Kara is home now and is quite wiped out. She was given a strong anti-nausea cocktail, and she slept for most of her last day in the hospital. Kara's oncologist says that the chemotherapy that Kara is receiving is the hardest of all regimens to tolerate. It is good that she is able to tolerate the strongest drugs because they will best combat the cancer. But it also means that she has to endure the most severe side effects.
When she came home, she was welcomed by her family and by a stack of cards that well-wishers had sent her. After getting hugs from Emma and Luke, she had to go back to her room to rest, and took the cards with her to read and be comforted by all of the love and encouragement they give her.
We have found some helpful guidelines on nutrition in these first days after chemo, so hopefully by following them, and starting out on simple things like Jello, Kara won't suffer from such severe nausea as last time, and won't run the risk of getting dehydrated. Since Kara already has been running low potassium levels, it is very important she not experience further complications because of nausea-induced dehydration.
Praises
- Thank you God, as Mother's Day approaches, for bringing Kara home to be with her children, and for giving us the confidence and faith in you that you are healing her.
- Thank you God for seeing Kara through this latest round of chemotherapy -- that her veins in her IV hand are still strong, that she did not have any infections nor reactions to the drugs, and that she was able to rest comfortably.
"O God, you will 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 that the side effects from this round of treatment be minimal and manageable.
- Please pray that Kara feels the comfort and reassurance of God's sustaining love and peace.
- Please pray that the treatment eradicates the cancer from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you for all of the love, concern, prayers, and words of encouragement shared here and through the cards you send. It means so much to Kara to know all of you are praying for her, and that she has so many people that care for her.
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.
10 comments:
FEAR NOT!
I AM WITH YOU!
BE NOT DISMAYED!
I AM YOUR GOD!
I WILL STRENGTHEN YOU!
I WILL HELP YOU!
I WILL UPHOLD YOU!
WITH THE RIGHT HAND OF MY RIGHTEOUSNESS!
Isaiah 41:10
HE IS --
ELOHIM - POWERFUL GOD
ADONAI - LORD
EL ELYON - GOD MOST HIGH
EL SHADDAI - ALMIGHTY GOD
YAHWEH - I WILL BE WITH YOU
JEHOVAH JIREH - THE LORD PROVIDES
JEHOVAH ROPHE - THE LORD HEALS
JEHOVAH NISSI - HE IS MY BANNER
JEHOVAH MEKADESH - HE SANCTIFIES
JEHOVAH SHALOM - THE LORD IS PEACE
JEHOVAH TSIDKENU - RIGHTEOUSNESS
JEHOVAH ROHI - MY SHEPHERD
JEHOVAH SHAMMAH - THE LORD IS THERE
Fix your eyes on Jesus,
the Author; Perfecter of our faith.
Hebrews 12:2
Kara, You are such a brave and wonderful patient.
We are delighted to know that you are at home - and there for a very special mothers'day.
You are an inspiration to us all. Love, Gem
Glad you are home and beginning another recovery period. You are doing terrific working your way through this. Enjoy your Mother's Day with your children. I hope the new plan to keep you feeling comfortable works and you can enjoy some restful days now at home with your family.
We love you!
Janice and family
Kara - I'm SOOOO glad you're home. You're in my prayers every day. I care so much about you. Enjoy your jello! -Barbara
Kara, So glad to hear you are back home. I hope you have a wonderful and restful Mothers Day. You are in my daily thoughts and prayers. Love Laura F.
Kara,
I wanted to relay the well wishes I have received from the literally hundreds of cancer researchers I have encountered over the past month. Each was very happy to learn of your progress and continues to pray that your therapies will be effective and well tolerated. You’re in our thoughts daily.
Love,
Chris, Catherine, and family
Dear Kara, How good to know that you are HOME again with the family hopefully enjoying lots of good jello and popsicles and saltines. The fatigue must be tremendous but so necessary for you to rest and let the treatment do its job. Now for liquids to keep you well hydrated! We've all been hoping and praying that the nausea will subside and let you get some nourishment and rehydration ! My prayers continue constantly and never more than now when you're home in the recovery stage. Every day is Mother's Day when you have wonderful children and I'm so grateful for Emma and Luke as well as for your mom's so wonderful children - you and Jean and John who mean so much to all of us every day! Much love, Aunt Betsy
Kara, We love you. Hug the babies and we send our hugs to you. The Dukes are here and send their love. Enjoy your Mothers Day. Hugs, jan fred
Thinking of you and praying constantly for you. Hoping you are leaning on Jesus; feeling His strength/power. This morning I watched the REFRESHING WOMEN'S CONFERENCE on Daystar with Pastor Rhonda Davis. She is such a dynomite Pastor/Speaker. She knocks your socks off! The service was spirit-filled with kneed prayer lifting you up to our Lord for new health. May you feel His Power, His Strength and Presence.
HI Kara, Hope your Mother's Day was special. I'm glad to read you are home. You are still in my thoughts and prayers often each day. I signed up for BSF next year. My youngest, Carson, just turned 2, so he will go with me while Maggie is at 1/2 day Kindergarten. Hopefully you are looking forward to going with both of your kids next year. Holly W.
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