Tests Today

Kara will spend the morning have PET Scans taken of her body and brain to see if there are any tumors present. We will probably know the results by tonight or tomorrow morning, and will let you know when we do.

Please pray for good results on these tests. Please pray for peace for Kara, Matt, and their family as we await the results. We appreciate your prayers every day, and thank you especially for your prayers for this round of tests.

No Chemo This Week

Kara's bloodcounts are too low for her to receive her regular carboplatinum chemo this week. She will just get her Herceptin shot this week.

Kara has another round of scans coming up on Monday, August 21st. We are all very hopeful for good results, so Kara can continue healing from the past year-plus of very hard treatment and enjoy the Fall and holidays with her family. We would really appreciate it if you could please ask your friends, family, churches, and prayer groups to pray for good test results for Kara.

"I lift my eyes up to the hills-
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
the Maker of Heaven and Earth"
Psalm 121:1

"For with God, nothing is impossible."
Luke 1:37

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good tests results for the upcoming tests.
- Please pray that Kara's bloodcounts improve so she can continue with her chemotherapy.
- Please pray for the cancer to be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Update

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Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Kara enjoyed a quiet weekend at home with Matt and the kids. She was not able to receive chemotherapy last week due to her bloodcounts being too low, and she is feeling the effects of the low counts -- tired and easily fatigued. Friday night the family went to Benihana again, this time with Mimi, Doc, and Luke joining us. Luke was mildly terrified in the beginning, but grew to enjoy the show. Emma has pronounced Benihana as her favorite restaurant, surpassing "even McDonalds and Chickfila!" Kara had a good morning with Emma and Luke at the pool Saturday morning, and then Luke and Matt went to get lunch and haircuts, and Kara, Emma, and I had pizza and then an afternoon of playing games (Emma has learned how to play rummy with special animal rummy cards!) and reading books. Emma is very excited to learn how to play checkers with Doc, who was the checkers champion of Dallas when he was a boy! Luke continues to learn new words every day, and he's getting sweeter and sweeter.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's bloodcounts improve and that she can receive chemotherapy this week.
- Please pray for good test results for her August 21st tests.
- Please pray for insurance company approval of her Herceptin, which is the only drug Kara can take when her bloodcounts are too low for full chemo.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

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Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Thank you. Kara has been truly touched by the words of encouragement here on the blog and the cards and notes people continue to send her. They really brighten her day!


(These photos are from Port Aransas -- I've uploaded the ones that Kara took onto Flickr.)

Chemo Tomorrow

Kara had her bloodwork done this morning, and based upon where her counts are, she will have chemotherapy tomorrow. Even if her counts are not high enough for her to receive her platinum-based chemotherapy, she will get her Herceptin shot.

Kara was pretty tired over the weekend from getting the platinum-based chemo again. She seems to feel better when she has a swim in the morning, so she tries to take the kids to the pool as much as she can.

Kara will have a brain and body PET Scan performed on August 21st. Please keep her in your prayers for good test results.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's counts are where they need to be for her to continue with her chemotherapy and for her to stay strong and energized.
- Please pray for insurance company approval of the Herceptin.
- Please pray for good results on the upcoming PET Scan.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Chemotherapy Resumed

Kara was able to resume chemotherapy yesterday. Her white blood cell count is still a little low, but not enough to stop her from having the treatment.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara can continue her chemotherapy uninterrupted.
- Please pray for insurance company approval of her Herceptin.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Port Aransas

We all had a great time at Port Aransas this past weekend. Kara had gotten Emma and Luke toys to play in the sand with -- shovels, buckets, etc. -- and they had a great time making sand castles and burying each other in the sand. Emma especially liked looking for seashells and digging for little clams. We took both of the kids out to "the deep end," out past where the waves broke, so they could float and loll around with the waves without the waves crashing on them. Kara came out and enjoyed floating around with the waves, too. The pool at the hotel was also a big hit.

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Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

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Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

We went to dinner at the Crazy Cajun one night, where dinner was a bucket of stuff that Kara and I couldn't stand to look at! Thankfully John and Matt de-headed the shrimps and cracked the crab legs for us. Emma and Luke had fun beating things with the crab hammers.

It was a very good trip, and Kara had the energy to enjoy it.

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Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Praises:
- Thank you God for the opportunity to for a fun family outing, and that Kara was well enough to enjoy it.
- Thank you God for the complication-free completion of the Novalis procedure.
- Thank you God for all of Kara's healthcare team that has been working so diligently in treating her.
- Thank you God for the love, support, and prayers of Kara's friends, family, church, and all of those who keep track of her progress on this blog.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara is able to resume chemotherapy.
- Please pray for good test results when Kara has her next scans.
- Please pray for insurance approval of the Herceptin.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you. There were three different cameras being used over the weekend, so hopefully John and Kara and Matt got some more photos we can share. I know Kara was clicking a lot!

Update

Kara is continuing with her Novalis, and it should be complete this week. Kara will get Herceptin this week, and next week they'll start back on her other chemo drugs (carboplatinum) if her counts are up. She is feeling better, and it seems like the pleurisy is going away. After her last Novalis treatment on Friday, she and the kids and John and Carrie will be going to Port Aransas for the weekend. I'll be going down to meet them, too. We're looking forward to having a very fun weekend on the beach and in the pool.

Matt's parents have been in town this week helping while Kara's having her treatments. I'm sure Emma and Luke have been having fun showing off their swimming skills for them!

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the Novalis is successful.
- Please pray that Kara is able to resume chemotherapy.
- Please pray for insurance approval of the Herceptin.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you. I'm sure we'll have lots of photos from the beach to share, and I'll try to get them up on Monday!

Pleurisy

Kara has had a cough for quite some time now, and with pain in her chest. She went to the doctor yesterday, and he determined she had pleurisy, which is an inflammation of the lungs. It should go away in time. She is also on medication for bronchitis, in case she has a little of that working on her, too. Despite the discomfort, Kara isn't letting it get her down.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the Novalis continues on schedule and goes smoothly.
- Please pray that Kara's bloodcounts stay where they should be so that she can resume chemotherapy.
- Please pray that the pleurisy resolves quickly.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Novalis Started This Morning

Kara had her first Novalis treatment this morning, and they were able to zap both the adrenal gland tumor and the lung tumors at the same time. It only took about 45 minutes, total. Kara will repeat the treatment on Thursday of this week, and Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of next week. Kara is very glad to be done by Friday, because she, Matt, and the kids are going to be taking a long weekend to the beach at Port Aransas with John, Carrie, and me. To position the Novalis machine, they have to draw target marks on Kara's body, and she's not supposed to wash them off, which could be a problem if she's in the pool or ocean a lot! So she will be done with the treatment in time to enjoy the beach and go swimming.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the Novalis continues on schedule and goes smoothly.
- Please pray that Kara's bloodcounts stay where they should be so that she can resume chemotherapy.
- Please pray that the insurance company will cover the drugs Kara's doctor prescribes.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Waiting for Treatment Schedule

Kara is waiting to hear from her doctors about when Novalis will begin and what her treatment schedule will be over the next couple of weeks. I believe that the bodycast they put her in to help target the radiation has already been made, so that they can start whenever the schedule is free. Her doctor has done several Novalis treatments on other adrenal gland tumors, which is pretty amazing consdering a year ago Novalis was used mostly just for the brain.

Praises:
- Thank you God for the advances in technology and the knowledgeable and skilled healthcare providers working on healing Kara.
- Thank you God that Kara has had the strength and energy to be active with her children this summer -- going to the pool with them, helping out with VBS, and other fun outings.
- Thank you God for hearing our prayers, and for giving Kara, Matt, and their family comfort and peace in knowing you are keeping Kara in your care.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the Novalis can begin this week, and that it goes smoothly.
- Please pray that Kara's bloodcounts stay where they should be so that she can resume chemotherapy.
- Please pray that the insurance company will cover the drugs Kara's doctor prescribes.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Novalis

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Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Kara met with Dr. Teh, the doctor who performs the Novalis procedure, today. He feels that they can zap both the adrenal gland spot and the tumor on her lung with the Novalis, since they already have the body cast made. One day Kara will have the adrenal gland tumor radiated, and the next her lung tumor. She will probably have four rounds on each spot.

Kara and her family enjoyed the past weekend. Emma had a swimming lesson Saturday morning, and then we met with Uncle John and Aunt Carrie for a quick bite before Kara and I ran to the movies for a triple-header -- very fun. Then we all met up for dinner at Benihana's, which Emma got a big kick out of. Luke was a big boy and went to stay with Mimi and Doc at the farm all by himself. He had a fun time having Doc at his beck and call, running around to see the cows, being pushed on the swing, playing in "his" house (the playhouse).

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Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Chemo Postponed Again

Kara cannot receive chemotherapy this week because her bloodcounts are still too low. She will be able to have the Herceptin.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's bloodcounts raise and stay where they need to be for her to continue her chemotherapy uninterrupted.
- Please pray for insurance approval of the Herceptin.
- Please pray that the Novalis procedure goes smoothly.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Chemo Postponed

Kara cannot receive chemotherapy this week because her platelets are too low. She will be able to have the Herceptin, however.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's bloodcounts raise and stay where they need to be for her to continue her chemotherapy uninterrupted.
- Please pray for insurance approval of the Herceptin.
- Please pray that the Novalis procedure goes smoothly.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you. We hope you all have a happy Fourth of July long weekend with your friends and families.

Meeting with Doctor Lynch

Kara and Matt met with Doctor Lynch last night, and he outlined the next phase of treatment for her. She will continue with three weeks of chemotherapy followed by a week off, for several more cycles. She will also have Novalis performed on the spot on her adrenal gland. Doctor Lynch feels that the area on her lungs may be a tumor, but he thought it was to be expected because she had been off of chemotherapy for so long. He believes that the continuation of the chemotherapy will take care of the lung spot.

Prayer Requets:
- Please pray that Kara is able to get Novalis scheduled soon, and that the procedure goes smoothly.
- Please pray that the insurance company will come through and pay for Kara's Herceptin.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.


Thank you.

Update

Kara received another chemo treatment on Friday, and it went smoothly. Tomorrow, she and Matt will meet with Doctor Lynch to go over the PET Scan results and what the next phase of her treatment will be.

Kara and Matt took the kids to Noah's Ark Pool on Saturday, where both kids went off the diving boards like crazy. Emma is now a strong enough swimmer to jump in and swim to the side herself -- she doesn't need anyone to catch her! Luke, just two, always wanting to do what Big Sis does, was jumping off the board as well to his dad. Both enjoyed running around the shallow pool with all the little slides and waterfalls. Emma remembered the pool from last year, and told her mom that she didn't want to go down the "big slide" that she had tried last year -- such a good memory!

Praises:
-Thank you God that Kara is strong enough to enjoy the summertime with her family.
- Thank you God for the good test results that continue to give us confidence that you hear our prayers.
- Thank you God for all the caring and skilled doctors and nurses that are helping Kara.
- Thank you God for all of Kara's friends and family who provide her so much love, support, and encouragement.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for continued strength and energy for Kara.
- Please pray that the insurance company will approve the drugs prescribed by Doctor Lynch.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

No New Tumors

Kara's PET Scan results are encouraging. There are no new tumors. Her brain and her liver are completely tumor-free. The spot that was on her lung is gone -- there is something showing up on the scan in a different place on one of her lungs, but Dad thinks it is most likely fluid from a persistent cough Kara has had, not a tumor. The spot on her adrenal gland is a bit larger, so they will most likely go after that with some radiation. All in all, a very encouraging report, and Kara is upbeat and pleased with the results. Considering she has been off chemotherapy for so long, this is very good news. We will know more after Kara and Matt meet with Dr. Lynch to go over the results.

Praises:
- Thank you God for the encouraging test results, and for the reassurance that you are hearing our prayers.
- Thank you God for the new treatments that have helped Kara.
- Thank you God for the love, encouragement, and support of Kara from so many friends.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara continues to tolerate chemotherapy well.
- Please pray that they are able to successfully treat the adrenal tumor with the Novalis.
- Please pray that Kara's insurance company will approve the Herceptin.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

PET Scan Completed

Kara is on her way home from having the PET Scan. We will let you know the results when we do. Please pray for peace and comfort for Kara and Matt as they wait for the results.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good PET Scan results.
- Pleas pray for peace and comfort for Kara, Matt, and their family as they await the results.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you. We really appreciate all of your prayers, concern, and words of support and encouragement, never moreso then at times like this.

PET Scan Tomorrow

Kara, Matt, and the children had a nice, quiet weekend in Houston together. Kara continues to feel strong despite having resumed chemotherapy, and we hope her energy will continue to hold.

Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I said to the Lord, "You are my Lord;
Apart from you I have no good thing."
As for the saints who are in the land,
They are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.
- Psalm 16:1-3

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara continues to tolerate her chemotherapy well.
- Please pray that the PET Scan results are encouraging.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

PET Scan on June 20th

Kara's PET Scan will be next week, on June 20th, not the following week. Please pray for good results.

Kara's chemotherapy went smoothly yesterday.

Praises:
- Thank you God that Kara has been able to return to her full chemotherapy.
- Thank you God for giving Kara the energy and strength to have been very active with her family the past couple of weeks.
- Thank you God for giving Kara, and all of those who love her, peace and hope.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara continues to tolerate her chemotherapy well.
- Please pray that the PET Scan results are encouraging.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Chemotherapy Resuming Today

Kara restarts her platinum-based chemotherapy today, now that her bloodcounts are back up to where they should be. She will be getting a PET-Scan on June 28th to check on things, so please begin praying for good results from that.

Aunt Lois and Vaughn's wedding was lovely. Kara and Laura were bridesmaids, and they and Aunt Lois looked great in their dresses. Kara was feeling better than she had felt in a long time, and was able to easily walk down the aisle and stand without problems. Kara greatly enjoyed meeting Lois's many friends who have been keeping her in their prayers.

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Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara continues to tolerate her chemotherapy well.
- Please pray that the PET Scan results are encouraging.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Update

Kara's bloodcounts are up where they need to be, and she can proceed with chemotherapy on Wednesday. She'll have a PET Scan performed at the end of the month to see what, if any, tumors remain. She and Matt will meet with Doctor Lynch at the end of the month as well.

Kara and Diane, Matt's mom, have had a good week with the kids. Emma and Luke have had fun at Vacation Bible School, and have enjoyed having their mommy up there helping out!

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Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Praises:
- Thank you God that Kara's bloodcounts are such that she can resume chemotherapy.
- Thank you God for Kara's increased energy and strength.
- Thank you God for the reassurance that you are keeping Kara in your watchful care, and for the hope that you will cure her.

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Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara continues to tolerate her chemotherapy well.
- Please pray that the PET Scan results are encouraging.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you. The family will have a good weekend in Austin celebrating Aunt Lois's wedding -- I'm sure there will be lots of photos to share.

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Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

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Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Blood Counts Up

Kara's white blood cell count is up high enough to resume chemotherapy on Wednesday. The break has afforded her a chance to get her energy back up, and she's now ready to continue with it.

Biopsy Results

Kara's bone marrow biopsy results are back and reveal that there is no cancer in her bone marrow. It appears that her white blood cells are slowly replenishing (the chemotherapy wiped them out), and there is nothing abnormal about her bone marrow. They just have to wait for her white blood cell count to get up to where it needs to be, and they can resume chemotherapy with the platinum drugs.

It has been a good week for Kara and her family. Kara has been able to help out with Emma and Luke's Vacation Bible School, and has been feeling stronger and able to do more than she has in awhile. She continues to tolerate the Herceptin well. This weekend we are all meeting in Austin for our Aunt Lois's wedding

Praises:
- Thank you God for reassuring bone marrow biopsy results, that show that there is no cancer there.
- Thank you God for Kara's increased energy, and for her being able to participating more in Emma and Luke's activities.
- Thank you God for giving Kara continued peace and comfort and trust in you and your cure for her.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good results from the bone marrow biopsy.
- Please pray for increased bloodcounts for Kara, that she may resume her platinum chemo.
- Please pray for insurance approval of her Herceptin.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Update

Mom and Dad have packed up all of the old house in Joplin and this weekend Kara, Matt, the kids and the rest of us were all at the farm helping unpack the trucks. Mom and Dad will spend the week trying to get things in order there while Matt's mom Diane is in Houston, enjoying her time with the grandkids.

We are still waiting to hear back for the results of the bone marrow biopsy. It may take up to ten days.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good results from the bone marrow biopsy.
- Please pray for increased bloodcounts for Kara, that she may resume her platinum chemo.
- Please pray for insurance approval of her Herceptin.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Bone Marrow Biopsy

Kara is having a bone marrow biopsy performed today to try to determine why her white blood counts are still so low. It is most likely due to all of the chemotherapy she has received over the past year. But there is a slight possibility the biopsy could reveal cancer in her bone marrow. Kara is very apprehensive at this time, as she has not been able to resume her platinum-based treatment for such a long time.

Kara will receive another round of Herceptin today as well.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good results from the bone marrow biopsy.
- Please pray for peace and comfort for Kara, Matt and their family as they await these results -- it should take about ten days.
- Please pray for increased bloodcounts for Kara, that she may resume her platinum chemo.
- Please pray for insurance approval of her Herceptin.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you very much. We are so thankful for the prayers and words of encouragement for Kara over the past year, and your steadfast concern for her helps us through the scarier times, knowing that there are so many praying for her cure.

Update

Kara's bloodwork shows that her platelets are back up to an okay level, but now her white blood cells are too low to restart her platinum chemo. She will continue with Herceptin today.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for increased bloodcounts for Kara, that she may resume her platinum chemo.
- Please pray for insurance approval of her Herceptin.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Tenth Anniversary

Kara's Novalis was completed on Wednesday. There was one additional spot that showed up on the MRI that they treated, so two spots total were radiated. There was a bit of a scheduling problem, and Kara had to spend most of the day with the Novalis halo-apparatus screwed into her head while waiting for her turn to be treated, which was uncomfortable for her. But she's thankful she was able to be treated so quickly. Kara had another round of chemo with the Herceptin, and they are still waiting for insurance approval on that. Kara's bloodcounts are still too low to proceed with her platinum chemo, but we hope she can get back with that next week.

Kara and Matt are going to San Antonio to celebrate their ten-year wedding anniversary this weekend. Matt got Kara the hotel's "spa package," which she is really looking forward to using. Luke will spend the weekend at the farm with Mimi and Doc, and Emma will be in Austin with Uncle John, Aunt Carrie, and me. Should be a nice weekend for all.

Praises:
- Thank you God for Kara and Matt's ten happy years together, and their wonderful, cherished children that bring so much joy and meaning to their lives. Thank you that Kara is feeling well enough for her trip and anniversary celebrations.
- Thank you God for the technological advancements that promise a cure for Kara, and for all of the amazing doctors and nurses who have worked so hard to help Kara.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for increased bloodcounts for Kara, that she may resume her platinum chemo.
- Please pray for insurance approval of her Herceptin.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Novalis Tomorrow

Kara is getting a head MRI today to help the doctors with the Novalis procedure that has been scheduled for tomorrow. Her team of doctors met yesterday and decided that one of the spots thought to be a tumor was more likely scarring from a previous tumor, and the other one probably was a small metastatic growth. So they will only be using Novalis on that spot.

Kara received her first round of Herceptin, the chemo drug that was suggested by the Arizona tests, on Friday. They went ahead and paid for it privately rather than wait around for insurance approval, which hopefully will be forthcoming.

Kara had some bloodwork done yesterday, but we don't know yet where her numbers are and whether she can commence full chemo again yet.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for increased bloodcounts so Kara may resume chemotherapy, and that the insurance company will pay for the treatment that has been recommended.
- Please pray that the Novalis procedure goes smoothly and is effective.
- Please pray for Kara to remain hopeful and positive.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Test Results

Kara had an MRI performed on her brain, and it showed two tiny tumors. They will most likely treat them with Novalis. Kara remains positive, and is trusting in God for total healing in his time.

Kara's bloodcounts are still tpo low to proceed with chemo. There is nothing they can do to boost her bloodcounts, other than wait. Hopefully they can get going on the Novalis in the interim.

Kara's insurance declined paying for one of the drugs recommended by the Arizona lab, and Matt and Kara are trying to get that decision reconsidered. If not, they will look into other options for paying for the drug.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for increased bloodcounts so Kara may resume chemotherapy, and that the insurance company will pay for the treatment that has been recommended.
- Please pray for Kara to remain hopeful and positive.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Luke and the Ladies

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Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

John and Carrie's Wedding

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Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

John and Carrie's wedding was held last Saturday at a bed and breakfast called the Halstedt House in La Grange. Emma was the flower girl and Luke the ringbearer, though Luke was unhappy about having to give the ring to John -- he thought it was his. Mom and Carrie had planned a very lovely wedding and luncheon, and the weather was beautiful.

I'm having problems with the photos I took -- about half aren't working right. So I apologize that it's taken me so long to get these up. I'm working on trying to get more posted as I fix them, and others at the wedding have been sending me theirs.

Kara continues to rest this week in hopes that she will be strong enough and her bloodcounts will be where they need to be to restart chemo next week. They should have a quiet weekend at home to help her regain her strength.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's bloodcounts rebound and she may restart treatment.
- Please pray that the new drugs Kara's doctor wants to try will be approved by her insurance.
- Please pray for increased energy for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Chemo Postponed Again

Kara's bloodcounts are still too low to proceed with chemotherapy. She is discouraged that she cannot continue with her treatment, as the treatment makes her feel like she is "fighting" the cancer and keeping it at bay. Matt is trying to coordinate with her doctor what, if anything, can be done until her bloodcounts get where they need to be. They do not want to do another transfusion, as there is some risk involved in that as well.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's bloodcounts rebound and she may restart treatment.
- Please pray that the new drugs Kara's doctor wants to try will be approved by her insurance.
- Please pray for increased energy for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you. John and Carrie's wedding was lovely, and I will post more about that, including photos, tonight or tomorrow.

Good News

Kara's "special" biopsy from Arizona came back and the protein-type of her tumors is such that there are several very promising drugs that they haven't yet tried, that wouldn't have ordinarily been tried with neuroendocrine cancer. But because they know more specifically the make-up of her tumors, they can hopefully treat them more effectively with these other drugs.

Kara and the family are looking forward to coming together for John and Carrie's wedding this weekend. It will be a very small ceremony in La Grange, at a little bed and breakfast there. Emma and Luke will be in charge of spreading out flower petals, and will have to start practicing calling Carrie "Aunt Carrie."

Kara is still very weak and her bloodcounts were too low this week to continue with chemotherapy. They will adjust her drugs per the new biopsy results and restart chemo early next week.

Praises:
- Thank you God for the advancements in technology and treatment that will help the doctors treat Kara's cancer better.
- Thank you God for happy days like the one coming up that bring the family together.
- Thank you God for continuing to give us hope that Kara will be cured.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for increased strength for Kara, so that chemo can proceed as needed.
- Please pray that this new chemo regimen will be successful.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Chemo Postponed

Kara's chemo this week was postponed because her bloodcounts still weren't where they should be. She's very fatigued, and hopefully this little break from the drugs will help her recover some more energy.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for increased energy for Kara, and that chemo may resume next week.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from her body, permanently.

Thank you.

Update

Kara's blood transfusion went smoothly, and she is already feeling better. She should continue to have increased energy as the new blood kicks in.

It was a good Easter weekend, and the kids are now at the right age to enjoy looking forward to the Easter Bunny and hunting for Easter eggs. Luke thought he was hot stuff in his hat and suit and tie ("just like Daddy"), and Kara had found matching mother-daughter dresses for herself and Emma.

Kara has another "short" round of chemo on Thursday.

The photos are better organized on Flickr now, if you want to check them out.

Praises:
- Thank you God for the gift of your Son and for the time together as a family to celebrate it.
- Thank you God for the knowledge and technology that can help Kara feel better.
- Thank you God for continuing to provide Kara with such loving friends, family, and church family that give her such support, encouragement, hope, and love.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for increased energy for Kara.
- Please pray that Kara tolerates her chemotherapy.
- Please pray that the the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

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Easter Photos Up

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Photos of the family from Easter are online at Flickr. I left my computer cord in Houston, so I'm really low on battery power. I will post more tomorrow, but I wanted to get these to you today.

Everyone had a great time at Easter -- the Easter Bunny visited Emma and Luke, and the family went to a lovely Easter service at chuch.

Kara is very anemic and feeling it, but she should rebound quickly after getting her transfusion tomorrow. Please pray for more energy for Kara, and that the cancer be eradicated from her body, permanently. Thank you.

Chemo Today

Kara has her long day of chemotherapy today. Her bloodwork revealed that her bloodcounts are really low, so she will go in on Tuesday to have some transfusions to boost those levels. Hopefully that will also help Kara feel less fatigued -- she is pretty low-energy now from the past few rounds of chemo and her low bloodcounts. Kara's also on antibiotics because Emma has a case of walking pneumonia and is herself on antibiotics.

Hopefully everyone will be feeling better by Easter so we can enjoy the day together. Mom and Dad will be back from a packing trip in Joplin, and Matt's mom will be in Houston, too.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good health for Kara over the weekend while she waits for the blood transfusions.
- Please pray that Kara tolerates this round of chemotherapy well.
- Please pray that the cancer be permanently eradicated from Kara's body.

Thank you. We hope you all enjoy a wonderful, happy Easter with your friends and families.

Novalis Completed

Kara had her last round of Novalis yesterday, and it went smoothly. The oncological radiologist who performed her Novalis was very upbeat and encouraging in their last meeting. Kara will have more scans in about six-to-eight weeks to recheck her liver.

Kara continues with chemotherapy on Thursday. Thursday will be her "long day" of treatment, and then over the next two weeks she will return for more brief treatments.

Matt's mom is in Houston this week having fun spoiling Emma and Luke and will be able to spend Easter with the family.

Praises:
- Thank you God for a complication-free completion of the Novalis.
- Thank you God for the new technology and skilled physicians that have helped Kara fight the cancer.
- Thank you God, as we look to Easter, for the gift of your Son and the gift of hope.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara tolerates her chemotherapy well.
- Please pray for increased energy for Kara, so she can enjoy the holiday with her family.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Update

Kara's Novalis treatment continues this week. She had another treatment on Monday and one today, and both went smoothly. She has another treatment on Friday and again next Monday. Matt has been out of town at a cancer research conference all week and Kara and the kids are looking forward to his coming home.

Praises:
- Thank you God for the advances in technology that you continue to provide in fighting cancer. To think, this time last year, Novalis was only able to be performed on the brain!
- Thank you God for providing Kara with such a wonderful network of support, encouragement, and love.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara continues to tolerate her treatment well.
- Please pray for increased energy for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Novalis Starts Today

Kara will have her first of five Novalis treatments today. She will have further treatments M-W-F of next week and again the following Monday.

EDIT:
Kara has returned from her Novalis treatment, and it went smoothly.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the Novalis treatments are completed as scheduled, without any complications.
- Please pray that the Novalis treatments are successful.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Novalis

Kara will meet with her Novalis doctor later in the week, and hopefully will have her three Novalis treatments on M-W-F of next week. Novalis is pinpoint radiation that Kara had on her brain tumors. They can now do Novalis in other areas of the body as well -- a great advance in the year since Kara was diagnosed.

The chemotherapy is beginning to catch up to Kara and she has been feeling more fatigued, but this type of chemotherapy continues to be easier for her to tolerate than the in-patient kind she received previously.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the Novalis is successful and without complications.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Meeting with Doctor Lynch Tonight

I was misinformed about the test yesterday. Kara just had a CT scan done to locate the liver tumor before the Novalis, not a fullblown PET Scan to check the progress of her tumors. Nothing out of the ordinary or unexpected was found on the CT Scan, and they'll go over the results and the plan for the Novalis treatment tonight.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Doctor Lynch has encouraging news for Kara.
- Please pray that the Novalis goes forward without any complications.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Bluebonnets

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Emma and Luke

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PET Scan

Kara is having a PET Scan done today, after the completion of her second round of chemotherapy. She and Matt will meet with Dr. Lynch tomorrow evening, and then Novalis on her liver tumor will probably begin later in the week.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the PET Scan shows no new tumors, and that the present tumors have continued to shrink.
- Please pray that Novalis can begin this week.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you. Waiting for these results is always a very fraught time for Kara and Matt and all of us, and it is comforting to know that so many are praying for her.

Biopsy

A specimen of the tumor on Kara's liver was taken to send off to a place in Arizona for a new and very promising biopsy. The lab there has found a way to isolate what protein-type the tumor is. The usual treatment for cancer is based upon broad "types," i.e., lung cancer, breast cancer, neuroendocrine cancer. There are lists of what chemo drugs tend to work best with those types, but those treatments may not be best for the particular tumor type that a person has.

This new biopsy, if all goes well, should isolate specifically what protein the tumor is rich in, and then from there they should be able to specifically isolate what chemo drug is most successful in treating that particular tumor. It may be a drug that is way down on the list for neuroendocrine cancer, or not even on the neuroendocrine cancer list.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the lab is able to successfully run the tests on Kara's tumor.
- Please pray that these tests reveal a better way to treat Kara's cancer.
- Please pray for continued tolerance of the chemotherapy for Kara, and for increased energy.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you. On a lighter note, Matt's brother and sister, Jamie and Katie, have been visiting in Houston this week, and everyone's been having a great time. They went to Kemah on the coast one day, and to the farm another. Kara's friends from Joplin, the Hoaglands, visited at the farm earlier in the week. So there was a big gathering at the farm on Sunday, which was very fun.

Procedure Went Fine

Kara is in the recovery room following her procedure. The doctors had some trouble finding the tumor to implant the device, because it was so small, so that was encouraging news. They were able to implant the device and collect a biopsy of the tumor.

Praises:
- Thank you God for seeing Kara through this latest step in her treatment safely.
- Thank you God for the good news that Kara's tumors are continuing to shrink.

Prayer Request:
- Please pray that Kara has no complications following this procedure.
- Please pray that Kara continues to tolerate chemotherapy well.
- Pleas pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Procedure Tomorrow

Kara is having a procedure tomorrow to implant a device in her liver that will help the doctors detect where the tumor is precisely for the Novalis treatment. She will have Novalis on her liver next Wednesday.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that tomorrow's procedure goes smoothly.
- Please pray for continued tolerance of the chemotherapy.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body permanently.

Thank you.

From Kara

Matt and I enjoyed a wonderful weekend away at the lake with the children. We had our own little cabin perched over a finger of the lake -- the kids could fish right off of the deck. Matt even caught a good-sized bass on Emma’s princess fishing pole!

Other highlights were canoeing all over the lake and stopping to picnic along the way. Luke was upfront with me, Emma was in the middle, and Matt was in the back doing all of the work. Emma brought her fishing pole with her to try for a big catch like her daddy.

We took a horse-drawn carriage ride to breakfast Saturday morning. While the kids enjoyed a pony ride, I enjoyed a horse ride myself. Though it was short, it brought back many fond memories of my horseback riding days and my horse, Bobbie.

But what I will remember most about this trip was a special encounter that I would like to share with you.

Just after we checked into the lodge and were getting ready to go to our cabin, the lady behind me asked, “How do I know you? You look so familiar to me.” We looked at each other but couldn’t place each other. This same lady saw Matt later at the lodge and asked Matt how she could pray for me, because she had seen me limping slightly. Matt filled her in on my story, and she revealed a similar story to him and said that she would be praying for me and would send out her “prayer warriors.”

As I look back, to me it was another way God was showing me he cares for me and was encouraging me. I will always remember her words “how do I know you,” because she recognized me as a sister in Christ, even though we had never met. Now we know each other as Kara and Wendy.

Dear God, thank you for the encouragement I receive through family, friends new and old, and those whose names I don’t know. I am learning faithfulness through my faithful friends and family. I am learning how to encourage others through those who encourage me. They are an inspiration to me.

Thank you for your healing!! I rest on your word.

"Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
You will cry for help, and He will say ‘here I am.’"
Isaiah 58:9

Update

Kara began another round of chemo on Friday, when she had her second full eight-hour chemotherapy session. Next week and the week after she'll go in for a shorter chemo session.

She and Matt and the kids wento to the big Houston rodeo on Saturday and saw all the animals and enjoyed a concert. On Sunday, Kara and the kids left for the farm to spend their Spring Break while Matt stayed behind to work on some work projects. Emma and Luke have had a great time running around the farm. Emma drives around in the Gator while Luke chases after her pushing a small buggy that is his new favorite toy. We took bluebonnet photos and visited the Miniature Horse Farm at St. Claire's Monastery in Brenham yesterday. Emma and Luke got a kick out of the tiny horses.

Kara has been feeling more fatigued after this past round of chemotherapy, but other than that she continues to tolerate this treatment better than the in-patient treatment she had last year.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara continues to tolerate chemotherapy well.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Meeting with Dr. Lynch

Kara met with Dr. Lynch today and he was very pleased with how well Kara is responding to this new treatment -- he thinks she is even doing better with this chemo drug than the previous one. She'll have six more treatments, and will also have Novalis on the spot on her liver.

Praises:
- Thank you God that Kara's responding so well to this treatment.
- Thank you God for the hope and encouragement that brings to Kara and her family and friends.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara continues to tolerate chemotherapy well.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Good Test Results

The PET Scan results are very encouraging and reassuring. The lung spots have just about gone away completely. The spot in the spleen is gone. The adrenal place is smaller, and the liver spot is smaller. And it looks like there is nothing in the brain. They'll meet with Dr. Lynch tomorrow to go over the results. So the treatment does seem to be working, and the tumors are sensitive to it. Very good news! Kara was pretty anxious throughout the day waiting for the results, so she is quite relieved to have gotten some good news.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for continued hope, peace, and comfort for Kara during this time.
- Please pray that Kara continues to tolerate her chemotherapy well.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement. We are very glad to have heard the good news, that the new treatment plan is working, especially since this treatment has been much less difficult for Kara to tolerate.

PET Scan Today

Kara has a PET Scan this morning to determine how effective this new type of chemotherapy has been.

Please pray that the test results are encouraging, and show that this treatment has reduced the tumors.

Thank you.

Going to the Lake

Kara has been continiuing to tolerate her chemotherapy well, and she, Matt, and the children are going to a lake in East Texas for a long weekend break from the city. It will be the first time Kara has been anywhere besides Houston, Austin, or the farm in quite awhile, and she's looking forward to it.

Kara will go in for more scans Monday or Tuesday to see how the tumors are reacting to this new chemotherapy.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for encouraging results for Kara's next round of scans.
- Please pray that God continues to give Kara hope and peace.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Update

Kara has been tolerating this type of chemotherapy much better than the kind she previously receieved. She's a little tired from it, but does not have to fight the nausea like previously, and nor is she as fatigued.

Matt's parents and his sister, Jenny, and her two children have been visiting this week, and everyone has been having a good time -- especially Emma and her cousin Samantha, who are about the same age. Matt's mother has sent me some photos that I will try to get uploaded on the blog.

Last weekend Kara and the family were at the farm, celebrating Doc's 61st birthday. Matt attended a conference in San Antonio on recent developments in cancer treatment, had the opportunity to meet a researcher who is doing some very innovative things with diagnosing tumors more precisely -- on the protein level -- and correlating the specific tumor type with treatment regimens that are most effective with that specific tumor type. That may yield some very promising new treatment options.

We are very happy to share that John and Carrie are now engaged. We look forward to Carrie's joining the family "officially." She and John both have found jobs in the Houston-area that they are enjoying.

Our Aunt Lois, Mom's sister, and the gentleman she's been seeing, Vaughn, are also newly engaged. We look forward to welcoming him into the family as well.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara tolerates her new chemotherapy regimen well, and that there are no complications.
- Please pray that God continues to give Kara hope and peace.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

From Kara

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word, I do hope." Psalm 130:5

While this past year has been difficult in many ways, there have also been many blessings. Blessings such as my family, friends, church family, and my new friends who have sent their prayers and words of encouragement to me through cards and this blog, who didn't even know me before. Thank you for being my blessings.

I have also been blessed over the course of this year in learning to lean on God more, trusting in Him, and growing in my relationship with Jesus.

A key verse in my Community Bible Study this year has been Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him and He will make your path straight."

When I first heard the report that the cancer was back and in more places, I was devastated. The devastation turned into despair that I could not find my way out of. I could not interact with my children, I didn't want to eat, I couldn't sleep; all I wanted to do was watch reruns of The Waltons and drive my thoughts out, because they were too dark for me to bear.

On Sunday, I attended a healing worship service that my church offered for the first time. We had prayers and music and a time of kneeling at the altar to be anointed with oil and prayed over. With my family and church family surrounding me, I felt the love of God and the Holy Spirit's presence like I never had before, and my spirits were lifted and I immediately felt like myself again. I am so thankful for this spiritual healing. It has always been hard for me to know Jesus like that. It is so wonderful to know he does love me and care about me.

Thank you for your continued prayers; God listens.

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

Operation Today

Kara has gone into the hospital this morning to have an operation that will place a central line-type device in her chest, completely under the skin. Because of the many rounds of chemotherapy Kara had last year, it is difficult to find veins for this current phase of her treatment and for the bloodwork that will need to be done. This new line should not get infected, and it won't be in Kara's way as she tries to use her arm.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good, encouraging Octreoscan results.
- Please pray that Kara's procedure goes smoothly and safely.
- Please pray that Kara tolerates her new chemotherapy regimen well, and that there are no complications.
- Please pray that God gives Kara hope and peace.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Octreoscan, Day 2

Kara's having the second-day octreoscan done today, which takes several hours. The octreoscan works by detecting the levels of somastatin (a hormone) in the body. Neuroendocrine tumors tend to be very somastatin-rich. Before the octreoscan, Kara was injected with antibodies to somastatin coupled with a radioisotope that will show up on the octreoscan. The antibodies will be attracted to areas high in somastatin (i.e., the neuroendocrine tumors), and thus the tumors should be spots clearly "lit up" on the octreoscan. This will help the doctors locate the tumors more precisely.

Tomorrow Kara will return to the hospital for the operation to put the permanent central line in place.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good, encouraging Octreoscan results, and that the results can help Kara's doctors fine-tune her treatment plan.
- Please pray that Kara's procedure on Wednesday goes smoothly and safely.
- Please pray that Kara tolerates her new chemotherapy regimen well, and that there are no complications.
- Please pray that God gives Kara hope and peace.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Octreoscan Today

Kara is repeating the Octreoscan today and tomorrow. She last had this test done in February or March 2005, I believe. I don't remember exactly how it does what it does, but I think it is an ultra-sensitive test for neuroendocrine tumors. http://www.msit.com/qap_oct.html

Wednesday she'll go in for an out-patient procedure to put a permanent line in her for future chemo treatments/blood draws. It will be placed in her chest, rather than her arm, and will be completely under the skin, preventing any future infection, and making it less cumbersome and restrictive for her.

Kara continues to feel pretty down about things, and the recurrence of the cancer has her understandably anxious and disappointed. Please continue to pray that she feels God's peace and presence in her life and treatment, and that she regains confidence that she can, and will, be cured.

Kara's church introduced a new Healing Service last night, and many members of Kara's church family joined her in praying for God's healing of her. I am told it was a very beautiful and moving service, and we are very appreciative of the many people who were able to come and support and encourage Kara.

We are very appreciative of everyone who has provided so much support for Kara, Matt, and their families over the past year -- sending encouraging notes and posting supportive comments on the blog, providing meals, cheering Kara up in so many ways, and most importantly praying for Kara and asking others to pray for her. There has been such a tremendous outpouring of love and support, and it is very much appreciated and amazing.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good, encouraging Octreoscan results, and that the results can help Kara's doctors fine-tune her treatment plan.
- Please pray that Kara's procedure on Wednesday goes smoothly and safely.
- Please pray that Kara tolerates her new chemotherapy regimen well, and that there are no complications.
- Please pray that God gives Kara hope and peace.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Chemo Today

Kara went in to start chemotherapy this morning. They had some trouble finding a vein to start the chemo, but eventually were able to get it started. She will probably need to have another PICC line placed for the duration of the chemo treatments. She should be home around 5:00 or 6:00.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara tolerates this chemotherapy well, and that there are no complications.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Treatment to Begin Friday

It looks like Kara will begin her new chemo treatment tomorrow. She is ready to begin this next phase, and is encouraged that this chemo won't take her away from her family for days at a time, and shouldn't aggravate the neuropathy that she has just recently begun to see improvement in. It is possible that she won't have such bad nausea, and will be able to stay hydrated and nourished better throughout her treatment period.

Praises:
- Thank you God for the good news that Kara's brain is still tumor-free, and that there is a new treatment plan in place.
- Thank you God for the wisdom and reassurance of Kara's doctors.
- Thank you God for giving Kara continued hope that you will give her the cure she so faithfully asks for.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara tolerates this chemotherapy well, and that there are no complications.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Treatment Plan

Dr. Lynch was very encouraging and positive with Kara. He said that they are not anywhere near the end of treatment options, and there is still surgery, radio-frequency ablation, Novalis, and different types of chemo to explore.

The plan is to start more chemotherapy on Thursday or Friday. It will be a different type of chemo, so she can receive it on an outpatient basis, without having to stay several days in the hospital. The first day is an 8-hour treatment, and the next week she goes in for one hour, and for one hour the next week. The fourth week she has "off." They will do three rounds of this and repeat the PET Scan to see how things are going. This type of chemo should not be as hard on her physically, and she should not have the neuropathy she experienced previously.

Praises:
- Thank you God for the good news that Kara's brain is still tumor-free, and that there is a new treatment plan in place.
- Thank you God for the wisdom and reassurance of Kara's doctors.
- Thank you God for giving Kara continued hope that you will give her the cure she so faithfully asks for.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for peace, comfort, and strength for Kara, Matt, and the family during this difficult and stressful time, that they may feel God's sustaining presence and love.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you. Today is the one-year anniversary of Kara's first CT Scan. It's been a very hard year for Kara, but one filled with many celebrations and memories, and she will continue to persevere and fight the cancer throughout this year as well, with the encouragement of Matt, their children, their family, their friends, and all of the wonderful people praying for her.

MRI Results

Good news -- the MRI of Kara's brain did not reveal any new tumors there. Kara and Matt will meet with Kara's oncologist this afternoon.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for peace and comfort for Kara, Matt, and the family during this difficult and stressful time, that they may feel God's sustaining presence and love.
- Please pray for a promising, encouraging treatment plan from her doctors.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Doctor's Appointment Tomorrow

Kara and Matt will meet with her oncologist tomorrow afternoon to go over the plan for the next phase of her treatment. By then, the results of the MRI she took today should be in, and he can tell them if there is any additional treatment needed on her brain. We will let you know as we do.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the head MRI did not show any more tumors.
- Please pray for peace and comfort for Kara, Matt, and the family during this difficult and stressful time, that they may feel God's sustaining presence and love.
- Please pray for a promising, encouraging treatment plan from her doctors.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Update

Kara will be going in for a head MRI on Monday. The PET Scan was just of her body, so this will show if there are any new tumors in her brain.

Tuesday she will meet with her oncologist. At this point, it looks like they may do chemo and radiation therapy together.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the head MRI does not show any more tumors.
- Please pray for peace and comfort for Kara, Matt, and the family during this difficult and stressful time, that they may feel God's sustaining presence and love.
- Please pray for a promising, encouraging treatment plan from her doctors.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you all so very much for your continued prayers and words of love and encouragement, It's been almost a year, and Kara still needs and appreciates your vigilant prayers. It is hard for Kara to face more long treatment, but she is willing and eager to do whatever it takes.

PET Scan Results

The results were not what we had hoped for. The spots on Kara's lungs are cancerous, and the tumor in her liver is active again. There also appears to be some activity in her pancreas or adrenal gland.

Update: Kara will meet with her oncologist today or tomorrow, and will most likely begin chemotherapy again next week. The chemotherapy has been very effective against the previous tumors, so we believe it will continue to be so.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for comfort and peace for Kara during this difficult time.
- Please pray that there is a promising treatment plan.
- Please pray that the cancer is permanently eradicated from Kara's body.

Thank you.

PET Scan Today

Kara will go in for her PET Scan at 11:00 this morning. We will let you know the results as soon as we do.

If the spots on the lungs show up again, Kara's already had a body cast made, and they will begin the Novalis on Monday, and continue on Wednesday and Friday.

Psalm 138: 7-8
Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes,
with your right hand you save me.
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your love, O LORD, endures forever—
do not abandon the works of your hands.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the PET Scan shows no active cancer in Kara's body.
- Please pray for peace for Kara as she awaits the results.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Scan Moved Up

Kara will be having the PET Scan on Wednesday, February 1st.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the PET Scan shows no active cancer in Kara's body.
- Please pray for peace and comfort for Kara as she awaits the scans and the results.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you. We very much hope that the PET Scan shows no active cancer, and we appreciate your prayers.

Update

Matt's folks were in town for the past week to help Kara and Matt and the kids and to enjoy spending time with the them. They found Kara much improved from the last time they saw her and were very pleased. Kara is gaining in her ability to be independent and take care of the children. She is much moving much more easily and has found her classes at the Y to have helped her regain strength and flexibility.

Sunday they celebrated Luke's "official" second birthday with a family party, and they have been busy with outings to the museum and park. Luke also had his second year check-up and we're glad to know he's a healthy little boy.

Kara's next PET Scan will be February 2nd. We hope that whatever was in the lungs on the last scan was just an infection, and is no longer there. We also hope and pray that no new growths are detected, and that there is no active cancer in her body.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the PET Scan on February 2nd shows no active cancer in Kara's body.
- Please pray for peace and comfort for Kara as she awaits the scans and the results.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Carrie, Kara, Laura, and David

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Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Cow Cake

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Mimi made Luke a cake that made Luke just about explode with happiness with all of the cow-ness: longhorns, jerseys, calves, hay bales, a paddock, and some brown specs on the grass that looked suspiciously like cow patties...

(I haven't uploaded all of the photos from last weekend yet; I'll get the rest up tonight.).

He's All Growed Up!

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Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Luke's about to turn two -- time for a shave!

Luke's Birthday Party

Kara, Matt, and the kids came to the farm for the long weekend to celebrate Luke's birthday with some of his best friends -- the cows. He and Emma have fun being outside from pretty much breakfast 'til dinner, swinging, playing in the dirt pile, traipsing down to the creek and back, and all that good stuff. Cousin David came over from Austin to visit, and they all had a great time.

I will update more tonight, and get the photos up as well.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's next PET Scan is all clear, showing no active cancer.
- Please pray for peace for Kara as she awaits her next round of tests and their results.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you. It is really amazing that coming up on a year after Kara's diagnosis, so many people continue to visit this blog and take the time to post such encouraging and uplifting comments for Kara. Kara, Matt, and all of the family are truly blessed to have you to lend support through this difficult time.

PET Scan Schedule

Kara's next PET Scan will be taken on February 2nd. We hope that whatever showed up in her lungs last time was only inflammation from an infection, and will not be present on these scans. If the spots are still there, they will proceed with the Novalis procedure to treat them.

Kara and Matt and the kids are heading to La Grange right now to spend the holiday weekend at the farm. Luke loves it there, so it will be a great place for an early birthday party for him.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that February scans reveal Kara's body to be cancer free.
- Please pray for peace and comfort for Kara as she waits for the scans.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Update

Kara continues to improve thanks to her therapy, and has joined the local Y and hopes to begin some Yoga classes and work on rebuilding the muscles she has lost. She is enjoying being able to resume a more primary role in taking care of the children. She now has the energy and the dexterity to play with them, pick them up, cuddle, and do all those important things that she previously could not.

On Saturday, Kara and her friend Jo took Emma to see a local production of "Annie" while Matt and Luke did some male bonding.

This weekend we'll be going to the farm to celebrate Luke's second birthday (his birthday is January 22nd). Luke is talking more and more, and is freer with his hugs and kisses now. He's also learned to jump, and has been having fun jumping and dancing around with his sister. Next step potty training!

Kara will have another set of scans in the beginning of February to check on the spot on her lungs, and see if there is any other possible new growth.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that February scans reveal Kara's body to be cancer free.
- Please pray for peace and comfort for Kara as she waits for the scans.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Holding Off on Novalis

Kara's radiotherapist told her that the spots on her lung are too small to fix onto for doing the Novalis just yet, so he plans on waiting until after her next PET-Scan, which will be done at the beginning of February. While they're waiting for that to be done, he will go ahead and have her body cast made (which helps position the Novalis machine) so that if the PET-Scan shows the spots still there, and they feel they are cancerous, they can proceed immediately.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for peace for Kara as she awaits the next scans and their results.
- Please pray that the spots are present in the next scans, so that Kara does not have to have further treatment on them and so that she feels more confident in her recovery.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

At the Doctor's Office

Kara is waiting for her appointment with her radiotherapist, the doctor who does her Novalis treatments. She has yet to meet with him, but his nurse did tell her that the Novalis procedure they would do on her lung would require five treatments over two weeks -- so it is not quite as "simple" as the brain Novalis that was just required one treatment.

Kara is in good spirits, and is ready to get this spot taken care of.

We still do not know for sure whether the spots on her lung are cancerous or were just from an infection or other inflammation. And we do not know whether her radiotherapist will recommend going ahead with the Novalis at this point. Since the nurse talked to Kara about the course of treatment, however, that might indicate that the doctors think it best to proceed with the Novalis.

We will update as soon as we know anything.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for wisdom for Kara's doctors as they make this decision.
- Please pray for peace for Kara as she awaits this decision and the next phase of treatment.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Christmas Pictures

Family on Christmas Eve
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Emma on Christmas Eve
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Emma and Luke at Christmas Eve
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Luke on Christmas Eve
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

A Very Merry Christmas

Kara and the family enjoyed a very happy Christmas together last week. We went to the children's Christmas Eve service at her church, which had a nice Christmas morning service as well. Emma serenaded us with her ever-improving rendition of "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing!"

Emma's just beginning to get to the age where she understands the concept of Santa and his bringing presents to celebrate Jesus's birthday, and Luke is old enough now to open his own presents and get really excited about them.

We had a very nice holiday, and it was so good to get to celebrate the miracle of Christmas together!

Kara will hear from her radiotherapist this week, we think, and he will tell her what he wants to do about the spots on her lungs. Kara anticipates that he will go ahead and do the Novalis, since it is such an easy procedure without harsh side effects.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's neuropathy and stamina continue to improve.
- Please pray that the cancer be permanently eradicated from Kara's body.

Thank you for your commitment to Kara and her progress. You have made 2005, which was a year of so much anxiety and fear for us, so much better with your prayers, words of encouragement and love, and other acts of kindness for Kara. We hope you all have a very happy and healthy 2006.

Doctor's Meeting

Kara's oncologist was positive and reassuring about the lung spots, that they are too small to tell what they are. There are a couple of options: wait 4-6 weeks and repeat the PET Scan to see if they've grown and then treat them if needed, or go ahead and treat it with Novalis before it grows. Her oncologist will confer with her other doctors and figure out the best plan.

Kara feels much more upbeat after the meeting, and is looking forward to a very merry Christmas with her family.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for peace and comfort for Kara, that she might be able to enjoy the holidays.
- Please pray that the lung spots turn out not to be cancerous.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Emma at The Brownstone

IMG_1419.JPG
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

IMG_1413.JPG
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Update

Kara had been planning on taking Emma to the Houston Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker since October, but she began feeling sick on Friday and by Saturday, she was too ill to go. Luckily it was just a cold and she felt much better on Sunday, but it was very disappointing to her -- and all of us -- that she was not able to make it, as she had been looking forward to it for so long.

Kara will meet with her oncologist later in the week to go over her PET Scan results and what his plan will be. Hopefully he can reassure her about the lung spots and she will be able to get back to feeling happy and peaceful for the holiday.

Kara's neuropathy continues to slowly improve. She still cannot write legibly, but she is able to use silverware and hold drinks much better. I've learned to appreciate so many things that I take for granted as Kara's struggled with not being able to use her hands.

We are looking forward to a happy holiday together in Houston, and so thankful that we can be together. We are also thankful that Kara is not having to undergo any further treatment during this time, and can focus her energy on holiday festivities, spending time with Matt, Emma, and Luke, and healing. We are also so very thankful that there is no active cancer in Kara's brain or her liver, and that the treatment has been successful in fighting the cancer there.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for peace and comfort for Kara during this stressful time, that she might be able to enjoy the holidays.
- Please pray that the lung spots turn out not to be cancerous.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you for your continued prayers for Kara. We hope that you all travel safely to wherever you will be for the holidays, and enjoy a happy Christmas and New Year with your loved ones.

PET Scan Results

The PET Scan showed that there is no metabolic activity (no active cancer) in Kara's liver or brain. The PET Scan did pick up two tiny spots of metabolic activity in her lungs. The radiologist thought it might just be inflammation or an infection, but could not rule out their being tumors. Kara was very disappointed to hear this. Hopefully it will turn out to be nothing. She will talk to her oncologist soon, and he will tell her what the plan will be. Most likely waiting a bit and repeating a PET Scan to see if there's been any growth.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for peace and comfort for Kara during this stressful time, that she might be able to enjoy the holidays.
- Please pray that the lung spots turn out not to be tumors.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

PET Scan Tomorrow

Kara is having a PET Scan tomorrow morning. It will check for active cancer all over her body. The doctors want to check the status of her liver tumor. The last PET Scan showed it to be inactive, and we pray that's still true. If some part of it is still active, or if it is not shrinking as the doctors like, they may consider either doing further treatment on it, or removing part of her liver.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's liver tumor does not require further treatment.
- Please pray that Kara's neuropathy continues to improve, so that she can regain some autonomy and be able take care of Emma and Luke herself.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

At the Farm

Kara and the kids have spent a busy week at the farm with Mom and Dad while Matt is at a conference in San Antonio. Last weekend we were all together and kicked-off Christmas. A historical landmark called Monument Hill in LaGrange puts on a "Trail of Lights" which we went to on Saturday night and enjoyed the fun outdoor light decorations and a beautifully decorated old homestead with Santa and Mrs. Clause, and a choir singing Christmas carols in German.

O Christmas Tree
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Emma has been learning how to sing "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and serenading us quite wonderfully. Luke has become more and more talkative, and is getting good at sounding out words and repeating speech patterns -- he learned to say "love" last weekend!

Emma and Rudolph
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Monument Hill Lights
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Emma and Luke have been having a great time playing outside, even though it's been really, really cold here (below freezing)! Santa brought Emma and Luke a kid-sized electric car made to look like a John Deere Gator, and Emma has been busy doing her "chores" with it (filling the dump truck bed with cow cookies to feed the cows, shoveling dirt into it to fill up Mimi's flower bed). Emma and Doc made a "cave" -- piled dirt on top of a dog house -- so the kids have a place to hang out outside without the wind getting to them.

Emma on the Gator (click on any of the photos to see more)
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Kara has been inside under lots and lots of blankets, with a heating pad and space heater nearby trying to stay warm! We had an ice storm on Wednesday night that put a good layer of ice and frost over everything, and I'm sure the kids had fun seeing that!


Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's liver tumors do not require further treatment.
- Please pray that Kara's neuropathy continues to improve, so that she can regain some autonomy and be able take care of Emma and Luke herself.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement. We are so thankful to God for seeing Kara through this far and hearing all of our prayers, and we look forward to a good holiday with the family.

Update

Kara's oncologist was very pleased with the test results when Kara and Matt met with him last week. He plans on speaking to the radiologist to find out more information about the size of the spots on her liver. If they appear to be further shrinking and being reabsorbed, the oncologist will recommend just monitoring them. If the spots are still large and not shrinking, he will probably recommend some further course of treatment to deal with them -- perhaps Novalis on the liver or resecting part of the liver. Hopefully Kara won't have to undergo another major surgery like the liver resection would be. Kara will have another round of scans in 4-8 weeks.

Praises:
- Thank you God for remaining with Kara throughout this long ordeal.
- Thank you God for the encouraging scan results that give us hope and reassurance.
- Thank you God for providing Kara and her family with such a wonderful support network -- it has truly been a blessing.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's liver tumors do not require further treatment.
- Please pray that Kara's neuropathy continues to improve, so that she can regain some autonomy and be able take care of Emma and Luke herself.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. We are so thankful to God for seeing Kara through this far and hearing all of our prayers. We hope that we continue to receive good news with the next round of tests, and that Kara continues to stay in remission!