Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 3, 2018

By Andrea Nagel In 1998, at the age of 66, Betty Markley was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. Now, at the age of 86, Betty treats each day like a gift, still managing her disease 20 years after her initial diagnosis. “You just have to live to the best of your ability,” she said. “So many people think of cancer as a death sentence. It’s not, and I’m proof of that.” Betty spends her weeks having KEYS TO LIVING WITH CANCER Betty Markley credits her 20 years as a survivor to faith, family and stellar care lunch with close friends, including her best friend from the seventh grade, and spending time with her two sons, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. She credits her sons, Doug and Larry, and their families as being her best support system. “We’re a very close family—my boys are great support. When I was really sick, all of my grandchildren helped out and cared for me,” Betty said. “When you remember those moments of being really sick, you realize just how precious life is. Every minute is precious.” They buildyouup In her 20 years of receiving treatment at Kootenai Clinic Cancer Services, Betty recalls many changes—in providers, treatments, new facilities and staff members. She said one thing 6 BettyMarkley visits with Jacob Taylor, CNA, during one of her appointments at Kootenai Clinic Cancer Services in Post Falls.