sept. 29

Went to cancer center. Had first dose of Taxol chemo. Seemed to go pretty well although slow. We were there a little over 6 hours. I am very tired but otherwise not too bad. We go back tomorrow for a shot to boost white blood cells after a visit to the wound clinic.
I'm really hoping this last antibiotic will do the trick for that stubborn last wound.

Prayer requests; that last wound to heal, Al & Ang have a vball game at Circleville on Monday and I really want to be well enough to go, continued strength and encouragement, I really want to get back to church also! I miss all of you prayer warriors.

thank you all. Karen

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety-Jig!

I was able to bring Karen home this afternoon! She is still not well, but at least the fever is gone and recovery is in progress.

She is on several medications. One in particular causes nausea. She requests your prayers for a good attitude this week.

Wednesday is supposed to be the first day of the next round of chemo. We're not sure if this latest bout will affect that in any way.

Karen also has an appointment at the Wound Clinic on Thursday. The last stubborn wound was also a source of infection in her body. Prayers for healing appreciated!

Karen wants to "THANK YOU" for praying. I second that..... it is so good to have her back home.

JDH

Hospitalized Again

Karen was admitted to CMH again today. She spiked a fever and had swelling and pain in her face and neck. Dr. Budde discovered a significant sore inside her cheek while examining Karen's mouth. She thought it might be the source of the problem. Karen is getting IV's of antibiotic. She looked and felt better by the time I left the hospital at 7pm. It should be a short stay of only a day or two.

Karen appreciates your prayers for her recovery as do all of us who love and care for her so much. Thank you!

JDH

09/15/10 CHEMO DAY

I really had another great chemo day. Lori , the fantastic foot lady gave me another wonderful massage. (God is so good to me!) My blood count was good enough (still anemic).

We discussed the next round of treatments. Instead of doing 1 a week for 12 weeks she wants to up the dose a bit and do 1 every 2 weeks for 4 times which would mean I would be done before Thanksgiving! I would really like that. But it will depend on if my body will tolerate it or not. Side effects with this chemo are supposed to be much less harsh.

Prayer Request #1. That I would do okay with the regimen described above.

Then she came back while I was getting chemo and said another blood test came back(they take about 5 viles of blood each time) and there was a little problem so she wants me to drink plenty of water and go back next week and be retested. But not to worry about it!

Prayer request #2. That it was just a hydration problem and that I am able to drink enough water to eliminate the problem.

Of course please continue to pray for my tolerance to the chemo I just got. I couldn't do this without all of your prayers. Wanted to go to prayer meeting but just didn't have enough energy. This has taken quite a while to type. Does anyone else think texting ruins your typing skills?

09/09/10

Wound clinic. Unfortunately my wound got deeper instead of better but Dr. P is confident it will heal. I had so many skin tears that we are now using Press 'n seal instead of tape!

I am feeling some better so thanks for praying - am keeping a positive attitude that I am again on the upward swing from the chemo. Karen

Wed., Sept. 8

Well, I just couldn't go a week without going to the cancer center.
I had some ulcers & sores in my mouth and throat and developed
some sores between my fingers.

I just can't tell you how nice Dr. Budde is and all the nurses.
Anyway I have 2 prescriptions to help but it will probably
be an ongoing problem as long as I am on chemo. I also lost the 3
lbs I gained last week plus 4 more.

Prayer request - pain would let up and that I'll be ready for chemo
next week. Wound clinic tomorrow. Still have one wound that just
doesn't want to heal.
Thanks again for all your support! Karen

SEPT. 1

Chemo today - my bloodwork was good -Yeah!- I gained 3 lbs. -so much for worrying about that problem! My foot massage person was there and gave me a great long wonderful massage and we talked and got to know her better. YeaH!
I go back tomorrow for the white count booster shot. Then I don't have to back for 2 weeks for the last of the "bad" chemo unless of course I have a problem but we're all going to pray for noooooo problems!

The very best news. I asked about going to church because she really scared me with that white count hospital thing last week. She said just don't be in a close crowd or talk to anyone with a cold and wash my hands. No mask. Yeah!

Everyone has been so wonderful to us - it makes me cry when I think of all the cards, food, visits, flowers, and things too numerous to mention that you all have done and most of all the prayers. I truly believe I am doing as well as I am only because God is honoring all of YOUR prayers. I can never thank you enough! Thank you all so very much!
Love and a hug! Karen