Kara's bloodwork revealed that her blood count is low, so she went in yesterday for a shot that would stimulate her bone marrow's production of red blood cells. They think that should do the trick.
Luke had his 15-month pictures taken yesterday, and afterwards got his first haircut -- no more baby curls! Kara reports that he no longer looks like her baby, but looks like a little boy instead. But don't worry -- Kara saved several of the curls for posterity! After Emma returned from school, Kara took her to the salon to get her hair trimmed, too. That evening the family went to an Open House at Emma's school.
All in all, a very busy day! Kara continues to have improved appetite, though she is still pretty fatigued, and has to rest a lot throughout the day.
Praises
- Thank you God for giving Kara the strength to enjoy this week with her family.
- Thank you God for giving us affirmation and assurance that the treatment is working.
"Divine action, in some mysterious manner, is conditioned upon believing prayer. Thus prayer is set forth as the chief task of the believer. It is his responsibility to ask. It is God's responsibility to accomplish."
- Curtis Mitchell
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for the reduction in Kara's side effects and for increased strength.
- Please pray that she feels God's presence with her, that she may feel His peace.
- Please pray that the treatment is successful in eradicating the cancer, permanently.
Thank you for your steadfast concern for Kara, and for the strength of your faith and your continuing prayers.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Monday, April 25, 2005
Good Week
Kara felt much better over the weekend, and has gradually worked up to eating more during the day. The family spent a lot of time outside enjoying the unusually cool and pleasant weather in Houston, going to the park and playing in the yard. We discovered this weekend that Emma is a volleyball prodigy, and that Luke has learned how to take off his diaper during his naps -- Kara and Matt were greeted with quite the surprise when they went in to get him up from his nap...
Kara has to get some bloodwork done today, but other than that she should have a pretty easy week ahead of her before she starts Round 4 of chemotherapy next week -- the second week after her treatment is usually her "good" week. Kara will take it easy and rest up for what's ahead. She still lacks much energy and stamina, and is having to adjust to that, a tall order for someone who's used to being so active with her children.
At the Park (Don't worry -- Doc is hiding behind Kara, holding Luke up!)
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.
Praises
- Thank you God for seeing Kara through her struggle with nausea.
- Thank you God for giving us affirmation and assurance that the treatment is working.
And may these words of mine,
which I have prayed before the Lord,
be near to the Lord our God day and night,
that He may uphold the cause of His servant
and the cause of His people Israel
according to each day's need,
so that all the peoples of the earth may know
that the Lord is God and there is no other.
- I Kings 8:59-60
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for the reduction in Kara's side effects and for increased strength.
- Please pray that she feels God's presence with her, that she may feel His peace.
- Please pray that the treatment is successful in eradicating the cancer, permanently.
Thank you for your words of prayer, hope, and encouragement for Kara.
Kara has to get some bloodwork done today, but other than that she should have a pretty easy week ahead of her before she starts Round 4 of chemotherapy next week -- the second week after her treatment is usually her "good" week. Kara will take it easy and rest up for what's ahead. She still lacks much energy and stamina, and is having to adjust to that, a tall order for someone who's used to being so active with her children.
At the Park (Don't worry -- Doc is hiding behind Kara, holding Luke up!)
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.
Praises
- Thank you God for seeing Kara through her struggle with nausea.
- Thank you God for giving us affirmation and assurance that the treatment is working.
And may these words of mine,
which I have prayed before the Lord,
be near to the Lord our God day and night,
that He may uphold the cause of His servant
and the cause of His people Israel
according to each day's need,
so that all the peoples of the earth may know
that the Lord is God and there is no other.
- I Kings 8:59-60
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for the reduction in Kara's side effects and for increased strength.
- Please pray that she feels God's presence with her, that she may feel His peace.
- Please pray that the treatment is successful in eradicating the cancer, permanently.
Thank you for your words of prayer, hope, and encouragement for Kara.
Friday, April 22, 2005
Feeling Better
Kara has moved on to eating things like macaroni and cheese and spaghetti, and feels much, much better. As of last night, she had kept everything she had eaten that day down. She hopes to be able to enjoy a nice, relaxing weekend now that she is not fighting the nausea. Emma went to see the ice capades last weekend, and Kara would like to take her to a movie about ice skating this weekend, if she feels up to it.
Praises
- Thank you God for seeing Kara through her struggle with nausea.
- Thank you God for giving us affirmation and assurance that the treatment is working.
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for the reduction in Kara's side effects and for increased strength.
- Please pray that she feels God's presence with her, that she may feel His peace.
- Please pray that the treatment is successful in eradicating the cancer, permanently.
Thank you for continuing to pray for Kara, and to offer her your words of love and encouragement. This phase of the treatment process can be very difficult and discouraging, but it is incredibly important nonetheless for the person undergoing the treatment to remain positive and confident about things. Your prayers help Kara to do so.
Praises
- Thank you God for seeing Kara through her struggle with nausea.
- Thank you God for giving us affirmation and assurance that the treatment is working.
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for the reduction in Kara's side effects and for increased strength.
- Please pray that she feels God's presence with her, that she may feel His peace.
- Please pray that the treatment is successful in eradicating the cancer, permanently.
Thank you for continuing to pray for Kara, and to offer her your words of love and encouragement. This phase of the treatment process can be very difficult and discouraging, but it is incredibly important nonetheless for the person undergoing the treatment to remain positive and confident about things. Your prayers help Kara to do so.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Improving
Kara has been eating Jello throughout the day and has been able to keep it down. She hasn't tried anything else yet, but hopefully tomorrow she'll be up to it. She went in today to get her blood drawn for testing, but did not have to get IV fluids, as she felt improved.
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for the swift reduction in Kara's nausea and other side effects, and a restoration to strength.
- Please pray that she feels God's presence with her, that she may feel His peace.
- Please pray that the treatment is successful in eradicating the cancer, permanently.
Thank you for rallying around Kara as she needs you. Your prayers have been working, and provide immeasurable comfort to her.
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for the swift reduction in Kara's nausea and other side effects, and a restoration to strength.
- Please pray that she feels God's presence with her, that she may feel His peace.
- Please pray that the treatment is successful in eradicating the cancer, permanently.
Thank you for rallying around Kara as she needs you. Your prayers have been working, and provide immeasurable comfort to her.
Monday, April 18, 2005
Prayers Needed
Kara is still unable to keep any food down, and is going in tomorrow to get IV fluids. This latest reaction to the chemotherapy has her downhearted and discouraged, and she is in great need of your prayers to lift her up again.
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for the swift reduction in Kara's nausea and other side effects, and a restoration to strength.
- Please pray that she feels God's presence with her, that she may feel His peace.
- Please pray that the treatment is successful in eradicating the cancer, permanently.
Thank you.
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for the swift reduction in Kara's nausea and other side effects, and a restoration to strength.
- Please pray that she feels God's presence with her, that she may feel His peace.
- Please pray that the treatment is successful in eradicating the cancer, permanently.
Thank you.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Update
Kara has been home since Wednesday evening, and has been really wiped out by this round of chemotherapy. She has unfortunately been nauseated as well as having appetite loss, and is having problems keeping even soup down. It's been explained that the reason for the nausea is that the chemo attacks all of the fast-dividing cells in the body -- hair cells, stomach and esophagus cells, and, of course, cancer cells. They have to make her very sick in order to heal her, and she tries to feel heartened by postiive tests results, though it is difficult to feel very upbeat when feeling so ill.
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for the swift reduction in severity of the side effects, and for Kara to regain her strength.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
"Come and listen, all you who fear God;
let me tell you what He has done for me.
I cried out to Him with my mouth;
His praise was on my tongue.
If I had cherished sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened;
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 66:16-20
Thank you for praying for Kara during this difficult time for her. This is probably the sickest Kara has been since the chemotherapy started, and your prayers and words of encouragement will be so greatly appreciated.
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for the swift reduction in severity of the side effects, and for Kara to regain her strength.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
"Come and listen, all you who fear God;
let me tell you what He has done for me.
I cried out to Him with my mouth;
His praise was on my tongue.
If I had cherished sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened;
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 66:16-20
Thank you for praying for Kara during this difficult time for her. This is probably the sickest Kara has been since the chemotherapy started, and your prayers and words of encouragement will be so greatly appreciated.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Home Tonight
This round of chemotherapy is over, and Kara will be home tonight. She is glad to see Emma and Luke, and to be able to sleep in her own bed tonight. She had a few rounds of feeling nauseated in the hospital, but they passed. Now she just has to rest up and get her strength back over the next few weeks.
Praises
- Thank you God for seeing Kara through another round of chemotherapy without complications.
- Thank you God that the treatment is working.
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for minimal side effects for Kara, and that she regains her energy and stamina.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.
This is the confidence we have in approaching God:
that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
And if we know that He hears us -- whatever we ask --
we know that we have what we asked of Him.
- 1 John 5:14-15
Thank you for your continued prayers and words of encouragement for Kara. They have seen her safely through another round of chemotherapy, and are so very appreciated!
Praises
- Thank you God for seeing Kara through another round of chemotherapy without complications.
- Thank you God that the treatment is working.
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for minimal side effects for Kara, and that she regains her energy and stamina.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.
This is the confidence we have in approaching God:
that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
And if we know that He hears us -- whatever we ask --
we know that we have what we asked of Him.
- 1 John 5:14-15
Thank you for your continued prayers and words of encouragement for Kara. They have seen her safely through another round of chemotherapy, and are so very appreciated!
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Update
Kara's doctor was thrilled with last week's test results and how well the treatment is progressing. Monday she felt pretty good, and she and Matt spent most of the day playing Uno while she received IV fluids before the adminstration of the chemo drugs. Today she developed an allergy to one of the agents of a chemotherapy drug, and she became very flushed and her heart rate raised. They plan to switch that type of drug to avoid future problems.
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for comfort and health for Kara during this round of chemotherapy.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from her body, permanently.
O FATHER of mercies and God of all comfort,
our only help in time of need;
look down from heaven, behold, visit, and relieve thy servant Kara.
Look upon her with the eyes of thy mercy,
give her comfort and sure confidence in thee,
defend her from the danger of the enemy,
and keep her in perpetual peace and safety;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
- Adapted from The Book of Common Prayer, 1789 and 1928 eds.
Thank you so very much for keeping Kara in your prayers during this time.
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for comfort and health for Kara during this round of chemotherapy.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from her body, permanently.
O FATHER of mercies and God of all comfort,
our only help in time of need;
look down from heaven, behold, visit, and relieve thy servant Kara.
Look upon her with the eyes of thy mercy,
give her comfort and sure confidence in thee,
defend her from the danger of the enemy,
and keep her in perpetual peace and safety;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
- Adapted from The Book of Common Prayer, 1789 and 1928 eds.
Thank you so very much for keeping Kara in your prayers during this time.
Monday, April 11, 2005
Chemo Begins Again
Kara went in this morning for her third round of chemotherapy, and should be home again on Thursday. She enjoyed her weekend, being out of the hubbub of Houston and around the calm and quiet of the country. We'll add some photos to the blog soon.
She is mindful that the treatment is working, and that will help her through this latest round of chemo. Unfortunately the veins in one of her arms can no longer be used for IV medications, so please pray the veins in her other arm hold out.
Praise
Thank you God that the treatment is working!
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for comfort and health for Kara during this round of chemotherapy. She has been very fortunate not to have any infections or more widespread vein problems, and we pray that continues.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from her body, permanently.
Thank you so very much for your prayers.
She is mindful that the treatment is working, and that will help her through this latest round of chemo. Unfortunately the veins in one of her arms can no longer be used for IV medications, so please pray the veins in her other arm hold out.
Praise
Thank you God that the treatment is working!
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for comfort and health for Kara during this round of chemotherapy. She has been very fortunate not to have any infections or more widespread vein problems, and we pray that continues.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from her body, permanently.
Thank you so very much for your prayers.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
This Weekend
With spirits raised by this week's wonderful news, Kara and her family are heading to our parents' place in the country to enjoy the beautiful spring weather, the bluebonnets, and all of other joys -- little and great -- that God has graciously given to us.
Kara starts her third round of chemo on Monday, armed with the knowlege it is healing her and with the confidence your prayers provide -- the confidence that with each treatment, the existing tumors are shrinking, and new ones are prevented. The chemotherapy has to make her very weak and sick before she can get better, and so knowing that it is working makes undergoing the treatments more bearable. She says she's ready to go ahead and start the next treatment now, and continue the progress that has been made.
Luke and Kara (clicking on the photo will take you to a larger version and to additional shots from their museum trip)
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.
Praise the LORD, I tell myself;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, I tell myself,
and never forget the good things he does for me.
He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
He ransoms me from death
and surrounds me with love and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle's!
- Psalm 103:1-5
Praises:
- Thank you God for the wonderful and uplifting results that show the treatment is working!
- Thank you God for sustaining Kara throughout this long treatment process, both physically and spiritually.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for Kara's health and comfort during this next round of chemotherapy. She has been very fortunate to have not contracted an infection or had problems with her veins, and we pray that continues.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.
Thank you so much for your prayers for Kara -- they have been heard, and graciously answered. It is heartening for Kara to know that she is being constantly lifted in prayer by you, her friends and family, brothers and sisters in Christ.
Kara starts her third round of chemo on Monday, armed with the knowlege it is healing her and with the confidence your prayers provide -- the confidence that with each treatment, the existing tumors are shrinking, and new ones are prevented. The chemotherapy has to make her very weak and sick before she can get better, and so knowing that it is working makes undergoing the treatments more bearable. She says she's ready to go ahead and start the next treatment now, and continue the progress that has been made.
Luke and Kara (clicking on the photo will take you to a larger version and to additional shots from their museum trip)
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.
Praise the LORD, I tell myself;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, I tell myself,
and never forget the good things he does for me.
He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
He ransoms me from death
and surrounds me with love and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle's!
- Psalm 103:1-5
Praises:
- Thank you God for the wonderful and uplifting results that show the treatment is working!
- Thank you God for sustaining Kara throughout this long treatment process, both physically and spiritually.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for Kara's health and comfort during this next round of chemotherapy. She has been very fortunate to have not contracted an infection or had problems with her veins, and we pray that continues.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.
Thank you so much for your prayers for Kara -- they have been heard, and graciously answered. It is heartening for Kara to know that she is being constantly lifted in prayer by you, her friends and family, brothers and sisters in Christ.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Praise God!
He is hearing our prayers! The CT scan showed that the tumors in my liver are shrinking and the MRI reported that the tumors treated by Novalis are also shrinking. Both tests showed that there are no new tumors. Praise God! His goodness and mercy overwhelm me.
Thank you, thank you to all of you out there praying for me; He hears our prayers. God’s faithfulness to His children is shining through.
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord.
They are plans for good and not for disaster,
To give you a future and a hope.
In those days when you pray, I will listen.
If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me.
I will be found by you, says the Lord.
- Jeremiah 29:11-14
By your grace, God, I will meet challenges, disappointments, joys, and sorrows with a mind packed with lively memories of your power and love, knowing that what you were yesterday you will be today and forever, even in Jesus Christ. Amen.
- Praying with the Psalms; Eugene H. Peterson
Thank you, thank you to all of you out there praying for me; He hears our prayers. God’s faithfulness to His children is shining through.
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord.
They are plans for good and not for disaster,
To give you a future and a hope.
In those days when you pray, I will listen.
If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me.
I will be found by you, says the Lord.
- Jeremiah 29:11-14
By your grace, God, I will meet challenges, disappointments, joys, and sorrows with a mind packed with lively memories of your power and love, knowing that what you were yesterday you will be today and forever, even in Jesus Christ. Amen.
- Praying with the Psalms; Eugene H. Peterson
Monday, April 04, 2005
Tests Completed
Kara is back home and resting after completing the MRI and other tests. Several doctors have to interpret the results, so they most likely will not know anything until tomorrow.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the test results show improvement -- that the tumors are shrinking or gone.
- Please pray for peace and faith for Kara as she waits for the results.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
"Therefore I tell you,
whatever you ask in prayer,
believe that you have received it,
and it will be yours."
- Mark 11:24
"Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song;
He has become my salvation."
- Isaiah 12:2
"You Lord give perfect peace
to those who keep their purpose firm
and put their trust in you."
- Isaiah 26:3
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the test results show improvement -- that the tumors are shrinking or gone.
- Please pray for peace and faith for Kara as she waits for the results.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
"Therefore I tell you,
whatever you ask in prayer,
believe that you have received it,
and it will be yours."
- Mark 11:24
"Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song;
He has become my salvation."
- Isaiah 12:2
"You Lord give perfect peace
to those who keep their purpose firm
and put their trust in you."
- Isaiah 26:3
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Red Hot Mama!
Kara went window shopping at wigs... and found one she loved! She decided to go red to match Luke -- "I see he gets that red hair from his mommy!" She says it's nice to have hair again, and she likes how it feels. We tested the wig out at the movies today while Emma and Luke went with Matt and his parents to the zoo. Everyone was quite surprised to see Kara's new look when we returned from our outing!
Monday will be a big day for Kara, and it'll be more than a little nerve-wracking waiting for the MRI results. She will feel comforted knowing many prayers are being offered for her.
Kara and Luke (click on the photo to see a larger version, and to see other photos)
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that next week's test results show improvement -- that the tumors are shrinking or gone.
- 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 loving support of Kara throughout this difficult and somewhat scary time. Your prayers are making a big difference!
Monday will be a big day for Kara, and it'll be more than a little nerve-wracking waiting for the MRI results. She will feel comforted knowing many prayers are being offered for her.
Kara and Luke (click on the photo to see a larger version, and to see other photos)
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that next week's test results show improvement -- that the tumors are shrinking or gone.
- 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 loving support of Kara throughout this difficult and somewhat scary time. Your prayers are making a big difference!
Friday, April 01, 2005
Update
Kara is feeling better every day, and has spent a lot of the week resting up. She hopes to be able to be more more active next week when she should have more strength and energy. Doc and Uncle John took the kids to the big park in Bellaire, and then John took Emma on to Tumblebears. Matt's parents are coming into town this weekend to be able to provide help the next week.
We hope you all enjoy your weekend with your friends and families, and thank you checking in on Kara.
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 unwavering support of Kara throughout this trying time. Your love, prayers, and encouragement mean so very much to her and her family.
We hope you all enjoy your weekend with your friends and families, and thank you checking in on Kara.
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 unwavering support of Kara throughout this trying time. Your love, prayers, and encouragement mean so very much to her and her family.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)