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

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Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

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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!

MRI Results

The MRI showed no active cancer in Kara's brain or her liver! And the CT Scan was a chest-abdomen scan, and no cancer appeared on that anywhere.

We are thrilled about this news! Kara is in physical therapy right now, and no one can get a hold of her to tell her that the MRI came back all-clear. Matt is going to try to track her down over there to let her know the good news.

Thank you so much for your unceasing prayers and concern for Kara. It will be a truly happy holiday season for us!

CT Scan Results

The CT Scan of Kara's liver showed that the cancer is inactive there. We are still waiting to hear about the MRI results.

Please pray for good news from all of the scans.

Thank you.

Scans Today

Kara is having another round of tests and scans today to see whether there are any new growth of the cancer. Please pray for good results, and for peace for her as she awaits them.

We should know the results tonight or tomorrow, and will let you know as soon as possible.

Thank you for all of your prayers and the birthday wishes that you have sent to Kara. It was uplifting for her to have so many cards, letters, and comments on the blog come in the past few days.

Happy Birthday, Kara!

Today is Kara's 32nd birthday! She's going out to lunch with a few of her friends, and she'll have a birthday dinner with cake and all that good stuff tonight. We hope for a good start to this year with good scan results tomorrow! Please keep her in your prayers today and tomorrow, for good results and for peace as she awaits them.

Thank you.

P.S.:I am working on getting all of the photos from this weekend online and will post a link to them when they are ready.

Update Tonight

Kara and her family had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with their family in the Dallas-area, and are looking forward to a very happy Christmas season. I'll update more tonight with some photos.

Kara's birthday is tomorrow, and she will have more scans and tests on Wednesday. Please pray that the test results are good, and that Kara has peace this week as she waits for them.

Thank you.

Feeling Better

Kara is feeling much better, and her fever is gone and her bloodwork looks fine. She has been able to get out and do more as she gains strength after the last round of chemotherapy. She has been doing physical therapy exercises to help her regain muscle strength and the use of her hands and feet. They tire her out, but they do seem to be working.

Kara and her family will be going to Dallas for Thanksgiving to spend time with our family up there. It will be a fun mini-break for them -- they're staying at a hotel with an indoor pool, which the kids are sure to enjoy. Kara's birthday follows on the 29th, and she has another round of scans on the 30th, so please keep her in your prayers this month!

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara continues to improve after her latest treatment.
- Please pray for good test results on the 30th.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Update

Kara had a busy weekend: she took the kids to get their Christmas pictures taken, went to a movie, got some pampering (had a facial), and went to church. She may have tried to do too much, and has had a fever today. Her doctor feels that since her white counts are relatively good, she does not have to be hospitalized right away. She's on some antibiotics and will go in tomorrow for a checkup. She felt really bad earlier today (achey and had the chills), but the fever has lowered, and she's feeling better and resting.

Matt's parents made it to town to spend a few weeks in Houston. Emma and Luke are very excited to see them! Mom and Dad are going back up to Joplin to winterize the house.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's continues to improve, and her recuperation is swift and complication-free.
- Please pray for good results for the November 30 tests.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you very much. Again, anyone who would like to send Kara a note or birthday card, please email me and I'll send you her address.

Recuperating

Kara had a good, quiet weekend at home recuperating from her latest round of chemotherapy. She was able to go to Sunday School and the late worship service at church, where she saw Emma singing with the young children's choir. Afterwards they went to lunch. A very full day for someone just off chemo!

Last night was Emma's parent-teacher night at school, and Kara and Matt attended that. Kara is feeling very fatigued as usual after chemo, but seems not to have any worse side effects at this point. She will get her blood test results back today, which will show where her blood counts are.

Kara's thirty-second birthday is coming up at the end of this month (November 29th), and the next day she will have another round of tests and scans. If you would like to send Kara a birthday card but do not have her address, please email me (click on my name up at the top, left-hand corner of the Blog page).

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's recovery from this last round of chemo continues smoothly.
- Please pray for improvement of Kara's neuropathy.
- Please pray for good test results.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you very much for your prayers for Kara. It means so much to her and to all of her family that so many are praying for her.

Kara is Home

Kara is back home after her latest complication-free chemotherapy round. We are very thankful that she has gotten these eight rounds behind her, with minimal complications. She will spend the weekend resting up with her family.

John and his girlfriend Carrie found out yesterday that they both passed the Bar! John has found a job in The Woodlands, a suburb north of Houston, and Kara and her family are glad that he won't be moving away. On less good news, Mom slipped and fell last week at the farm and broke one ankle and strained the other. She's doing pretty well with her casts, and Emma comes over in the afternoons to play educational computer games -- Emma is even reading a bit now, and is looking forward to reading to her mommy.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the side effects from this round of chemotherapy be minimal.
- Please pray that Kara has a complication-free recovery from this round of chemo.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradiacted from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you very much for your continued presense in Kara's life. Your love, prayers, and encouraing words help sustain Kara through these difficult times. Kara will have scans performed at the end of the month (November 30, I believe), so please get the word out for prayers that the scan results show no new growth.

Eighth Round of Chemo

Kara went in for her eighth round of chemo this morning. Kara and the family had a lot of fun with Jenny and her family over the weekend. Emma and Luke went out trick-or-treating last night as a cowgirl and cowboy, respectively. Hopefully someone snapped some photos!

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for health for Kara during this round of chemo.
- Please pray that the side effects following this round are minimal.
- Please pray that the cancer be permanently eradicated from her body.

Thank you.

Face Painting

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Originally uploaded by keljoh.

And face painting at the party.

Pumpkin Painting

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Originally uploaded by keljoh.

Here's a picture of pumpkin painting at Emma's weekend birthday party.

Emma at the Rice game

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Originally uploaded by keljoh.

Here is Emma in her Rice cheerleading outfit at the Rice v. Navy game with Aunt Jean.

Emma's Barbi Cake

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Originally uploaded by keljoh.

Here's a picture of Emma at the party we had for her on her actual birthday, Tuesday 10/18.

Cousins in Town

Matt's sister, Jenny, and her family have come to Houston for the long weekend. Samantha is about Emma's age, and Heath is a little younger than Luke. They went to make caramel apples yesterday, and plan on going to the Houston Zoo's "Zoo Boo" festivities this afternoon. Emma and Luke are really enjoying having their cousins in town, and Kara and Matt are enjoying the company, too!

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for Kara's continued health during this week, so that she may start her eighth round of chemo on time.
- Please pray for continued improvement of her neuropathy, so that she may be able to do more things for herself and for her children again.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Last Weekend

Kara made it home shortly before Emma's party began, and everyone was thrilled to see her doing so well, especially Emma. The kids played, painted pumpkins, smashed a pumpkin pinata, and had a good time together.

Blowing out the Candles
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

I unfortunately didn't end up with many photos on my camera, but hopefully Uncle John will post his photos when he can. If you click on any of the photos, you'll be taken to the Flickr site. On it, there is a photo set entitled "Pumpkin Party," where I will try to put all the photos from the party as they come in.

Saturday evening, after the party, Emma went with Doc, Uncle John, and me to the Rice-Navy game, giving Kara and Matt some time with Luke. Emma had a fun time watching the cheerleaders, mascots, dancers, band, and football players. She especially liked climbing all the way to the top of the stadium and looking out over the Houston skyline. Before and after the game she ran around on the astroturf, and had fun playing football with Uncle John.

Before the Game
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for Kara's continued health during this week, so that she may start her eighth round of chemo on time.
- Please pray for continued improvement of her neuropathy, so that she may be able to do more things for herself and for her children again.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you very much.

Kara's Home

Kara made it home just in time for Emma's party, which was a great success. Emma and her friends had a wonderful time, and it was the perfect day for a party in the park. Kara's bloodwork today showed her levels are all good. I will post more, with photos, tomorrow.

Thank you for keeping Kara in your prayers throughout this time. Please continue to pray for Kara's health this week, and that the cancer be eradicated from her body, permanently.

Goes Home Tomorrow

Kara should be able to go home tomorrow in time for Emma's birthday party. Since the party is outside, she shouldn't have to worry too much about germs and getting another infection. Hopefully her lab results today will show all her levels back at a normal level. Her white blood cell count when she entered the hospital was I believe less than a third of what it should be, and her hemaglobin was at a level that could have led to cardiac arrest. We are very thankful that the fever was caught and treated early, and she was given prompt treatment to correct her low bloodcounts. And we are very glad Kara will get to be with Emma on Emma's special day, after all of the hours Kara has spent planning and thinking about the party.

Please pray that Kara continues to improve, and that the cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.

Thank you.

Still in the Hospital

Kara's blood counts really need improving. Her hemoglobin levels and white blood count are very low, which can be a serious problem. They have given her an infusion to try to boost those levels.

Please pray that Kara recovers quickly, that she is able to start her last round of chemo on time (Nov. 1), and that the cancer be eradicated from her body, permanently.

Thank you.

Update

Kara's fever seems to have broken, and she feels better. She is receiving a blood transfusion to try to elevate her white blood cell count to help her fight the infection. The lab tests show that it is a bacterial infection, and she's being given some drugs to treat that. She will probably stay in the hospital till Thursday, and then have a few days or a week of home health care. Her immune system is really weakened by the chemo, and this is a difficult time of year not to pick up some bug or cold.

Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement.

In the Hospital

After a full weekend of planning for Emma's birthday and little outings, Kara has had to go into the hospital for febrile neutropenia, I believe (http://www.tirgan.com/leucpnia.htm). She is running a fever and her blood counts are too low. She will have to be in the hospital for the next couple of days, missing Emma's school birthday party and family birthday party tomorrow. Hopefully she will be released and feeling up to participating in Emma's birthday party this weekend.

Please pray that she recovers from this quickly, and that the cancer be eradicated from her body, permanently.

Thank you.

Luke at the Blue Bell Creamery

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Originally uploaded by keljoh.

Here is Luke after a tasting of ice cream at the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham.

Hurricane Luke

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Originally uploaded by keljoh.

What a mess!

Emma and her new "friend"

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Originally uploaded by keljoh.

Emma really is becoming a country girl. She named this bug her "friend" and spent several hours letting it crawl up one arm and back down the other.

Emma looking cool

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Originally uploaded by keljoh.

At the farm after a swim. The temperature was in the low 100's at the end of September. Fortunately it has cooled off since then.

Luke Looking Cool at the Farm

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Originally uploaded by keljoh.

Luke is not sweating the Hurricane Rita evacuation with his shades and Hawaiian shirt.

Back Home

Kara came home from her seventh round of chemo on Saturday evening. On Sunday, she and the family went to the Pumpkin Patch festivities at a park in Bellaire. So far, Kara has been feeling pretty good, and not as sick as she had after the previous chemo treatments. She is sticking to drinking Boost, though, to prevent setting off any nausea. We hope that the side effects do not worsen over the next few days.

Praises:
- Thank you God for seeing Kara through another round of chemotherapy without any complications.
- Thank you God that Kara is doing so well following this last round of chemo.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the side effects remain minimal.
- Please pray for improvement of Kara's neuropathy.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Chemo Starts Thursday

Kara, Matt, and the children are back in Houston after their time at the farm. Emma and Luke both had a great time in the great outdoors, playing with the cows, swinging, learning about the stars from Uncle John, and splashing in the pool. Kara got a lot of work done on Emma's birthday party plans and the children's Halloween costumes. Emma and Luke are going to be a cowgirl and cowboy!

Kara will begin her seventh round of chemotherapy on Thursday. She met with a physical/occupational therapist earlier in the week, and hopefully they can give her exercises to improve her neuropathy.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that this next round of chemotherapy be completed without any complications.
- Please pray that the side efffects from the chemotherapy will be minimal.
- Pleae pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you for your words of encouragement and love for Kara -- one of the highlights of her day is reading the kind words people send to her, both here on the blog and through the mail. It means a great deal to Kara to know she is in the thoughts and prayers of so many people.

At the Farm

Kara and John arrived at the farm yesterday. Kara plans on taking Emma and Luke to the St. Clare Monastery miniature horse farm in Brenham. The monastery is home to a group of nuns who support themselves by raising miniature horses. Emma and Luke both love the cows that run on the farm, and feed them "cow cookies" every morning and usually in the evening as well. The cows eat right out of Emma's hand! Emma and Luke have also discovered Aunt Jean's old My Little Ponies, which are apparently back in popularity as toys, so I'm sure they'll love the horses.

Matt plans on joining the family at the farm on the weekend.

Praises:
- Thank you God that Kara can enjoy this time with her children before beginning chemo again.
- Thank you God that the brain tumor had not grown, and that there were no new ones detected.
- Thank you God for Kara's doing so well with her treatment, better than anyone could have expected. Thank you for the reassurance and comfort that gives Kara, and all of us.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the Novalis treatment be successful.
- Pleae pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Novalis Completed

Kara has completed her Novalis procedure. A CT Scan taken this morning showed that tumor wasn't any bigger than when last scanned. Kara will have her next round of chemo next Thursday. She is going to go back to the farm tomorrow and join the children while Matt finishes the work week and getting the house back to normal after everything was "hurricane-proofed."

Praises:
- Thank you God that the brain tumor had not grown, and that there were no new ones detected.
- Thank you God that Kara was able to receive her Novalis treatment without any further delay.
- Thank you God for Kara's doing so well with her treatment, better than anyone could have expected. Thank you for the reassurance and comfort that gives Kara, and all of us.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the Novalis treatment be successful.
- Please pray for peace and comfort for Kara during this difficult time of waiting for treatment.
- Pleae pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Novalis This Morning

Kara went in this morning for her Novalis procedure. The doctors believe that the personnel will be there to complete the procedure, and we are all very thankful that this was rescheduled so quickly. Hopefully chemo can begin next week, but it hasn't been scheduled yet. Emma and Luke will stay at the farm until tomorrow, as the Novalis makes Kara headachey, and the quiet will make that pass more easily.

Praises:
- Thank you God for safety for the family this past week as they travelled out of Houston and back.
- Thank you God that Kara was able to receive her Novalis treatment without any further delay.
- Thank you God for Kara's doing so well with her treatment, better than anyone could have expected. Thank you for the reassurance and comfort that gives Kara, and all of us.

Prayer Requests:
- Pleas pray that the Novalis treatment be successful.
- Please pray for peace and comfort for Kara during this difficult time of waiting for treatment.
- Pleae pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you for all of your concern and prayers over this past week. Your unfaltering presence in Kara's recovery and life means so much to her and to her family.

Kara is back in Houston

Kara and Matt left La Grange early yesterday to beat the rush of traffic back into Houston. They were fortunate to have a quick trip back home. They were also fortunate in that their house did not flood, nor was there any damage from Hurricane Rita. We are hoping that Kara can get her Novalis treatment rescheduled as soon as possible. Emma and Luke are still at the farm in La Grange. Aunt Jean is down from Austin.

Update

Thankfully it looks as though Houston was spared much of the brunt of Rita, and that Rita did not hit land as a Category 4 or 5, and seems not to have done the damage to the coast that Katrina did. Flooding may still be a problem, but hopefully things will continue to go better than the weathermen have predicted. John and Carrie left for the farm yesterday, making the trip in an hour-and-a-half! Kara and Matt are not sure when they will head back to Houston. There is some thought about getting back ahead of the pack, if possible, but I think they would also like to relax a bit with the children before heading back. I'll let you know what they decide.

Praises:
- Thank you God that this hurricane was not as violent and powerful as Katrina, and that Houston, including the Medical Center, will be able to get back to normal soon.
- Thank you God that Kara and her family were able to get out of town safely, without running into any problems on their trips.
- Thank you God for Kara's doing so well with her treatment, better than anyone could have expected. Thank you for the reassurance and comfort that gives Kara, and all of us.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the family makes it back to Houston safely, and Kara is able to receive her Novalis this week, and chemo shortly thereafter.
- Please pray for peace and comfort for Kara during this difficult time of waiting for treatment.
- Pleae pray that the cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.

Thank you.

In La Grange

Kara and Matt have made it safely to La Grange. They left at 12:50 a.m., and arrived at 9:00 -- it's usually a two-hour drive.

Please see the prayer requests below. Thank you.

Update

Kara and Matt are out of the Houston area now, and the traffic has thinned out. They should be at LaGrange in the next hour or two. I don't know exactly how long it's taken them to get that far, but Kara did say it took them two hours just to go the few miles from their house to Highway 290 out of town. I don't know if John and Carrie have left yet, but as we hear from people, we'll let you know.

Please see the prayer requests below. Thank you.

Novalis Cancelled

Kara's Novalis treatment tomorrow has been cancelled, as the hospital is not sure it will have the personnel to perform the test. Kara and Matt plan to leave Houston in a few hours. John will be leaving as well.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Hurricane Rita does not cause further delay in Kara's treatment, and that she is able to get back on track with the Novalis and chemo next week.
- Please pray for comfort and peace for Kara during this difficult time of waiting to continue treatment and having concerns about her home.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you. A message from Kara had been posted shortly before this one; please scroll down to read it.

From Kara

Dear God,

I thank you for each day and praise you for your constant faithfulness. As you know, I was pretty disappointed about the little brain tumor, but I thank you Lord for the medical technology and the doctors that can restore my health. I see you working through them. It is amazing how quickly the Novalis treatment was able to be scheduled, in a shorter amount of time than anyone thought possible. And, as Hurricane Rita approaches, that timing has been perfect, as your timing is always perfect.

It is well with my soul, and I know everything will be okay tomorrow, and that things will work according to your plan.

I cannot express what an awesome God you are, but I know you know what's in my heart. You are a faithful, always-loving, always-present, awesome God.

I love you,

Kara

Novalis Tomorrow

Kara met with her neurosurgeon yesterday, who has scheduled an MRI for her this morning, and then Novalis tomorrow. Her neurosurgeon told her that he was frankly surprised to see her still here, given the severity of the tumors in February. Both he and her neurology radiologist were quite pleased with her response to treatment, and very glad to see her doing so well. Her radiologist informed her that they are able to do the Novalis procedure on other parts of the body besides the brain now, which should make fighting any additional tumors more effective.

They hope to be able to proceed with the chemo next week, though Hurricane Rita may make that difficult it if hits Houston. Mom and Dad are considering taking the kids to the farm, while Matt and John stay behind to board up the windows, try to move the furniture up in case it floods, and take care of Kara. They went to Sam's and there was a line just to wait for a cart. Water is flying off shelves, and all the usual pre-hurricane activity is going on down there. Since Kara and Matt's house flooded during Allison (when Kara was pregnant with Emma), they are concerned about flooding again. The Medical Center also flooded during Allison, and if that happens again, and if there is a major problem with the power grid, Kara's chemo could get postponed.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good MRI results today, and a successful completion of the Novalis procedure tomorrow.
- Please pray that Hurricane Rita does not cause a delay in Kara's treatment or damage to their home.
- Please pray for comfort and peace for Kara during this hectic and difficult time -- waiting for test results, continuing her treatment, and having concerns about the hurricane and her safety and that of her family.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement for Kara. Kara is approaching all of this with faith and confidence in God, but it is a very difficult time for her. Her use of her hands is severely limited, and she has difficulty walking because of her neuropathy. She cannot hold Emma or Luke very well because of her weakness and her surgery. Your continued prayerful and encouraging presence in her life gives her great comfort.

Update

Just a quick update to let you know that Kara has a series of doctor's appointments this week. I believe she meets with her neurosurgeon tomorrow, and hopefully can proceed with getting the pinpoint radiation scheduled this week, and then start chemo on Monday. Today she will meet with her gynecological oncologist for a post-op checkup.

Kara had a good weekend with her family; I'll post more tonight.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for peace and comfort for Kara during this time.
- Please pray that Kara is able to receive the pinpoint radiation on her brain this week, and start the chemo soon.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from her body, permanently.

Thank you.

Chemo Postponed

Kara's next round of chemotherapy has been postponed to schedule the pinpoint radiation this week, if possible. Her bloodcounts are low, so they won't do the radiation or the chemo until those numbers get better. Kara will use the time to continue planning Emma's party, the kids' Halloween, and doing some nesting around the house -- Mom and Dad brought down the piano so when Kara's neuropathy improves, she can show Emma and Luke how to play the piano.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for peace and comfort for Kara during this time.
- Please pray that Kara is able to receive the pinpoint radiation on her brain this week.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from her body, permanently.

Thank you.

Results

Kara's scans showed a new spot on her brain, which they will treat with the Gamma Knife. It is smaller than any of the other tumors she had had in her brain previously. Her liver tumor is still inactive, and there are no other spots of cancer in her body. We had hoped there wouldn't have been anything new, but hopefully after getting this new spot taken care of, now that the primary site is out, there won't be any new growth.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for peace and comfort for Kara during this time.
- Please pray that Kara's chemotherapy (which starts again Tuesday) goes well.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from her body, permanently.

Thank you. Your words of encouragement and prayers mean so much to Kara, especially at this time.

Scans Friday

Kara is having another set of scans Friday morning. These will be the first scans since before her surgery, and we hope that they show no new growth -- that would be truly wonderful news!

Kara will begin her next round of chemotherapy on Tuesday. She isn't looking forward to going through the side effects of the chemotherapy again, but she is ready to continue with her treatment and do all she can to get healed.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good test results.
- Please pray for improvement of Kara's neuropathy.
- Please pray that that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you for praying for Kara day in and day out. Your support, love, and encouragement mean so much to her and her family, and they are so greatly appreciated.

Good Times

Kara felt better by Sunday, and she and her family came to Austin to celebrate Cousin David's second birthday. The bloodtest results showed that she just had a bug, and her PICC line was not infected, thank goodness!

Kara and Emma
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Kara's neuropathy had gotten markedly worse throughout last week, making walking very difficult and greatly limiting the use of her hands. But Monday the neuropathy seemed to be much better, and she was steadier on her feet and able to walk more easily.

Today she met with Dr. Lynch, and he seems pleased with the way things are going. They are going to try to schedule another set of scans on Friday, and to begin more chemo on Monday. Please keep her in your prayers this week for good test results.

Emma and Luke
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Emma at Party
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Cousin David's birthday party was a lot of fun for both the kids and the adults. Emma and Luke had a blast with all the fun outdoor activities and getting messy with the other children, and Kara and Matt enjoyed meeting Laura and Miki's friends, many of whom have been praying for Kara over the past months. Even though it was a short trip, it was a nice, welcome break from Houston. Kara loved Aunt Lois's jacuzzi tub, where she had a long bubblebath.

Bubblebath!
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's neuropathy improves.
- Please pray for good scan results.
- Please pray that the cancer be permanently eradicated from her body.

Thank you for keeping Kara in your thoughts and prayers, especially as she is about to have another round of tests -- that is always nerve-wracking and stressful.

IMG_1144.JPG
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

This Weekend

Kara continued to improve and feel stronger this week until she came down with a bug. She was running a fever, so she had to go in and have her blood tested to make sure her PIC line (the permanent shunt in her arm that allows her to get medicine and fluids through the IV) isn't infected. A lot of times those lines can get infected and have to be removed. We hope that's not the case, b/c it's been very helpful for Kara to have it.

Matt's sister, Katie, has come to Houston to spend time with the family and help out, and Mom and Dad have headed back to Joplin to enjoy the cooler weather and start packing up the house.

Kara and the family were planning on coming to Austin on Sunday for our cousin Laura's son David's second birthday party. She hopes to be feeling good enough to go ahead with that plan, but we're not sure now. It will be a nice outing for the family, and I know Kara is looking forward to the change in scenery.

Kara has a meeting with her oncologist this coming week.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara gets feeling better soon, and that her PIC line isn't infected.
- Please pray that Kara's neuropathy improves.
- Please pray that she gets a good report from her oncologist.
- Please pray that the cancer be permanently eradicated from her body.

Thank you for continuing to keep Kara in your thoughts and prayers.

First Day of School

Emma and Luke had their first day of school yesterday at Bellaire United Methodist's School for Little Children , and both seemed to enjoy their classes. We'll try to post pictures as soon as we can get them uploaded (probably after this weekend).

Kara continues to improve after her sugery. She is really struggling with the nerve damage in her hands and feet, which makes walking very difficult (she is very unsteady on her feet), and makes it hard for her to use her hands to dial the phone, type, write, even use silverware. The neuropathy is a side effect of the chemotherapy, and most of it will hopefully go away after she's done with the chemo.

Kara meets with her oncologist next week for a check-up and to schedule more rounds of chemo. I'm not sure if she'll be having more tests around that time or not.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's neuropathy improves.
- Please pray that she gets a good report from her oncologist.
- Please pray that the cancer be permanently eradicated from her body.

Thank you for your prayers and words of love and encouragement for Kara. She feels comforted by knowing so many include her in their prayers, and she looks forward to getting the mail and seeing what notes and cards people have sent.

Update

Kara is getting better day by day, and is busy getting the kids ready for school, which starts next week. Emma will be in the Bunny class, and Luke will be a Pony. Kara has met with their teachers and thinks it will be a good year for both of them. Kara is taking Emma and Luke to get back-to-school haircuts this morning.

Sunday evening, the family had a birthday party for Matt. If there are pictures from that, I'll try to get them sent to me and posted!

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

"I call on you, O God, for you will answer me;
give ear to me and hear my prayer."
- Psalm 17:6

Thank you for your continued prayers and words of encouragement for Kara throughout these past months -- they are so greatly appreciated.

Doctor's Check-Up

Kara's check-up with Dr. Kaplan went very well. The biopsies on all the tissue removed showed the cancer was not anywhere other than the primary site, which is very encouraging news. She will probably begin her next rounds of chemotherapy mid-September.

Kara continues to recuperate, and tries to walk a bit when she can, in order to get stronger faster. She's working ahead on plans for Halloween and Emma's birthday party, and in general, is much more comfortable than after her last few rounds of chemo.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for a swift and complication-free recovery from surgery for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from her body, permanently.

Thank you.

Recovering Well

Kara's been continuing to do well at home after her surgery. Her pain medications keep her pretty comfortable, and she's even been able to get up and go for short walks. When she came home on Sunday afternoon, she and Emma played some games (Emma spun the spinner for Kara and moved her playing piece) and she and Luke looked over his flash cards (he's about to speak -- we just know he is!). With Matt, Mom, Dad, Aunt Lois, John, and Dr. Emma, Kara is being looked after very well.

Kara will go in to see Dr. Kaplan later in the week, and will see Dr. Lynch (her main oncologist) early in September. After she's recovered from the surgery, Kara will have another two or three rounds of the same chemo she had before to hopefully destroy any other cancer cells in her body.

"And their prayer offered in faith will heal the sick,
and the Lord will make them well.
And anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven.
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results. "
- James 5:15-16.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for a swift, complication-free recovery from the surgery for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.

Thank you for your unwavering concern for Kara and your unceasing prayers -- they provide immeasurable comfort to her and her family.

Kara is on the way home

Kara is being discharged from the hospital and should be home soon. She no longer has an epidural, so she is experiencing more discomfort from her surgery.

Kara is recovering

Emma and I visited Kara at the hospital twice today. Emma drew some pictures for Kara and left her prized souvenir horse from the circus with Kara to help her feel better. Kara was tired but in good spirits. She had been up and walking several times througout the day. She still has an epidural and is experiencing expected abdominal pain and some nausea. She said that her recovery from the sugery is much less taxing than the chemotherapy. And that was apparent upon visiting her. At this pace she hopes to be home by Sunday, though that may be a bit ambitious.

Doing Well

Kara's surgery went very well, and she was out of surgery by mid-morning. The doctors didn't find any other cancer other than what was known on the cervix, which is encouraging. Dr. Haufrect, the doctor who delivered Emma and Luke, and who was a classmate of Dad's, scrubbed in on the surgery with Dr. Kaplan, the specialist performing the hysterectomy.

Kara is in her room now and resting, and very comfortable thanks to the medication they have her on. John is going to take Emma to the hospital tomorrow to see her.

Praises:
- Thank you God for the complication-free completion of Kara's surgery.
- Thank you God for the good news that there were no other signs of cancer in that area of Kara's body.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for Kara's recovery from her surgery, that it be as quick as possible and free of complications.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

From Kara

“I will be glad and rejoice in your love,
for you saw my affliction,
and knew the anguish of my soul.”
- Psalm 31:7

Dear God,

It’s me again. First, I just want to say thank you so much for the good PET Scan results that showed no new tumors and that the tumor in my liver is still inactive. You have been so faithful to me, and I am truly thankful. You are awesome.

I have been blessed by the many prayers from my family, church family, friends, and people who don’t even know me. Your children are amazing, and they have been so good to me. I know that their prayers have lifted me up through times when I couldn’t even pray for myself. You send little blessings to me throughout the day by the phone calls, the cards in the mail, the messages on the blog, the visits from my friends, and the delicious meals being delivered. Thank you, God. You are awesome.

Thank you for my precious husband who holds my hand through it all, and takes care of all the details for me, spending countless hours researching treatments and drugs to help me get better and feel better. Thank you for giving me two beautiful children who give me joy and motivation to get well.

Thank you for my devoted parents who struggle with my cancer as much as I do, and for their unrelenting support. Thank you for blessing me with a wonderful, supportive family – I don’t know what I’d do without them. You are awesome.

Please forgive me, Father, for my tendency to worry and feel scared. I don’t mean to show a lack of faith in you; the thought of not seeing my children grow up or being able to raise them makes it hard for me to breathe. They need me, and I want to raise them to know you and love you as I do.

I truly believe, Lord, that I still have a lot of work I can do for you here on Earth. Let me serve you, Lord, and be a witness to others. Let me share your amazing faithfulness and enduring love. Please use me according to your purpose, and I hope and pray that your purpose for me is here on Earth, and for many, many years.

Dear Lord, please heal me. Please eradicate the cancer from my body, permanently. You have said you have a plan for me, that it is for good and not disaster, for hope and a future, that you will listen to my prayers, that I will find you if I look for you in earnest (Jeremiah 29:11-14). I am looking for you.

Thank you God for your reassuring Word, and above all else, thank you for your son, Jesus Christ, and the gift of salvation. You are awesome.

I love you. Amen.

Surgery on Thursday

Kara's hysterectomy is scheduled for Thursday morning at 7:30 am. She has a round of pre-surgical screening and tests today.

Kara, Matt, and the kids had a wonderful weekend together. They went to Noah's Ark Pool, a recreation center attached to the First United Methodist Church of Houston, on Saturday. There is a really fun wading pool with slides and waterfalls for the toddlers. And then there's the big pool, in which Emma proved herself to be a very strong swimmer and quite brave -- she went down the "big kids'" slide and off the diving board. She must have gone off the diving board about thirty times that morning, and by the end, she was actually getting the hang of diving in rather than jumping feet-first. Luke also went down the big kids' slide, twice, and enjoyed both the wading pool and kicking around in the big one -- have to watch out for him, because he's pretty fearless about stepping off the edge into the pool!

Family at Noah's Ark Pool (click on any of the photos to see more)
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Diving!
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Luke -- Rainbow Slide II
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Noah's Ark Pool III
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

On Sunday, Kara and Matt enjoyed going to church and seeing all of their friends there. After lunch, Matt took Luke on a bike ride, and Kara and Matt played games with Emma, who is getting the hang of how to follow the rules (not an easy thing for a three-year old). She wasn't liking Chutes and Ladders (she kept landing on the chutes!), but then she landed on the ladder that took her all the way to the win. I'm sure there's a life lesson there!

Noah's Ark Pool II
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's operation be successful and without complications.
- Please pray for peace and comfort for Kara during this difficult time.
- Please pray that the cancer be permanently eradicated from Kara's body.

"And we know that in all things
God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose."
- Romans 8:28

Thank you for your continued presence in Kara's life -- we are all touched to hear from people who have been reading about Kara and praying for her without having even met her, and we appreciate that so much. We appreciate everyone's prayers and encouraging words.

PET Results

Kara got good news from her PET scan -- there are no signs of cancer activity outside the primary site. Dad was going to call Dr. Kaplan, her gynecological oncologist, tonight to see how quickly they can get Kara's hysterectomy scheduled. Since the cervix is the only area that shows active cancer at this time, everyone is eager to get that removed. Kara meets with Dr. Lynch, her main oncologist, Tuesday night to determine whether she will have follow-up chemo after she has recovered from her hysterectomy.

Kara will probably be in the hospital for 3-5 days recovering from the hysterectomy, and her further recovery time at home will be 4-6 weeks.

Praises:
- Thank you God for more good news from Kara's tests.
- Thank you God for providing Kara with encouraging and knowledgeable doctors.
- Thank you God for surrounding Kara with loving family, friends, and church family.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for peace and comfort for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you for continuing to keep Kara in your thoughts and prayers, and for sending her your words of love and encouragement.

PET Scan Today

Kara is having another PET Scan done this morning to check on the status of the tumors. We hope to have the results tonight, and will share them with you as soon as we can.

O God, you wil keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are fixed on you;
for in returning and rest we shall be saved;
in quietness and trust shall be our strength.
- Isaiah 26:3; 30:15

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for encouraging test results.
- Please pray for comfort and peace for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Emma's Bubble Bath

Emma's Bubble Bath
Originally uploaded by keljoh.

Emma gets a bubble bath by candlelight during a sleepover at Uncle John's house. She just finished having ice cream and swimming with John & Carrie.

Biopsy Results

Kara got the biopsy results from the samples the oncologist took last week. The cancer is still active at the primary site, the cervix, so they will try to get going on the hysterectomy next week.

Thursday morning she will have another PET Scan to determine if there's been any more new growth since the chemotherapy has ended.

Now that the chemotherapy is over, Kara is finding herself having to struggle with the fear of recurrence. She is having a difficult time finding comfort and peace, and the concerns of new growth are weighing on her. Please continue to keep her in your prayers, and pray for peace for Kara and her family.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for encouraging test results.
- Please pray for comfort and peace for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you for continuing to lift Kara up in prayer and send her your words of love and encouragement.

Update

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Children's Museum
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

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

Dr. Emma
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

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.

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.

Moody Gardens (click on the photo for more)
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

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.

Shark Tunnel
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Thank you so much for your prayers for and support of Kara and her family.

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.

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 on July Fourth
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

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.

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.

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.

Fireworks Pre-Show

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Originally uploaded by keljoh.

Everybody is getting ready for the big fireworks display in Smithville.

Emma and Clifford

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Originally uploaded by keljoh.

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

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Originally uploaded by keljoh.

Here are Emma and Luke at the farm sitting still long enough for a quick picture over the holiday weekend.

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.

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.

Update

Kara's bloodwork showed her blood counts were low, and she'll be getting an infusion of fresh blood Friday. This should help her regain some energy and stamina to prepare her for her surgeries.

Next week she has another round of tests, which will determine the next step of her treatment. We hope that the tests indicate she is a good candidate for surgery, and that the doctors will go ahead and remove what is left of the tumor in her liver. We also hope that the test results show that the cancer has remained inactive.

Praises:
- Thank you God for seeing Kara through her treatment thus far with no significant problems.
- Thank you God for providing Kara with excellent, attentive, and caring health care providers who have helped her through this difficult experience.
- Thank you God for the help and support of so many people -- Kara and Matt's parents, Aunt Lois, the rest of their families, their church family, their friends, and other kind well-wishers. They have been a true blessing.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for positive test results.
- Please pray for peace for Kara over this weekend, that she may enjoy her time with her family without anxiety about the tests and their results.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.

Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement and love to Kara. Please keep Kara in your prayers, and enjoy your holiday weekend with your friends and family. Next week there should be photos to share with you here on the blog.

Feeling Better

Kara continued feeling better as the week progressed. Receiving the IV fluids keeps her hydrated, and she sips on Ensure throughout the day for calories. She doesn't have much energy at all, but thankfully doesn't have the debilitating nausea she has had previously. She enjoys watching Emma and Luke play in the pool at Mom and Dad's apartment, and being as much a part of their day as possible.

Kara and her family will spend Fourth of July at the farm before she undergoes another round of tests. These tests will be very important in determining the next course of treatment.

Praises:
- Thank you God for providing Kara with excellent, attentive, and caring health care providers who have helped her through this difficult experience.
- Thank you God for seeing Kara through her treatment thus far with no significant problems.
- Thank you God for the help and support of so many people -- Kara and Matt's parents, Aunt Lois, the rest of their families, their church family, their friends, and other kind well-wishers. They have been a true blessing.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the side effects will be minimal following this round of chemotherapy, and that she can enjoy some "good" time with her family before beginning the surgery round of her treatment.
- Please pray for positive test results.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.

Thank you for giving your support, love, and prayers to Kara.

Update

Kara spent a quiet weekend at home with Matt, resting up after her last round of chemotherapy. Home health visited and set her up with an IV so she could remain hydrated without having to upset her stomach by drinking a lot of fluids.

Emma and Luke went to the farm with Mimi and Doc, and enjoyed being able to run around and feed the cows. Luke especially is enthralled with the cows, and pets them and lets them eat right out of his hand. Emma caught a showing of "Riverdance" in Austin, and was entranced by the dancing.

Kara feels better at this point after chemo than she has previously, and is encouraged by that, and by the fact that she doesn't have to go back in for another round in the near future. She isn't eating much, but isn't terribly nauseated.

Praises:
- Thank you God for providing Kara with excellent, attentive, and caring health care providers who have helped her through this difficult experience.
- Thank you God for seeing Kara through her treatment thus far with no significant problems.
- Thank you God for the help and support of so many people -- Kara and Matt's parents, Aunt Lois, the rest of their families, their church family, their friends, and other kind well-wishers. They have been a true blessing.
- Thank you God for Emma's patience, helpfulness, and kindness to Kara throughout this difficult and hard-to-understand time for her. She continues to be sweet and loving to her mother, even though right now Kara cannot do all that she used to with and for Emma. We hope that Luke can bond more with Kara as she regains her strength after chemotherapy, and recovers from her surgeries.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the side effects will be minimal following this round of chemotherapy, and that she can enjoy some "good" time with her family before beginning the surgery round of her treatment.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.

Thank you for your encouragement, prayers, and love for Kara.

Back Home

Kara returned home last night, and will spend the weekend resting and trying to sleep through the next few days of feeling yucky. Home health will come every other day to help her get IV fluids, to stave off dehydration and avoid over-diluting her electrolytes like last time.

Kara has been blessed with so many kind and caring people helping her through this time, from the nursing staff at the hospital, to her and Matt's family (Mom and Dad, Jim and Diane Herynk, and our Aunt Lois are all thankfully retired, and have been able to help Kara and Matt as needed), their church family, friends, and those who have come to know her only through this website. Joplin-area business Leggett & Platt named its corporate team in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life (http://www.cancer.org/docroot/GI/gi_1.asp) "Operation Hope" and dedicated it to Kara. Many friends in the Joplin and Carthage, MO area supported the Operation Hope team at this wonderful fund-raising event. Houston friends have provided meals for Kara and her family. Countless people have remembered her with cards, comments on this site, and visits when she is feeling up to it. Those reminders that she is being prayed for constantly, throughout this long process, bring her great comfort and encouragement.

With the chemotherapy phase of Kara's treatment over, it will soon be time for the surgeons to remove what remnants of the cancer are left. In July, a portion of her liver will be resected. And after she has recovered from that, she will have a hysterectomy, as the primary site of her cancer was the cervix (a rare primary site for neuroendocrine tumors). Recovering from two abdominal surgeries in two months will be difficult for Kara, but she has, with determination, faith, and hope, made it through the previous four months of treatment, and we are confident she will approach this next phase similarly.

Praises:
- Thank you God for providing Kara with excellent, attentive, and caring health care providers who have helped her through this difficult experience.
- Thank you God for seeing Kara through this last round of chemotherapy with no significant problems.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the side effects will be minimal following this round of chemotherapy.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.

Thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement to Kara since the beginning. We appreciate your steadfast presence in her recovery and her life.