Kara met with her Novalis doctor today, and he was very pleased with the scan results. There is no new growth in her brain, and he believes the spots that were treated are resolving. We are all very happy with and thankful for this news! The plan remains for Kara to continue with the Herceptin infusions for the rest of the month, and then she will return to getting more aggressive chemotherapy.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's body continues its healing, and that she feels less fatigued.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Update
Emma's party went very well; Emma and a few of her little girl friends from school had a fun time painting pottery. Kara was able to go and oversee everything, with help from Mom.
Kara has scans of her brain tomorrow. Kara continues to have some dizzy spells, and she is concerned there may be more brain tumors. Please pray for good results!
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good scan results.
- Please pray for peace and comfort for Kara as she awaits the results.
- Please pray that Kara feels better, with greater energy and stamina.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from her body, permanently.
Thank you.
Kara has scans of her brain tomorrow. Kara continues to have some dizzy spells, and she is concerned there may be more brain tumors. Please pray for good results!
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good scan results.
- Please pray for peace and comfort for Kara as she awaits the results.
- Please pray that Kara feels better, with greater energy and stamina.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from her body, permanently.
Thank you.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Under the Weather
Kara has been having a fever and feeling very fatigued, with dizzy spells, for the past couple of days. She had a flu shot on Sunday, and we hope that she is just feeling mild side effects from that. Emma's birthday is tomorrow, and Kara has spent a lot of time and energy planning festivities for it, and she is disappointed she may miss them after so looking forward to them. Kara asks that you pray that she might feel better tomorrow so she can go to Emma's birthday party. Little things like that mean so much to Kara.
Kara has scans of her brain on Friday to check on things, and we ask that you let your friends, family, and prayer groups know of this prayer need.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for improved health for Kara.
- Please pray for good scan results for her scans on Friday.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you.
Kara has scans of her brain on Friday to check on things, and we ask that you let your friends, family, and prayer groups know of this prayer need.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for improved health for Kara.
- Please pray for good scan results for her scans on Friday.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Update
Kara's bloodcounts are rising -- her hemoglobin count is higher than it has been in months. She continues to feel better and have more energy, and is busy planning Emma’s upcoming birthday festivities and Halloween activities for the kids.
She will have another scan of her brain at the end of the month, on October 20th, I believe.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good test results.
- Please pray that Kara continues to grow stronger.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara’s body, permanently.
Thank you.
She will have another scan of her brain at the end of the month, on October 20th, I believe.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good test results.
- Please pray that Kara continues to grow stronger.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara’s body, permanently.
Thank you.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Novalis Completed
Kara has finished up all of the Novalis treatments. She is looking forward to a quiet weekend with Matt and the kids, and hopefully getting some energy back. The rest of the month she will continue with the Herceptin only, and then in November they plan to start back with more aggressive chemotherapy.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the Novalis was successful.
- Please pray that Kara's test results in November are good.
- Please pray for increased energy for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the Novalis was successful.
- Please pray that Kara's test results in November are good.
- Please pray for increased energy for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Update
Kara had a dizzy spell today after her Novalis treatment, so she is going to stay and get some IV fluids before she comes home. She has had other dizzy spells for a week or so, and no one really knows what the cause is. Her heart is fine. It may be swelling from the three small tumors in her brain or from the Novalis on her brain. Or it may be that she's undernourished since she has so little of an appetite. Hopefully the fluids will help.
Please pray that the dizzines passes, and she can continue with her treatment as planned. Thank you.
Please pray that the dizzines passes, and she can continue with her treatment as planned. Thank you.
Meeting with Dr. Lynch
Dr. Lynch continues to be very pleased with Kara's progress. He feels very positive, and feels good about her prognosis. He and Kara share the same birthday, and he told her that he thinks they will share many more birthdays together.
The plan is for her to finish her Novalis treatments and continue with the Herceptin. Kara has Novalis on her lungs today, Friday, Monday, and Wednesday. Kara will take Herceptin only for the month of October to help build back up her bone marrow. Scans will be repeated in November, and then they will resume more aggressive chemotherapy. Dr. Lynch feels the Novalis will obliterate all the cancer currently seen, and that the Herceptin has been doing a nice job of keeping new tumors at bay. The EKG of Kara's heart looks good, so the Herceptin is not placing a strain on that.
Kara took Emma to see a musical of Pippi Longstocking last weekend, which Emma really loved. Luke's new toy is a model of the human body with removable organs, and he gets a kick out of being told how water and food go through the body. He's pretty good at remembering the names of the organs, and knows how many kidneys he has and can point to where they are on his body. Emma knows all the organs, and had to show Aunt Jean where the spleen was.
Emma and Luke also tried on their Halloween costumes that Kara ordered for them, and liked them so much, we had a hard time getting them to change (Luke especially!). Emma and Kara took Mimi and Doc's dogs to school with her for show and tell yesterday morning, and Emma enjoyed sharing them with her classmates. Emma's birthday is coming up in October, and Kara and Matt would like to take the kids to Seaworld in San Antonio in a couple of weeks, if Kara feels up to it.
Kara has been feeling pretty fatigued lately, and we hope that continuing to let her bone marrow replenish and her body heal will help with that. It's hard for Kara to rest as much as she should with all of the kids' activities.
Praises:
- Thank you God for providing Kara with such knowledgeable and reassuring doctors, nurses, and other health care providers.
- Thank you God for an encouraging report from Dr. Lynch.
- Thank you God that Kara has gotten through her brain Novalis without complications. It is a very uncomfortable procedure, and we are thankful that is over.
- Thank you God for the blessing that Emma and Luke are to Matt and Kara, and the rest of the family. They have enriched Kara's life and encouraged her throughout this long treatment process.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for the safe and succesful completion of the Novalis procedures.
- Please pray for good test results in November.
- Please pray for increased energy and vitality for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you.
The plan is for her to finish her Novalis treatments and continue with the Herceptin. Kara has Novalis on her lungs today, Friday, Monday, and Wednesday. Kara will take Herceptin only for the month of October to help build back up her bone marrow. Scans will be repeated in November, and then they will resume more aggressive chemotherapy. Dr. Lynch feels the Novalis will obliterate all the cancer currently seen, and that the Herceptin has been doing a nice job of keeping new tumors at bay. The EKG of Kara's heart looks good, so the Herceptin is not placing a strain on that.
Kara took Emma to see a musical of Pippi Longstocking last weekend, which Emma really loved. Luke's new toy is a model of the human body with removable organs, and he gets a kick out of being told how water and food go through the body. He's pretty good at remembering the names of the organs, and knows how many kidneys he has and can point to where they are on his body. Emma knows all the organs, and had to show Aunt Jean where the spleen was.
Emma and Luke also tried on their Halloween costumes that Kara ordered for them, and liked them so much, we had a hard time getting them to change (Luke especially!). Emma and Kara took Mimi and Doc's dogs to school with her for show and tell yesterday morning, and Emma enjoyed sharing them with her classmates. Emma's birthday is coming up in October, and Kara and Matt would like to take the kids to Seaworld in San Antonio in a couple of weeks, if Kara feels up to it.
Kara has been feeling pretty fatigued lately, and we hope that continuing to let her bone marrow replenish and her body heal will help with that. It's hard for Kara to rest as much as she should with all of the kids' activities.
Praises:
- Thank you God for providing Kara with such knowledgeable and reassuring doctors, nurses, and other health care providers.
- Thank you God for an encouraging report from Dr. Lynch.
- Thank you God that Kara has gotten through her brain Novalis without complications. It is a very uncomfortable procedure, and we are thankful that is over.
- Thank you God for the blessing that Emma and Luke are to Matt and Kara, and the rest of the family. They have enriched Kara's life and encouraged her throughout this long treatment process.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for the safe and succesful completion of the Novalis procedures.
- Please pray for good test results in November.
- Please pray for increased energy and vitality for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Novalis Completed
Kara's Novalis procedure on her brain has been completed, and the uncomfortable halo-device they use has been removed and she is resting. She and Matt will probably be home in about an hour.
Kara had another CT Scan performed just before the Novalis procedure, and two more little spots had appeared. So she had Novalis on those as well as the first spot. We are a bit disappointed that there were more spots, but she'll get back on the chemo and persevere in her treatment.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the Novalis procedures go successfully and smoothly.
- Please pray that Kara can continue chemotherapy uninterrupted.
- Please pray for increased energy for Kara, and for continued hope and good spirits.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you.
Kara had another CT Scan performed just before the Novalis procedure, and two more little spots had appeared. So she had Novalis on those as well as the first spot. We are a bit disappointed that there were more spots, but she'll get back on the chemo and persevere in her treatment.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the Novalis procedures go successfully and smoothly.
- Please pray that Kara can continue chemotherapy uninterrupted.
- Please pray for increased energy for Kara, and for continued hope and good spirits.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Novalis on Thursday
Kara will have her brain Novalis procedure on Thursday. The lung procedure has not been scheduld yet, but should follow shortly. Kara had her Herceptin shot yesterday, and her bloodwork results came back and she can proceed with her chemotherapy. They are going to cut the dose of the chemo, in hopes her counts won't be so diminished after each treatment and she can continue without interruptions. Chemo has not been scheduled yet.
Kara has been feeling fatigued and light-headed recently. She is not anemic, and it may just be from a cold or bug. She likes to stay as busy with the kids as possible, but sometimes it wears her out.
Kara has enjoyed being active in the back-to-school season with the kids, and is looking forward to the Fall holidays and birthdays. Both Emma and Luke are doing well in school and love their teachers. Luke's teacher had a nosebleed one day, and Luke took her hand, led her to a chair, applied pressure to her nose, and kissed her forehead. We're not sure where he picked up that little nursing tidbit, but he's certainly grown into a very sweet little boy. Emma continues to excel (and we're not biased!) with her artwork. Emma and Luke are going to be Tinkerbelle and Peter Pan for Halloween, and and are very excited about it, as they've been watching "Peter Pan" over and over!
Luke is going to spend the night with Uncle John and Aunt Carrie this coming weekend, and he's sure to have a great time as a "big boy." Kara is going to take Emma to a play of Pippi Longstocking on Saturday. It should be a fun weekend for everyone!
My steps have held to your paths;
My feet have not slipped.
I call on you, O God, for you will answer me;
Give ear to me and hear my prayer.
Show the wonder of your great love,
You who save by your right hand
Those who take refuge in you from their foes.
- Psalm 17:5-7
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the Novalis procedures go successfully and smoothly.
- Please pray that Kara can continue chemotherapy uninterrupted.
- Please pray for increased energy for Kara, and for continued hope and good spirits.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you. Your cards and words of encouragement always lift Kara's spirits, and always seem to come at exactly the right time. It's been over a year and a half since Kara was first diagnosed, and though it hasn't been easy, Kara continues to persevere with hope, faith, and confidence in God's love for her.
Kara has been feeling fatigued and light-headed recently. She is not anemic, and it may just be from a cold or bug. She likes to stay as busy with the kids as possible, but sometimes it wears her out.
Kara has enjoyed being active in the back-to-school season with the kids, and is looking forward to the Fall holidays and birthdays. Both Emma and Luke are doing well in school and love their teachers. Luke's teacher had a nosebleed one day, and Luke took her hand, led her to a chair, applied pressure to her nose, and kissed her forehead. We're not sure where he picked up that little nursing tidbit, but he's certainly grown into a very sweet little boy. Emma continues to excel (and we're not biased!) with her artwork. Emma and Luke are going to be Tinkerbelle and Peter Pan for Halloween, and and are very excited about it, as they've been watching "Peter Pan" over and over!
Luke is going to spend the night with Uncle John and Aunt Carrie this coming weekend, and he's sure to have a great time as a "big boy." Kara is going to take Emma to a play of Pippi Longstocking on Saturday. It should be a fun weekend for everyone!
My steps have held to your paths;
My feet have not slipped.
I call on you, O God, for you will answer me;
Give ear to me and hear my prayer.
Show the wonder of your great love,
You who save by your right hand
Those who take refuge in you from their foes.
- Psalm 17:5-7
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the Novalis procedures go successfully and smoothly.
- Please pray that Kara can continue chemotherapy uninterrupted.
- Please pray for increased energy for Kara, and for continued hope and good spirits.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you. Your cards and words of encouragement always lift Kara's spirits, and always seem to come at exactly the right time. It's been over a year and a half since Kara was first diagnosed, and though it hasn't been easy, Kara continues to persevere with hope, faith, and confidence in God's love for her.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Novalis Postponed
The doctor that performs Kara's Novalis has pushed back her Novalis treatment while he continues to work out the plan. Kara thinks the treatments may begin later in the week or next week.
Kara learned a lot from the conference, which had discussions on topics like "Chemo Brain," neuropathy, and talking to your children about cancer. There were also several celebrity speakers who gave talks, such as a San Antonio news anchor who had battled cancer, and Evan Handler, an actor who had luekemia in his mid-20s. Kara also enjoyed staying at the hotel and swimming in its nifty indoor-outdoor pool.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the Novalis is scheduled soon, and that the procedures go smoothly and successfully.
- Please pray that Kara can resume chemotherapy uninterrupted.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you.
Kara learned a lot from the conference, which had discussions on topics like "Chemo Brain," neuropathy, and talking to your children about cancer. There were also several celebrity speakers who gave talks, such as a San Antonio news anchor who had battled cancer, and Evan Handler, an actor who had luekemia in his mid-20s. Kara also enjoyed staying at the hotel and swimming in its nifty indoor-outdoor pool.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the Novalis is scheduled soon, and that the procedures go smoothly and successfully.
- Please pray that Kara can resume chemotherapy uninterrupted.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Novalis
It looks like Kara will get Novalis on her brain next Wednesday, and then a series of Novalis treatments on her lungs the following week.
Kara, Matt, and the kids came up to the farm on Saturday for the day, and the kids had fun running around and feeding the cows. Emma and Luke are enjoying school, and Emma is back in a tumbling class once a week.
Kara and Matt are attending a cancer-survivors seminar today and tomorrow in Houston, where hopefully Kara will get some good tips on "whole body" healing -- nutrition, exercise, rest, etc.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the Novalis procedures are successful and go smoothly.
- Please pray that Kara can resume chemotherapy soon.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you.
Kara, Matt, and the kids came up to the farm on Saturday for the day, and the kids had fun running around and feeding the cows. Emma and Luke are enjoying school, and Emma is back in a tumbling class once a week.
Kara and Matt are attending a cancer-survivors seminar today and tomorrow in Houston, where hopefully Kara will get some good tips on "whole body" healing -- nutrition, exercise, rest, etc.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the Novalis procedures are successful and go smoothly.
- Please pray that Kara can resume chemotherapy soon.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Insurance Company Comes Through
Kara's insurance company just called and said that they are going to go ahead and pay for her Herceptin treatments. So thankfully, Kara, Matt, and Dr. Lynch will not have to continue to fight with them over this issue. Kara is very excited, and is looking forward to hopefully continuing her chemo this week and concentrating on getting better.
Praises:
- Thank you God for answering our prayers regarding coverage for Kara's drugs.
- Thank you God for Kara's good test results last week.
- Thank you God for continuing to hear our prayers.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the Novalis procedures are successful and go smoothly.
- Please pray that Kara can continue with her chemotherapy.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you.
Praises:
- Thank you God for answering our prayers regarding coverage for Kara's drugs.
- Thank you God for Kara's good test results last week.
- Thank you God for continuing to hear our prayers.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the Novalis procedures are successful and go smoothly.
- Please pray that Kara can continue with her chemotherapy.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Meeting with Lynch
Kara and Matt met with Doctor Lynch this morning to go over the test results and find out the new treatment plan. Doctor Lynch is very pleased with the results, and will plan on using Novalis on Kara's brain and lungs.
There will be a hearing on Thursday morning to determine whether Kara's insurance company has to pay for her Herceptin. Doctor Lynch recorded a statement for it, and will also try to make the hearing in person, because he believes it is a necessary part of her treatment plan -- she is often too worn down to take any other type of chemo drug. Please pray that the hearing board's decision is in Kara's favor, and that her insurance company starts paying for her Herceptin treatments.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for a favorable decision from the hearing board, so that the insurance company will begin paying for Herceptin for Kara.
- Please pray that the Novalis procedures go smoothly and without complications.
- Please pray for continued peace for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you. Emma started school yesterday, and Luke will start school later in the week. Both really enjoy going to school and playing with classmates. Emma is getting really good with her letters and likes to "play math" with Uncle John. She loves playing card games and checkers, and is good at keeping the rules straight in her head (especially the rule about the youngest player going first!). Luke is talking more and more, learning more words every day.
There will be a hearing on Thursday morning to determine whether Kara's insurance company has to pay for her Herceptin. Doctor Lynch recorded a statement for it, and will also try to make the hearing in person, because he believes it is a necessary part of her treatment plan -- she is often too worn down to take any other type of chemo drug. Please pray that the hearing board's decision is in Kara's favor, and that her insurance company starts paying for her Herceptin treatments.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for a favorable decision from the hearing board, so that the insurance company will begin paying for Herceptin for Kara.
- Please pray that the Novalis procedures go smoothly and without complications.
- Please pray for continued peace for Kara.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you. Emma started school yesterday, and Luke will start school later in the week. Both really enjoy going to school and playing with classmates. Emma is getting really good with her letters and likes to "play math" with Uncle John. She loves playing card games and checkers, and is good at keeping the rules straight in her head (especially the rule about the youngest player going first!). Luke is talking more and more, learning more words every day.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Good News
Kara's PET scan results are in, and the tumors have not spread to new places in her body. There is a little spot on her brain that is too small at this point to tell if it is a tumor. There is no tumor in the lymph nodes near the lung that were treated with Novalis earlier in the summer. The adrenal gland tumor that was treated at the same time is much smaller, and may continue to dissolve completely -- it is too early to tell. The spots on the outside of her lungs that had gone away previously with chemotherapy appear to have returned, but they will most likely be able to get them with Novalis. Kara has a lot less tumor in her body than she did eighteen months ago, which is very encouraging news, especially considering she has not been able to be consistent with her chemotherapy this summer.
Kara and Matt will meet with Dr. Lynch next Tuesday to go over these results more fully and make adjustments to her treatment plan.
Matt's birthday was yesterday, so this news is a very good present! Mom and Dad's fortieth anniversary was yesterday as well, and John's birthday is this week -- so we have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for, most of all, Kara's good report.
"Give thanks to the Lord,
for He is good;
His love endures forever."
- Psalm 107:1
Praises:
- Thank you God for encouraging test results, and for the reassurance that you are hearing our prayers.
- Thank you God for Kara's health care team that are doing so much to help her.
- Thank you God for all of Kara's family and friends who continue to pray for her and encourage her and support her.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's bloodcounts improve so she can continue with chemotherapy.
- Please pray for insurance company approval of the Herceptin.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you!
Kara and Matt will meet with Dr. Lynch next Tuesday to go over these results more fully and make adjustments to her treatment plan.
Matt's birthday was yesterday, so this news is a very good present! Mom and Dad's fortieth anniversary was yesterday as well, and John's birthday is this week -- so we have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for, most of all, Kara's good report.
"Give thanks to the Lord,
for He is good;
His love endures forever."
- Psalm 107:1
Praises:
- Thank you God for encouraging test results, and for the reassurance that you are hearing our prayers.
- Thank you God for Kara's health care team that are doing so much to help her.
- Thank you God for all of Kara's family and friends who continue to pray for her and encourage her and support her.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's bloodcounts improve so she can continue with chemotherapy.
- Please pray for insurance company approval of the Herceptin.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you!
Tests Today
Kara will spend the morning have PET Scans taken of her body and brain to see if there are any tumors present. We will probably know the results by tonight or tomorrow morning, and will let you know when we do.
Please pray for good results on these tests. Please pray for peace for Kara, Matt, and their family as we await the results. We appreciate your prayers every day, and thank you especially for your prayers for this round of tests.
Please pray for good results on these tests. Please pray for peace for Kara, Matt, and their family as we await the results. We appreciate your prayers every day, and thank you especially for your prayers for this round of tests.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
No Chemo This Week
Kara's bloodcounts are too low for her to receive her regular carboplatinum chemo this week. She will just get her Herceptin shot this week.
Kara has another round of scans coming up on Monday, August 21st. We are all very hopeful for good results, so Kara can continue healing from the past year-plus of very hard treatment and enjoy the Fall and holidays with her family. We would really appreciate it if you could please ask your friends, family, churches, and prayer groups to pray for good test results for Kara.
"I lift my eyes up to the hills-
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
the Maker of Heaven and Earth"
Psalm 121:1
"For with God, nothing is impossible."
Luke 1:37
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good tests results for the upcoming tests.
- Please pray that Kara's bloodcounts improve so she can continue with her chemotherapy.
- Please pray for the cancer to be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you.
Kara has another round of scans coming up on Monday, August 21st. We are all very hopeful for good results, so Kara can continue healing from the past year-plus of very hard treatment and enjoy the Fall and holidays with her family. We would really appreciate it if you could please ask your friends, family, churches, and prayer groups to pray for good test results for Kara.
"I lift my eyes up to the hills-
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
the Maker of Heaven and Earth"
Psalm 121:1
"For with God, nothing is impossible."
Luke 1:37
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for good tests results for the upcoming tests.
- Please pray that Kara's bloodcounts improve so she can continue with her chemotherapy.
- Please pray for the cancer to be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Update
Kara enjoyed a quiet weekend at home with Matt and the kids. She was not able to receive chemotherapy last week due to her bloodcounts being too low, and she is feeling the effects of the low counts -- tired and easily fatigued. Friday night the family went to Benihana again, this time with Mimi, Doc, and Luke joining us. Luke was mildly terrified in the beginning, but grew to enjoy the show. Emma has pronounced Benihana as her favorite restaurant, surpassing "even McDonalds and Chickfila!" Kara had a good morning with Emma and Luke at the pool Saturday morning, and then Luke and Matt went to get lunch and haircuts, and Kara, Emma, and I had pizza and then an afternoon of playing games (Emma has learned how to play rummy with special animal rummy cards!) and reading books. Emma is very excited to learn how to play checkers with Doc, who was the checkers champion of Dallas when he was a boy! Luke continues to learn new words every day, and he's getting sweeter and sweeter.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's bloodcounts improve and that she can receive chemotherapy this week.
- Please pray for good test results for her August 21st tests.
- Please pray for insurance company approval of her Herceptin, which is the only drug Kara can take when her bloodcounts are too low for full chemo.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you. Kara has been truly touched by the words of encouragement here on the blog and the cards and notes people continue to send her. They really brighten her day!
(These photos are from Port Aransas -- I've uploaded the ones that Kara took onto Flickr.)
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Chemo Tomorrow
Kara had her bloodwork done this morning, and based upon where her counts are, she will have chemotherapy tomorrow. Even if her counts are not high enough for her to receive her platinum-based chemotherapy, she will get her Herceptin shot.
Kara was pretty tired over the weekend from getting the platinum-based chemo again. She seems to feel better when she has a swim in the morning, so she tries to take the kids to the pool as much as she can.
Kara will have a brain and body PET Scan performed on August 21st. Please keep her in your prayers for good test results.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's counts are where they need to be for her to continue with her chemotherapy and for her to stay strong and energized.
- Please pray for insurance company approval of the Herceptin.
- Please pray for good results on the upcoming PET Scan.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you.
Kara was pretty tired over the weekend from getting the platinum-based chemo again. She seems to feel better when she has a swim in the morning, so she tries to take the kids to the pool as much as she can.
Kara will have a brain and body PET Scan performed on August 21st. Please keep her in your prayers for good test results.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara's counts are where they need to be for her to continue with her chemotherapy and for her to stay strong and energized.
- Please pray for insurance company approval of the Herceptin.
- Please pray for good results on the upcoming PET Scan.
- Please pray that the cancer is eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Chemotherapy Resumed
Kara was able to resume chemotherapy yesterday. Her white blood cell count is still a little low, but not enough to stop her from having the treatment.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara can continue her chemotherapy uninterrupted.
- Please pray for insurance company approval of her Herceptin.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara can continue her chemotherapy uninterrupted.
- Please pray for insurance company approval of her Herceptin.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Port Aransas
We all had a great time at Port Aransas this past weekend. Kara had gotten Emma and Luke toys to play in the sand with -- shovels, buckets, etc. -- and they had a great time making sand castles and burying each other in the sand. Emma especially liked looking for seashells and digging for little clams. We took both of the kids out to "the deep end," out past where the waves broke, so they could float and loll around with the waves without the waves crashing on them. Kara came out and enjoyed floating around with the waves, too. The pool at the hotel was also a big hit.
We went to dinner at the Crazy Cajun one night, where dinner was a bucket of stuff that Kara and I couldn't stand to look at! Thankfully John and Matt de-headed the shrimps and cracked the crab legs for us. Emma and Luke had fun beating things with the crab hammers.
It was a very good trip, and Kara had the energy to enjoy it.
Praises:
- Thank you God for the opportunity to for a fun family outing, and that Kara was well enough to enjoy it.
- Thank you God for the complication-free completion of the Novalis procedure.
- Thank you God for all of Kara's healthcare team that has been working so diligently in treating her.
- Thank you God for the love, support, and prayers of Kara's friends, family, church, and all of those who keep track of her progress on this blog.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara is able to resume chemotherapy.
- Please pray for good test results when Kara has her next scans.
- Please pray for insurance approval of the Herceptin.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you. There were three different cameras being used over the weekend, so hopefully John and Kara and Matt got some more photos we can share. I know Kara was clicking a lot!
We went to dinner at the Crazy Cajun one night, where dinner was a bucket of stuff that Kara and I couldn't stand to look at! Thankfully John and Matt de-headed the shrimps and cracked the crab legs for us. Emma and Luke had fun beating things with the crab hammers.
It was a very good trip, and Kara had the energy to enjoy it.
Praises:
- Thank you God for the opportunity to for a fun family outing, and that Kara was well enough to enjoy it.
- Thank you God for the complication-free completion of the Novalis procedure.
- Thank you God for all of Kara's healthcare team that has been working so diligently in treating her.
- Thank you God for the love, support, and prayers of Kara's friends, family, church, and all of those who keep track of her progress on this blog.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Kara is able to resume chemotherapy.
- Please pray for good test results when Kara has her next scans.
- Please pray for insurance approval of the Herceptin.
- Please pray that the cancer be eradicated from Kara's body, permanently.
Thank you. There were three different cameras being used over the weekend, so hopefully John and Kara and Matt got some more photos we can share. I know Kara was clicking a lot!
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