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.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
PRAY FOR US
This morning my older sister called me. My mother, who has been in poor health for some time, has just been hospitalized for a mild case of congestive heart failure. When I saw her a couple weeks ago, she didn't look good and was having trouble breathing. Please keep her in prayer - her name is Sharon Darnick.
The chemical burn that resulted from Karen's last chemotherapy treatment still hasn't resolved. She goes back in tomorrow. I took her to Methodist Hospital three times last week. The pain is terrible. We're also having issues with one of Karen's medications - imagine my shock when I expected to pay $10.00 because of a special program with the manufacturer, and they ask for $767.00! This was after my medical savings plan discount, where it would have been almost $1000.00.
I'm still in need of steady, reliable income. While much is happening with my real estate listings and I have many clients who appear promising, I can't count on that. Imagine trying to support your family based on the futures market, and you all know what's happening with housing. THIS IS A CRITICAL NEED! Karen will be able to focus on her health much better if she's not worried about income.
There are mountaintops and valleys, and today we're in a valley. Thank you for helping us through your prayers. They are badly needed now.
John J
The chemical burn that resulted from Karen's last chemotherapy treatment still hasn't resolved. She goes back in tomorrow. I took her to Methodist Hospital three times last week. The pain is terrible. We're also having issues with one of Karen's medications - imagine my shock when I expected to pay $10.00 because of a special program with the manufacturer, and they ask for $767.00! This was after my medical savings plan discount, where it would have been almost $1000.00.
I'm still in need of steady, reliable income. While much is happening with my real estate listings and I have many clients who appear promising, I can't count on that. Imagine trying to support your family based on the futures market, and you all know what's happening with housing. THIS IS A CRITICAL NEED! Karen will be able to focus on her health much better if she's not worried about income.
There are mountaintops and valleys, and today we're in a valley. Thank you for helping us through your prayers. They are badly needed now.
John J
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Stress and mistakes - a challenging week
I'll begin today's post by thanking all of you who have kept us in thought and prayer. Again, your encouragement means so much to us.
It has been a highly difficult few days. Karen had the treatment last Friday that injects the chemotherapy into the abdominal port. As soon as it was started, she told them she felt burning. It was started two more times and she continued to feel burning. She had to be taken up to radiology and had the longest possible needle to do the chemo. Then it was fine...but then on Saturday she began complaining of swelling and pain in the abdominal port area, then on Sunday I took her to see the on-call oncologist at Methodist Hospital, who didn't think there was an infection or any other problem. She was started on Augmentin - a powerful antibiotic that is, FYI, used on horses - and this made her sick.
The pain became worse and on Tuesday and today (Wednesday) we went back to Methodist to try to get to the bottom of this. It turns out Karen has a chemical burn from the Friday chemotherapy. She's in considerable pain from it and the swelling is significant. She doesn't want to take chemotherapy until the swelling is down and the pain stops. It was an unnecessary complication.
Last weekend Karen got all the hats and scarves we ordered from somewhere called Headcoverings.com. She's opting for these instead of the wigs. Her hair is nearly gone - tragic, but also short term.
So we go into Thanksgiving tomorrow with some concerns, but we know God can handle it. That sounds like a song, doesn't it? "God Can Handle It". Times like these bring out the worst in some people, sadly enough - but it brings out the best in most.
We're thankful for your prayers and the constant love and concern expressed by so many of you. Thank you.
It has been a highly difficult few days. Karen had the treatment last Friday that injects the chemotherapy into the abdominal port. As soon as it was started, she told them she felt burning. It was started two more times and she continued to feel burning. She had to be taken up to radiology and had the longest possible needle to do the chemo. Then it was fine...but then on Saturday she began complaining of swelling and pain in the abdominal port area, then on Sunday I took her to see the on-call oncologist at Methodist Hospital, who didn't think there was an infection or any other problem. She was started on Augmentin - a powerful antibiotic that is, FYI, used on horses - and this made her sick.
The pain became worse and on Tuesday and today (Wednesday) we went back to Methodist to try to get to the bottom of this. It turns out Karen has a chemical burn from the Friday chemotherapy. She's in considerable pain from it and the swelling is significant. She doesn't want to take chemotherapy until the swelling is down and the pain stops. It was an unnecessary complication.
Last weekend Karen got all the hats and scarves we ordered from somewhere called Headcoverings.com. She's opting for these instead of the wigs. Her hair is nearly gone - tragic, but also short term.
So we go into Thanksgiving tomorrow with some concerns, but we know God can handle it. That sounds like a song, doesn't it? "God Can Handle It". Times like these bring out the worst in some people, sadly enough - but it brings out the best in most.
We're thankful for your prayers and the constant love and concern expressed by so many of you. Thank you.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Prayer needed
The next round of chemotherapy begins tomorrow. Please keep Karen in prayer, especially now that hair is coming out - though slowly. Karen had long, beautiful blond hair and this has been the most traumatic part of the whole experience.
Please keep my work situation in prayer. I'm getting many more real estate possibilities - just as long as the buyers are serious and the listings sell. I've been taking to agents in the business over 20 years who say this is the worst market they've ever seen. I'm determined to ride it out but need to keep a steady income. I'm becoming a professional interviewer - too bad that doesn't pay.....
Please feel free to e-mail us or even call. The encouragement of so many others keeps us going.
Please keep my work situation in prayer. I'm getting many more real estate possibilities - just as long as the buyers are serious and the listings sell. I've been taking to agents in the business over 20 years who say this is the worst market they've ever seen. I'm determined to ride it out but need to keep a steady income. I'm becoming a professional interviewer - too bad that doesn't pay.....
Please feel free to e-mail us or even call. The encouragement of so many others keeps us going.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Fundraiser event January 27, giving thanks
Greetings to family and friends: Our friend Nicole Sanders is planning a fundraiser to help with Karen's expenses as we wage this fight against ovarian cancer. It will be January 27 at 5:00 pm and there will be a silent auction and cash bar and hors'dourves (I'm sure I spelled that wrong). Tickets are $40.00 per person and I have some available as does Nicole. E-mail me at soulwise@msn.com or Nicole at nsanders@mailnparcelplus.com.
The next round of chemotherapy begins on Thursday the 15th. It is a Thurs/Fri/Thurs cycle each time around. She is scheduled to have chemotherapy the day after Thanksgiving. In the last couple of days, hair has begun to fall out. Though many mean well in trying to encourage Karen during this time, this is the hardest part for her. Please keep her in prayer. Her spirit is strong and she's very encouraged to keep fighting. We spent this last weekend in southern Wisconsin at my mother's home and were so happy to spend time with my sisters Laura and Marilyn (from Illinois and Florida respectively) and my Uncle Mark who lives with my mother and helps take care of her. My mother is in very poor health, on oxygen 24/7 and in need of your prayers too.
As Karen progresses into the next treatment, please keep us in prayer. We're so blessed by the generosity and the expressions of love we have from so many of you. We have set up a fund through UBS for contributions for medical expenses - e-mail us for more information. I'll close with Isaiah 26:3: "You will keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You."
John J
Karen and the girls (Kylie and Shelby)
The next round of chemotherapy begins on Thursday the 15th. It is a Thurs/Fri/Thurs cycle each time around. She is scheduled to have chemotherapy the day after Thanksgiving. In the last couple of days, hair has begun to fall out. Though many mean well in trying to encourage Karen during this time, this is the hardest part for her. Please keep her in prayer. Her spirit is strong and she's very encouraged to keep fighting. We spent this last weekend in southern Wisconsin at my mother's home and were so happy to spend time with my sisters Laura and Marilyn (from Illinois and Florida respectively) and my Uncle Mark who lives with my mother and helps take care of her. My mother is in very poor health, on oxygen 24/7 and in need of your prayers too.
As Karen progresses into the next treatment, please keep us in prayer. We're so blessed by the generosity and the expressions of love we have from so many of you. We have set up a fund through UBS for contributions for medical expenses - e-mail us for more information. I'll close with Isaiah 26:3: "You will keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You."
John J
Karen and the girls (Kylie and Shelby)
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