Kara met with Dr. Kaplan, the gynecological oncologist, yesterday. He and Dr. Lynch, her main oncologist, wish to proceed with a hysterectomy, as it seems the cervix is the most likely primary site for her cancer. On Monday the results should be in on some biopsies he ordered. They will probably give Kara another couple of weeks to rest and regain her strength before performing the hysterectomy.
Praises:
- Thank you God for the success of Kara's treatment, and that that success has eased Kara's future treatment, making the liver surgery not necessary right now.
- Thank you God for the reassurance that you are hearing our prayers.
- Thank you God for a wonderful church family that has been unceasingly supportive.
- Thank you God for Kara's two children who motivate her to push herself to do the things she has to do to get well.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for increased strength and diminished side effects for Kara before her surgery.
- Please pray that that cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.
Thank you so much for your prayers for Kara, and for your words of encouragement you send to her both here and with cards and notes. They really brighten her day, and reassure her that she is in the thoughts and prayers of many people.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
GYN Oncology Appt
Kara meets with a gynecological oncology specialist today at 1:15. We'll let you know what he says, and what the plan of action is when we know.
Prayer Requests
- Please pray that the specialist has good news for Kara, and that he is as optimistic and encouraging as her main oncologist and surgeon have been.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from her body, permanently.
Thank you.
Prayer Requests
- Please pray that the specialist has good news for Kara, and that he is as optimistic and encouraging as her main oncologist and surgeon have been.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from her body, permanently.
Thank you.
Monday, July 25, 2005
Good News!
Kara met with her surgeon today, and he and her oncologist feel that since the spot on her liver is so small now, and doesn't appear to be active, that it would be better to just monitor it and not make Kara undergo a major operation like that. The doctors are hopeful it will continue to stay as it is, and will not need any attention. But they will keep a close eye on it to be sure.
They will move up Kara's meeting with the gynecological oncologist to see how best to proceed with addressing the primary site (cervix) issues.
Kara is glad to have more time to finish recuperating after chemotherapy.
Praises:
- Thank you God for the success of Kara's treatment, and that that success has eased Kara's future treatment, making the liver surgery not necessary right now.
- Thank you God for the reassurance that you are hearing our prayers.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for increased strength and diminished side effects for Kara before her surgery.
- Please pray that that cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.
Thank you so much for your steadfast concern and prayers for Kara.
They will move up Kara's meeting with the gynecological oncologist to see how best to proceed with addressing the primary site (cervix) issues.
Kara is glad to have more time to finish recuperating after chemotherapy.
Praises:
- Thank you God for the success of Kara's treatment, and that that success has eased Kara's future treatment, making the liver surgery not necessary right now.
- Thank you God for the reassurance that you are hearing our prayers.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for increased strength and diminished side effects for Kara before her surgery.
- Please pray that that cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.
Thank you so much for your steadfast concern and prayers for Kara.
Surgeon's Appt Today
Kara meets today with the surgeon who will be performing her liver resection. They will most likely schedule the procedure today, and we'll let you know when that will be.
This weekend Kara was out and about more. She caught a double feature at the movies, and after church Sunday hit the new Target by her house for some exercise.
She still doesn't have much of an appetite, and nothing really tastes very good to her. She is still having trouble hearing, and her oncologist told her the hearing loss might be permanent. We hope most of her other neuropathy clears up and she regains better use of her hands and walking becomes less uncomfortable -- she says it feels like she is walking on sharp little rocks.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for increased strength and diminished side effects for Kara before her surgery.
- Please pray that that cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.
Thank you so much for continuing to pray for Kara and send your words of love and encouragement.
This weekend Kara was out and about more. She caught a double feature at the movies, and after church Sunday hit the new Target by her house for some exercise.
She still doesn't have much of an appetite, and nothing really tastes very good to her. She is still having trouble hearing, and her oncologist told her the hearing loss might be permanent. We hope most of her other neuropathy clears up and she regains better use of her hands and walking becomes less uncomfortable -- she says it feels like she is walking on sharp little rocks.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for increased strength and diminished side effects for Kara before her surgery.
- Please pray that that cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.
Thank you so much for continuing to pray for Kara and send your words of love and encouragement.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
This Week
Kara has pretty much gotten over her cold, and has been able to get out of the house more this week. She went with Emma to storytime at the Library and to dance class. She and Matt's mom Diane also took the kids to the Children's Museum. Kara still doesn't eat much of anything, which is discouraging. We all had hoped she'd be over that effect of the chemo by now, and be eating more and putting some weight back on before her surgeries.
O Lord, I call to You;
come quickly to me.
Hear my voice when I call to You.
May my prayer be set before You like incense;
may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.
- Psalm 141:1-2
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for increased strength and diminished side effects for Kara before her surgery.
- Please pray for comfort and peace for Kara as she faces two major surgeries in the coming months.
- Please pray that that cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.
Thank you so much for keeping Kara in your thoughts and prayers.
O Lord, I call to You;
come quickly to me.
Hear my voice when I call to You.
May my prayer be set before You like incense;
may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.
- Psalm 141:1-2
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for increased strength and diminished side effects for Kara before her surgery.
- Please pray for comfort and peace for Kara as she faces two major surgeries in the coming months.
- Please pray that that cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.
Thank you so much for keeping Kara in your thoughts and prayers.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Good Weekend
Kara is getting stronger by the day, and is gradually able be more active. She and her family went to Moody Gardens in Galveston on Saturday, and Kara got her exercise by walking around the aquarium with the family, and rested during a 3-D Imax. Emma had fun grabbing at the fish and jellyfish and bubbles that came out of the screen toward her. On Sunday, they went to church and welcomed Matt's parents to Houston.
Emma had a cold last week, which Kara seems to have gotten now. Hopefully it won't bother her too long, and she can get back to enjoying these next couple of weeks soon.
I lift up my eyes unto the hills --
From where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord
Who made heaven and earth.
- Psalm 121
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for increased strength and diminished side effects for Kara before her surgery.
- Please pray for comfort and peace for Kara as she faces two major surgeries in the coming months.
- Please pray that that cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.
Thank you so much for your prayers for and support of Kara and her family.
Emma had a cold last week, which Kara seems to have gotten now. Hopefully it won't bother her too long, and she can get back to enjoying these next couple of weeks soon.
I lift up my eyes unto the hills --
From where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord
Who made heaven and earth.
- Psalm 121
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for increased strength and diminished side effects for Kara before her surgery.
- Please pray for comfort and peace for Kara as she faces two major surgeries in the coming months.
- Please pray that that cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.
Thank you so much for your prayers for and support of Kara and her family.
Friday, July 15, 2005
Surgeon's Appointment
Kara will meet with her surgeon on July 25 to plan and discuss her surgery.
Weather permitting, Kara and her family are going to take a short day trip to Galveston and to the Moody Gardens complex, which has a lot of fun things to see -- an aquarium, a dinosaur exhibit, an Imax, and the like. Today, Kara went with a friend to see the remake of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Matt's parents are coming into town to spend the week this weekend.
The LORD is good,
a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him,
- Nahum 1:7
Praises:
- Thank you God for providing Kara with reassurance and hope that you are healing her.
- Thank you God for Kara's knowledgeable, positive, and encouraging health care providers.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for increased strength and diminished side effects for Kara before her surgery.
- Please pray for comfort and peace for Kara as she faces two major surgeries in the coming months.
- Please pray that that cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.
Thank you for continuing to keep Kara in your thoughts and prayers. It means the world to Kara and her family.
Weather permitting, Kara and her family are going to take a short day trip to Galveston and to the Moody Gardens complex, which has a lot of fun things to see -- an aquarium, a dinosaur exhibit, an Imax, and the like. Today, Kara went with a friend to see the remake of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Matt's parents are coming into town to spend the week this weekend.
The LORD is good,
a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him,
- Nahum 1:7
Praises:
- Thank you God for providing Kara with reassurance and hope that you are healing her.
- Thank you God for Kara's knowledgeable, positive, and encouraging health care providers.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for increased strength and diminished side effects for Kara before her surgery.
- Please pray for comfort and peace for Kara as she faces two major surgeries in the coming months.
- Please pray that that cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.
Thank you for continuing to keep Kara in your thoughts and prayers. It means the world to Kara and her family.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Good Report
Kara's oncologist is very pleased with how well she has responded to her treatment thus far. He had expected success with the regime of chemotherapy he had her on, as it has been shown to be successful in treating her type of cancer, but he wasn't expecting such great results so soon, and for her to have tolerated the most difficult and aggressive form of chemo so well. He is very encouraged.
Kara will meet with the surgeon again next week, and surgery will probably be scheduled for the week of August 8th, to give her time to regain some strength and get her bloodwork and fluids stablized before undergoing surgery. Kara has been working on getting her leg muscles and energy back, and has taken to getting some exercise by walking around her church several times. She uses her walker for balance, and Emma perches on the walker to add some weight (and encouragement!). We had thought Kara's surgery would be scheduled sooner, but are glad that she will have some more time to recover and have some "good" time with her family.
More tests will be performed on what is removed from her liver, and that will determine whether or not her oncologist wishes to do another couple of rounds of some sort of follow-up chemo. If she gets the all-clear, she will have a hysterectomy after she recovers from her first surgery.
Praises:
- Thank you God for providing Kara with reassurance and hope that you are healing her.
- Thank you God for Kara's knowledgeable, positive, and encouraging health care providers.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for increased strength and diminished side effects for Kara before her surgery.
- Please pray for comfort and peace for Kara as she faces two major surgeries in the coming months.
- Please pray that that cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.
Thank you for continuing to share your time, thoughts, and prayers with Kara. Your steadfast presence in her life is a source of great comfort to her.
Kara will meet with the surgeon again next week, and surgery will probably be scheduled for the week of August 8th, to give her time to regain some strength and get her bloodwork and fluids stablized before undergoing surgery. Kara has been working on getting her leg muscles and energy back, and has taken to getting some exercise by walking around her church several times. She uses her walker for balance, and Emma perches on the walker to add some weight (and encouragement!). We had thought Kara's surgery would be scheduled sooner, but are glad that she will have some more time to recover and have some "good" time with her family.
More tests will be performed on what is removed from her liver, and that will determine whether or not her oncologist wishes to do another couple of rounds of some sort of follow-up chemo. If she gets the all-clear, she will have a hysterectomy after she recovers from her first surgery.
Praises:
- Thank you God for providing Kara with reassurance and hope that you are healing her.
- Thank you God for Kara's knowledgeable, positive, and encouraging health care providers.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for increased strength and diminished side effects for Kara before her surgery.
- Please pray for comfort and peace for Kara as she faces two major surgeries in the coming months.
- Please pray that that cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.
Thank you for continuing to share your time, thoughts, and prayers with Kara. Your steadfast presence in her life is a source of great comfort to her.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Doctor's Appt Tonight
Kara meets with her oncologist tonight to go over the latest test results and determine the next phase of treatment. We will let you know what is decided when we know.
Kara is getting stronger every day, but is still very weak. She has no appetite, and pretty much just takes sips of lemonade and Boost throughout the day, with the occasional nibble on "real" food. Nothing really sounds appetizing to her, and often the stuff that does will upset her stomach, so she can't eat it. She can walk farther than she's been able to in a while, and went to church without having to use the assistance of a walker or wheelchair.
Kara enjoyed visits with family and friends over the weekend. We took Emma to get our nails done, and then continued the girls' night with dinner at Prince's, a fun hamburger place in Houston. Kara and Matt had a movie date on Sunday after church. So Kara was able to get out and do a bit more than she has been lately.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for encouraging news from her doctor tonight.
- Please pray for increased strength and diminished side effects for Kara before her surgery.
- Please pray for comfort and peace for Kara as she faces two major surgeries in the coming months.
- Please pray that that cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.
Thank you for your prayers and your loving support of Kara through this trying time.
Kara is getting stronger every day, but is still very weak. She has no appetite, and pretty much just takes sips of lemonade and Boost throughout the day, with the occasional nibble on "real" food. Nothing really sounds appetizing to her, and often the stuff that does will upset her stomach, so she can't eat it. She can walk farther than she's been able to in a while, and went to church without having to use the assistance of a walker or wheelchair.
Kara enjoyed visits with family and friends over the weekend. We took Emma to get our nails done, and then continued the girls' night with dinner at Prince's, a fun hamburger place in Houston. Kara and Matt had a movie date on Sunday after church. So Kara was able to get out and do a bit more than she has been lately.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for encouraging news from her doctor tonight.
- Please pray for increased strength and diminished side effects for Kara before her surgery.
- Please pray for comfort and peace for Kara as she faces two major surgeries in the coming months.
- Please pray that that cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.
Thank you for your prayers and your loving support of Kara through this trying time.
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Fourth of July
Kara and her family went to the farm last weekend for the holiday. On Sunday, Aunt Lois, Laura, Miki, and David came over to join us to celebrate the Fourth a bit early. Emma got a new slip-and-slide, and she and the boys warmed up to it pretty quickly -- Emma would run and jump on her own, and the boys' daddies would "bowl" them down the slide. The grown-ups enjoyed watching them, with their feet stuck in the baby pool trying to stay cool! It cooled down enough in the evening so that it was a nice evening for the fireworks display in Smithville.
Kara and I had fun running little errands in town when Kara felt up to it. Kara is still pretty weak and worn out by what she's been through. She receives IV fluids every day to try to keep herself hydrated, to try to prevent kidney problems. The hot weather is doubly hard on her -- the heat is draining, and she can't afford to get dehydrated by sweating. The treatment has left her with some hearing problems, as well as the continued nausea and fatigue.
Emma, Luke, and Lottie (click on the photo for more photos from the holiday weekend)
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.
We are so thrilled to have received more great tests results, and will keep you posted on the schedule of what's to come as we know more.
Praises
- Thank you God for healing Kara, for giving us signs that the treatment is working, for giving us hope.
- Thank you God for Kara's completion of brain surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy with no major complications.
- Thank you God for the love and comfort that Kara's family and friends provide her.
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for increased strength for Kara before her surgery, and that her side-effects from chemotherapy diminish.
- Please pray for comfort and peace for Kara as she faces two major surgeries in the coming months.
- Please pray that that cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.
Thank you.
Kara and I had fun running little errands in town when Kara felt up to it. Kara is still pretty weak and worn out by what she's been through. She receives IV fluids every day to try to keep herself hydrated, to try to prevent kidney problems. The hot weather is doubly hard on her -- the heat is draining, and she can't afford to get dehydrated by sweating. The treatment has left her with some hearing problems, as well as the continued nausea and fatigue.
Emma, Luke, and Lottie (click on the photo for more photos from the holiday weekend)
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.
We are so thrilled to have received more great tests results, and will keep you posted on the schedule of what's to come as we know more.
Praises
- Thank you God for healing Kara, for giving us signs that the treatment is working, for giving us hope.
- Thank you God for Kara's completion of brain surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy with no major complications.
- Thank you God for the love and comfort that Kara's family and friends provide her.
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for increased strength for Kara before her surgery, and that her side-effects from chemotherapy diminish.
- Please pray for comfort and peace for Kara as she faces two major surgeries in the coming months.
- Please pray that that cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.
Thank you.
Friday, July 08, 2005
Emma and Clifford
Here is Emma with her new Clifford doll that was won for her at the Smithville 4th of July celebration.
Luke and Emma, July 4th
Here are Emma and Luke at the farm sitting still long enough for a quick picture over the holiday weekend.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Great News!
Kara's test results show no new tumors, and further shrinking of the remaining spots in her liver. She should be a good candidate for surgery now, and we are all thrilled and thankful about the fantastic news. We will let you know more specifics about the results when we know more, and will keep you updated on Kara's prayer needs for the surgical phase of her treatment.
Praises
- Thank you God for healing Kara, for giving us signs that the treatment is working, for giving us hope.
- Thank you God for Kara's completion of brain surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy with no major complications.
- Thank you God for the love and comfort that Kara's family and friends provide her.
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for increased strength for Kara before her surgery, and that her side-effects from chemotherapy diminish.
- Please pray for comfort and peace for Kara as she faces two major surgeries in the coming months.
- Please pray that that cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.
Praises
- Thank you God for healing Kara, for giving us signs that the treatment is working, for giving us hope.
- Thank you God for Kara's completion of brain surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy with no major complications.
- Thank you God for the love and comfort that Kara's family and friends provide her.
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for increased strength for Kara before her surgery, and that her side-effects from chemotherapy diminish.
- Please pray for comfort and peace for Kara as she faces two major surgeries in the coming months.
- Please pray that that cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Tests Today
Kara has a round of tests today to find out how successful the chemotherapy has been in fighting the tumors. The tests will also determine the next course of treatment. If the results are positive, she will have an operation to surgically remove part of her liver. That operation will probably be scheduled for next week or the week after.
As soon as we get the test results, we will share them with you here. Please pray, and spread the word to others, to pray for Kara today. We know God can work miracles, and we pray that He will let Kara be one of them.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for positive test results -- that the tumors are shrinking or gone, and that there is no sign of new growth or activity.
- Please pray for complete healing for Kara, for the cancer to be eradicated from her body permanently.
Thank you.
As soon as we get the test results, we will share them with you here. Please pray, and spread the word to others, to pray for Kara today. We know God can work miracles, and we pray that He will let Kara be one of them.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for positive test results -- that the tumors are shrinking or gone, and that there is no sign of new growth or activity.
- Please pray for complete healing for Kara, for the cancer to be eradicated from her body permanently.
Thank you.
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