"....a little more..."

Today Karen asked me if I thought she was getting better. I may have hesitated, but I said "Yes". She is walking a little more.....eating a little more......sleeping a little more.....
Even "......a little more...." IS PROGRESS!

Please pray that the swelling in her feet and legs would go down and the pain and soreness from surgery would lessen.

Thanks!
Jack

Challenges of the Day

Another day is almost over. Anything that requires strength is a challenge for Karen. That is just about everything!

We have a walker (Thank you, Shelly & Barb!) that is most helpful in getting to the commode set up in the hallway. Her recliner is the chair of choice right now. She does sit on the couch for a change of pace. Once today she got up from the couch by herself and did not use the walker! She has not wanted to attempt the bed yet.

Talking on the phone or having visitors does not appeal to her right now. I'm sure her mouth and throat are still sore. "Everything hurts!" was how she described her pain today.

She doesn't have a lot of "likes" where food is concerned. She uses jello to get her meds down. After awhile she will probably tire of that, as well!

We know that everything will improve by and by and the challenges of today will no longer exist!

We are most grateful for those who are keeping Karen in their thoughts and prayers.

Jack

"There's No Place Like Home!"

We were able to bring Karen home this afternoon. A big step in the right direction! She is still on several meds and is pretty weak. Hopefully sleep will come easier and food will taste better!

Karen will have her staples out in 7-10 days. She will see her oncologist a week from Wednesday.

We appreciate your continued prayers for her speedy recovery and future cancer treatment.

Jack

Megan's Text

I was playing the piano in church this morning when my cell phone vibrated. It was this text from Megan who was already at the hospital:

"mom will most likely be able 2 go home 2moro afternoon!!! both docs were just in and r in agreement. dr. u. said prob afternoon cuz his morning is full!"

This was an answer to prayer.


Pray for us tomorrow as we make the transition from hospital to home. Thanks!

Jack

Prayer, Praise & Thanks

Prayer
Karen wants to come home. They are waiting for a blood test to come back negative for an infection she has before that will be possible. They are giving her antibiotic through her port. She is now taking medication orally, as well. Her mouth is very sore so this is difficult. Dr. U ordered "Magic Mouthwash" to dull the pain. She is still having trouble sleeping so they will also be giving her something tonight to help her sleep. As you can tell, they are doing everything they can to restore her health and keep her comfortable. Your prayers for these things are appreciated!

Praise
Karen loved her mashed potatoes (lunch & supper) and toasted cheese sandwich (supper). It's the simple pleasures in life that mean so much! They are even allowing Megan to get her a Frosty from Wendy's tonight to aid in the pill taking. I hope it tastes good to her!

Thanks
I know Karen would want me to thank you for your prayers and encourage you to continue to pray while she is recovering. Megan and I are especially thankful for being included in your prayers. We are all three able to meet the challenges of each day with God's strength and grace because you are praying.

Jack

A Good Day

This evening (Friday) Karen was no longer attached to the IV pole. We took a walk in the hallway unencumbered! She ate jello, soup and a bit of ice cream. The nurses and their assistants commented on her excellent progress and how much healthier she looked to them.

Yesterday (Thursday) Karen's hair started to fall out as a result of her chemo treatment 2 weeks ago. Her hair was cut short today and she was wearing a cap when I arrived at the hospital. I thought it would bother me to see this side-effect, but it is a look that you quickly adjust to. We are not sure yet when treatment will resume for the cancer. Nor are we sure just when she'll get to come home from the hospital. Very soon we hope!

As always, we are so thankful for your thoughts and prayers.

Jack

Keep Praying!

We are seeing signs of recovery- fewer IV's, no NG tube or catheter, a diet of liquids and jello. Karen's body is healing from the surgery! Thank you for your prayers.

Karen has been through so much since the diagnosis of her breast cancer. That revelation alone would be enough to send most of us into a tailspin. She has faced each new obstacle with faith and courage. Continue to pray for her as she experiences the side-effects of the pain medication, chemo, and related drugs.

Some of you have asked about visiting Karen. Based on today (Thursday) I would suggest that you wait. Keep praying, sending cards, calling or texting, or checking the blog. We do appreciate your love and concern.

We (Jack, Megan, Ginger and Skipper) want Karen to be home. We know your prayers will hasten her arrival!

Thanks for everything you have done for Karen and our family.

Jack

More Good News!

I called Megan (at the hospital with her mom) after work. She said, "Guess what?...... we have a liquid diet!" Headed to CMH now for a couple of hours. Keep praying and checking the blog....this is the exciting part of Karen's recovery from the surgery!

Quick Update

Received a call from CMH. They are moving Karen to room 4151. Megan talked to Karen. We think the NG tube is out. More later........

Rejoice in the Lord always....

After a break this afternoon, Megan and I returned to the hospital. Karen was doing well. Her words were- "I am hopeful" and "Don't I look better!" So glad to hear her being positive about her situation. In between her small naps she would smile occasionally and once she winked at me and said "Did you catch that?" and she winked again. I have missed the Karen I know and love sooooo much. Thank you for praying her back!

As Megan blogged earlier today, the stomach is not an issue anymore, however she is still dealing with the fever as a result of the chemo weakening her immune system. Pray for that and for decisions that will eventually need to be made regarding future treatment of her breast cancer.

Oh, and thanks to all you followers. When I suggested that more of you become "public" I had a number in my mind for a new total- 28. Guess how many followers were on the blog when I signed in tonight? 28! :)

Of course, we appreciate ALL OF YOU (public or private) and consider your love and friendship a special gift to us from God. Thanks too for your comments on the blog.

Truly, a day for rejoicing! Thank you, God.

Jack

Surgery Update

Dr. U. did not find any leakage in Mom's stomach. The contrast on the CT was probably leftover barium that she drank last Sunday in the ER. The fever was most likely a result of her immune system being down from chemo. Dr. U. said NO MORE CT SCANS!!! Hopefully NO MORE SURGERY as well. He removed her two drain tubes and will remove the NG tube as soon as she passes gas or has a bowel movement. Not sure as to when she will be able to come home. Is in the ICU for now and will have to keep an eye on the fever as well as white blood cell count. Thank you for all your prayers.

Another Surgery

Found out around 1:30 this morning that Mom will have to have the stomach surgery again. Dr. U. said he thinks it's leaking. The surgery is scheduled for 7:00 this morning, Wed. June,23. This is high risk, especially since her white blood cell count is not the greatest, but if she doesn't have it she will only keep getting worse. Mom was discouraged today because she was not feeling well and now the news of this surgery is devastating. Please, please pray. Thank you.

A Few More Days at CMH

Today Karen mentioned some things that she wanted put on the blog.

Here goes:

The snip of the stomach that was taken during surgery and sent to the lab came back positive for bacteria so she will be given antibiotics for that when she goes home.

The CT scan done on Saturday will be repeated on Thursday. If everything is okay, the NG tube will be removed. Karen will then be able to start on a liquid diet and work up to solid food.

Because of the nutrition she is currently receiving from the IV's, her blood sugars have been hard to regulate and they have been giving her insulin. Hopefully,"real food" will solve that problem.

Some good news:

Karen's white blood cell count is up!

All thoughts and prayers appreciated. Karen really does look better today. Dr. U. says that is a sign of healing. We know that your prayers have been heard!

Jack for Karen

A Day of Ups and Downs

Well..... a day of ups and downs. Karen called me at 9:15am Sunday saying she had slept almost 6 hours total Saturday night. An answer to prayer! She said she was feeling better after getting some sleep.

At around 2pm when I got to the hospital, the surgeon had been to see her already. She asked me if I wanted the "good news" or the "bad news". Uh oh!

I said, "There's bad news?" If she understood Dr. U. correctly, he told her he wanted to repeat the scan like she had Saturday in several (meaning 7 or 8) days. An extended hospital stay did not appeal to Karen! (The radiologist will read Saturday's scan tomorrow. Maybe it will look better to him. We can pray that way, can't we?) We do want her stomach to be healed completely. If it takes a few extra days in the hospital, we'll work with it.

The "good news"- we celebrated with Karen as she was brought ICE CHIPS. Her first post-surgery meal! She also had the cath. removed and was able to go "potty" on her own a few hours later. Yeah!!!!!

She also had to have a potassium IV this afternoon and it burned so badly going in it reminded me of her early Sunday morning pain a week ago until they changed to a new vein and got it regulated properly. When we left tonight, she was settled in bed and she looked the best to me that I have seen her all week. I guess she really needed that potassium (but not the pain...please!)

Thank you for reading the blog and thanks to those who post comments. We will continue to print them out and share them with Karen at the hospital until she can be home to read them on the computer screen herself!

Jack

SLEEP!

Karen called me at 9:15 this morning to let me know she slept 6 hours last night and was feeling better! Thank you for praying.

Karen's Own Words

Karen dictated to me what she wanted to share with you for today.

"News a little disappointing today. CT scan appears to show some leakage. So the NG (A tube that removes stomach contents through the nose.) will be in a few more days. A radiologist will look at the scan on Monday. The scan will probably be repeated. Waiting for the stomach to heal is better than having surgery again! White blood cell count is down. (A result of the chemo treatment.) Please pray for the count to go up and for sleep to be possible. I try to pray for people because I can't sleep but it is hard. I appreciate everyones kindness and prayers."

Jack's words- "Angela & Alyson arrived safely!"

Public Followers

I just became follower #24 of karenscancercrusade.blogspot.com! Since I suggested that it would be an encouragement for Karen to have more public followers when she gets home from the hospital, I thought I should set the example and/or see how difficult it is to do. As the old saying goes "If I can do it, you can do it!" Amazing!!!!!

Thanks to all who follow the blog whether publicly or privately. We know you are thinking of Karen and keeping her in your prayers and that is really the most important thing.

P.S. Alyson and Angela are coming home this evening. Pray for them to arrive safely. Thanks!
Jack

Tomorrow- Day 6!

Well....the good thing is tomorrow (Saturday) is Day 6 following surgery. They have scheduled a test to see if Karen's stomach is healing properly. Our prayer would be that it is and that she will be able to begin a liquid diet (Not from a bag on a pole!) so that we are one step closer to bringing her home.

Megan spent the day with her and I joined them at 5pm. Karen is still battling nausea and sleeplessness. Keep praying for improvement there. I don't think she is requiring as much pain medication, though.

Visitors, personal inquiries about Karen, phone calls, texts, facebook messages, the blog followers & comments, cards, food & meals, a plant, a gift in the mail....we are continually blessed by your kindness. Each day God brings what we need when we need it. One thing is sure, we are in constant need of your PRAYERS. Thank you for everything!

Love,
Jack for Karen & family

Karen's Personal Request- James 5:16b

Karen asked Megan and me who was updating the blog for her today. She asked that we share this verse with you: "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16b

She is requesting prayer for 2 things: the nausea to lessen and for some sleep. Her faith is still strong even though her body has been temporarily weakened! THANK YOU FOR PRAYING!

THE GOOD NEWS: They have moved her out of ICU! She is in room #4149. NO FEVER! Both surgeons (hernia and stomach repair) and her oncologist visited with her today. They have a better understanding of her condition and think she is doing well all things considered. She receives excellent care from hospital employees and Megan hardly ever leaves her side during visiting hours. Thank you, Megan!

A Big Thank You to: Adam, Alyson, Angela, and our IOWA family members who are great supporters.

To Everyone: Thanks again for the many ways you have shown your thoughtfulness to Karen and our family.

Jack, FOR KAREN

One Day at a Time

We are becoming very familiar with the ICU at CMH! Maybe a day or two more and then a move to a regular room! Funny how that sounds good, but it does. The fever was still active off and on today. In other ways, her surgeon thinks every thing is going well. He assured us that if he is concerned about anything, he will definitely let us know. She has a hard time getting comfortable...hmmm two recent surgeries may have some bearing on that. Thankfully, Megan is there most of the time to make adjustments to the bed, blankets, pillows, etc. And of course, hospital staff are very accomodating. She doesn't feel like she can visit with people much, probably because of the tube in her nose and her dry mouth. Her "liquid" nutrition hangs on a pole- no food or drink yet. She said "short" visits would be ok, though. As always, the many ways you communicate your love and care for Karen and our family are so appreciated. If you are willing to identify yourself as a follower on this blog, I would encourage you to do so. It was Karen's idea to do the blog when she was diagnosed with the breast cancer and I know it means so much to her that so many of you read it. Keep praying!!!!! Love you- Harris family

A Slow Recovery

Karen is still in ICU. Megan was there most of the day. I joined her from 5-8pm. News of the day- a blood transfusion (sometimes needed after surgery) and a fever (with meds was starting to drop before we left). Even with pain medication, I think she is pretty uncomfortable. She is also aware of time and I'm sure it seems long for her. She may not remember everything (like what happened yesterday!) but knows people when they're in her room and takes note of phone calls, cards and prayers when we make mention of them. Thanks again for being so supportive of our family. Jack for all

Megan and I spent the afternoon and evening with Karen. She will be in ICU for a couple of days and then a regular room a few more. Breathing machine tube and oxygen removed today! Pain level still high so morphine given as needed. She can't have anything to eat or drink yet. Dr. says all is going well, though. As always, your cards, calls, texts, comments, visits, etc. all appreciated but most of all your continued thoughts and prayers. Please pray specifically that she will not get any infection. Thanks, Jack for Karen and family

Surgery Update

Mom got out of surgery at about 7:00 this evening. She had a hole in her stomach caused by a medication she was taking for arthritis. She will no longer be able to take that or anything that has aspirin in it. She is doing well and will have to be in the hospital for about a week. Praying that she does not get any infection. Thanks for all your prayers.

June 13th

Hi, everybody-this is Megan. Mom is in surgery; we do not know how long it will be as we do not know the exact cause or site of the perforation. Please pray that the surgeon will find the problem and be able to fix it quickly. Will update again as soon as we find out more.

June 12

Well, today has not been the best.
Nausea big time at 5:00 a.m.
so took medicine but it
took awhile to kick in. And this
"face ache" just doesn't want to go
away!

However, I am feeling better than I was
this a.m. Hopefully I will figure a way to
lessen the face pain.
Really, I am in need for nothing other than
prayers which I can feel coming my way and
uplifting my soul. You are all so dear and kind
to me and my family. I feel like I should be
doing something constructive but don't really
have the energy to do anything!
Thanks for listening!

Friday, June 11th

Headache gone this a.m. and I actually
felt better than I have. Hope it lasts!
Megan took me for my shot - didn't
take long and relatively painless.
Met a young woman that had a double
masectomy and is on same treatment program
I am only a couple weeks ahead of me.

Headache is back this p.m. but not as bad as yesterday
and if that's the only problem I can handle
it!
Thanks again for all the comments and cards and
prayers and visits and phone calls - I appreciate them
so much and so do Jack and Megan. You all mean
so much and I can just feel the support and prayers.

I welcome calls -I will tell you if I am not up to talking
or just let it go to voicemail!
One person said my hair could start falling out as soon as
today - it hasn't yet! I'll keep you posted on that -Jack
is more concerned about it than I but I guess he see's
my head more than I do!

Thurs. June 10th

Yesterday I got the staples out, but stitches have to stay in one more week. Dr. S. okayed me for chemo.

Today we left home at 7:45 and got home at 2:00. Next time it won't be quite as long. June 24th is next chemo. So far so good. Except for a headache I feel okay. They have great anti-nausea drugs! One drug was red--given through the port in 2 big shots. The other is in a drip bag. They also gave me the anti-nausea drugs through the port and drew blood through the port; the port is a good thing!

Tomorrow I am supposed to go get a shot to boost white blood cell production and will do that each time the day after I have chemo. God is good!

June 8

I am feeling stronger every day.
Shawn is coming to cut my hair today
so it will be easier when it starts falling
out!
Also, Dr. Budde's office called - changed
my appointment to Thursday, June 10th so
I have one less day of suspense!
Also, with Shawn's help want to order a wig
today.
Am sleeping better and swelling in feet
has gone down.
Again, thanks for the calls, visits and prayers!
Keep them coming!

Feeling better; staples out Wednesday(6/9); first chemo on Fri.(6/11) at 9:00 am

June 3rd

Some good news today. Beth
from BCCP called with a billing
number so apparently I
did qualify for insurance during
treatment for the cancer!

Also, even though Dr. S. and I don't
think I'm ready to start chemo Dr.
Budde still wants to see me
tomorrow so have an appointment
at 9:15.
Will update with anything new after
that appointment!

June 2nd

Yeah! We got rid of the drain tube!
Staples and stitches stay in at least another week so
no chemo yet.
Am feeling much better though. Would like to
sleep a little better at night and get rid
of swelling in ankles and feet. Dr. S. thought
it would dissapate(sp.) as I become more
active. A shower is going to feel soooo
wonderful!

Again, can't thank you all enough for your
continued prayers! You help me sooo much!

June 1st
This is Jack for Karen- she is well into her recovery at home. Dr. Shirmer will see her tomorrow afternoon. She is hoping he will remove the drain tube. "A shout out" to Pat Bryan for being such a sweetheart. She will send you a note soon. Karen, along with our whole family, want to thank everyone for all the thoughts, prayers, cards, phone calls, flowers, food, visits and blog comments. We love you all!