Kara is hoping to get her strength and stamina back so she can enjoy the weekend with her family. She would like to take Emma to a movie today, if she feels up to it.
Probably all of us have seen the Disney classic "Pollyanna" and know about her wonderful way of facing the bad things in her life by playing the "Glad Game." Though it is sometimes difficult to see anything good about a particular situation, there usually is a silver lining, if you look at it the right way. And the good thing about the side effects Kara is experiencing is that they show that the chemotherapy is working! She knows that because of her health and age, the doctors can, and will, be very aggressive with her treatment. Unfortunately, that doesn't make these next few months very pleasant for her, but it will be worth it in the end.
But God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld His love from me!
- Psalm 66:19-20
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that next week's test results show improvement.
- Please pray that Kara regains her strength, and the side effects diminish.
- Please pray for faith, hope, and good spirits for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you for your gracious and loving support of Kara throughout this. She feels so blessed to wake up each morning and find new messages of love and encouragement here.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Upcoming Tests
Kara and the family had a good Easter morning -- the Easter Bunny had visited Emma and Luke, and they had fun on an Easter egg hunt before church.
Sunday afternoon Kara was pretty wiped out, though, and has been dealing with severe fatigue since returning home from the last round of chemotherapy. She also has been experiencing ringing in her ears and accompanying hearing problems, which are other unpleasant side effects of the chemo.
Next Monday she will go in and they will run tests to determine how well the treatment is going, and whether they need to make any adjustments. This will be the first time since treatment began to determine its effectiveness, and we all hope that it will show that the treatment is working in getting rid of the cancer.
And so, though the initial shock of last month has worn off, there are new tests and challenges that Kara has to face, and she is handling them the best that she can. It is hard not to get discouraged and feel down, especially considering the way she is feeling physically.
Please continue to keep sending her your encouragement, and lifting her up in prayer. The cards, emails, and comments here on the blog really brighten her day, and we thank you for staying so supportive in the long-term.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that next week's test results show improvement.
- Please pray that Kara regains her strength, and the side effects diminish.
- Please pray for faith, hope, and good spirits for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you for your continued support of Kara during this difficult time.
Sunday afternoon Kara was pretty wiped out, though, and has been dealing with severe fatigue since returning home from the last round of chemotherapy. She also has been experiencing ringing in her ears and accompanying hearing problems, which are other unpleasant side effects of the chemo.
Next Monday she will go in and they will run tests to determine how well the treatment is going, and whether they need to make any adjustments. This will be the first time since treatment began to determine its effectiveness, and we all hope that it will show that the treatment is working in getting rid of the cancer.
And so, though the initial shock of last month has worn off, there are new tests and challenges that Kara has to face, and she is handling them the best that she can. It is hard not to get discouraged and feel down, especially considering the way she is feeling physically.
Please continue to keep sending her your encouragement, and lifting her up in prayer. The cards, emails, and comments here on the blog really brighten her day, and we thank you for staying so supportive in the long-term.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that next week's test results show improvement.
- Please pray that Kara regains her strength, and the side effects diminish.
- Please pray for faith, hope, and good spirits for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you for your continued support of Kara during this difficult time.
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Update
Kara has gotten settled back in at home. She's fatigued and has a generalized upset-stomach feeling, but is keeping her meals down. She has a tricky time finding food that she has an appetite for -- this morning she thought McDonald's hotcakes sounded good, but when I brought it home... my Egg McMuffin sounded better!
Kara says that now that the immediate rush and flurry that followed the diagnosis is over, the reality that she 'has cancer' has set in. She has lost her hair, is pretty much always tired, and she's facing four more rounds of chemotherapy and feeling much less than 100% for the next several months. It is frustrating to her that she cannot do all that she used to do with and for her family, but looks forward to the time she can again.
Despite all of that, she is very thankful to have been brought through the events of the past months by the amazing medical care she has received, by God's grace, and by your prayers.
Having little goals helps greatly, and the anticipation of enjoying a fun Easter with her family has brightened her week. With your continued support and prayers, she will get through this difficult time and back to better days.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for faith, hope, and good spirits for Kara during this trying time.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.
Easter Prayers:
Most High
glorious God,
enlighten the darkness
of my heart.
Give me
right faith,
sure hope
and perfect charity.
Fill me with understanding
and knowledge
that I may fulfill
your command.
- St. Francis of Assisi
Tomb, thou shalt not hold Him longer;
Death is strong, but Life is stronger;
Stronger than the dark, the light;
Stronger than the wrong, the right;
Faith and Hope triumphant say
Christ will rise on Easter Day.
- Phillips Brooks, An Easter Carol
Thank you for your tremendous help to Kara -- for your concern for her, your prayers for her, and your faithful support for her.
Kara says that now that the immediate rush and flurry that followed the diagnosis is over, the reality that she 'has cancer' has set in. She has lost her hair, is pretty much always tired, and she's facing four more rounds of chemotherapy and feeling much less than 100% for the next several months. It is frustrating to her that she cannot do all that she used to do with and for her family, but looks forward to the time she can again.
Despite all of that, she is very thankful to have been brought through the events of the past months by the amazing medical care she has received, by God's grace, and by your prayers.
Having little goals helps greatly, and the anticipation of enjoying a fun Easter with her family has brightened her week. With your continued support and prayers, she will get through this difficult time and back to better days.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for faith, hope, and good spirits for Kara during this trying time.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.
Easter Prayers:
Most High
glorious God,
enlighten the darkness
of my heart.
Give me
right faith,
sure hope
and perfect charity.
Fill me with understanding
and knowledge
that I may fulfill
your command.
- St. Francis of Assisi
Tomb, thou shalt not hold Him longer;
Death is strong, but Life is stronger;
Stronger than the dark, the light;
Stronger than the wrong, the right;
Faith and Hope triumphant say
Christ will rise on Easter Day.
- Phillips Brooks, An Easter Carol
Thank you for your tremendous help to Kara -- for your concern for her, your prayers for her, and your faithful support for her.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Home Again, Home Again!
Kara is back home, and is feeling better than she did at this time after her first round of chemotherapy. Matt will be able to be home with her tomorrow, and take Emma to Tumblebears (the gymnastics class for her age group). Kara thinks she'll feel up to attending Easter service. They'll probably go to the later worship service, rather than their usual early one, to have time to get going in the morning... and let the kids hunt for Easter eggs!
Fourth of July Parade
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78. Clicking on any of the photos will take you to the online photo album that contains additional pictures.
Praises:
- Thank you God for seeing Kara through this round of chemotherapy much more comfortably.
- Thank you God for seeing Kara through the completion of her radiation therapy.
- Thank you God for the support of all of Kara's friends, family, and her brothers and sisters in Christ.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the treatment eradicates the cancer from her body, permanently.
- Please pray for peace and good spirits for Kara during this trying time.
Thank you so very much for all of your support, prayers, and encouragement.
Fourth of July Parade
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78. Clicking on any of the photos will take you to the online photo album that contains additional pictures.
Praises:
- Thank you God for seeing Kara through this round of chemotherapy much more comfortably.
- Thank you God for seeing Kara through the completion of her radiation therapy.
- Thank you God for the support of all of Kara's friends, family, and her brothers and sisters in Christ.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the treatment eradicates the cancer from her body, permanently.
- Please pray for peace and good spirits for Kara during this trying time.
Thank you so very much for all of your support, prayers, and encouragement.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Round II of Chemo Complete
This round of chemo has so far gone much, much more easily for Kara. The doctor has adjusted her antiemitic medicine to better control the nausea that accompanies the chemotherapy, and she hasn't felt nearly as yucky. They were able to get the IV started easily and her veins are doing well. As of this afternoon, she is feeling pretty good. They have completed giving her the last chemo drug she has to have this round of treatment. The plan is for her to return home tomorrow morning. She thinks she'll be able to accompany the family to church on Easter.
(I've run out of current photographs to post, so I thought I'd put one of my favorite "classic" shots of Emma and Kara, taken around July 4th, 2004. I hope you enjoy it!).
Praises:
- Thank you God for seeing Kara through this round of chemotherapy much more comfortably.
- Thank you God for seeing Kara through the completion of her radiation therapy.
- Thank you God for the support of all of Kara's friends, family, and her brothers and sisters in Christ.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the treatment eradicates the cancer from her body, permanently.
Thank you so very much.
(I've run out of current photographs to post, so I thought I'd put one of my favorite "classic" shots of Emma and Kara, taken around July 4th, 2004. I hope you enjoy it!).
Praises:
- Thank you God for seeing Kara through this round of chemotherapy much more comfortably.
- Thank you God for seeing Kara through the completion of her radiation therapy.
- Thank you God for the support of all of Kara's friends, family, and her brothers and sisters in Christ.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the treatment eradicates the cancer from her body, permanently.
Thank you so very much.
Monday, March 21, 2005
From Kara
As Easter quickly approaches, my “suffering” is put into perspective as I remember Christ’s horrible death on the cross. He died so that we can live. Thank you, Jesus.
Praises:
- Thank you God for the completion of another step in the treatment process with the completion of whole brain radiation with minimal side effects and thank you for the kind radiation staff who treated me.
- Thank you God for Emma’s quiet understanding that Mommy has to go to the hospital again so the doctors can make her better.
- Thank you God for the continued prayers, encouragement, and support from family, church family, friends and brothers and sisters in Christ.
Prayer Requests:
- No recurrence of brain tumors and no long term side effects from radiation.
- Kind and skilled nurses during my hospital stay for chemotherapy.
- Chemotherapy will be administered quickly with side effects being well managed so that I can return home Wednesday.
- Chemotherapy will destroy all cancer cells, permanently.
- Energy and patience for my parents as they care for Emma and Luke.
Thank you for your continued prayers; they truly are a blessing to me.
Praises:
- Thank you God for the completion of another step in the treatment process with the completion of whole brain radiation with minimal side effects and thank you for the kind radiation staff who treated me.
- Thank you God for Emma’s quiet understanding that Mommy has to go to the hospital again so the doctors can make her better.
- Thank you God for the continued prayers, encouragement, and support from family, church family, friends and brothers and sisters in Christ.
Prayer Requests:
- No recurrence of brain tumors and no long term side effects from radiation.
- Kind and skilled nurses during my hospital stay for chemotherapy.
- Chemotherapy will be administered quickly with side effects being well managed so that I can return home Wednesday.
- Chemotherapy will destroy all cancer cells, permanently.
- Energy and patience for my parents as they care for Emma and Luke.
Thank you for your continued prayers; they truly are a blessing to me.
Friday, March 18, 2005
Last Radiation Treatment
Today Kara had her last whole-brain radiation treatment. They will do a follow-up MRI in four weeks to check on the status of the two smaller tumors that were in her brain. The fact that she has lost her hair is a good sign -- it means the chemotherapy and the radiation are doing their job, attacking all of the fast-metabolic cells like hair follicles... and the cancer!
Emma has taken Kara's hair loss in stride, and it doesn't seem to bother her. She has gone with Kara to her radiation treatments every day this week, which has been a real lift to Kara. The kind people at the radiation center gave Emma an Easter basket full of goodies on their last visit.
This weekend Kara, Matt, and the kids will be going to a birthday party for one of Emma's friends, and doing an Easter Egg Hunt at her church on Palm Sunday.
Praises:
- Thank you God for Emma's understanding and compassion to Kara during this time, and for both her and Luke's joyful and uplifting presence during Kara's recovery.
- Thank you God for Kara's completion of the radiation treatment without any problems or set-backs.
- Thank you God for your steadfast presence with Kara throughout this time.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the treatment succeeds in eradicating the cancer from Kara's body, permanently.
A General Thanksgiving
Accept, O Lord, my thanks and praise for all that you have done for me.
I thank you for the splendor of the whole creation,
for the beauty of this world,
for the wonder of life,
and for the mystery of love.
I thank you for the blessing of family and friends,
and for the loving care which surrounds me on every side.
I thank you for setting me at tasks which demand my best efforts,
and for leading me to accomplishments which satisfy and delight me.
I thank you also for those disappointments and failures
that lead me to acknowledge my dependence on you alone.
Above all, I thank you for your Son Jesus Christ;
for the truth of His Word and the example of His life;
for His steadfast obedience, by which He overcame temptation;
for His dying, through which He overcame death;
and for His rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom.
Grant me the gift of your Spirit,
that I may know Him and make Him known;
and through Him, at all times and in all places,
may give thanks to you in all things.
Amen.
- "A General Thanksgiving," modified from The Book of Common Prayer
Thank you so very much for keeping Kara in your thoughts and prayers. It cannot be said enough what a heartening effect it has had on her and her family.
Emma has taken Kara's hair loss in stride, and it doesn't seem to bother her. She has gone with Kara to her radiation treatments every day this week, which has been a real lift to Kara. The kind people at the radiation center gave Emma an Easter basket full of goodies on their last visit.
This weekend Kara, Matt, and the kids will be going to a birthday party for one of Emma's friends, and doing an Easter Egg Hunt at her church on Palm Sunday.
Praises:
- Thank you God for Emma's understanding and compassion to Kara during this time, and for both her and Luke's joyful and uplifting presence during Kara's recovery.
- Thank you God for Kara's completion of the radiation treatment without any problems or set-backs.
- Thank you God for your steadfast presence with Kara throughout this time.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the treatment succeeds in eradicating the cancer from Kara's body, permanently.
A General Thanksgiving
Accept, O Lord, my thanks and praise for all that you have done for me.
I thank you for the splendor of the whole creation,
for the beauty of this world,
for the wonder of life,
and for the mystery of love.
I thank you for the blessing of family and friends,
and for the loving care which surrounds me on every side.
I thank you for setting me at tasks which demand my best efforts,
and for leading me to accomplishments which satisfy and delight me.
I thank you also for those disappointments and failures
that lead me to acknowledge my dependence on you alone.
Above all, I thank you for your Son Jesus Christ;
for the truth of His Word and the example of His life;
for His steadfast obedience, by which He overcame temptation;
for His dying, through which He overcame death;
and for His rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom.
Grant me the gift of your Spirit,
that I may know Him and make Him known;
and through Him, at all times and in all places,
may give thanks to you in all things.
Amen.
- "A General Thanksgiving," modified from The Book of Common Prayer
Thank you so very much for keeping Kara in your thoughts and prayers. It cannot be said enough what a heartening effect it has had on her and her family.
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Update
Kara and the kids had a fun day at the Children's Museum yesterday, and tonight they have planned a birthday party for John's girlfriend, Carrie. Kara is gradually getting her stamina back, and it's allowing her to do more and more each day.
Thank you for your returning to this page and checking in on Kara's progress. We'll try to keep this updated often with reports on how she is doing and what her prayer needs are. Please continue to keep her in your prayers (please see the previous post), and to praise God for how well she is doing so far.
FYI: If you click on any of the photos posted, it will take you to a larger version of the photograph, and to the website where the online "photostream" is stored. You can find more pictures of Kara and Matt and the kids there.
Monday, March 14, 2005
This Week
It was a beautiful spring weekend in Houston, and the lovely weather was enjoyed by all! Kara continues to feel better, save for a little fatigue, and Matt has returned to work. She has been getting back into the swing of things with Emma and Luke -- school, playtime, church, and little outings. Some days Emma goes with Kara for radiotherapy. They're planning a trip to the Children's Museum this week, too.
While most of the side effects of the chemotherapy have diminished, Kara has begun to lose her hair. With the combination of the chemotherapy and the radiation to her head, it was pretty much a given that hair loss would occur. She and Emma have had some talks about Mommy losing her hair, and Emma seems to understand.
Kara goes back in for chemotherapy on Monday.
Praises:
- Thank you God for seeing Kara through her treatment.
- Thank you God for being an ever-present refuge for all those touched by illness -- Kara, her family and friends, and all the others who find themselves fighting cancer or other affliction.
- Thank you God for all of the support, prayers, and love that has been given to Kara.
- Thank you God, as Easter approaches, for the gift of Your son, Jesus Christ, who teaches us that all things are possible through Him, who strengthens us.
Psalm 91: 14-16
"Because he loves me," says the LORD , "I will rescue him;
I will protect him who acknowledges my name.
He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Please pray that Kara remains healthy this week so that she will be strong and ready when she resumes chemotherapy on Monday. (Last time she had a cold working on her, and it made the recovery from the chemo harder.)
- Please pray for continued optimism, faith, and good spirits for Kara through this trying time.
- Please pray that the treatments are successful in eradicating the cancer, permanently.
- And please include in your prayers a prayer for healing for 4-year-old Paul Saxon, whose neuroblastoma tumors have returned. http://www3.baylor.edu/~Terrill_Saxon/SaxonUpdate/front.htm
THANK YOU so very much for your continuing concern and prayers for Kara. It has been truly remarkable how the flow of cards, notes, calls, comments on this blog, and other remembrances have not slowed, and it is a testament to how fortunate Kara and her family are to have such wonderful friends -- and indeed, what wonderful friends their friends have!
While most of the side effects of the chemotherapy have diminished, Kara has begun to lose her hair. With the combination of the chemotherapy and the radiation to her head, it was pretty much a given that hair loss would occur. She and Emma have had some talks about Mommy losing her hair, and Emma seems to understand.
Kara goes back in for chemotherapy on Monday.
Praises:
- Thank you God for seeing Kara through her treatment.
- Thank you God for being an ever-present refuge for all those touched by illness -- Kara, her family and friends, and all the others who find themselves fighting cancer or other affliction.
- Thank you God for all of the support, prayers, and love that has been given to Kara.
- Thank you God, as Easter approaches, for the gift of Your son, Jesus Christ, who teaches us that all things are possible through Him, who strengthens us.
Psalm 91: 14-16
"Because he loves me," says the LORD , "I will rescue him;
I will protect him who acknowledges my name.
He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Please pray that Kara remains healthy this week so that she will be strong and ready when she resumes chemotherapy on Monday. (Last time she had a cold working on her, and it made the recovery from the chemo harder.)
- Please pray for continued optimism, faith, and good spirits for Kara through this trying time.
- Please pray that the treatments are successful in eradicating the cancer, permanently.
- And please include in your prayers a prayer for healing for 4-year-old Paul Saxon, whose neuroblastoma tumors have returned. http://www3.baylor.edu/~Terrill_Saxon/SaxonUpdate/front.htm
THANK YOU so very much for your continuing concern and prayers for Kara. It has been truly remarkable how the flow of cards, notes, calls, comments on this blog, and other remembrances have not slowed, and it is a testament to how fortunate Kara and her family are to have such wonderful friends -- and indeed, what wonderful friends their friends have!
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Girls' Day Out
Kara continues to improve -- she and Emma enjoyed a special day out together while Matt and Luke did some male bonding. Kara still doesn't have all of her energy back, but she is getting stronger daily. She will have another week off before her next round of chemotherapy.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Please pray for continued optimism, faith, and good spirits for Kara through this trying time.
- Please pray that the treatments are successful in eradicating the cancer, permanently.
THANK YOU all for your support and prayers -- they have been greatly felt, and have had a tremendous impact.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Please pray for continued optimism, faith, and good spirits for Kara through this trying time.
- Please pray that the treatments are successful in eradicating the cancer, permanently.
THANK YOU all for your support and prayers -- they have been greatly felt, and have had a tremendous impact.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
From Kara
I don’t believe God gave me cancer, but I do believe that He is with me on this journey every step of the way. I feel His presence like I never have before and I know it is because of the prayers of all of you that have lifted me up to him. Thank you for praying for me. Your prayers are a precious gift to me and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I received a copy of a devotional message that has meant a lot to me and I would like to share part of it with you:
I have the big “C” within me. The big “C”= Christ!
He even makes cancer look very small! Christ living in you makes every “C” and everything you dread look smaller – cancer, career changes, cardiac ailments, controversies, common cold, costly checking errors, checkups, complications, and a multitude of other catastrophes. Jesus’ cross, compassion, and courage cover all our “C’s” and make them small in Him.
Now all our “C’s” look different to us through Christ crucified!
Even Jesus. By His Cross, Jesus has become the only truly big C in our lives. His cross reveals that nothing can separate us from Him or His love for us. What a blessing it is to have the big “C” (Christ) in our hearts and lives!
No matter how seemingly big or small our problems are, God is always with us and will help us through it. “For nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).
PRAISES:
- Thank you God for seeing me through my first Chemo treatment.
- Thank you God for my being able to write legibly and easily again.
- Thank you God for the continued prayers, encouragement, and support from our families, friends, and church family, and the prayer-grams and blogspot messages.
- Thank you God for Emma’s understanding and compassion during this time.
PRAYER REQUEST:
- That the cancer would be completely eradicated from my body, permanently.
PRAYER:
“The Lord I will at all times bless,
my mouth His praises shall express;
In Him shall all my boasting be,
while all the meek rejoice with me.
O magnify the Lord with me,
let us to praise His name agree;
I sought the Lord, He answered me,
and from my fears He set me free.”
Amen.
- “The Lord I Will at All Times Bless,” The Psalter, 1912.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Posting Problem Fixed!
The problem with posting comments seems to have been fixed. Thank you for your patience, and, as always, for your concern and support. I know it means a lot to Kara to see the posts of encouragement and prayers that so many have thoughtfully posted here.
I received a copy of a devotional message that has meant a lot to me and I would like to share part of it with you:
I have the big “C” within me. The big “C”= Christ!
He even makes cancer look very small! Christ living in you makes every “C” and everything you dread look smaller – cancer, career changes, cardiac ailments, controversies, common cold, costly checking errors, checkups, complications, and a multitude of other catastrophes. Jesus’ cross, compassion, and courage cover all our “C’s” and make them small in Him.
Now all our “C’s” look different to us through Christ crucified!
Even Jesus. By His Cross, Jesus has become the only truly big C in our lives. His cross reveals that nothing can separate us from Him or His love for us. What a blessing it is to have the big “C” (Christ) in our hearts and lives!
No matter how seemingly big or small our problems are, God is always with us and will help us through it. “For nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).
PRAISES:
- Thank you God for seeing me through my first Chemo treatment.
- Thank you God for my being able to write legibly and easily again.
- Thank you God for the continued prayers, encouragement, and support from our families, friends, and church family, and the prayer-grams and blogspot messages.
- Thank you God for Emma’s understanding and compassion during this time.
PRAYER REQUEST:
- That the cancer would be completely eradicated from my body, permanently.
PRAYER:
“The Lord I will at all times bless,
my mouth His praises shall express;
In Him shall all my boasting be,
while all the meek rejoice with me.
O magnify the Lord with me,
let us to praise His name agree;
I sought the Lord, He answered me,
and from my fears He set me free.”
Amen.
- “The Lord I Will at All Times Bless,” The Psalter, 1912.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Posting Problem Fixed!
The problem with posting comments seems to have been fixed. Thank you for your patience, and, as always, for your concern and support. I know it means a lot to Kara to see the posts of encouragement and prayers that so many have thoughtfully posted here.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Update
Kara is feeling much, much better, and is able to be more active than she has been -- going for short walks, taking Emma to school, and the like. The prayers have been working!
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Please pray that the side effects of the treatment continue to diminish and she is able to enjoy her time between chemotherapy treatments.
- Please pray for continued optimism, faith, high spirits, and a positive outlook for Kara through this trying time.
- Please pray that the treatments are successful in eradicating the cancer, permanently.
Thank you so much. It is so good to hear that Kara is so much better after what was a rough last week. The thoughts and prayers you have been so gracious to devote to Kara have really helped her through it.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Please pray that the side effects of the treatment continue to diminish and she is able to enjoy her time between chemotherapy treatments.
- Please pray for continued optimism, faith, high spirits, and a positive outlook for Kara through this trying time.
- Please pray that the treatments are successful in eradicating the cancer, permanently.
Thank you so much. It is so good to hear that Kara is so much better after what was a rough last week. The thoughts and prayers you have been so gracious to devote to Kara have really helped her through it.
Sunday, March 06, 2005
A New Week
Kara felt much improved today and was able to join her family at church this morning. The nausea seems to be continuing to subside, and she is hoping to get her strength back day by day. She has two weeks off before her next chemotherapy treatment, but will have daily whole brain radiation this week. This week should be easier for Kara than last week, and she hopes to be able to resume some "normal" activity.
PRAYER REQUESTS FOR THE UPCOMING WEEK:
- Please pray that the side effects of the treatment continue to diminish and she returns to feeling like her old self soon.
- Please pray for continued optimism, faith, and good spirits for Kara through this trying time.
- Please pray that the treatments are successful in eradicating the cancer, permanently.
THANK YOU for the continuing outpouring of support, encouragement, and love that all of you have shown for Kara and her family throughout this time. The prayers you have offered on Kara's behalf have helped comfort and sustain her, and have doubtlessly contributed to her recovery going as well as it has.
PRAYER REQUESTS FOR THE UPCOMING WEEK:
- Please pray that the side effects of the treatment continue to diminish and she returns to feeling like her old self soon.
- Please pray for continued optimism, faith, and good spirits for Kara through this trying time.
- Please pray that the treatments are successful in eradicating the cancer, permanently.
THANK YOU for the continuing outpouring of support, encouragement, and love that all of you have shown for Kara and her family throughout this time. The prayers you have offered on Kara's behalf have helped comfort and sustain her, and have doubtlessly contributed to her recovery going as well as it has.
Kara's Quilt
Kara and the beautiful prayer quilt that was so thoughtfully made for her by many talented and caring quilters to cover her in prayer.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Feeling better
Kara is feeling better today. The nausea is dissipating. She says now it feels like she's trying to get over the flu.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Coming Home
Kara should be able to return home today after the completion of her first round of chemotherapy. As I understand it, she will be released when her nausea is more under control. Emma and Luke visited with Kara in the hospital lobby on Tuesday evening, and at that time Kara looked good and was thankfully not yet feeling any ill-effects from the chemo. At first Emma was a bit unsure of the IV-stand and the tubes, but she warmed up quickly, and both she and Luke were glad to see their mommy!
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Please pray that Kara quickly recovers from the side-effects of the chemotherapy, and that her recuperation at home goes as comfortably and well as possible.
- Please pray that the treatment Kara undergoes will be successful in eradicating the cancer, permanently.
- Please pray for continued good spirits and strength as Kara gets through this trying time.
AS ALWAYS, thank you so much for all of your unflinching support and concern for Kara -- the encouragement and prayers are appreciated more than you can know.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Please pray that Kara quickly recovers from the side-effects of the chemotherapy, and that her recuperation at home goes as comfortably and well as possible.
- Please pray that the treatment Kara undergoes will be successful in eradicating the cancer, permanently.
- Please pray for continued good spirits and strength as Kara gets through this trying time.
AS ALWAYS, thank you so much for all of your unflinching support and concern for Kara -- the encouragement and prayers are appreciated more than you can know.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
From Matt
The chemotherapy regimen is as follows: Days 1,2,3-etoposide (VP-16), Day 2-cisplatin, followed by 2.5 weeks of recovery. Side effects include, hair loss, nausea, vomitting, diarhea, hearing loss, low blood pressure, low white blood cells, and other things. The biggest problems are nausea, vomitting, and low blood counts, all can somewhat counteracted with other medications.
So far we have had 2 whole brain radiations and one treatment of etoposide. As I write this Kara is getting the cisplatin and will recieve the second dose of etoposide tonight. So far, so good, but things may change after the cisplatin.
The whole brain radiation will be given every working day for 3 weeks and the chemotherapy will be given for 6 cycles, each cycle is 3 weeks long.
-Matt
So far we have had 2 whole brain radiations and one treatment of etoposide. As I write this Kara is getting the cisplatin and will recieve the second dose of etoposide tonight. So far, so good, but things may change after the cisplatin.
The whole brain radiation will be given every working day for 3 weeks and the chemotherapy will be given for 6 cycles, each cycle is 3 weeks long.
-Matt
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