Kara's bloodwork revealed that her blood count is low, so she went in yesterday for a shot that would stimulate her bone marrow's production of red blood cells. They think that should do the trick.
Luke had his 15-month pictures taken yesterday, and afterwards got his first haircut -- no more baby curls! Kara reports that he no longer looks like her baby, but looks like a little boy instead. But don't worry -- Kara saved several of the curls for posterity! After Emma returned from school, Kara took her to the salon to get her hair trimmed, too. That evening the family went to an Open House at Emma's school.
All in all, a very busy day! Kara continues to have improved appetite, though she is still pretty fatigued, and has to rest a lot throughout the day.
Praises
- Thank you God for giving Kara the strength to enjoy this week with her family.
- Thank you God for giving us affirmation and assurance that the treatment is working.
"Divine action, in some mysterious manner, is conditioned upon believing prayer. Thus prayer is set forth as the chief task of the believer. It is his responsibility to ask. It is God's responsibility to accomplish."
- Curtis Mitchell
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for the reduction in Kara's side effects and for increased strength.
- Please pray that she feels God's presence with her, that she may feel His peace.
- Please pray that the treatment is successful in eradicating the cancer, permanently.
Thank you for your steadfast concern for Kara, and for the strength of your faith and your continuing prayers.
In February 2005, Kara was diagnosed with a rare form of metastatic brain cancer – large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. She is a devoted mother of two, and a caring and generous wife, sister and daughter. This blog was started to keep family and friends informed of Kara's progress. The thoughts and prayers Kara has received through this blog have been an unending source of hope and inspiration, including many kind and encouraging comments from people she has never met. We thank you all.
13 comments:
Kara, I know that feeling of your babies first haircut! :) Its just so hard to believe that they are growing up! I pray that the shot helps your blood count and that you will continue to feel better. Have a good weekend! Love Laura F.
Dear Kara,
I'm so glad that you're feeling better and have enjoyed this week. We are praying for a restful, fun weekend for the whole family. We are also praying for you as you prepare for next week's treatments.
We love you,
Gina and Curby
Dear Kara,
I think I will disown Matthew for a few days, at least until I get used to the idea of Luke without curls. In the big picture, they are insignifcant, but at least something we can control. We continue to pray for the eradication of your cancer, abundant red blood cells, and strength to enjoy the weekend.
Love, Gamma and Gampa
Welllll, I have to agree with everyone else - I will miss Luke's curls! I remember when my children - Michael and Jennifer - were young; going through this stage. I use to cut their hair and one day when I decided I could not do this anymore I took them to the hair stylists. I could not believe my eyes! I kept asking myself "Are these my children?" They sat there like little angels - perfectly behaved, not moving an inch....... From then on, if it could be done by someone else - it was.
"Seeing The Real War" by James Robison
"Finally be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."
Eph. 6:10-12
We have the glorious right and privilege of dispatching angels, defending holy territory, protecting our lives and our families, and assaulting the gates of hell. We must fight because we can win.
We find victory when we set our mind and emotions on the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice for your sins. Allowing the power of Jesus to change our thoughts, habits, and character is the key to overcoming the evil one.
Paul warns the Corinthian church about a deceiver who works on the mind of believers in order to draw them away from purity of devotion to Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:3-4,13-15) Unhealthy patterns of thinking and feeling lead to sinful behavior and can take the body and soul of a Christian captive. (Romans 7:23) The sinful area that is held captive spreads it's poison, oppressing the influence of our reborn spirit, which is one with Christ.
This Week
Examine the patterns of thought that dominate you. Be alert to the deceiver's strategy to move you away from the purity and devotion to Christ. Bring your thoughts captive under the blood of Jesus Christ. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:6-7)
We can rejoice in the fact that Satan is a created being with limited power. Jesus says Satan is a liar (John 8:42-47); a thief and a robber who tries to steal and molest the sheep (John 10:1-18). He calls him a murderer in John 8:44, and Revelation 12:10 describes Satan as the accuser of the brethren.
Prayer
I pray in the authority of Jesus' name that my thoughts and feelings will be brought captive to the obedience of Christ. Holy Spirit, fill me; keep my mind and soul purely devoted to you.
Dear Kara,
What a busy week you've had with haircuts and school events. We look at our grandchildren and can't believe how fast they're growing. We pray that your body will continue to strengthen in the days ahead and that your faith in Jesus will remain strong.
Love,
Curt and Linda Laetz
Kara, What a great report! Your little one will look marvelous no matter the hair length. We are so grateful for your continued improvement in energy level. This is so very exciting and encouraging.
You are in our thoughts constantly and we pray for your continued improvement in all aspects of your recovery. Love, Gem
Dear Kara, How wonderful to know that you are regaining your strength and appetite and energy levels. Cutting Luke's curls reminded me of when we used to take your Dad to have his curls cut and Mom would feel the same way that you do. John would roll his bottom lip and almost muster a cry but not until we got home.
How fun to be going to Emma's open house at school and to watch her excel at volleyball and Luke to excel at shoveling.
Take good care of your very special self knowing that your treatments are working and that the blood count will come up, especially with a little help. You are in my thoughts and prayers day and night and never more so than before round #4. Love, Aunt Betsy
Dear Kara, How wonderful to know that you are regaining your strength and appetite and energy levels. Cutting Luke's curls reminded me of when we used to take your Dad to have his curls cut and Mom would feel the same way that you do. John would roll his bottom lip and almost muster a cry but not until we got home.
How fun to be going to Emma's open house at school and to watch her excel at volleyball and Luke to excel at shoveling.
Take good care of your very special self knowing that your treatments are working and that the blood count will come up, especially with a little help. You are in my thoughts and prayers day and night and never more so than before round #4. Love, Aunt Betsy
DEAR KARA, HOW I HOPE YOU ARE FEELING BETTER, RESTING COMPLETELY, AND EATING SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE NOURISHING FOODS SO THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO HAVE A JOYOUS TIME WITH EMMA AND LUKE AND BE READY FOR THE CHALLENGES OF NEXT WEEK. YOU HAVE BEEN IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ALL DAY AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE EACH AND EVERY DAY. YOU ARE SUCH A STRONG, BRAVE, AND RESOURCEFUL YOUNG LADY, AND WHAT A WONDERFUL WITNESS OF GOD`S GOODNESS, POWER, AND HEALING TOUCH. PLEASE TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR VERY SPECIAL SELF AND ENJOY THIS WEEKEND WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO LOVE YOU SO. HUGS AND KISSES AND MANY MANY PRAYERS. MUCH LOVE, AUNT BETSY
D
GOOD MORNING Kara!!!!!!!
This morning when I wakened
And saw the sun above,
I softly said, "Good morning, Lord,
BLESS EVERY0NE I LOVE."
Right away I THOUGHT OF YOU
And said a loving prayer,
That He would BLESS YOU SPECIALLY,
And KEEP YOU FREE FROM CARE.
I thought of all the happiness
A day could hold in store,
I WISHED IT ALL FOR YOU because
NO ONE deserves it more.
I felt so warm and good inside,
My heart was all aglow.
I know GOD HEARD MY PRAYERS FOR YOU
HE HEARS THEM ALL, you know.
Jesus and I LOVE U
Hi Kara, Matt, John, Carol & family,
I hope that this weekend will be full of rest, and you will face next week revived and relaxed knowing that you are loved and lifted up to the Lord in the prayers of so many.
A special hello to Betsy and Karen (Gina & Curby too). It is encouraging to read their notes, and brings back so very many special Kelly/Means family memories.
Our life group met at our home Thursday evening and one special friend who checks your website regularly said that when her husband sees her on your site, he just brings over the box of tissues. They are tears of joy at how God is answering prayers, and tears of heartache that you are having to go through these very tough times. God's people are praying for you!
Your faith despite much suffering is evidence that God is using this to glorify Him and proclaim his Kingdom. It is hard to remember that there is a greater purpose in life than we often know or can see. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, . . . . plans to give you hope and a future."
Love Mary & Rodney
Dear Kara & Matt,
Glad to hear you are feeling some better. Hope the shot helps the rbc.
Haircuts are memorable occasions. I still remember the 1st ones for my sons, even tho they are both over 30!
Take care and have a great week. Please know you are in my prayers often.
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