A specimen of the tumor on Kara's liver was taken to send off to a place in Arizona for a new and very promising biopsy. The lab there has found a way to isolate what protein-type the tumor is. The usual treatment for cancer is based upon broad "types," i.e., lung cancer, breast cancer, neuroendocrine cancer. There are lists of what chemo drugs tend to work best with those types, but those treatments may not be best for the particular tumor type that a person has.
This new biopsy, if all goes well, should isolate specifically what protein the tumor is rich in, and then from there they should be able to specifically isolate what chemo drug is most successful in treating that particular tumor. It may be a drug that is way down on the list for neuroendocrine cancer, or not even on the neuroendocrine cancer list.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the lab is able to successfully run the tests on Kara's tumor.
- Please pray that these tests reveal a better way to treat Kara's cancer.
- Please pray for continued tolerance of the chemotherapy for Kara, and for increased energy.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you. On a lighter note, Matt's brother and sister, Jamie and Katie, have been visiting in Houston this week, and everyone's been having a great time. They went to Kemah on the coast one day, and to the farm another. Kara's friends from Joplin, the Hoaglands, visited at the farm earlier in the week. So there was a big gathering at the farm on Sunday, which was very fun.
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.
3 comments:
Dear Kara, What wonderful promise of a tumor specific drug which hopefully will give this its last knock-out blow once and for all! I'm so glad you tolerated the implant procedure and biopsy so well. No doubt your preparation via the visits with family and friends at home, at the farm, at the lake, at Kemah and even the horseback ride reminiscent of your Bobbie all helped get you ready for this latest step in the contiuing miracles that are happening. Thank you so much for sharing your story about your new friend Wendy who was sent especially to minister to you there at the lake on your vacation. God is so with us always and His angels and it's so amazing when we have eyes to see and hearts to hear. How grateful we are for His ongoing and perpetual goodness and caring and healing grace and power. Have another special week-end and know that you continue to be in my daily thoughts and prayers. Love to all, Aunt Betsy
Dear Kara, That is exciting news. We were also happy to hear of your outing with Matt and kids. We pray for the continued success with these refined treatments.
Fred loved seeing your Dad and Keith and they all seemed to have fun on their outing to Fredericksburg and the Hill Country. Love and Hugs to all, jan
Hi Kara,
How amazing that the liver biopsy special technique will give specific info regarding the protein in the tumor. We trust this info will enable the physicians to give you just the right chemotherapy to wipe this out. We thank the Lord for His continued provision for you, just the right treatment at just the right time. He is faithful!
Am glad you have had fun visits with Jamie and Katie and other friends, enjoying the springtime weather.
The Lord continue to bless and keep you.
Love,
Aunt Karen and Uncle Don
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