First Day of School

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Originally uploaded by jeanjean78

Emma had her first day of kindergarten yesterday, and loved it. She is such a brave girl -- she has been reading her "Ramona" books, and thought that she was going to get to walk home from school all by herself. Kara was able to get up and have breakfast with Emma and see her off to school.

Kara is doing all she can to get stronger. She is able to eat more, and has been doing her "Sit and Fit" exercises that are run on PBS right before Emma gets home from school. Her speech is improving as well. She continues to have radiation every morning, and so far has tolerated her new chemotherapy well. She met with Dr. Tay, her radiation doctor, and he said that the new chemo drug crosses the blood-brain barrier, and could be very effective.

Kara remains focused on the Word of God, and has been blessed to have friends and family come by and pray with her and point out encouraging scriptures. She is trying to remain confident that she has asked for healing and will receive it.

"For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds."
- Jeremiah 30:17.

"Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him."
- 1 John 5:14, 15.

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful."
- Hebrews 10:23.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara continues to improve after her setback last week -- that she grows stronger, her speech improves, and she can continue to eat more and have more energy.
- Please pray that Kara continues to colerate the radiation and her new chemo drug.
- Please pray for faith and confidence in God's ability to heal Kara, for Kara and her family.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Off to School!

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Originally uploaded by jeanjean78

Recovering at Home

Kara was able to come home on Thursday afternoon, and has been improving daily since her release from the hospital. Her speech is improving, and she is able to eat more, with fewer bouts of nausea. The vertigo also seems to have lessened. She continues to have impairments with the right side of her body, and is very weak on that side, which makes getting around very difficult.

Kara will continue the whole-brain radiation next week and into the following week. She began her new chemotherapy today, which is in the form of a pill, which she will take once a day for twenty-eight days.

Kara has been immensely helped by visits from her prayer group from church, and from many kind friends. She knows that God can work miracles -- all things are possible with God, and all things are possible through Christ. She has asked God to heal her, and believes that he is healing her, and working a miracle in her. We ask that you agree with us in our prayers for Kara's healing. We ask that God will answer our prayers. We know that God can restore Kara to health, and we are thankful for that hope and assurance that He gives us.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara continues to recover from the effects of the stroke, and regains her strength.
- Please pray for confidence, peace, and comfort for Kara, as she awaits healing.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from her body, permanently.

Kara has gotten great strength and comfort from a short book called "Healed of Cancer" by Dodie Osteen, mother of Joel Osteen, who was miraculously cured of cancer that had metastisized to her liver. In it, Ms. Osteen recommends numerous helpful and reassuring scriptures, as well as the following prayer, which we have prayed with Kara, and which has given Kara confidence in her faith that God can, and will, heal her:

"O God, our Father, Your Word says that You are a very present help in time of need. We come to you now on behalf of Kara who is suffering with cancer. Father, we ask You, in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, to touch and heal Kara.

Distance is no problem for You, God. As we pray, You are there with Kara, even as close as the very breath that she breathes. So we are asking You to touch her body and heal her.

Now, you foul disease called cancer, we speak to You. Go from Kara's body in the Name of Jesus! We command you, cancerous cells, to wither and die at the roots in the Name of Jesus! Devil, we bind your power in Kara's life, and we permit healing to come to her in the Name of Jesus!

Father, we ask You to replace with new cells those that have been damaged by cancer. God, You can do that, because what is impossible with man is possible with You. You are a God who cares, and we believe You will do it just because we have asked. You love us that much.

Father, may strength and wholeness come into Kara's body this very day, and stay with her day by day. Thank You, Lord, for doing it.

We thank You, Jesus, that we will hear good reports from people like Kara, people who have been healed because they held fast to their confession fo faith without wavering, because You are faithful who promised. Thank you, Father, in Jesus' name,

Amen."

Kara would like all of you, her friends, to know that she believes that God is healing her, and she wants you to share her hope, faith, and confidence. Kara has a river of life flowing in her, and she will not let fear and doubt overcome her. All glory, praise, and thanks to God!

Thank you.

Mommy is coming home!

The plan is for Kara to be discharged from the hospital today. Aunt Jean has been in Houston helping out with the kids. They are looking forward to having Mommy back home again.

Radiation Today

Kara will begin the whole-brain radiation today. She will have ten treatments in total. Dr. Lynch would like to keep her in the hospital for another night, and release her after he sees how she has tolerated the first two radiation treatments.

Dr. Lynch will start Kara on a new chemotherapy drug on Monday.

Kara has more cancer in her now than at any other time previously. Please pray that this chemotherapy can be the miracle that we have been asking for.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the radiation treatments are successful.
- Please pray that Kara's vertigo, nausea, and stroke effects continue to subside.
- Please pray for comfort and peace for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from her body, permanently.

Thank you.

Home Tomorrow?

Kara may be released from the hospital tomorrow following her first radiation treatment. Hopefully she can rest comfortably tonight and build up some strength and regain some coordination, and continue to do so during her recuperation at home.

Please see below for Kara's prayer needs. Thank you.

Chemotherapy Plan

Kara seems to be perking up a bit, and the stroke effects are improving. Her speech is better, and her coordination is coming back a bit in her right side (it is her right side that was affected by the stroke, not her left, as I had stated earlier). She has had the mask made that she will need to wear for the radiation, which will begin tomorrow. She will have ten radiation treatments.

Dr. Lynch has decided on a new chemotherapy drug that has been found to be effective in neuroendocrine cancer. She will probably start that in a few days, after a few rounds of radiation.

Please see below for Kara's prayer needs. Thank you.

Update

Kara will have the whole-brain radiation performed tomorrow. This morning, the staff are doing some prepwork with her for the radiation. We don't know what chemotherapy will be tried next.

Kara is able to speak a bit more easily today. She continues to have vertigo and associated nausea, so is trying to stay still. She is being given drugs to help with those symptoms, which will hopefully dissipate after the radiation.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for comfort and peace for Kara during her hospital stay.
- Please pray that the effects of the stroke diminish.
- Please pray that the treatment plan can go forward as quickly as possible.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Radiation and Chemotherapy

Dr. Tay is ready to go forward with whole-brain radiation. The last time Kara had whole-brain radiation was two and a half-years ago, and Dr. Tay believes that she is a good candidate for doing it again. Dr. Lynch is going to start a new chemotherapy regimen, and is looking into which one will be most effective. Dr. Lynch also feels that Kara's speech problems will resolve over the next day or so. She can speak, but it requires a lot of effort for her to say what she wants to say. We are very hopeful that this will resolve quickly, as not being able to communicate easily must be such a hardship -- very unnerving, disconcerting, and difficult.

I'm sure you all know what Kara's prayer needs are. We are so appreciative of your support and concern for Kara. She has been through so much in the two years since her diagnosis, and we pray that she will be given the ability to persevere further. You give her such strength and encouragement -- there are no words to express our gratitude.

PET Scan Results

The PET Scan shows that the old tumors in Kara's body are active again -- in the lung, liver, and brain. The priority will be to get her on a new chemotherapy drug to try to get the tumors inactive. Dr. Tay believes that he will be able to perform Novalis on some of the brain tumors, notably the one that may be causing her nausea.

Kara has not had further seizure activity today.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's doctors can formulate a promising treatment plan, quickly.
- Please pray for the effects of the stroke to resolve.
- Please pray for comfort and peace for Kara as she awaits the next phase of treatment.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Update

Dr. Lynch has seen Kara this morning, and he feels that the effects of the stroke -- impairment of speech and her ability to use her left side -- may resolve in the next 24-hours or so. She is mentally aware, but cannot verbalize her thoughts well. Dr. Tay will meet with them at 2:30 to go over the PET Scan results and what the plan will be regarding treatment of any brain tumors. Dr. Lynch has also requested another MRI.

Kara is resting in between scans and visits from doctors. She has been moved to a room in the Oncology ward.

Please see below for Kara's prayer needs. Thank you.

In the Hospital

Kara began having seizures last night at home, and was taken to the hospital. It appears that she has had a stroke, and may have some impairment on one side of her body. She is stabilized and in the hospital right now. The plan is to go ahead with her PET scan today, and try to meet with Dr. Tay regarding treatment of the brain tumor that will hopefully reduce the vertigo she has been experiencing.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara remains in stable condition.
- Please pray that the effects of the stroke diminish.
- Please pray for encouraging news from Dr. Tay.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from her body, permanently.

Today is Matt's birthday. Please pray for continued strength for him as he helps Kara through this latest hospitalization.

Thank you.

PET Scan This Week

Kara met with Dr. Lynch today. The MRI revealed that the old tumor in the cerebellum part of her brain is 3 mm larger than on the past scan. Dr. Lynch believes that tumor may be growing again. That may be causing her symptoms of the vertigo,as the cerebellum controls balance. There appears to be swelling around the other old tumor sites, but Dr. Lynch is not certain if the tumors are active, growing, or if it is just swelling.

They will perform a PET Scan hopefully later in the week, and Kara will also meet with Dr. Tay, the Novalis doctor, soon as well.

“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

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that everything that needs to be arranged can be done quickly, and peace and comfort for Kara while she is waiting.
- Please pray for good PET Scan results, and an encouraging meeting with Dr. Tay.
- Please pray that Kara's vertigo problems are resolved quickly.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you. Your continued prayers for Kara are much appreciated, as she finds strength and encouragement in knowing that she is in the thoughts of so many.

Update

Kara is still experiencing very bad vertigo, which results in nausea and an inability to eat much or keep much food down. She had an MRI done on Friday, and will go over the results with Dr. Lynch tomorrow.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the vertigo and nausea go away.
- Please pray that the MRI doesn't show anything new in Kara's brain.
- Please pray that Dr. Lynch can create a treatment plan that is successful in eliminating the cancer while minimizing side effects.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

MRI Friday

Kara continues to have severe vertigo, and she will have an MRI of her brain on Friday to see if the vertigo is related to any growths in her brain. She will find out the results on Tuesday, when she meets with Dr. Lynch. Kara is currently scheduled to start another round of chemo after her meeting with Dr. Lynch.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good results on the MRI.
- Please pray that Kara's vertigo goes away.
- Please pray for comfort for Kara as she waits for the scan results.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body permanently.

Thank you.

Update

Kara has been suffering from severe vertigo this week. She hasn't been able to do much, and we hope that this passes soon. She is also having trouble with her appetite and nausea. She will see Dr. Lynch later in the month, and will have another round of chemo after that.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the vertigo Kara is experiencing passes.
- Please pray that Kara is able to eat more and build herself back up.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.

Thank you.

Neuro-ophthalmologist assessment

The neuro-ophthalmologist did not find anything anything wrong with Kara. He reviewed her MRIs and thinks that the starbursts may be the result of swelling around the former tumor sites in her brain as they slowly go away. Kara's energy is starting to come back. She has been riding a three-wheeled bicycle around the neighborhood.

Neuro-ophthalmologist on Friday

Kara has an appointment with a neuro-ophthalmologist on Friday. She is still experiencing occasional starbursts in her field of vision. Hopefully, the doctor will be able to determine what is causing the starbursts and recommend a treatment. The appointment will last about three hours. The nausea Kara was experiencing last week has fortunately subsided, but it has left her pretty weak.

Prayer requests:
- Pray that the doctor is able make a diagnosis and prescribe a successful treatment.
- Pray that the issue with her vision is something minor and easily treatable.
- Pray to give Kara the strength she needs for her appointment.

Novalis complete, nausea returns.

Kara received the last of her Novalis treatments on Friday. She has been having difficulty tolerating her chemotherapy this week and has been suffering from nausea, which has left her pretty wiped-out. Kara had planned to go with the kids to the Barnum & Bailey circus today, but was not able to do so because of the recent nausea. Aunt Jean is in Houston this weekend and is able to help out.

Prayer requests:

- Please pray that the Novalis is successful in eradicating the cancer near Kara's spleen.
- Please pray that Kara is able to better tolerate her chemotherapy and the nausea ends.
- Please pray to give Kara the physical and emotional strength to help her through this trying time.

Novalis and Temodor

Kara met with Dr. Lynch yesterday. He was pleased with how things are going and will have Kara take the oral chemotherapy drug, Temodor, for the next five days. Also, she began Novalis to treat on the spot near her spleen. She began the Novalis on Monday and will have 10 treatments each weekday over the next two weeks.

Kara (and the rest of us) have enjoyed the visit from some of our relatives from Pennsylvania. Mom and Lois' cousin, Janice, and her family have been down in Texas for the past week. We all spent the Fourth of July in La Grange. Then we all gathered in Austin on Saturday for a picnic lunch near the falls at Bull Creek. Emma got to come up a day early and spend the night with Uncle John and Aunt Carrie. Kara had a busy weekend and had the energy to enjoy it.

We do have some sad news, however. Jean's loyal pet and companion, Lottie, suffered what appeared to be a seizure on Saturday. By the time Lottie arrived at the emergency vet, she had already passed on. There was nothing that could be done. Jean is devastated by the loss. We all will miss the joy that Lottie brought into our lives.

Prayer requests:

- Pray that the new chemotherapy drug is an effective treatment for Kara.
- Pray that the Novalis is able to successfully treat the spot near Kara's spleen.
- Pray to give Kara the physical and emotional strength she needs as she continues her treatment.
- Pray for Jean as she copes with the loss of her beloved pet.

Update

The MRI of Kara's head showed no new tumors, a report that we are very thankful for. Kara will have Novalis performed on the tumors in her abdomen beginning on July 9th. She will have ten days of treatment in a row. By then, she will have completed her first round of the new chemotherapy drug. I believe that the doctors are still considering implanting radiation beads into the tumor in Kara's liver after the Novalis procedure is completed.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the Novalis goes smoothly and is successful.
- Please pray for increased energy and strength for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

After jumping off the diving board.

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Originally uploaded by jeanjean78

Sleepover with Lottie.

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Originally uploaded by jeanjean78

MRI on Monday

Kara has been having occasional starbursts and headaches again, and will be going in for an MRI of her brain on Monday. Please pray that the scan reveals no new growth in her brain.

Kara should begin Novalis next week. She has had the body cast made, and will be ready to go once the doctors tell her what the schedule will be.

Kara has begun her new chemotherapy, and it is a pill that she can take at home, which is very convenient. I believe she is off of the Avastin that she usually gets once a week until after the Novalis has been completed.

Kara, Matt, and the kids have had a nice weekend at home. Aunt Jean got to take Emma and Luke to a movie, dinner, and have them spend the night at the apartment with her, while Matt and Kara went to their friends' anniversary party.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good results with Kara's MRI.
- Please pray that Kara's new chemotherapy is successful, and Kara tolerates it well.
- Please pray that Kara's Novalis can begin soon, and goes smoothly and succesfully.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you!

Novalis

Dr. Lynch has decided to try Novalis on the tumors instead of the other alternatives. Kara went in today to be fitted for a body cast that will be used for her treatments. She is feeling a little "peppier" since receiving the blood transfusion, but still is very fatigued.

Kara, Matt, and the children had a good Father's Day weekend at the farm. The kids played around outside while Kara rested. It rained off and on on Sunday, so the temperature was pleasant, and we were able to all hang out on the porch and play games and relax. Emma was very excited about being able to buy her dad a Father's Day present out of money she had saved from her allowance.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the Novalis procedure goes smoothly and is successful.
- Please pray that Kara can resume chemotherapy soon.
- Please pray for increased energy and strength for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Surgery Consult

Kara met with Dr. Fay, her surgeon, yesterday to discuss the surgical options. Dr. Fay proposed laparoscopically removing the lymph node by the spleen, where the new tumor is. Dr. Teh could implant radiation beads in the liver tumor at that time. To do this, Kara will have to be off of chemo for awhile -- specifically, off of Avastin for four weeks. Dr. Fay will coordinate with Dr. Lynch whether to move forward with preparing for surgery or to try a round of chemotherapy with the new drug Temodor first.

Kara has been feeling very fatigued this week. She will be getting a blood transfusion tomorrow, which will hopefully help her with her energy levels.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's medical team can devise a successful treatment plan.
- Please pray for increased energy and strength for Kara.
- Please pray for peace of mind and comfort for Kara during this break from treatment.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradiacted from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Surgical Plan

Kara was able to see Dr. Teh last week, and he is recommending laparoscopic surgery to remove the tumors in her liver and the one in her lymph node near her adrenal gland. She should hear back in the next couple of days on when that will be scheduled. While she awaits this procedure, she cannot take Avastin, and she is uncertain if she will be put on her new chemo drug until after the procedure. So please pray that the procedure can be scheduled quickly, and for peace of mind for Kara as she awaits it. Hopefully the recovery time for the laparoscopic procedure will be relatively short, and Kara can return to chemotherapy and enjoying an active summer with the children. We are glad that this option is available, and Kara doesn't have to undergo a more invasive procedure.

Kara has been quite fatigued lately, and has to spend more time resting than she'd like. Despite that, she usually tries to join Emma and Luke at the park or the pool when she can -- she has a three-wheeled bicycle that she can easily balance on and get to where she wants to go more quickly.

On one last note, we are very happy to share that Emma and Luke will have a cousin on the Kelly side in January -- Uncle John and Aunt Carrie are expecting their first baby! He or she should arrive just before Luke's fourth birthday. We are all very excited to have this happy event to look forward to -- Kara especially. John has set up a webpage for baby news: http://www.johnandcarriekelly.com.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara can be scheduled for the procedure quickly.
- Please pray for peace of mind and comfort for Kara during this time she is off chemotherapy.
- Please pray for increased energy and strength for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from her body, permanently.

Thank you.

Update

Dr. Lynch was very encouraging again, and will start Kara on a new drug that has been shown to be effective with neuroendocrine cancer. This drug crosses the blood-brain barrier, so it has an effect on tumor growth in the brain. It is a pill that Kara can take by mouth. Kara will also continue to receive Avastin by IV. Kara will meet with the radiotherapist, Dr. Tea, who will evaluate the scans and determine whether Novalis should be used on the spots on her liver and the spot on the lymph node near her spleen. There is no tumor activity in her brain or in her lung, which is very good news.

Emma and Luke have Vacation Bible School this week, and Kara goes with them and helps out with snacks. Emma and Luke love to see her there. They spend a lot of time at the pool -- Emma is quite a swimmer, and Luke is swimming farther and farther. Aunt Katie is there with them this week, and they are getting a kick out of spending time with her.

Kara, Matt, and the kids went to Seaworld over the Memorial Day weekend, and they had a great time. Uncle John and Aunt Carrie joined them, and they had a memorable weekend. The kids loved seeing all the animals at Seaworld, and Kara even tried out one of the roller coasters.

Praises:
- Thank you God for another encouraging meeting with Dr. Lynch.
- Thank you God for the promising new drug.
- Thank you God for the continued prayers and support for Kara from so many.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Dr. Tea has encouraging news for Kara.
- Please pray that this new treatment plan is successful.
- Please pray that Kara tolerates the new drug well.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Meeting with Dr. Lynch Tomorrow

Kara and Matt will meet with Dr. Lynch tomorrow to plan out the next phase of her treatment. Please continue to keep Kara in your prayers, and we will let you know the report from Dr. Lynch when we have it.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for another encouraging visit with Dr. Lynch.
- Please pray that Dr. Lynch can chart a successful treatment path for Kara.
- Please pray for hope and strength for Kara as she begins a new phase of treatment.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you very much.

Scan Results

Kara had scans yesterday and received her scan results today. We are thankful that there are no new tumors in her brain or lungs. The tumor near her adrenal gland is is no longer active and is going away. There does appear to be new growth in her liver and spleen, however. Kara will meet with Dr. Lynch on Tuesday to discuss her treatment regimen in view of the latest scan results.

Prayer requests:

- Pray that Dr. Lynch is able to chart a successful treatment path for Kara.
- Pray that the cancer be completely eradicated from Kara's body.
- Pray to give Kara the hope and strength she needs as she continues her treatment.

Scans Next Week

Kara will have another set of scans performed next Tuesday. Rather than getting the results the same day or next, we won't know the results until Thursday at the earliest. Please pray for good results -- no new tumors and shrinking of the existing tumors.

The kids have finished up the school year, and Kara has been enjoying having them home with her during the day. They enjoy playing "school," with Emma and Luke taking turns playing the teacher. They have also made several trips to the zoo -- Kara has found that with renting an electric chair, she can get around the zoo without getting too worn out. Emma and Luke have also been spending a lot of time in the pool.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good results from the scans next week.
- Please pray for peace and comfort for Kara as she awaits the scan results.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you. Your thoughtful and encouraging words, on the blog and in the mail, are so uplifiting to Kara.

Transfusion Today

Kara received a blood transfusion today to help with her low bloodcounts. This week she will just receive the Avastin, and hopefully she will be able to receive both drugs next week as scheduled.

We all had a fun time at the farm for Mother's Day -- it was great porch weather! Kara and the kids camped out in a tent on the yard on Saturday night, and both of the "city" kids were amazed by all the sounds. Emma even said she could hear the lightning bugs turning their lights on and off! Luke wore his camouflage pajamas so that the bears couldn't see him. Emma and Luke had made Kara some sweet Mother's Day presents at school.

Kara has another set of scans coming up at the end of the month. Please keep her in your prayers for good results.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good results for Kara's scans.
- Please pray that Kara can receive her full chemotherapy next week.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from her body, permanently.

Thank you.

Chemo Today

Kara will be getting her full chemotherapy today -- both drugs. She will need a blood transfusion next week, though.

Kara, Matt, and the kids will come to the farm tomorrow after Emma's soccer game, and we will enjoy a nice Mother's Day together.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's blood transfusion next week goes smoothly.
- Please pray for energy and strength for Kara so that she can enjoy Mother's Day with her children.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from her body, permanently.

Thank you.

Meeting with Dr. Lynch

Kara and Matt met with Dr. Lynch yesterday. He continues to be pleased with Kara's progress. She will stay on her current treatment plan (chemo one week with just Avastin, the next week with Avastin and another drug), and they will repeat the scans at the end of the month.

Emma and Luke came to the farm this weekend as a birthday surprise for Mimi. We had a good time playing around the farm as usual, and went to a festival at a church in a small Czech community near La Grange, where the kids had fun listening to the polka band and playing games.

Kara kept Emma home from school on Monday for some special time while Luke stayed on at the farm. They went through all of Emma's trip photos and made some scrapbooks for Emma to remember it by.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good scan results this month.
- Please pray that Kara can continue on her chemo regimen as planned.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Luke to the recscue

Here is Luke driving Emma back to the farmhouse after a minor 'injury' (a grass cut on her finger obtained while feeding the cows).

Good Results!

The scan of Kara's brain showed that there were no new growths, and that the tumors that had been there previously are stable or dissolving. Kara has not had any of the flashes of light in a few days, so that may have just been a random anomaly. Fortunately the origin of the flashes does not appear to be cancer-related.

Praises:
- Thank you God for the encouraging scan results that reassure Kara that her treatment is working.
- Thank you God for the advances in diagnostic tools, radiation, and other treatment options that are helping Kara. Thank you also for her skilled and caring health care providers.
- Thank you God that Kara has tolerated her current treatment plan so well.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's bloodcounts remain high.
- Please pray for increased energy and strength for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you. Your continued support and encouragement for Kara throughout these past two years has been invaluable and greatly appreciated.

Scans Tuesday

Kara has been having some flashes of light in one of her eyes, and she has been scheduled to have scans performed on Tuesday. The cause may not be cancer-related, but they are going to rule that out first.

Thankfully, Kara was able to get her full chemotherapy this week -- both drugs.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good scan results.
- Please pray that Kara's vision problem is easily fixed.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Update

Kara will have some more bloodwork done tomorrow; please pray that her counts are up so that she can receive her full chemotherapy this week.

Emma and I had a great time at Disney World -- she enjoyed all the traditional rides (Dumbo, Teacups), tried a couple rollercoasters, and got a big kick out of having dinner in EPCOT. She was very excited to see her mommy, daddy, and especially Luke when we returned. Luke spent most of last week at the farm, and he felt like a very big boy -- feeding the cows, riding all over the property, and having a bonfire.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's bloodcounts are high enough for her to receive her full chemotherapy.
- Please pray for increased energy and strength for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

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Emma and her Morrocan dinner. Ha!

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In Adventureland, after riding Splash Mountain!

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No Chemo Today

Kara's blood counts were too low for her to receive chemotherapy today. She was still able to receive the Avastin treatment. Emma and Aunt Jean are having a good time at Disneyworld. Emma called Luke after visiting the Animal Kingdom to share the experience with him. Luke has been at the farm with Mimi and Doc and has the place all to himself. He'll come home for the weekend to enjoy Mommy & Daddy's undivided attention. Emma and Aunt Jean will return Sunday.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's blood counts improve.
- Please pray that Kara will be able to resume chemotherapy next week.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

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Lunch in Africa of Animal Kingdom. Mickey plate! Next stop: safari!

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A hug from Cinderella

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Dinner with Cinderella in her castle!

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Update

Kara has been doing well this week, and hopes to get her full chemo on Friday. Last week she was able to proceed with her chemotherapy as planned (last week was one of the weeks when she only gets the one drug that does not deplete her white blood cells).

Emma and I leave for Walt Disney World tomorrow, and we are both very excited (please pray for safe travel for us)! Luke will get to spend some "big boy" time at the farm with Mimi and Doc, and he is thrilled about that. Kara and Matt will be able to enjoy some "couple time" to themselves.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara is able to get her full chemotherapy this week.
- Please pray for increased energy and strength for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Meeting with Dr. Lynch

Kara and Matt met with Dr. Lynch today, and Dr. Lynch was very encouraging. Kara will have four more weeks of the current chemo regimen, and then she will meet with Dr. Lynch again.

Praises:
- Thank you God for another encouraging appointment with Dr. Lynch.
- Thank you God for providing Kara with talented and caring health care providers.
- Thank you God for the advances in treatment that have benefitted Kara and others with cancer.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara can continue her chemotherapy uninterrupted.
- Please pray for increased energy and stamina for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Cowboy Luke

Luke Jumping!

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Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

Emma the Angler

Here is Emma fishing a few weeks ago at Fayetteville Lake with her new Barbie fishing pole. Unfortunately the fish weren't biting.

Update

Kara has an appointment with Dr. Lynch tomorrow to discuss her progress and the next phase of her treatment.

We had a good Easter weekend at the farm. The weather wasn't what we were expecting, but we managed to have a lot of fun. The electricity went out for a couple of hours on Saturday, but came back on before it got too cold inside! Uncle John and Aunt Carrie had planned a short trip to Port Aransas, but found it was too cold and surprised us on Saturday afternoon by coming to the farm.

On Easter morning, the kids were up at 6:30 in the morning to see what the Easter Bunny brought them, and then we all went to First United Methodist Church in La Grange for Easter morning service. It quit raining and warmed up a bit on Sunday, so the kids spent most of the afternoon running around outside.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for a good report from Dr. Lynch on Tuesday.
- Please pray that Kara can continue her chemotherapy this week.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Jumping!

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Happy Easter!

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Emma and Tess

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Bluebonnets

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Bluebonnets at the Farm

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Chemotherapy

Kara was able to get her full chemotherapy on Thursday. She's pretty tired from it, but very glad that the transfusion enabled her to stay on track with her treatment.

We are all at the farm for Easter. The weather here is really unseasonably cold and rainy -- it's 38 degrees! We're doing indoor activities today -- we dyed Easter Eggs and had a "trial run" Easter Egg hunt. Yesterday was a beautiful spring day, though, and we enjoyed running around outside, taking Bluebonnet photos and playing with the cows.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for energy for Kara so she can enjoy the holiday weekend.
- Please pray that Kara is able to continue with her treatment as scheduled.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you, and we hope you all have a very Happy Easter with your friends and family.

After a visit from the ice cream man.

Update

Kara will go in for her blood transfusion today, and then hopefully her bloodcounts will be up high enough for her to receive her full chemotherapy on Thursday.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the transfusion is complication-free.
- Please pray that Kara can receive her full chemotherapy this week.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

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Big sister reading to her little brother.

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Emma dressed up as a fairy at a friend's birthday party.

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Yummy chocolate shake!

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Emma and her snake friend! There are lots of little (non-poisonous!) garden snakes that live under rocks at the farm. The kids like to turn over the rocks and find them.

Blood Transfusion

Kara was able to get her full chemotherapy today, but her bloodcounts are low. She will probably need a blood transfusion next week. Please pray that there are no complications from the transfusion, and that Kara is able to stay on schedule with her chemotherapy next week. Please pray that the cancer is permanently eradicated from Kara's body.

Thank you.

Update

Kara was able to get her full chemotherapy last week, and had the Novalis performed on Friday. The mask method is much easier and more comfortable than the halo method.

Emma had her first soccer practice last night, and likes her coach, and did a very good job. It looked like she even scored a goal! She and Luke stay busy with school, tumbling, and trips to the zoo.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the Novalis was successful.
- Please pray that Kara is able to receive her full chemotherapy this week.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from her body, permanently.

Thank you.

Novalis Tomorrow

Kara will have chemotherapy this morning (hopefully her bloodcounts will be high enough to have her full chemo), and then will have the run-through for the Novalis this afternoon. They will be using a mask, rather than the halo device that screws into her head, which will be less painful for Kara, and will allow her to continue her chemotherapy uninterrupted (when using the halo, she has to go off any drugs that reduce her platelets). Tomorrow, Kara will have the Novalis procedure done on three places in her brain.

Kara's been fighting a bit of a cold this week, but is feeling much better. Luke appears to be over his GI bug. Kara and Emma went to Horn Elementary on Monday for Emma's kindergarten enrollment/orientation -- it's hard to believe that Emma's going to be starting school next year!

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara can receive her full chemotherapy today.
- Please pray that the Novalis procedure is successful.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Novalis

Kara is having a special MRI performed tonight to ascertain whether the two smaller spots are her brain are previously treated tumors that are dissolving, or if they require radiation as well. She will probably have the Novalis performed at the end of next week.

Luke is feeling a little better, but as of yesterday still had a fever off and on.

Matt's grandmother passed away today, at the age of 99. Matt and his family are in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the Novalis procedure is successful in destroying all the tumors in Kara's brain.
- Please pray that Kara can receive her full chemotherapy tomorrow.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Meeting with Dr. Lynch

Kara met with Dr. Lynch yesterday, and the plan is to continue with her current chemotherapy regimen, and to meet with the Novalis doctor to set up a time for the Novalis procedure. Kara has three spots in her brain, but only one is large enough to need to be treated at this time.

Kara, Emma, and Luke have come to the farm for a couple of days during the kids' spring break. Luke has been fighting a virus since Friday, and has been feeling pretty yucky. But Emma has been having a good time -- fishing, feeding the cows, long walks on the property, baby snake hunting, and just running around.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the chemotherapy and Novalis are successful.
- Please pray for increased energy and stamina for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Great Results

Kara's scans revealed only one new tumor -- a small tumor in her brain -- and that all her existing tumors are shrinking. She and Matt will meet with Dr. Lynch on Tuesday to go over the results more thoroughly, and discuss what her treatment plan will be. Most likely she will receive Novalis again on the brain tumor. We are so thankful that the Novalis procedure is available, and has been so successful in treating Kara's tumors!

Praises;
- Thank you God for the good scan results.
- Thank you God for all of the developments in technology and medicine that have been so beneficial to Kara, and for all the doctors and nurses who have been treating Kara these past two-plus years.
- Thank you God for the blessings in Kara's life that sometimes get overlooked when we focus on what Kara's needs are. Thank you for giving Kara such a loving, supportive husband, and two wonderful children -- she loves her family so much. Thank you for all of the prayers and encouragement for Kara from her family, friends, church, and "blog friends."

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for an encouraging treatment plan from Dr. Lynch.
- Please pray that Kara's blood counts are high enough to continue with her chemotherapy.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Scans Today

Kara's scans will be today at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. We will probably have the results tonight or tomorrow morning. Please keep Kara in your prayers.

You will keep in perfect peace,
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.
- Isaiah 26:3-4

Thank you.

Scans Wednesday

Kara will have PET Scans run on Wednesday to check on her progress. Please pray for good test results, and please let others know of Kara's prayer needs. We will let you know the results when we do.

Thank you.

Plan

Kara and Matt met with Dr. Lynch yesterday, and the plan is for Kara to receive her usual chemotherapy this week, and have scans next week. Kara will meet with Dr. Lynch the following week to go over the scan results and the next phase of treatment.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara can receive her chemotherapy this week.
- Please pray for good scan results.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara' s body, permanently.

Thank you.

Meeting with Dr. Lynch

Kara has an appointment with Dr. Lynch tomorrow to discuss what the next phase of her treatment plan will be. Kara was able to receive her full chemotherapy last week, and so that was great news. We anticipate that Kara may have some more scans this week.

Kara continues to tolerate the chemotherapy pretty well, but she is feeling more fatigued from it.

Matt has a conference to attend in San Antonio this weekend, so Kara and the kids will spend the weekend at the farm. Hopefully the weather will be warm, and Kara can enjoy some time out on the porch or playing with the kids.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Dr. Lynch has an encouraging plan.
- Please pray for good test/scan results.
- Please pray for increased energy for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Update

Kara was able to receive her full chemotherapy regimen on Friday. She and Matt and the kids enjoyed the long weekend, and on Monday, Kara and Matt went to Emma and Luke's parent-teacher conferences (Emma and Luke both got good reports!).

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for Kara's bloodcounts, and that she can continue with chemotherapy this week.
- Please pray for good results on Kara's upcoming PET scans.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is one of Kara's favorite holidays, and she and the kids have been making Valentine's art projects and goodies in anticipation of the big day. They were baking Valentine's cookies this afternoon. We're so thankful that she has the energy to do all the fun stuff she likes to do with the kids.

Kara will have bloodwork done tomorrow, and we're hoping that her counts will be high enough to continue with a third week of full chemo in a row on Friday.

Kara and Matt enjoyed their little break in Waco, though it was pretty cold for Kara! Luke had a big time at the farm, and Emma came up to Austin -- John, Carrie, and I took her to Pedernales Falls State Park, and she had a blast rock climbing, exploring, and seeing her first rattlesnake (it was actually all of our first time to see a rattlesnake!).

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara can have full chemo this week.
- Please pray that Kara's upcoming scans are good.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Visit with Doctor Lynch

Kara met with Dr. Lynch earlier this week, and Dr. Lynch was pleased with how she is doing. She had a bone density scan to check on whether the chemotherapy has leached some calcium out of her bones. Kara was able to have her chemotherapy today (woohoo!), and she and Matt are headed to Waco for the cancer survivors' conference. Hopefully they will have an enjoyable and informative time. Kara says that she's supposed to participate in a ropes course tomorrow morning, so she may be in for a workout!

The plan is for Kara to receive a few more rounds of chemo, and then to have more scans done to check on the status of the tumors. This will probably happen in March -- we will let you know more precisely when as we know.

Praises:
- Thank you God for Dr. Lynch's encouraging report.
- Thank you God that Kara has been able to continue with her chemotherapy this week.
- Thank you God that Kara has been feeling "good" lately, and able to do more of the things she wants to do.
- Thank you God for the continued support and prayers of Kara's family and friends, including those who have never met Kara, but have heard of her prayer needs and have been praying for her.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara can continue her next few rounds of chemotherapy uninterrupted.
- Please pray for good scan results on the upcoming scans.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you. Thank you all, again, for your unflagging support of Kara and her family. We have reached the second anniversary of Kara's diagnosis, and this page has had over 24,000 hits -- that's about 1,000 hits a month! It is so reassuring and comforting for us to know that there are many people caring and praying for Kara. We are thankful for your continued presence in Kara's life during this long, challenging road to healing.

Update

Kara was able to have chemotherapy on Friday. Hopefully she will have her fourth round this week, and then she will have more scans run to check on the status of things.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's bloodcounts remain high enough to continue with chemo this week.
- Please pray for good results on the upcoming tests.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

White Counts Still Down

Kara's white counts are still too far down to receive chemotherapy at this time. Please pray that her counts rise, and she can have her chemotherapy at the end of the week and, as always, for the permanent eradication of the cancer from Kara's body. Thank you.

White Counts Down

Kara's white blood cell counts are down, and she cannot have her chemotherapy this week. Please pray that her bloodcounts rise, so she can continue with her treatment quickly.

Thank you.

Kara, Luke, and Emma

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Luke took the car off the top of his cake... and discovered it had icing on it!

Happy Birthday, Luke!

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Kara and Matt and the Kids

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Emma and Kara are looking at the camera... while the boys are looking at their toys!

Kara, Luke, and Cake

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Kara and Luke and his "Cars" cake (Kara was wearing Emma's play "dress-up" fur to keep warm).

Update

Luke had his third birthday party at the farm last weekend, and had a great turnout of friends from Houston and Austin. He and Emma and their friends had a fun time running around the farm. Kara had planned a great party, and she, Mom, and Matt's Mom pulled it all together so that Luke had a very memorable time. I was under the weather and didn't get many photos, but I'll see what I have (hopefully some good ones!), and post them tonight.

Kara continues to have more energy, and hasn't picked up any bugs so she is feeling pretty good. She will continue with her chemotherapy this week, and seems to be tolerating that well. I am not sure when her next scans are, but I will let you know as I do.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara continues to tolerate the chemotherapy well.
- Please pray for insurance company approval of the Avastin.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Luke's Birthday

Kara, Matt and the kids will be coming to the farm this weekend to celebrate Luke's third birthday. The weather here in Texas has been uncharacteristically wintery, but we're hoping for a thaw so we can enjoy running around outside.

Kara received her chemotherapy this week, and seems to have tolerated it well so far. Matt's mom is in town, and they have been busy doing little projects around the house.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara continues to tolerate the chemotherapy well.
- Please pray for insurance company approval of the Avastin.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Meeting with Dr. Lynch

Kara and Matt had their appointment with Dr. Lynch today to go over the scan results and the course of Kara's treatment. She will continue to receive the Avastin once a week, and will also be given a low dose of a new drug in the Tamoxifin family once a week. Kara has not had this drug before, and it could cause some mild side effects like nausea and hair loss. Kara will see Dr. Lynch again in four weeks.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara tolerates this new chemotherapy well, and has minimal side effects.
- Please pray for energy for Kara, and that she avoids picking up colds and bugs.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from her body, permanently.

Thank you.

Scan Results

Kara's PET Scan revealed that the tumors she had previously were either the same size or reduced in size. She has two new, small tumors on her liver. The Avastin can take a couple of months to be fully effective, so these results aren't unexpected, and we're glad to know that the existing tumors have been kept at bay by the Avastin. Kara will meet with Dr. Lynch next week to go over the results fully and find out the new plan.

Praises:
- Thank you God that Kara's older tumors seem to be responding to the Avastin.
- Thank you God for the skilled health care providers that have been tailoring her treatment.
- Thank you God that Kara's been feeling better and has had more energy recently, and she's been able to participate in her children's activities.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for an encouraging plan from Dr. Lynch.
- Please pray for insurance company approval of Avastin.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Happy New Year!

Kara and the family enjoyed a very merry Christmas together. Emma received a children's digital camera, and took about 500 photos on Christmas Day! Luke got a lot of "Cars"-related toys that he lvoed. They spent a couple of days at the farm, and enjoyed it as usual -- Emma enjoys exploring the property, and Luke loves to run around in the Gator and play with his cars.

Kara has another series of scans on Wednesday, January 3rd. Please keep her in your prayers for good results, that the tumors have shrunk, and no new ones have formed.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good test results.
- Please pray for insurance company approval of Avastin.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you for another year of prayers and support, and we hope that 2007 will be a very good year for our family and all of our friends.

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Merry Christmas!

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Update

Kara was not able to join us at The Nutcracker last weekend, as she had come down with a stomach bug. That was very disappointing, since she had not been able to go last year, either, due to being sick, and had been looking forward to going this year. Luckily we are going to see the Radio City Music Hall Christmas show this weekend, and hopefully she'll be able to attend that and have fun dressing up and going downtown with Emma. We will be spending Christmas Eve in Houston, and head to the farm after we've seen Santa's goodies on Christmas morning!

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Kara did recover from her bug in time to join Matt in playing Joseph and Mary in their church's live nativity scene earlier in the week. She and Matt have had some good news in that Matt will be teaching a course in physiology at the University of St. Thomas next semester, trying his hand at being "Professor." Matt also has helped start a website dedicated to providing advice and support to spouses of young cancer patients(www.youngcancerspouses.org).

Kara will have another round of tests after Christmas to see how the Avastin is working. Other than this latest bug, she had been feeling pretty good and energized the past few weeks, and we are very thankful for that.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good test results.
- Please pray that the insurance company pays for the Avastin.
- Plesae pray for energy for Kara, so that she can enjoy the holidays.
- Please pray the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you. Please have a very merry Christmas, and enjoy your holiday celebrations with your friends and family.

The Nutcracker

The girls will go see The Nutcracker this weekend in Houston, and Emma will also be singing with her choir on Sunday for her church's Christmas Pageant. Kara continues to feel more like herself, and keeps busy with holiday activities.

Kara will have another round of tests after Christmas to see how the Avastin is working.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good test results.
- Please pray that the insurance company pays for the Avastin.
- Plesae pray for energy for Kara, so that she can enjoy the holidays.
- Please pray the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.

Update

Mom has been fighting a bad case of Staph infection, but is doing much better. Kara and the kids were tested for it, and the kids have come back as negative, and hopefully Kara will, too. Both Dad and Mom are on some anti-Staph drugs.

Kara, Matt, and the kids have decorated their house for Christmas, and are getting in the holiday spirit. Kara, Carrie, Emma, and I will be going to The Nutcracker in Houston weekend after next. Pictures with Santa will be coming up soon!

Kara continues to receive Avastin this week, and has been tolerating it well.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that for continued energy for Kara, so that she may enjoy the holidays.
- Please pray for insurance company approval of Avastin.
- Please pray that she continues to tolerate Avastin well.
- Please pray for that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.

Thank you.