Thurs. Jan. 27

Hello. Well we're down to 8 days left. I was a little discouraged Monday when the doctor told me that the burning will continue up to 14 days after the last treatment and so right now I am feeling the effects from the first 5 or so treatments. But John gave me some new ointment that is helping much more so all is good.
I can't remember if we mentioned that I had a stitch or part of one left just under my skin under my arm where they had the two drain tubes in. It bothered me periodically but was pretty much lodged in. But now it came out so that was a praise!
I am making some popcorn treats for the cancer center workers and am going to insert a Valentine tract. Thought I would try and share the gospel one more time. Please pray for those who aren't saved to come to a saving knowledge of our Saviour. Also plan on taking goodie plates to neighbors with tracts also. Thanks so much for continued prayers.
I am doing well.Love, Karen

Jan. update

Well, not much news. My skin is a little pink and starting to burn a little but I imagine it will get worse before it gets better. Am putting on generic Aquaphor twice daily.
The good news is I have completed 13 treatments and have 12 left. Yippee! Bloodwork on Jan. 31 to see if I am getting enough magnesium.
It was 1 degree here this a.m. which is nothing compared to Iowas below zero temps but cold for us.
Congrats to our dear friends the Craigs on the birth of Zechariah Paul! We pray Mom and son are doing well and Dad too!
Not much else going on. I would appreciate continued prayers that the burning and fatigue would be tolerable without pain meds. Thanks to all of you - enjoy the rest of January! love, Karen

Friday, January 7th

Monday I went for my SIM appt. and got a CT and markings done for radiation.
Treatments started Wed. - was a little longer because they had to take x-rays and pictures to document everything.
Starting Thursday my appointments are to be at 9:15 every morning. Thurs. I went and the machine was broken so ended up having appointment at 2:30. This mornings appointment was fine. I am in and out in less than 10 minutes and you don't feel anything so worst part right now is the driving.
I will be seeing the doctor every Monday after my treatment. I did find out that it will be 25 treatments instead of 30 and now I only have 22 left!
On another note, I went to eye doctor Tues. I have a hemorrhage in my left eye which he was pretty sure was from high blood pressure but referred me to specialist in two months to make sure. So, if you could pray that that would heal I would be grateful. Other than that my eyes aren't too bad except that I need glasses to read.
Hope all is well with you. If anything exciting happens I will try to update you. Thanks again for your prayers. Love, Karen

Mon. January 3rd

Greetings. Hope everyone had as great holidays as we did. We had wonderful traveling weather and the day after we arrived at moms got 6 inches of beautiful snow. We got to see a lot of people however briefly that we don't see very often especially loved our visit with the Lutes.
My wound stayed closed the whole time we were gone and is still closed - yippee! Didn't have too many problems other than being tired. We also got 10 more inches of snow while we were there.
They rescheduled my Sim appointment for today when I got marked for the radiation treatments. It was relatively painless and again the workers are so kind. I will have first treatment on Thurs. Dr. G. assures me the side effects will take 2 weeks to show up so I am kind of counting on that!
Also did bloodwork and have to go back on magnesium but only one pill a day instead of 3and will be rechecked on 31st. Was also happy to find out that Dr. B and S have signed an extension on their contract for 4 more months so that will get me a little farther down the road.
Again thanks for the prayers and I hope and pray all of you have a wonderful New Year. Enjoy every day because your life could change in a matter of seconds! love, Karen