Fifth Round of Chemotherapy Begins

Kara will begin her fifth of six rounds of chemotherapy today. I believe they will be trying a different anti-nausea cocktail to try to prevent her being so sick for so long afterwards. It is likely she will have a home health aid come to the house after she is released to give her IV fluids, to prevent her getting dehydrated from the nausea.

Kara's test results were great -- no new tumors, nor even hints of new growth. The lesions in her brain appear to have been destroyed by the Novalis radiation. The spot on her liver is further decreasing. The OctreoScan showed no somastatin activity, which as I understand it roughly means that the existing tumors are now inactive and the cancer does not appear to be trying to spread elsewhere! She will meet with her oncologist tonight, and he will be able to tell her more fully what the results mean, and how they impact his plans for treatment. As always, when we know more, we'll let you know ASAP.

Kara was able to enjoy the festivities surrounding John's graduation. We joined Carrie's family for a celebratory dinner on Friday night, and on Saturday attended the graduation and reception afterwards. Kara has a wheelchair now that she can use when there are long distances she would have to walk, and it has helped her be able to do more than she would be able to without, given how weak chemo has made her. She wasn't able to go to church yesterday, though, because Luke had an earache, and he spent most of the day cuddling with Mommy and being comforted by her. Emma has been very sweet throughout this, and said yesterday that she was "going to help Mommy get better -- Mommy can pick up the little things, and Emma will get the big things. And Mommy will be better soon." She also rubs her "medicine" (antiseptic that Mommy puts on the kids' ouchies) on Mommy's tummy when it's upset.

Praises:
- Thank you God for the wonderful test results; for your mercy and for answering our prayers. Thank you for staying by Kara, and letting her feel your presence and love for her, reassuring her that she is not alone.
- Thank you God for seeing Kara safely through neurosurgery, radiation treatment, and four rounds of chemotherapy, without any major problems like infections, really low blood counts, and shot veins. We thank you that though this hasn't been easy for her, you've made it easier by keeping her strong and healthy enough to continue the treatment.
- Thank you God for giving Kara strength to enjoy this weekend with her family, and for the love that the children continue to give her during the time she's not able to play with them as much as she used to.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for health for Kara though this round of chemo -- that her veins hold up, that her bloodwork stays where it needs to be, and that she remains infection-free.
- Please pray for physical and spiritual comfort for Kara during this trying time.
- Please pray that the side effects will be minimal following this round.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.

Thank you for sharing your time, energy, thoughts, and prayers with Kara. Your prayers have been invaluable to Kara, and God is answering them! Our prayer is that he continues to do so.