Dear friends,
Thank you so much for praying for us yesterday. The marathon of appts went well. Chest xray was good, visit to lung surgeon was good - he thinks I am progressing well. Got the copies of my records from Radiology pretty easily. Pathology was a little more complicated as it turns out they overnight the actual glass microscopic slides to the places we request, rather than sending copies of the records on CD. So those records will not be sent until I have a confirmed appt at Fox Chase or elsewhere. The secretary in the Pathology Dept was VERY sweet - taking lots of time with us, calling Fox Chase several times over the course of the morning to confirm details etc.
Last stop was the oncology dept, which I was dreading a bit. I have to admit the entire experience of signing in at the "cancer center" and walking past a room full of folks in recliners getting their IV chemo was a big unnerving. However, Dr Zeger was very attentive and took a lot of time with us, explaining his observations in a positive way, answering all our questions, being understanding of my fears and even a few tears, and giving us the hope that I was wishing for.
No one will make me promises (except the LORD!), but Dr Zeger did give us hope. We purposely did not ask for statistics or "my chances". I have already heard enough statistics, and know I have to face those along the way, but I am trying to approach this as I have been advised by several doctors, websites and fellow cancer patients: the statistics are not ME. They summarize what has happened to others with similar situations but the statistics don't have the dimension to tell the entire story. Averages are averages. They don't tell you how many people did GREAT, how many people will never have a reoccurence, how many people had only one lung metastasis or were 49 or had the same health as me, or the same will to live, or the same FAITH. My story is my story, no one else's. As my "rough around the edges but deeply caring under that exterior" kidney surgeon put it, "if you beat it, YOUR statistics are 100%, so the statistics don't really matter!" :-)
Anyway, Dr Zeger said YES you CAN beat this. YES, people DO beat this even with a lung metastasis. YES, the surgery might have already removed it all. YES these new drugs show much promise as compared with treatment that used to be available. MAYBE the drugs are unnecessary, since the cancer might never reappear. I might take the meds and never have a reoccurence and we will never know if the meds did it, or the surgery was enough. But I am not willing to wait and see! I would rather take the meds - that lung metastasis got there somehow and so whatever planted it there is likely still floating around in my bloodstream and I would like to try my best to get rid of it.
The med Dr. Zeger thinks is best for me is called Sutent. There is a very similar med called Nexavar. It would be taken 4 weeks on and 2 weeks off for an undetermined amount of time - maybe 6-8 months. I would start after mom and dad's 50th anniversary shore week they have given all of us in mid - July. It has side effects like fatigue, taste changes and nausea, skin rashes - it's basically chemo but supposedly with relatively mild side effects. Dr. Zeger is having a man around my age with a similar case of Renal Cell Carcinoma who has been on this med for a few months give me a call to talk more about it.
Meanwhile I started working on a second opinion at Penn as well as at Fox Chase. Still having a lot of hoops to jump through at Fox Chase - FAXes not getting there and so on. Penn Physician Referral, on the other hand, was super to deal with, to my surprise. They took my initial info and then put a nurse right on the line with me who was very compassionate and kind. Turns out she herself had colon cancer 6+ years ago which spread to her lung 4+ years ago and she is doing well so far. A different case than mine to be sure, but a real comfort and encouragement that the Lord provided her "accidentally" when I called Penn. So, I am now waiting for a call back about an appt with their top Renal Cell Carcinoma guy as well as the Fox Chase Renal Dept.
I continue to get so much encouragement from the help, calls, cards, notes..... gifts! A beautiful gift awaited me yesterday when I arrived home from that hard day of doctor appts - encouraging me with the names of God and HIS POWER to heal and sustain me (Thank you J+C - you made me cry - in a good way!). Others have sent me scriptures and devotional pages hand picked for me which have been such a blessing. I even have a few sweet friends who are sending me a card about once a week to let me know they are still out there - holding us up in prayer.
THANK YOU ALL SO VERY VERY MUCH. What a blessing to be part of the family of God, to know HIS love through each and every one of you.
Pressing on,
Karen - for all of us!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
Info Request
Hi everyone,
I noticed my dear cousin Sheryl had posted a question and wanted to respond to that. She said many folks are asking how I came about going to the ER on June 2nd, if I had any prior symptoms, etc. Following is a rather "medical" explanation of what happened on that ER day - SKIP TO THE LAST PARAGRAPH if you prefer not to read such graphic stuff!
I woke up that day and passed many large clots with my urine. It was shocking and all very sudden. I called the doctor, he said that it could be a sign of an undetected infection and to either go to the ER or I could wait a short time and see if it continued but if anything worsened definitely go to the ER. Otherwise he wanted me to get a full urology workup first thing Monday. It happened twice more, and then I was unable to urinate at all, the clots causing blockage.
Needless to say we made arrangements for the children and got to the ER as soon as we could. I purposely went to the Lankenau ER instead of Bryn Mawr which is closer, since my family doctor is at Lankenau and I felt if it was something very serious Lankenau would have more capability to handle it. I had to be catheterized and then they did a CAT scan of my abdomen which revealed the mass on my kidney. I guess they called it a "spot" - well, bigger than a spot.... I forget the term they used.
They did not let on how HUGE it was though, and sort of stalled me with vague, "well sometimes areas like this on the kidney CAN be cysts or stones but this one is a bit more 'worrisome' is about all I could get them to say. As a nurse, I knew what they were NOT saying but was holding onto some hope that it was not the worst. They then did another CAT scan of my upper abdomen and brain, and then a bone scan (maybe the bone scan was on Sunday morning?).
All this, I learned later, was to determine if the cancer had spread and if so how far. If it had spread more than that one lung spot they might not have done surgery at all, or might only have removed the kidney and not touched the lungs, instead using a medication only route to try to shrink or slow the lung tumors. Or they might have considered chemo or other meds to try to shrink the kidney tumor before surgery. Anyway, once they determined that the tumor and lung spot could be removed my family doctor (the one on call not my personal doctor) came to Charles and I on Sunday morning and told us the plain truth, that I had a very large, aggressive, cancerous tumor in my kidney and a suspicious spot on my lung. They hoped right up until surgery that the lung spot would turn out to be nothing, but as you all know now that was not the case.
ANYWAY. I did not have any other symptoms that I knew of. Often kidney cancer is found accidently when xrays are done for other reasons or for vague abdominal complaints and such. The common symptoms are flank pain and blood in urine - I did get flank pain AFTER the bleeding started, but not before. Not that I noticed, anyway!
I did have some weird "dizziness" about a month before this which I went to the doctor about. They sent me for an echocardiogram which turned out just fine, so I was hoping it would resolve or I would have some other tests for inner ear problems or something. Looking back now I suspect that the dizziness, which is now gone by the way, was related to moving fast or lying down/sitting up fast might have been due to that huge tumor pressing on my vena cava (large blood vessel) in my abdomen, and basically interfering with my blood flow. Can't get any doctor to agree to this yet but that's my theory anyhow! And I did tell Charles and the kids a few times in the last few months that I was more tired than I felt was reasonable even with my zany life - I had some afternoons that I wanted a NAP SO BADLY but I didn't give in! I also told Charles a few times recently that I just didn't FEEL WELL but couldn't put my fingr on it. Wouldn't surprise me if the tumor on my kidney was draining my energy, but it wasn't obvious enough to make my pay attention. I had blood work and a urinalysis several times since January for my regular blood pressure checkup as well as for the dizziness but all my kidney levels, etc were fine. Even when I went to the ER my kidney blood studies (creatinine etc) were fine. Told you I was a tough woman - haha!
Anyway, here we are. I tell the kids I am trying to look at it this way. I AM WAY HEALTHIER NOW THAN I WAS A MONTH AGO! I didn't know I was getting sicker and sicker for months now. So, that nasty tumor is out of me now, and I am healthier than I was! :-)
Thank you all for your continued interest and prayers. I have been sleeping better - two or three nights I slept through so far. Tuesday is the big doctor appt day. I am dreading the oncology appt a bit so please pray for that. I would like to hear what I have to hear about treatment, but I hope it is presented to me in a positive light. I want to know that I CAN beat this, that the medications available CAN work for me, that others HAVE BEAT THIS in similar situations to mine. I know everyone doesn't beat it. But, then again, I know that if my GOD wills it to be so, it will be so, regardless of all the probablilities and statistics they can find!
My wonderful sister-in-law Mariellen just sent me this verse:
Mark 5:34
Jesus said to the woman, ”Dear Woman, you are made well because you believed!. Go in Peace. You will have no more suffering.”
Good night dear friends,
Karen
I noticed my dear cousin Sheryl had posted a question and wanted to respond to that. She said many folks are asking how I came about going to the ER on June 2nd, if I had any prior symptoms, etc. Following is a rather "medical" explanation of what happened on that ER day - SKIP TO THE LAST PARAGRAPH if you prefer not to read such graphic stuff!
I woke up that day and passed many large clots with my urine. It was shocking and all very sudden. I called the doctor, he said that it could be a sign of an undetected infection and to either go to the ER or I could wait a short time and see if it continued but if anything worsened definitely go to the ER. Otherwise he wanted me to get a full urology workup first thing Monday. It happened twice more, and then I was unable to urinate at all, the clots causing blockage.
Needless to say we made arrangements for the children and got to the ER as soon as we could. I purposely went to the Lankenau ER instead of Bryn Mawr which is closer, since my family doctor is at Lankenau and I felt if it was something very serious Lankenau would have more capability to handle it. I had to be catheterized and then they did a CAT scan of my abdomen which revealed the mass on my kidney. I guess they called it a "spot" - well, bigger than a spot.... I forget the term they used.
They did not let on how HUGE it was though, and sort of stalled me with vague, "well sometimes areas like this on the kidney CAN be cysts or stones but this one is a bit more 'worrisome' is about all I could get them to say. As a nurse, I knew what they were NOT saying but was holding onto some hope that it was not the worst. They then did another CAT scan of my upper abdomen and brain, and then a bone scan (maybe the bone scan was on Sunday morning?).
All this, I learned later, was to determine if the cancer had spread and if so how far. If it had spread more than that one lung spot they might not have done surgery at all, or might only have removed the kidney and not touched the lungs, instead using a medication only route to try to shrink or slow the lung tumors. Or they might have considered chemo or other meds to try to shrink the kidney tumor before surgery. Anyway, once they determined that the tumor and lung spot could be removed my family doctor (the one on call not my personal doctor) came to Charles and I on Sunday morning and told us the plain truth, that I had a very large, aggressive, cancerous tumor in my kidney and a suspicious spot on my lung. They hoped right up until surgery that the lung spot would turn out to be nothing, but as you all know now that was not the case.
ANYWAY. I did not have any other symptoms that I knew of. Often kidney cancer is found accidently when xrays are done for other reasons or for vague abdominal complaints and such. The common symptoms are flank pain and blood in urine - I did get flank pain AFTER the bleeding started, but not before. Not that I noticed, anyway!
I did have some weird "dizziness" about a month before this which I went to the doctor about. They sent me for an echocardiogram which turned out just fine, so I was hoping it would resolve or I would have some other tests for inner ear problems or something. Looking back now I suspect that the dizziness, which is now gone by the way, was related to moving fast or lying down/sitting up fast might have been due to that huge tumor pressing on my vena cava (large blood vessel) in my abdomen, and basically interfering with my blood flow. Can't get any doctor to agree to this yet but that's my theory anyhow! And I did tell Charles and the kids a few times in the last few months that I was more tired than I felt was reasonable even with my zany life - I had some afternoons that I wanted a NAP SO BADLY but I didn't give in! I also told Charles a few times recently that I just didn't FEEL WELL but couldn't put my fingr on it. Wouldn't surprise me if the tumor on my kidney was draining my energy, but it wasn't obvious enough to make my pay attention. I had blood work and a urinalysis several times since January for my regular blood pressure checkup as well as for the dizziness but all my kidney levels, etc were fine. Even when I went to the ER my kidney blood studies (creatinine etc) were fine. Told you I was a tough woman - haha!
Anyway, here we are. I tell the kids I am trying to look at it this way. I AM WAY HEALTHIER NOW THAN I WAS A MONTH AGO! I didn't know I was getting sicker and sicker for months now. So, that nasty tumor is out of me now, and I am healthier than I was! :-)
Thank you all for your continued interest and prayers. I have been sleeping better - two or three nights I slept through so far. Tuesday is the big doctor appt day. I am dreading the oncology appt a bit so please pray for that. I would like to hear what I have to hear about treatment, but I hope it is presented to me in a positive light. I want to know that I CAN beat this, that the medications available CAN work for me, that others HAVE BEAT THIS in similar situations to mine. I know everyone doesn't beat it. But, then again, I know that if my GOD wills it to be so, it will be so, regardless of all the probablilities and statistics they can find!
My wonderful sister-in-law Mariellen just sent me this verse:
Mark 5:34
Jesus said to the woman, ”Dear Woman, you are made well because you believed!. Go in Peace. You will have no more suffering.”
Good night dear friends,
Karen
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Weekend Update 6/23/07
Hello everyone. Our continued thanks for such love and care. I must have 150 get well cards here at home! Kristen hung them all along the mantle in my "recovery room" and the string is FULL - we have to start another string! So many people have told me that they have their Bible Study or entire churches all over the US as well as folks in many other countries praying for me. It is so omforting to be upheld in the hands of so many people this way.
I have continued to feel better each day - skipped my nap two days this week! The visiting nurse came on Thursday and when I told her I could reach my right foot I got a little lecture about stretching the incision too much, continuing to rest and take it slow etc.... so I am trying to be good!!!!
I do have one special prayer request. I am not in pain anymore and rarely need advil or tylenol. Doctors want me to avoid advil if I can as it can be hard on my remaining kidney. So, although I am not in pain I am always a little uncomfortable from the incision and rib removal. I am still most comfortable in the recliner and can't sleep in our bed yet. I have not been sleeping through the night ever since surgery. I wake up between 2 and 4 am and it's hard to fall back asleep sometimes. Yesterday I asked one friend to pray that I would sleep through the night and I DID! It was a wonderful feeling to wake up and realize it wasn't 4 am! So if you could pray specifically that I would be able to sleep through the night, and that soon I would be able to sleep in my own bed, I would really appreciate that.
All the help with rides and playdates for the kids, and the meals for all of us have been a huge blessing. We had meals scheduled into AUGUST already!!! They were coming 3 days a week which was great while I was in the hospital but I realized this week that we were juggling a bit to pull together something on the other days, since Charles has had to return to work full time (it's FLAG season and he is working short staffed as it is). I also have at least 2 doctors appts a week right now that Charles has to take off work to go to, and we have the Fox Chase trips to do soon. It is just a really busy time!! Plus, with my teenagers are out everyday w/ VBS and several nights a week have to be places at 6:00 or 6:30 -----so I realized all this the other day (DUH) and I asked that a few of the late July or August meals be switched to now, when we need it most and I really am useless! :-P After all, I plan to be almost all better by August! :-) Within HOURS the schedule was adjusted and folks jumped right into the need and we have meals lined up 5 days a week for the next 2 weeks at least, while we need it most. What a blessing!
Next week Tuesday is my long day - I have a chest xray, then appt with the lung surgeon, then have to work on getting my pathology data copied onto CD at the hospital so that I can take it to Fox Chase, and then we have an appt with the Dr Zeger, in the Oncology Dept at Lankenau. I started the process to get the second opinion at Fox Chase and am waiting for them to receive the written pathology reports and then schedule my appts there too. Please pray for that process to go smoothly as the phone calls and followups to my messages are about all I have the brainpower and energy to do right now.
Lastly, I have to write a letter this weekend which we will send on Monday to notify the school district that our homeschool documentation will not be in by the June 30th deadline. I do not expect any trouble from the school district under the circumstances, but if you could pray that they are gracious about the extension that would be a help too. Thanks so much.
I continue to feel in the Lord's hands, although I admit that I have had a few waves of fear this week as reality sets in. So, if you could pray that the Lord would continue to give myself, Charles and our whole family grace and courage to face the days ahead with JOY and PEACE in our spirit, that would be great. I want to LIVE to see my kids grow up :-) And I intend to do so. Please pray that our gracious God grants me that privilege. I really need to learn to live one day at a time through this experience. Those of you who know me well know that this will be a hard lesson for me to learn.
Have a wonderful weekend - it is absolutely FANTASTIC weather here in PA - hope it is for you too.
Love,
Karen
I have continued to feel better each day - skipped my nap two days this week! The visiting nurse came on Thursday and when I told her I could reach my right foot I got a little lecture about stretching the incision too much, continuing to rest and take it slow etc.... so I am trying to be good!!!!
I do have one special prayer request. I am not in pain anymore and rarely need advil or tylenol. Doctors want me to avoid advil if I can as it can be hard on my remaining kidney. So, although I am not in pain I am always a little uncomfortable from the incision and rib removal. I am still most comfortable in the recliner and can't sleep in our bed yet. I have not been sleeping through the night ever since surgery. I wake up between 2 and 4 am and it's hard to fall back asleep sometimes. Yesterday I asked one friend to pray that I would sleep through the night and I DID! It was a wonderful feeling to wake up and realize it wasn't 4 am! So if you could pray specifically that I would be able to sleep through the night, and that soon I would be able to sleep in my own bed, I would really appreciate that.
All the help with rides and playdates for the kids, and the meals for all of us have been a huge blessing. We had meals scheduled into AUGUST already!!! They were coming 3 days a week which was great while I was in the hospital but I realized this week that we were juggling a bit to pull together something on the other days, since Charles has had to return to work full time (it's FLAG season and he is working short staffed as it is). I also have at least 2 doctors appts a week right now that Charles has to take off work to go to, and we have the Fox Chase trips to do soon. It is just a really busy time!! Plus, with my teenagers are out everyday w/ VBS and several nights a week have to be places at 6:00 or 6:30 -----so I realized all this the other day (DUH) and I asked that a few of the late July or August meals be switched to now, when we need it most and I really am useless! :-P After all, I plan to be almost all better by August! :-) Within HOURS the schedule was adjusted and folks jumped right into the need and we have meals lined up 5 days a week for the next 2 weeks at least, while we need it most. What a blessing!
Next week Tuesday is my long day - I have a chest xray, then appt with the lung surgeon, then have to work on getting my pathology data copied onto CD at the hospital so that I can take it to Fox Chase, and then we have an appt with the Dr Zeger, in the Oncology Dept at Lankenau. I started the process to get the second opinion at Fox Chase and am waiting for them to receive the written pathology reports and then schedule my appts there too. Please pray for that process to go smoothly as the phone calls and followups to my messages are about all I have the brainpower and energy to do right now.
Lastly, I have to write a letter this weekend which we will send on Monday to notify the school district that our homeschool documentation will not be in by the June 30th deadline. I do not expect any trouble from the school district under the circumstances, but if you could pray that they are gracious about the extension that would be a help too. Thanks so much.
I continue to feel in the Lord's hands, although I admit that I have had a few waves of fear this week as reality sets in. So, if you could pray that the Lord would continue to give myself, Charles and our whole family grace and courage to face the days ahead with JOY and PEACE in our spirit, that would be great. I want to LIVE to see my kids grow up :-) And I intend to do so. Please pray that our gracious God grants me that privilege. I really need to learn to live one day at a time through this experience. Those of you who know me well know that this will be a hard lesson for me to learn.
Have a wonderful weekend - it is absolutely FANTASTIC weather here in PA - hope it is for you too.
Love,
Karen
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Check-up
Hi everyone,
Just a short update to keep my "prayer team" updated. Everyone continues to bless us so much with cards and calls and visits too now that I am a little stronger each day. THANK YOU so much for all your help and love.
Today I saw my family Dr for BP check (it's stable), general bloodwork etc. She thinks I am doing great for only 2 weeks after surgery. Charles took me from there to Kohl's (in a wheelchair) to get a few clothing items that I need now that I have this huge crazy incision as it's hard to wear some of my normal clothes right now. Then we stopped at the deli for a cup of chicken noodle soup and a chicken salad club. I couldn't eat it all - had more for dinner and still some left, but it was SO GOOD to be out a little bit in the "real world", and to have a little date with my hubby. I was tired when I got back and needed my nap, but I did feel great be out and about a little bit.
Tomorrow I see the kidney surgeon and get the staples removed - it might be a little uncomfortable but I will be glad to be rid of them! :-) Next week a chest x-ray and the lung surgeon and hopefully the Lankenau Oncologist. I also hope to be calling this week to start the process of setting up a second opinion at Fox Chase and to consider if there are any other options I should pursue. I don't have full "brain power" yet so each of these things is a bit of a project for me.
The kids are into their normal activities this week and next - the older three are counselors at our church preschool "camp" (VBS) and the younger two have had some outings with cousins and are hoping for a few playdates. Anya started her worship dance summer classes, the youth group activities have begun... it's life as usual in a lot of ways which makes me happy. We have had help with rides for the kids which is a big help but Charles is also trying to do some of the driving himself to give the kids some one on one attention. He is juggling work as best he can but some of that has to be second to the children's and my needs.
We had previously offered our pool for the middle school summer swim parties the first of which is this Friday night so we decided to go ahead and host after all. My dad and the kids will help get the yard and pool ready and it will be great therapy for me to look out over the fun from my screen porch!
We are so appreciative of each and every one of our dear friends and family for getting us through this valley. You have held us up when we didn't have the strength to do it alone. We are so thankful to the Lord for each of you and for His care for us.
Love,
Karen
Just a short update to keep my "prayer team" updated. Everyone continues to bless us so much with cards and calls and visits too now that I am a little stronger each day. THANK YOU so much for all your help and love.
Today I saw my family Dr for BP check (it's stable), general bloodwork etc. She thinks I am doing great for only 2 weeks after surgery. Charles took me from there to Kohl's (in a wheelchair) to get a few clothing items that I need now that I have this huge crazy incision as it's hard to wear some of my normal clothes right now. Then we stopped at the deli for a cup of chicken noodle soup and a chicken salad club. I couldn't eat it all - had more for dinner and still some left, but it was SO GOOD to be out a little bit in the "real world", and to have a little date with my hubby. I was tired when I got back and needed my nap, but I did feel great be out and about a little bit.
Tomorrow I see the kidney surgeon and get the staples removed - it might be a little uncomfortable but I will be glad to be rid of them! :-) Next week a chest x-ray and the lung surgeon and hopefully the Lankenau Oncologist. I also hope to be calling this week to start the process of setting up a second opinion at Fox Chase and to consider if there are any other options I should pursue. I don't have full "brain power" yet so each of these things is a bit of a project for me.
The kids are into their normal activities this week and next - the older three are counselors at our church preschool "camp" (VBS) and the younger two have had some outings with cousins and are hoping for a few playdates. Anya started her worship dance summer classes, the youth group activities have begun... it's life as usual in a lot of ways which makes me happy. We have had help with rides for the kids which is a big help but Charles is also trying to do some of the driving himself to give the kids some one on one attention. He is juggling work as best he can but some of that has to be second to the children's and my needs.
We had previously offered our pool for the middle school summer swim parties the first of which is this Friday night so we decided to go ahead and host after all. My dad and the kids will help get the yard and pool ready and it will be great therapy for me to look out over the fun from my screen porch!
We are so appreciative of each and every one of our dear friends and family for getting us through this valley. You have held us up when we didn't have the strength to do it alone. We are so thankful to the Lord for each of you and for His care for us.
Love,
Karen
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Weekend Update
Thank you everyone for continuing to "check-in" with me via the blog. Each comment is such an encouragement to me! I know that many people are checking in and not leaving comments too. Sorry we haven't updated in a few days. Life is busy here and I am taking up a lot of everyone's time!
I continue to get stronger each day. Wednesday I could only get to the bathroom and needed a rest again. Thursday Charles helped me walk outside about 20 ft to see my flower beds and then I was back inside for a rest. Friday my walk took me all the way to the back patio for a 15 min rest and then back to my "chair", and on Saturday I was strong enough to walk down to the pool and sit for a whole HOUR at least before coming back into the house. I still tire easily and need about a 2 hour nap each day. This is all a big change for me - I am not used to sitting still and letting others do everything but I am trying very hard to allow God to heal me in His time and be at peace with this phase of my recovery.
The kids are happy to have me home. My sister Lauren returned to Colorado yesterday. She was a HUGE help this week with the children - keeping them happy and busy. Her being here allowed Charles the freedom to come to the hospital when he could, instead of only when someone could watch the children, and to stay later at night with me there, as well as to start getting back into his work which has had to be somewhat neglected the last 2 weeks.
Some of our normal routines provide security for the kids and we are hopeful to get back to normal bedtimes and some of the structure that they are used to. Saturday was a normal "cut the grass, vacuum, clean the bathrooms" day and the kids were happy to help catch up on such chores that they are used to doing. We left lots of time for them to relax afterwards, don't worry!
My mom and dad have been a huge help too, my dad finding chores to do around our house while my mom waits on me hand and foot. I hope soon I will be able to be "left alone" once in a while although the pampering has been much appreciated.
Wanted to clarify the surgery a bit - some folks have asked. The kidney tumor, although very large, was totally encapsulated inside the kidney. My adrenal gland was removed because it is attached to the kidney but it was unaffected. The tumor was pressing on my liver but the liver was clean. And my gall bladder was a bonus! No cancer there either but I had a stone in it and the surgeons decided it was best to take it out rather than deal with gall bladder problems later on. All lymph nodes in the kidney area were negative.
I had my 9th rib removed for the lung surgery but it was not affected by the cancer. It has been the SORE though! Either all or a portion of the right lower lobe of my lung was removed (not quite clear on that). The metastatic tumor was embedded in this section and all margins removed were clear. Lymph nodes in the area of this small lung tumor were clear also but of course this was renal cell carcinoma so it was a spread from the kidney, likely via the bloodstream.
So, the surgery went as well as it possibly could have, and they "probably" got all the cancer out of me, BUT there is of course a nagging worry that perhaps something microscopic remains, So, our prayer is for ALL the cells to be GONE, every trace. I will meet with various doctors in 2-3 weeks and get more of a handle on further treatment options.
Meanwhile, please continue to pray for my surgery recouperation, for my children and their emotional well-being (Evan has asked some tough questions about whether the cancer could kill me - he is the deep one of the bunch - a few of the others "stuff" their worries which of course is not so good either). Please pray for Charles who has so much on his plate, plus has to continue to provide for us - it's "flag" season and our store is busy yet he has had to let a lot go the last 2 weeks. Our employees have been wonderful through this. We are so grateful for their loyalty. Even Charles' sister came back to us to fill in a bit after working for us a few years ago, which was a huge help. We also have this nagging lawsuit insurance problem from Charles' truck accident two years ago which still is hanging over us - some of you know about this - please continue to pray for a resolution for that too!
Thank you ALL so much for your continued prayer and help. We need it!
Love,
Karen
I continue to get stronger each day. Wednesday I could only get to the bathroom and needed a rest again. Thursday Charles helped me walk outside about 20 ft to see my flower beds and then I was back inside for a rest. Friday my walk took me all the way to the back patio for a 15 min rest and then back to my "chair", and on Saturday I was strong enough to walk down to the pool and sit for a whole HOUR at least before coming back into the house. I still tire easily and need about a 2 hour nap each day. This is all a big change for me - I am not used to sitting still and letting others do everything but I am trying very hard to allow God to heal me in His time and be at peace with this phase of my recovery.
The kids are happy to have me home. My sister Lauren returned to Colorado yesterday. She was a HUGE help this week with the children - keeping them happy and busy. Her being here allowed Charles the freedom to come to the hospital when he could, instead of only when someone could watch the children, and to stay later at night with me there, as well as to start getting back into his work which has had to be somewhat neglected the last 2 weeks.
Some of our normal routines provide security for the kids and we are hopeful to get back to normal bedtimes and some of the structure that they are used to. Saturday was a normal "cut the grass, vacuum, clean the bathrooms" day and the kids were happy to help catch up on such chores that they are used to doing. We left lots of time for them to relax afterwards, don't worry!
My mom and dad have been a huge help too, my dad finding chores to do around our house while my mom waits on me hand and foot. I hope soon I will be able to be "left alone" once in a while although the pampering has been much appreciated.
Wanted to clarify the surgery a bit - some folks have asked. The kidney tumor, although very large, was totally encapsulated inside the kidney. My adrenal gland was removed because it is attached to the kidney but it was unaffected. The tumor was pressing on my liver but the liver was clean. And my gall bladder was a bonus! No cancer there either but I had a stone in it and the surgeons decided it was best to take it out rather than deal with gall bladder problems later on. All lymph nodes in the kidney area were negative.
I had my 9th rib removed for the lung surgery but it was not affected by the cancer. It has been the SORE though! Either all or a portion of the right lower lobe of my lung was removed (not quite clear on that). The metastatic tumor was embedded in this section and all margins removed were clear. Lymph nodes in the area of this small lung tumor were clear also but of course this was renal cell carcinoma so it was a spread from the kidney, likely via the bloodstream.
So, the surgery went as well as it possibly could have, and they "probably" got all the cancer out of me, BUT there is of course a nagging worry that perhaps something microscopic remains, So, our prayer is for ALL the cells to be GONE, every trace. I will meet with various doctors in 2-3 weeks and get more of a handle on further treatment options.
Meanwhile, please continue to pray for my surgery recouperation, for my children and their emotional well-being (Evan has asked some tough questions about whether the cancer could kill me - he is the deep one of the bunch - a few of the others "stuff" their worries which of course is not so good either). Please pray for Charles who has so much on his plate, plus has to continue to provide for us - it's "flag" season and our store is busy yet he has had to let a lot go the last 2 weeks. Our employees have been wonderful through this. We are so grateful for their loyalty. Even Charles' sister came back to us to fill in a bit after working for us a few years ago, which was a huge help. We also have this nagging lawsuit insurance problem from Charles' truck accident two years ago which still is hanging over us - some of you know about this - please continue to pray for a resolution for that too!
Thank you ALL so much for your continued prayer and help. We need it!
Love,
Karen
Thursday, June 14, 2007
In My Room
Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for continuing to hold me up in prayer. I am so HAPPY to be home!!! My dear hubby set up a nice "recovery room" for me in the living room, with our comfy old lazy boy chair and all I need within my reach, flowers on the mantle, etc. Since we have a cape cod house, the kitchen, dining room, bathroom and my bedroom are all on this level, and right outside "my" door is the screened porch which overlooks the backyard so I can enjoy watching the kids playing or swimming. My sister came from Colorado for the whole week to help us and has been giving the kids wonderful attention and care - so they are here, around me, making me smile, but when I need a rest I just close my little curtain they hung for me in the doorway and they know it's mommy's rest time.
They let me come home with some strong pain meds which I was still needing but a few hours ago I tried Ibuprofen and it WORKS!!! I feel pretty good with just that! God has been so good to me, I really feel carried through this experience miraculously.
We did meet with the medical oncology dept today before my discharge. Seems like they are leaning toward recommending a "mild" medication which is not exactly chemotherapy but more like immunotherapy - there are several of these recently approved for renal cell carcinoma. I have lots to learn about these meds to understand them better. It would be more of a "just incase" choice of treatment. Surgically it appears they "got it all" but since it did metasticize to the lung, it could have "planted " something else that has yet to develop. Usually these drugs are used to treat inoperable kidney cancers and since mine was totally operable.....?? Or at least it seemed to be.... Anyway, these are the questions to be pondered in the weeks ahead. I will be busy recouperating. I am told that is my ONLY responsibility. :-) It's gonna be hard to let things happen around me - that's not my normal "style" :-0
Thank you all for praying as I gain strength, get my blood pressure / diuretic regulated, go to numerous doctor followups and such, in the next 2 weeks. I will have a visiting nurse checking on me too. Please keep praying for my kids, and for my dear hubby who has had a lot on his plate these last 11 or so days.
Love,
Karen
Thank you so much for continuing to hold me up in prayer. I am so HAPPY to be home!!! My dear hubby set up a nice "recovery room" for me in the living room, with our comfy old lazy boy chair and all I need within my reach, flowers on the mantle, etc. Since we have a cape cod house, the kitchen, dining room, bathroom and my bedroom are all on this level, and right outside "my" door is the screened porch which overlooks the backyard so I can enjoy watching the kids playing or swimming. My sister came from Colorado for the whole week to help us and has been giving the kids wonderful attention and care - so they are here, around me, making me smile, but when I need a rest I just close my little curtain they hung for me in the doorway and they know it's mommy's rest time.
They let me come home with some strong pain meds which I was still needing but a few hours ago I tried Ibuprofen and it WORKS!!! I feel pretty good with just that! God has been so good to me, I really feel carried through this experience miraculously.
We did meet with the medical oncology dept today before my discharge. Seems like they are leaning toward recommending a "mild" medication which is not exactly chemotherapy but more like immunotherapy - there are several of these recently approved for renal cell carcinoma. I have lots to learn about these meds to understand them better. It would be more of a "just incase" choice of treatment. Surgically it appears they "got it all" but since it did metasticize to the lung, it could have "planted " something else that has yet to develop. Usually these drugs are used to treat inoperable kidney cancers and since mine was totally operable.....?? Or at least it seemed to be.... Anyway, these are the questions to be pondered in the weeks ahead. I will be busy recouperating. I am told that is my ONLY responsibility. :-) It's gonna be hard to let things happen around me - that's not my normal "style" :-0
Thank you all for praying as I gain strength, get my blood pressure / diuretic regulated, go to numerous doctor followups and such, in the next 2 weeks. I will have a visiting nurse checking on me too. Please keep praying for my kids, and for my dear hubby who has had a lot on his plate these last 11 or so days.
Love,
Karen
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
There's No Place Like Home
Mom is home! She arrived just a few hours ago. She looks great, although she is quite tired from the move. She will most likely need a nurse to come periodically to check on her, so the family will have help keeping Mom from over-exerting herself. As you can see from the previous blog entry, Mom is online and reading your comments. Even some of the doctors at the hospital were reading the blog, and were amazed by the number of people praying for Mom. The doctors continue to be impressed by Mom's complication-free surgery and quick progress with recovery.
Thank you again for your prayers, notes, food, flowers, and offers of help and support. You are all greatly appreciated and have been (and continue to be) a blessing to our family. Keep praying!
Thank you again for your prayers, notes, food, flowers, and offers of help and support. You are all greatly appreciated and have been (and continue to be) a blessing to our family. Keep praying!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
A Note from Karen
Hi Everyone! I am OVERWHELMED by having the chance to read this blog today. NO WONDER I have had such peace in my soul and spirit throughout this unbelievable last 10 days. ONLY the peace of God Himself could have done this for me and for my family. Your prayers have held be up and kept me going, giving me comfort and yes, even JOY in the midst of this trial. I heard people say that God gives you the grace to bear up under trial but only when you need it and not before. Last Friday in ICU was undoubtably the worst of days - many many discomforts and pain that just would not find a way to be controlled but still, even through that day I still had peace that I was in God's hands.
The doctors think I will be able to go home tomorrow although they are still giving me IV fluids today, still adjusting my blood pressure medication - which is at about 1/4th the dose I had been on for a few years now - interesting... huh? I have gotten very little information so far about further treatment - if it is needed, what kind is best etc, except that there are 3 new meds in the last 18 mos that have been successful with cancer like mine. The Lankenau Oncology team is having a conference on my case this Friday so I will likely learn more next week. Then we will take all the pathology reports etc for second opinion/s at Fox Chase etc and see what the Lord leads us to do.
I hope Tim and Kristen post this comment as an update too (such techno-marvels in my family, huh?) so that everyone will get this message. I am so grateful for EACH PRAYER on my behalf, each meal for my family, each ride for my kids.... it means more than you know. Please keep it UP!
Love, Karen
The doctors think I will be able to go home tomorrow although they are still giving me IV fluids today, still adjusting my blood pressure medication - which is at about 1/4th the dose I had been on for a few years now - interesting... huh? I have gotten very little information so far about further treatment - if it is needed, what kind is best etc, except that there are 3 new meds in the last 18 mos that have been successful with cancer like mine. The Lankenau Oncology team is having a conference on my case this Friday so I will likely learn more next week. Then we will take all the pathology reports etc for second opinion/s at Fox Chase etc and see what the Lord leads us to do.
I hope Tim and Kristen post this comment as an update too (such techno-marvels in my family, huh?) so that everyone will get this message. I am so grateful for EACH PRAYER on my behalf, each meal for my family, each ride for my kids.... it means more than you know. Please keep it UP!
Love, Karen
Progress Report
Over the next couple of days, Karen will be meeting with several doctors to determine post-surgery treatment options. Currently, we praise God that Karen is now taking longer walks and continues to recover relatively quickly. She is now eating solid foods which the doctors hadn't expected of her until the end of this week and it looks now like she'll be coming home from the hospital sooner than expected. Above all, we praise God that she is feeling so much peace about her situation right now. I am confident that this is a direct result of all of your prayers for her. We're still praying now for continued healing and strengthening as well as continued peace and comfort for the Hauber family. Thank you again for all your prayers.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Day by Day
I just got a call from Dad, prompted by Mom, for another update for all of the "Pray-ers" on this blog. Mom is feeling better today than yesterday (this could also have something to do with the fact that her medication seems to be working better). She had another tube removed and is now able to get up by herself in short bits and walk around. She is still hooked up to the IV, and will be for a few more days as her system works back up to being able to digest regular food.
Mom would like me to pass along her thanks to every one of you for your prayers and help over the last week. She is looking forward to looking at the blog in the near future, so keep your notes (and prayers) a'comin.
Mom would like me to pass along her thanks to every one of you for your prayers and help over the last week. She is looking forward to looking at the blog in the near future, so keep your notes (and prayers) a'comin.
Moving day
Mom was moved out of the ICU into a regular ("step down recovery") room last evening. We were able to see her briefly, and she was happy to see us, along with three sisters (the boys and other sister will be visiting another day). Mom was quite tired from the move, but she is looking better by the day. She is still in pain, but thank the Lord it was less on Saturday than on Friday. The doctors are estimating that she will need to remain in the hospital for at least another week.
If you are local and waiting to visit Karen, thank you for your patience. Karen tires easily from visitors right now, so we're trying to spread out the family visits- especially since most of us have not seen her post-surgery yet. If you are wondering when would be a good time to visit, please email us (The.Mitchells2@verizon.net) and I will check with my dad to set aside a time for visitors.
Thank you again for your prayers! We have an awesome and merciful God. Continue to praise Him for the healing and protection He is giving to Karen. Please also pray that she will be kept free from infections or illnesses that might endanger her healing.
If you are local and waiting to visit Karen, thank you for your patience. Karen tires easily from visitors right now, so we're trying to spread out the family visits- especially since most of us have not seen her post-surgery yet. If you are wondering when would be a good time to visit, please email us (The.Mitchells2@verizon.net) and I will check with my dad to set aside a time for visitors.
Thank you again for your prayers! We have an awesome and merciful God. Continue to praise Him for the healing and protection He is giving to Karen. Please also pray that she will be kept free from infections or illnesses that might endanger her healing.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Lymph Nodes
I just got a call from my Dad, asking me to post the results of Mom's Lymph Node test. Her Lymph Nodes are clear! Praise the Lord! We weren't expecting to get these results back until Monday or Tuesday. Now they will be able to start considering what the next steps are in treatment.
Thank you so much for your prayers! God is honoring our requests, so keep it up!
Thank you so much for your prayers! God is honoring our requests, so keep it up!
Getting Stronger
Karen had the epidural removed this morning, as well as the nose tube. She is doing well today, although the pain continues. Praise God that the pain is lessening, and that the doctors have found a medication that helps decrease her pain. As soon as a regular room is available, they will be moving her out of ICU.
Keep praying! Our God is all-powerful and good. Thank you all for your prayers and kind offers to help. We are greatly blessed by your support during this time.
Keep praying! Our God is all-powerful and good. Thank you all for your prayers and kind offers to help. We are greatly blessed by your support during this time.
Friday, June 8, 2007
A Note on a Napkin
Karen wrote down a note on a napkin in the ICU for this blog which was then read to me over the phone by her husband. Being a RN (Registered Nurse), Karen gave an update that is somewhat technical in nature. I will be explaining it the best I can in parenthesis.
Here's her note (in the quotation marks):
"A chest tube was removed at 10 AM today (the chest tube keeps the lungs expanded). They started a Pick Line 11AM (this is a type of IV line). At 1PM I was moved to a chair, and they removed the central line (an IV feed that was going into her neck) and removed the IV from my right arm. My lungs are congested and it is very difficult to breathe deeply and cough without a lot of pain. The epidural has to come out tonight or tomorrow. I am still getting morphine."
We're encouraged that Karen's probably moving out of ICU later today. She is not really up to friends or visitors tonight. We're told by the hospital staff that the 2nd day post-op is typically a hard day. Hopefully we'll see things start to improve on the 3rd and 4th days. Thank you again for all your prayers.
Here's her note (in the quotation marks):
"A chest tube was removed at 10 AM today (the chest tube keeps the lungs expanded). They started a Pick Line 11AM (this is a type of IV line). At 1PM I was moved to a chair, and they removed the central line (an IV feed that was going into her neck) and removed the IV from my right arm. My lungs are congested and it is very difficult to breathe deeply and cough without a lot of pain. The epidural has to come out tonight or tomorrow. I am still getting morphine."
We're encouraged that Karen's probably moving out of ICU later today. She is not really up to friends or visitors tonight. We're told by the hospital staff that the 2nd day post-op is typically a hard day. Hopefully we'll see things start to improve on the 3rd and 4th days. Thank you again for all your prayers.
Notes for Karen
I can't tell you how overwhelmed I am by the amazing response we've had to this blog. This site has now been up for only 4 days and we've already had 631 different visitors and the site's been viewed 3,059 times! If each of you prayed just once for each time you saw this site, then we've reached Evan's Goal! I told Karen's children yesterday when we had 2,951 hits that we'd be past 3000 soon and Evan said that if we can hit 3,000 now, we should be able to do 50,000 easily... To be perfectly honest, I'm so stunned by how quickly we reached 3,000, that I'm no longer so sure that 50,000 is that difficult of a number to get to.
As soon as Karen is out of the ICU, I am going to print off the entire blog and all of your comments for her to read while she recovers. I thought I'd use this particular post to open up the comment section for all of you to send a brief note to Karen. Please feel free to leave notes of encouragement for her to read during recovery. Thank you all again for all your loving support and prayer during this time.
As soon as Karen is out of the ICU, I am going to print off the entire blog and all of your comments for her to read while she recovers. I thought I'd use this particular post to open up the comment section for all of you to send a brief note to Karen. Please feel free to leave notes of encouragement for her to read during recovery. Thank you all again for all your loving support and prayer during this time.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
"How Can I Help?"
This is by far, the question I get asked the most, so I thought I'd take some time here today and answer it for you.
First, and foremost: Prayer. We need it, and we can always use more of it.
Others have expressed interest in providing meals for Karen's family during this time. If you'd like to help out in this way, Danna Sharadin has volunteered to coordinate these efforts. You can email her here: DannaSharadin@verizon.net
If there is any other way you're interested in helping out you can email us (Tim and Kristen Mitchell) at: The.Mitchells2@verizon.net
We are so grateful that God has blessed us with so many friends and family who are here for us during this time.
First, and foremost: Prayer. We need it, and we can always use more of it.
Others have expressed interest in providing meals for Karen's family during this time. If you'd like to help out in this way, Danna Sharadin has volunteered to coordinate these efforts. You can email her here: DannaSharadin@verizon.net
If there is any other way you're interested in helping out you can email us (Tim and Kristen Mitchell) at: The.Mitchells2@verizon.net
We are so grateful that God has blessed us with so many friends and family who are here for us during this time.
Off the Ventilator!
Karen is off the ventilator! She is awake, alert, and talking which is all very good news. She is currently in quite a bit of "discomfort" (which is doctor language for pain) as she has to continue to take deep breaths and cough from time to time to aid the healing process, and this causes most of the pain. While this is a great step, and the doctors seem encouraged, please continue to pray for her as she is still in the ICU and in a lot of pain.
No News is Good News...
Karen is still in the ICU at Lankenau hospital. There's been no news from the hospital as of yet which we assume means everything is going well. I will continue to update everyone through this blog whenever I hear anything new. Please continue to pray for Karen and her family as these next 36 hours are still critical for her recovery. We can truly feel the prayers of everyone around us and we praise God for the grace He has given all of us throughout this ordeal.
I want to thank you all so much for your comments on this blog and your emails as well. I will print as many of them as I can in the days ahead and bring them to Karen so she can read them while she's recovering.
Update on Our Goal: This blog went live only two days ago and has already been visited 1540 times! Of those visits, many of you are returning for more news which is great, and we have had 305 different people view this site so far! We are all so excited to see so many people praying for us; both Anya and Claudia want constant updates on the number of web visits we get. Thank you again for keeping Karen and her family in your prayers.
I want to thank you all so much for your comments on this blog and your emails as well. I will print as many of them as I can in the days ahead and bring them to Karen so she can read them while she's recovering.
Update on Our Goal: This blog went live only two days ago and has already been visited 1540 times! Of those visits, many of you are returning for more news which is great, and we have had 305 different people view this site so far! We are all so excited to see so many people praying for us; both Anya and Claudia want constant updates on the number of web visits we get. Thank you again for keeping Karen and her family in your prayers.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
The Good and The Bad
Well, she is out of surgery. The good news is that she did well in surgery. The bad news is that they had to remove her gallbladder and adrenal gland along with her kidney, a portion of her lung and one rib. Unfortunately, the biopsy revealed that the spot in her lung was renal cancer, so it has metasticized. We are not sure what her recovery plan will be, but hopefully Charles will be able to go see Karen in the next hour or so.
The next 48 hours are critical, so keep the prayers going. She will be on a ventilator and fairly sedated for the next two days, at least.
Thank you for your prayers! Praise the Lord that there were no serious complications during surgery. Karen needed 6 pints of blood during the surgery (correction: She only needed 3 pints of blood, although they brought 6 into surgery "just in case" she needed that much), so there was a fair amount of bleeding. Continue praying for Karen's recovery, as well as the doctors as they decide on a follow up treatment plan.
The next 48 hours are critical, so keep the prayers going. She will be on a ventilator and fairly sedated for the next two days, at least.
Thank you for your prayers! Praise the Lord that there were no serious complications during surgery. Karen needed 6 pints of blood during the surgery (correction: She only needed 3 pints of blood, although they brought 6 into surgery "just in case" she needed that much), so there was a fair amount of bleeding. Continue praying for Karen's recovery, as well as the doctors as they decide on a follow up treatment plan.
Surgery Going Well
We just received a call saying that the surgery is going well. Karen's affected kidney, the tumor, and a portion of her right lung have been removed. They will biopsy these before they finish the surgery. Praise God! Keep praying!
We're on our way
Thank you to everyone who is praying and asking others to pray. Mom will be overwhelmed (as we all are) that so many people care about her.
Mom's first surgery went well (7 am), and she went into the second surgery at about 12:00 with good spirits and a wonderful sense of peace. She is in the midst of surgery right now, so keep praying!
"The prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective." (James 5:16b)
Mom's first surgery went well (7 am), and she went into the second surgery at about 12:00 with good spirits and a wonderful sense of peace. She is in the midst of surgery right now, so keep praying!
"The prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective." (James 5:16b)
D-Day, Zero Hour
Today's the day. Karen will be starting a preliminary surgery between 7:00 AM and 7:30 AM. The main surgery will begin around 10 am and should last about 6 hours. Please keep Karen and the doctors operating on her in your prayers today. Last night, Karen told us that she felt a great deal of peace about this surgery which is an incredible blessing. She is definitely feeling everyone's prayers.
We will update you on how the surgery went as soon as we can.
We will update you on how the surgery went as soon as we can.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Our Goal
Shortly after we decided to created this blog to update friends and family about my mother-in-law's cancer, I was helping my wife's little brother into bed. I sat there with him for a while and talked and prayed with him before saying goodnight. We both had learned about mom's cancer the day before and the dialog went a little like this:
Evan: "Tim, I'm scared."
Tim: "I'm scared too, Evan. But we have lots of people praying for us right now, and I plan on getting a lot more to pray for us before too long."
Evan: "How many people?"
Tim: "I don't know... how about 1000 people"
Evan: "That's not that many people Tim, that's like one church service praying for us. You need to get more than that."
Tim (slightly bemused): "Well, what do you think is a good number?"
Evan (after much thought): "3000 would be good."
So... 3000 it is. It is my hope and prayer that every time you visit this site you will say a little prayer for Karen and her family.
I'll be keeping track of how many different visitors we get to this site, and once we get to 3000, I'll let Evan know.
Evan: "Tim, I'm scared."
Tim: "I'm scared too, Evan. But we have lots of people praying for us right now, and I plan on getting a lot more to pray for us before too long."
Evan: "How many people?"
Tim: "I don't know... how about 1000 people"
Evan: "That's not that many people Tim, that's like one church service praying for us. You need to get more than that."
Tim (slightly bemused): "Well, what do you think is a good number?"
Evan (after much thought): "3000 would be good."
So... 3000 it is. It is my hope and prayer that every time you visit this site you will say a little prayer for Karen and her family.
I'll be keeping track of how many different visitors we get to this site, and once we get to 3000, I'll let Evan know.
The Story So Far:
Psalm 91
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Sunday, June 3rd: Karen is told that she has cancer the size of "a flattened softball" on her kidney, and a spot on her lung. A blood test is done looking for cancer "markers" and it comes back negative.
Monday, June 4th: A PET scan is done and the results are encouraging. There is no cancer in her bones. The doctors want to get that tumor out of there ASAP. Surgery is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday. This blog is created to ease the burden on Charles (my father-in-law), who has been responsible for keeping everyone informed of everything that's been happening in the past few days and what will be happening in the days to come.
Prayer Requests: Pray for Karen, Charles (her husband), her children and family as they work through this difficult situation together. Praise God that the cancer seems to not have metastasized. Pray for Karen's upcoming surgery to remove her right kidney, a piece of her right lung, and possibly a piece of her liver.
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-
10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."
Sunday, June 3rd: Karen is told that she has cancer the size of "a flattened softball" on her kidney, and a spot on her lung. A blood test is done looking for cancer "markers" and it comes back negative.
Monday, June 4th: A PET scan is done and the results are encouraging. There is no cancer in her bones. The doctors want to get that tumor out of there ASAP. Surgery is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday. This blog is created to ease the burden on Charles (my father-in-law), who has been responsible for keeping everyone informed of everything that's been happening in the past few days and what will be happening in the days to come.
Prayer Requests: Pray for Karen, Charles (her husband), her children and family as they work through this difficult situation together. Praise God that the cancer seems to not have metastasized. Pray for Karen's upcoming surgery to remove her right kidney, a piece of her right lung, and possibly a piece of her liver.
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