bodies as possible. I highly recommend it. Prayers tiny and your hubs.
    I hate this for you! ❤ your old neighbor, Susan Hardie Sallee

    • To you and your hubs that should say..typo

      • Susan, you and Rick are having to be tougher than us, that’s for sure. You’ve been in my prayers too…thank you for your note, typos and all!

  15. Thinking of you back in Denver. I will say a prayer in hopes that things go well with treatment.

    David, Arrow Stage Lines driver

    • Appreciated! Love to you and the fam- RK

  16. Sweet Beki. I am so sorry to hear that this will be part of your “story” but I have no doubt that the glory of Christ will shine through you and touch many lives. I will be praying for you and Randy and I look forward to the creative, inspirations this journey will lead you to share through your music.

    • Thanks Rene. Hope to see you when we get back to Colorado for some concerts after we get through this.

  17. Totally knocked sideways by your sad news Beki, but have every faith in you. You are a fighter, and WILL beat this horrible thing. Still really hope to see you in Dunbartonshire next month. Loads of love and thinking of you, Rolf. x x x

    • Thanks Rolfe, we’re really hoping to see you and the rest of Scotland next month!

  18. Beki… you will be in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you with quick healing.

    • Jeff and Tina, many thanks. hope to get back to Cheeseland this summer luv from R&B

  19. Dearest Beki – so sorry to hear this news. We will be praying for you and Randy as you walk this path. Remember it is the path God has you on today and He is guiding you. Love and hugs.

  20. Hey we’ve been through this before!!! The outcome’s gonna be the same, the journey will just be from a different perspective!!!!!

    Will keep you in prayers beki!!!!!

    YOU GOT THIS!!!!!!

    Mitch

  21. Prayers and love to you both, Beki!

  22. Thinking of you Beki, and Randy. As many others have said you are strong. And I will add you are beautiful inside and out. You will overcome and will do so with grace. All my love, Brenda

  23. Wow! I am thinking of both of you and praying for you both. As always, God is using you both and is right there with you. Doing what you do will get you through. Big hugs and love to both of you. I am glad you have a great support system in Ireland. All my love to both of you. –Suzie

  24. Shit! Pardon my French, Gaelic or English.

    I am sincerely sorry to here of this news. Beki and Randy, I will keep you in my conversation with God. You faith and strength are an inspiration.
    Thom

  25. Bek,
    Just read the news, babe! You’re now on a Post It… on my mirror! (That means I’ll be praying for you every time I look in the mirror.) Love my baby sis!!!! (I think right now is a pretty good time to “Release yourself!!!”)
    Julie

  26. Looking forward to enjoying your beautiful songs again when you next pass through Colorado. Heads and spirits up!! Jeff & Lori in Denver

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