Thank you for your prayers!

The medication change, cream, powder and prayers (not necessarily in that order) have worked together to visibly improve the rash on Karen's upper torso.  She is not in any pain, however she continues to experience weakness, shortness of breath and fatigue. Karen has not been out of the house for almost a week.  We appreciate those who have come by to visit.

The blog readership has totaled approximately 150 by the response to my "Special Request".  Thanks again to all who sent an envelope, card or note. 

As always, we thank you for your prayers for Karen and our family.  God continues to bless in many ways!

Thank you for being a "bright spot" in our day!

We enjoyed our family time this past week. Karen was able to attend the Christmas Eve. Service and was accompanied by all of us except Frank, Megan's husband, whose work schedule delayed his arrival. 

The rash and medicating for it slowed Karen down some over the week-end.  There seems to be some improvement.  Please continue to pray for the healing of her skin.  Although Karen is getting weaker, she is still able to walk and do most things to care for herself.

Karen, and family, have appreciated hearing from many of you in recent weeks.  Thank you for being a "bright spot" in our day!

Merry Christmas With Love!

The rash has come forth with a vengeance!  Karen contacted hospice and is taking oral medication along with the use of cream and powder.  It has slowed her down some, but she informed me last night that she wants to do certain things for our meals tomorrow and Sunday and we should let her do them!  Yes, dear.

We continue to get cards, letters and notes......some for thinking of you, others for Christmas, and of course, those resulting from my "Special Request".  There are approximately 130 blog followers that responded.  If you aren't in that count, we would still love to hear from you.  Just write karen'scancercrusade on the envelope.

Karen Harris
1297 Dayton Ave. NW  
Washington Court House, Ohio  43160

Thank you to all who read the blog and to those of you who have already responded to my request.  It has been a great encouragement to Karen and our family.

We enjoyed yet another "in home" music concert today.  Thank you to Kim and Kate Anthony for the flute and violin Christmas music, and to Bryan for coming with them.  

Karen was also the recipient of a professional foot massage last night.  It was wonderful for her and gave Merilee and me a break!  :)  Thank you for that gift!

If you live in Fayette County, be sure to look in this weeks edition of the Shopper's Guide.  There should be a picture of the "Pink Ribbon" (faculty, staff and students of Fayette Christian School), and an article including information about the picture, an update on Karen, and a post from her blog. This was also a gift to our family and we are very grateful for the opportunity to share Karen's Cancer Crusade in this way.  Thank you so much!

Merilee, Megan, Alyson, and Angela are here. Sally, my sister, arrives tonight. Adam, Bonnie & Carter will be here tomorrow along with Megan's husband, Frank.  If I don't post on the blog for a couple of days, picture me holding our grandson, Carter, because that is what I hope to be doing! 

Merry Christmas with love,
      Jack, Karen & family

Things Death Has Not Changed

We had a friend stop over Wednesday morning followed by a visit from the hospice nurse.  The nurse came to draw blood and give Karen some cream (and later some powder) for her rash.  Pray that it helps.  In the afternoon she was able to ride in the motorized cart at Kroger with the girls (Merilee, Alyson and Angela) helping her shop.  Also, Merilee's sister from Indianapolis came and we went to "The Willow" for our evening meal.  Our entertainment last night was Merilee's sister playing the beginning of several Christmas songs as we tried to guess them.  Lots of fun!  Thank you, Kelleen!

In an earlier blog I stated that "Every Day Is A Good Day!".  Karen plays a large part in making that true. She has set the bar high for facing death with dignity.

She was very pleased that she could give away some of the outfits she had purchased to wear this year for teaching.  One "bargain" sweater still had the tags attached.  Karen has always been a very giving person.  The prospect of death has not changed that. 

There has been much physical discomfort (We would call it PAIN!) for Karen since May 2010.  She often remarks that it could be worse and when she compares it to the suffering of Jesus, her Saviour, says it is nothing.  Karen has always been very tolerant of her personal health problems.  The process of dying has not changed that. 

Karen loves her family and is looking forward to having them with her for Christmas.  She is diligent in her prayers for each of her children and her husband of 33 years.  Knowing she is going to leave us  has not changed that.

Before departing for Bethesda North Hospital on Dec. 9th, Karen told Pastor Garren, "Forget the eulogy, just preach the gospel!".  "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9. The prayers, cards, letters, notes, blog and facebook comments, phone calls and visits from people are a good indication of the impact Karen has made on our lives and yet she accomplished it with humility. The giving of instruction for her funeral has not changed that.

Thank you, Karen, for making my statement true, "Every Day Is A Good Day!".  Death has not changed that.

Blessed By Your Kindness!

Last night Karen and the girls went to W.A.S.H. (our church ladies fellowship) December meeting.  Just as they arrived home, Merilee, escorted by Linda and Fran made it from Columbus.  Perfect timing!

Karen did some shopping with the girls at Walmart this morning.  It seems like we are home to Santa's elves with much excitement about and wrapping of gifts. 

Tonight our neighbor across the street brought a group of young people to our house to sing for us.  They had come to carol for them and she thought we would enjoy hearing them.  They were wonderful! 

Every day we are blessed by the kindness of family and friends.  We thank you for every act of love from your cards to your visits and everything in between. 

Karen has enjoyed some good days this week and we are hoping it continues through Christmas.  Tonight she discovered a rash in several places.  She will contact hospice in the morning.  Your prayers for this new development are appreciated.

                   Jack, Karen & family                                                               

We Love You!

This is going to be a busy week!  I imagine that is true for most of you.  Today at 11am the hospice nurse will make her weekly visit.  At the same time, I have an appointment at a local funeral home.  Later in the day Merilee will arrive in WCH.  We consider her part of our family and she has come from Korea to spend time with us.  On Friday, my sister, Sally, is flying into Columbus.  We expect Adam, Bonnie and Carter to arrive on Saturday.  Megan will be here when she can and hopefully her husband, Frank, will come and complete the family gathering which includes Alyson and Angela who live at home.  Karen and I have been blessed with a wonderful family including those in Iowa who won't be with us this Christmas.  We love you all!     

Several friends locally have come by to visit and more are expected this week. This past weekend friends from Wisconsin were here to encourage us.  In a couple of weeks we might have guests from Indiana.  No matter where you're from you have been a blessing to us.  We love you, too!

A highlight of our week will be the Christmas Eve. Service at Fayette Bible Church.  Karen hopes that our family will all be in attendance that night.  If you are looking for a place to worship in WCH that evening come to the church (1315 Dayton Ave. NW) at 7:00pm.  We would love you for coming!

Jack & Karen

"We are grateful for........"

Karen is able to receive hospice care.  We were pleased to have them come Wednesday for the initial visit. Everyone was encouraged that we are able to get hospice involved while Karen is fairly stable.  Yesterday, a hospice nurse had a follow-up visit with Karen and today we had the SLP come to help us determine what methods of communication we might be able to use, if needed.  For now, Karen will have a nurse coming every Monday at 11am.  We are grateful for Fayette County Hospice!

At our appointment in Lebanon yesterday, we said our "good-byes" to Dr. Budde.  Although Dr. Budde will oversee Karen's care, we will not need to go for further office visits.  We appreciated the attention she gave Karen especially this past week-end in getting her admitted to Bethesda North Hospital so a neurosurgeon could evaluate her condition.  We are grateful for Dr. Budde!

We have been inundated with encouraging messages verbal and written. Several visitors have come, among them Pastor Garren and the 7th-12th grade Fayette Christian School carolers. :) We have been the benefactors of food, flowers, monetary and other gifts.  We are grateful for all of you!

Karen is experiencing more fatigue today.  Nausea and diarrhea continue. We know that many individuals and churches continue to pray for Karen and our family.  We are grateful for your prayers!

Love,
Jack, Karen & family

"And Every Day Is A Good Day!"

THANK YOU!  We have already been blessed with a show of support for Karen and her blog!

Readers have included cards, letters and  personal notes for Karen and our family in the envelopes marked "karen'scancercrusade".  I WOULD LOVE TO TELL YOU ABOUT EACH ONE, but of course that is not possible.  Please know that if you responded to my "special request" our hearts have been touched by your love.  In some cases, you are "friends" we have never met!  In a future blog I will let you know how many of you there are.  :)  Again, thank you so much.

Throughout her illness, Karen has been encouraged by the phrase "One Day At A Time".  I think I'm going to add  "And Every Day Is A Good Day!".  You may think that is strange when the medical facts indicate cancer of the brain will soon end the life of  the person who means the most to me on earth. That is exactly the point.  I am beginning to live with the mindset that today could be her last. Oh, that we could do this before it were true!

We had our final appointment with Dr. Budde today.  I told her that it is too soon for me to let go of Karen, but I know she is going to heaven and someday I will be there too!  If I'd thought of it I would have added that God has made that possible for us.  "For God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8   Thank you, Jesus.

I HAVE A "SPECIAL REQUEST"!

When Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer she thought a blog would be a good way to keep people informed of her progress.  Our son-in-law, Frank, helped Karen get it set up.  She did the first few posts  herself  before the perforated stomach ulcer complications made it impossible.  Megan did it a few times, but most of the postings have been from my perspective.  At times it has been a challenge to know what to write or how to write it.  (My family thinks it takes me way too long!)  It has really been good for me to put my thoughts in writing. We thank you for taking the time to read them.

I HAVE A "SPECIAL REQUEST"!  We have no way of knowing how many of you there are.  I thought it would be an encouragement to Karen if she could know the success of  her "blog" idea before she dies.  This is my suggestion:  Take an envelope.  Put a stamp on it.  Adress it to:  Karen Harris   1297 Dayton Ave. NW    Washington Court House, Ohio     43160.    Write "Karen's Cancer Crusade" somewhere on the envelope or on a slip of paper that you put in the envelope.   If you want to identify yourself on the return address or write a note that is great but you don't even need to do that.    I would just like her to have some idea how many people have taken this journey with us.

With love and thanks,
                              Jack

The Cancer Crusade Continues..........

Karen had a great day shopping with Megan in Chillicothe!  We had not celebrated my birthday Friday so we went out for supper this evening, too.  As they say about very active children, "She should sleep tonight!".

Appointments: Wednesday- Hospice at our house
                         Thursday- Dr. Budde in Lebanon
                 
After Karen was diagnosed  on Oct. 4th, we talked about her wishes and how we would plan for her death.  At that time, we had my sister help us purchase burial plots in our hometown of Rockwell, Iowa. We are continuing now with some other details that I would like to share with you. (It is much easier right now than it will be later.)  There will be visitation and a funeral service at Fayette Bible Church in Washington Court House, Ohio.  A few days later, there will be a memorial service in Rockwell with burial immediately following.

In the meantime, we continue to pray for God's perfect will for Karen.  Miracles do happen!

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."  Ephesian 3:20-21

"We Will Be Forever Grateful."

Karen slept very well last night.  She was able to attend the cantata at church this afternoon.  Megan came over and will spend the night.  She and Karen have a shopping trip planned for tomorrow.  Karen told me this morning she is going to go while she can!  We were able to Skype with Adam and Carter this afternooon.  It was good to see Carter and visit with Adam! 

Karen was showered with a dozen roses this afternoon by each of the Sanchez children. We were blessed with meals given to us from our church last night and today. We have been contacted by friends from Wisconsin to Korea who want to come visit.  Many facebook statuses have requested prayer for Karen and churches have had special times of prayer.  Your personal expressions of concern, the blog comments, phone calls and greeting cards have been a continual encouragement to us.

As Karen will not be receiving further treatment for the lesions (tumors) in her brain, they will continue to increase in size. As the largest lesion at this time grows, it will affect the flow of spinal fluid.  When it stops the flow completely she will not survive.  The neurosurgeon informed us that this would be a quicker and less painful death than most cancer patients experience. Because the growth of the other lesions will cause much physical difficulty, Karen is hopeful that God will bless in her death as much as he has in her life.

I don't know that I will post daily blogs, but as I know several of you read it for updates and specific prayer requests I will try to do it on a regular basis.  We thank each of you for your prayers, love and support since the inception of "Karen's Cancer Crusade".  We will be forever grateful.

Love,
Karen, Jack & family

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

We were able to get the disc of Karen's brain MRI in the neurosurgeon's hands this afternoon. 
There are too many cancerous lesions in her brain to treat any one of them and be successful.  His recommendation is for Karen to be at home with family under Hospice care for the remaining weeks of her life.

We know you will continue to pray for Karen and our family.  It means much to us.  There will be difficult days ahead but we don't face them alone.  "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

Admission to Bethesda North Hospital

Karen had her MRI done at 2pm today in Wilmington.  I wasn't feeling well so Angela took her to the appointment.  They had just walked in the door at home when Dr. Budde called Karen's cell.  Karen disappeared for awhile and came back in tears saying that Dr. Budde wanted to talk to me.  More complications with the brain tumors.  They are growing again, one of them in a "bad place" to use Dr. Budde's terminology.  She told us we needed to get Karen to the emergency room at Bethesda North Hospital in Cincinnati.  This would be the quickest way to get the attention of a neurosurgeon which she felt Karen needed to have evaluate her condition.  There is a buildup of fluid that if not taken care of is a potential threat to her well-being.  A shunt might be necessary and/or some aggressive radiation treatment.  Karen is in room 5322 for now. Alyson is staying the night with Karen.  Angela and I came home and Megan went back to Dayton. We didn't have a disc of the MRI this time so they are going to try and get it tomorrow morning or do another MRI at the hospital so the neurosurgeon can determine what course of action is most appropriate.

God does answer prayer.  This may not seem like a good situation to you, but it is what God knows is best for us right now.  When Dr. Budde was talking to me on the phone this afternoon she apologized for not being able to give us this news in person.  I told her we understand and after all we've been through we try to be gracious when hearing these unfavorable reports.  She said, "Jack, I think you two do a better job at that than I do."  What a testimony to our God who comforts us and gives us strength during difficult times. Thank you all for your prayers!

P.S. Karen called me after we got home.  She is very pleased with her hospital room and the care she is getting.  She is also thankful for her family.  We love you, Karen.

The Results Are In.......

I will imitate Dr. Budde in delivering today's report.  There is no cancer in the liver. (She always begins with the positive!) The cancer in the lungs is growing.  Karen will be starting an IV of chemo in the office in Lebanon on Thursday.  It will be administered once a week for the next 2 or 3 weeks if tolerated. That means blood work every week. The returning symptoms of tumor growth in her brain require a trip to Wilmington tomorrow for another MRI.  If there is one tumor causing these symptoms, they may give it a jolt of radiation and/or put Karen back on steroids.

Karen is a real trooper. When asked how she reacted to the news today my response was, "I think she just rolls with the punches."  When I asked Karen about it tonight she said that was right.  :)

This was our pastor's encouragement today, via text message, "God's will is always perfect and His comfort is complete.  How wonderful God is to allow us to see His working in our lives and circumstances."  Our family continues to trust God for ALL things.  THANK YOU for your prayers!  And THANK YOU for reading today's blog.

Love,
Jack & Karen

"A Difficult Week"

In addition to the cough & cold, loss of appetite, nausea, vomitting, diarrhea, and fatigue all kicked in this week. 

Scheduled appointments: Tues.- chest and abdomen scans
                                          Thurs.- Dr. Budde, oncologist

Thank you for praying. 

Encouraging phone calls, cards, texts, blog & fb comments were appreciated.