Today Karen had lab work and met with her chemotherapy doctor. The CA125 blood test was performed. CA125 is a protein produced typically in ovarian cancer patients. I won't get into the details (I can refer anyone interested in more information about this test). Prior to surgery, Karen's CA125 was 82 - normal is 0-30. Today it was at 6. Yes, SIX!!! This is a positive sign that the beast is being fought and losing.
Of course, there has to be the usual sobering news to counterbalance this. Karen was told ovarian cancer has a high recurrence rate - 60% within the first two years after chemotherapy. We are aware of this, but we also know Karen is younger than most OC patients and in a much better state of health. She was also told if it doesn't recur within five years, most likely it will not recur at all.
Statistics are always out there and all of us know how misleading they can be. However, God is not subject to our human games of chance. He isn't subject to odds and probabilities. Events in my life prove this every day. It comes down to this: each day is a gift from God. Life and death are in His hands, no matter how much control we think we may have. Karen will kill the beast (our affectionate nickname for cancer) because all of you are praying, not because of the odds. I wish I could express the depth of our gratitude to you. Words don't cut it.
We did write a newsletter we may or may not get out...06 and 07 haven't been great years in our lives and it's hard to write one of those letters in years like these. We will take this chance to say Merry Christmas. We're spending it here, simply, happily, wanting only one gift: HEALING.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
Halfway point in treatment, and some positive news
Karen had her third round of chemotherapy on Friday the 7th. Because of the chemical burn at the abdominal port, one of the chemicals used has been changed and all the chemotherapy is now being administered through the chest port. Since last Friday she has been very tired and had much joint pain, but she still gets up and around. In fact we went to see "Enchanted" on Saturday. When she's this tired, however, cooking is virtually impossible and the girls are having to 1) eat out; or 2) eat my cooking, which thankfully they don't seem to mind. I'll admit, though, that I'm a far better baker than a cook.
I've been placed into a temporary assignment starting Dec. 19-21 then from January through possibly April, doing legal case analysis for a large insurance carrier here in the Twin Cities. Your prayers have been answered! Under the category of "when it rains it pours", I'm talking to another out of state company about a position I really want where I could work from home and do work I enjoy - this is critical, since the flexibility is necessary at this point in our lives. Please keep this job possibility in prayer. Plus I have an interview with a major insurance broker on Wednesday. I've been out doing real estate work and have good leads to sell one of my listings, but until that happens, we need a reliable source of income. Someday real estate will be that for me once again, but not now.
Many of you have been so kind to offer rides and meals and we appreciate it so much. A few have given us Target gift cards and Whole Foods Market gift cards and this is helping us get through the rough spot right now. Again, we've learned how a cataclysmic event like this really brings out the best in most people, but especially in the Body of Christ.
We look forward to the fundraiser on January 27. Karen even suggested the other day that we write a new song for the occasion. Honestly, the music died in me on August 28, having not written a single song since that day, but who knows what could be revealed to me between now and then. Karen and I are talking about getting out and singing again, maybe even recording again in 2008, once this is over. This is how much we anticipate a victorious end.
I'll close with the verse I read this morning that is our prayer for you - Romans 15:13: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." No matter what is happening in your lives right now, be filled with that hope that comes only from God.
I've been placed into a temporary assignment starting Dec. 19-21 then from January through possibly April, doing legal case analysis for a large insurance carrier here in the Twin Cities. Your prayers have been answered! Under the category of "when it rains it pours", I'm talking to another out of state company about a position I really want where I could work from home and do work I enjoy - this is critical, since the flexibility is necessary at this point in our lives. Please keep this job possibility in prayer. Plus I have an interview with a major insurance broker on Wednesday. I've been out doing real estate work and have good leads to sell one of my listings, but until that happens, we need a reliable source of income. Someday real estate will be that for me once again, but not now.
Many of you have been so kind to offer rides and meals and we appreciate it so much. A few have given us Target gift cards and Whole Foods Market gift cards and this is helping us get through the rough spot right now. Again, we've learned how a cataclysmic event like this really brings out the best in most people, but especially in the Body of Christ.
We look forward to the fundraiser on January 27. Karen even suggested the other day that we write a new song for the occasion. Honestly, the music died in me on August 28, having not written a single song since that day, but who knows what could be revealed to me between now and then. Karen and I are talking about getting out and singing again, maybe even recording again in 2008, once this is over. This is how much we anticipate a victorious end.
I'll close with the verse I read this morning that is our prayer for you - Romans 15:13: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." No matter what is happening in your lives right now, be filled with that hope that comes only from God.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
December has arrived
This morning I read John 14:27 and it spoke to me, particularly where Jesus says "Let not your heart be troubled" (emphasis mine). Many have asked me, with all that's going on, how do you do it? Truthfully, I don't. If I were trying to make it without faith, I couldn't face the day. There is plenty to despair about, but that's just living in this world, even in the best of times. We have a choice to be troubled. We have a choice to be fearful. Fear paralyzes. I refuse to give in to that.
Indeed, there is much I could fear about, particularly the lack of steady income. Even though a few serious real estate buyers have emerged, real estate feels like volunteer work most of the time, if you know what I mean. We need a steady stream. This would definitely reassure Karen and I'm trying to keep as much of this stress from her as possible. Her job is the hardest of all: beat this beast called cancer, and focus on that alone. You all come into this with your prayers and ongoing support. I can only ask that you continue.
Karen has a 6 x 4 inch size chemo burn above the abdominal port. She continues chemotherapy on Friday and her regimen is changing somewhat. It will all be administered through the chest port now and it's changing to a more traditional chemotherapy. She is in excruciating pain. How do you describe pain? It's all from this internal burn. With years of defending medical malpractice claims, it is the first I've come across this - and not even the oncologists have seen this before, though it's been heard of. Karen is as content as she can be right now. Please pray for her peace of mind and of course for her complete recovery.
The fundraiser is still scheduled for January 27. Out of respect for everyone's Christmas financial strain, I'll be focusing on ticket sales after Christmas is over. Many have asked about this and we're so blessed by the support and kindness.
Please, continue to pray for our needs to be met and for Karen's peace of mind. While you're at it, pray for our older daughter Kylie, who is going through a great deal of anger right now. Much of this has to do with being in 7th grade (did anyone enjoy 7th grade?!?) but she's very upset about her mother's diagnosis. Please pray for her peace through a year that has become very challenging for her, or for any 7th grader.
Thank you again for your prayers and we'll remain in touch.
Indeed, there is much I could fear about, particularly the lack of steady income. Even though a few serious real estate buyers have emerged, real estate feels like volunteer work most of the time, if you know what I mean. We need a steady stream. This would definitely reassure Karen and I'm trying to keep as much of this stress from her as possible. Her job is the hardest of all: beat this beast called cancer, and focus on that alone. You all come into this with your prayers and ongoing support. I can only ask that you continue.
Karen has a 6 x 4 inch size chemo burn above the abdominal port. She continues chemotherapy on Friday and her regimen is changing somewhat. It will all be administered through the chest port now and it's changing to a more traditional chemotherapy. She is in excruciating pain. How do you describe pain? It's all from this internal burn. With years of defending medical malpractice claims, it is the first I've come across this - and not even the oncologists have seen this before, though it's been heard of. Karen is as content as she can be right now. Please pray for her peace of mind and of course for her complete recovery.
The fundraiser is still scheduled for January 27. Out of respect for everyone's Christmas financial strain, I'll be focusing on ticket sales after Christmas is over. Many have asked about this and we're so blessed by the support and kindness.
Please, continue to pray for our needs to be met and for Karen's peace of mind. While you're at it, pray for our older daughter Kylie, who is going through a great deal of anger right now. Much of this has to do with being in 7th grade (did anyone enjoy 7th grade?!?) but she's very upset about her mother's diagnosis. Please pray for her peace through a year that has become very challenging for her, or for any 7th grader.
Thank you again for your prayers and we'll remain in touch.
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