Some of you have been so kind and been complimentary regarding my ghost writing for Karen. One of you even suggested I should do this as a side job. I don’t think there’s any money in it. I appreciate your comments … but … I will be happy when Karen can take the job back. Creativity can only go so far and then you’re brain dead. So … I’m pasting this from an e-mail. It’s all you get tonight …
Hi All,
The doctors have been watching Karen's Creatine Kinase levels, an enzyme that can be formed by muscle damage from the treatment. I think I said in an earlier e-mail (I don't know what I've written anymore) that a normal high would be around 200. Karen's finally spiked yesterday at 7800. The morning test showed that it went down to about 6800 but this afternoons was back up to 7200. We are hoping that the drop will start a trend of it working its way back down to normal levels. Karen told me that the doctor told her he would be keeping her at least until Wednesday the 3rd. It looks like I get to change the airline tickets again. I guess we will know for certain that we are headed home when the plane takes off.
Karen is feeling so much better each day. Today she spent a bunch of time working on a craft project, talked on the phone to family and friends, and went on another field trip. This one was longer with some time spent outside in the 91 degree heat. She is really enjoying getting out. Thanks to all of you for keeping us in your prayers. We pray for all of you at home too.
Ken
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Field Trips
Remember back in school how excited you would get when you knew a field trip was coming up? The level of excitement would build right up to the time you loaded on the bus. There was all the excited chatter on the bus while in route to the destination. Maybe the ride was what made the trip. What do you think?
I remember one of my field trips was to the Opera House where we listened to the symphony playing classical music. I really didn’t have an appreciation for that brand of music in grade school. Maybe that was the purpose in going in the first place, to develop that appreciation. At my age now I have to admit I really don’t mind classical music. The music certainly can calm the savage beast (Remember the movie Young Frankenstein?). I’ve played classical music from time to time in my office during particularly stressful days.
The one field trip most kids look forward to is going to the aquarium. At least I'm told it's popular by my grandkids. They really enjoyed looking at all the sea creatures. We watch fish swimming around the huge tanks and everything seems so peaceful. Later when we grow older we learn that it’s a fish eat fish world under the sea but watching them in the tank still has a calming influence.
Weekends in the hospital can be the pits. Actually any time in the hospital is the pits but weekends especially. Half of the rooms in Karen’s module are empty. When I walk the halls from Rotary House to Karen’s room there is no one (well, I pass maybe three people). I’m sure if I were to yell something I would hear an echo.
So, what do you do with someone who is bored
out of their socks (Karen) and has been cooped up in their room all week? You go on a field trip of course. I asked Miss Madlyn (Karen’s nurse) if I could take her around the hospital in a wheel chair. She said that would be fine. Miss Madlyn found a stray wheel chair three floors down and brought it back to us. Okay, Karen’s getting excited now. Miss Madlyn disconnected Karen’s IV so we wouldn’t have to pull the IV tree around with us, Karen put on her robe, we tucked her in the chair with a pink quilt (thank you Darlene) and we were off.
I remember one of my field trips was to the Opera House where we listened to the symphony playing classical music. I really didn’t have an appreciation for that brand of music in grade school. Maybe that was the purpose in going in the first place, to develop that appreciation. At my age now I have to admit I really don’t mind classical music. The music certainly can calm the savage beast (Remember the movie Young Frankenstein?). I’ve played classical music from time to time in my office during particularly stressful days.
The one field trip most kids look forward to is going to the aquarium. At least I'm told it's popular by my grandkids. They really enjoyed looking at all the sea creatures. We watch fish swimming around the huge tanks and everything seems so peaceful. Later when we grow older we learn that it’s a fish eat fish world under the sea but watching them in the tank still has a calming influence.
Weekends in the hospital can be the pits. Actually any time in the hospital is the pits but weekends especially. Half of the rooms in Karen’s module are empty. When I walk the halls from Rotary House to Karen’s room there is no one (well, I pass maybe three people). I’m sure if I were to yell something I would hear an echo.So, what do you do with someone who is bored
out of their socks (Karen) and has been cooped up in their room all week? You go on a field trip of course. I asked Miss Madlyn (Karen’s nurse) if I could take her around the hospital in a wheel chair. She said that would be fine. Miss Madlyn found a stray wheel chair three floors down and brought it back to us. Okay, Karen’s getting excited now. Miss Madlyn disconnected Karen’s IV so we wouldn’t have to pull the IV tree around with us, Karen put on her robe, we tucked her in the chair with a pink quilt (thank you Darlene) and we were off.As soon as we left Karen’s module I could see Karen’s spirits soar. We took an elevator to the 
third floor (Karen’s on the 11th) and stopped at a balcony that overlooks a lobby area. There were a few more people in the lobby and we found a grand piano with a volunteer playing some classical tunes. We quickly caught the elevator down to ground level and sat and listened for a bit. The aroma of popcorn was in the air and I bought a box for Karen for 50 cents. She took a few pieces (we felt like sinners) and then quit when we realized it was probably too salty considering the extra work her kidneys are going through right now. We kept the box of popcorn to take back to the room. Karen liked the smell of it.
We moved on after listening for about ten minutes. At the other end of the hospital was the
aquarium area. It’s another lobby area with a coffee shop and several aquariums full of fish. We stopped at each aquarium for a few minutes and just watched the fish. We recalled another aquarium from another building where we had watched one particular fish bully the others around. After watching for a few minutes we headed back to the room. On the way back we slowly went by the cafeteria. I think I found where all the people are. It took us a few minutes to get back to the room. Karen’s spirits were definitely up. I think I’ll do this again with her tomorrow.
At the time of this writing we are still waiting to hear how Karen’s Creatine Kinase levels are doing. We are praying and hoping for the best. Dr. Ross was in to see Karen early this AM and commented on how he thought the swelling had gone down some. Believe me, we like hearing positive things and hang onto every word. Karen wants me to report to you that she is feeling much better today. She says she is glad she had the procedure done. It wasn’t fun but she’s ready to move on.
third floor (Karen’s on the 11th) and stopped at a balcony that overlooks a lobby area. There were a few more people in the lobby and we found a grand piano with a volunteer playing some classical tunes. We quickly caught the elevator down to ground level and sat and listened for a bit. The aroma of popcorn was in the air and I bought a box for Karen for 50 cents. She took a few pieces (we felt like sinners) and then quit when we realized it was probably too salty considering the extra work her kidneys are going through right now. We kept the box of popcorn to take back to the room. Karen liked the smell of it.
We moved on after listening for about ten minutes. At the other end of the hospital was the
aquarium area. It’s another lobby area with a coffee shop and several aquariums full of fish. We stopped at each aquarium for a few minutes and just watched the fish. We recalled another aquarium from another building where we had watched one particular fish bully the others around. After watching for a few minutes we headed back to the room. On the way back we slowly went by the cafeteria. I think I found where all the people are. It took us a few minutes to get back to the room. Karen’s spirits were definitely up. I think I’ll do this again with her tomorrow.At the time of this writing we are still waiting to hear how Karen’s Creatine Kinase levels are doing. We are praying and hoping for the best. Dr. Ross was in to see Karen early this AM and commented on how he thought the swelling had gone down some. Believe me, we like hearing positive things and hang onto every word. Karen wants me to report to you that she is feeling much better today. She says she is glad she had the procedure done. It wasn’t fun but she’s ready to move on.
We thank God for all of you. Karen and I know you are praying and we appreciate your support so much. We (Karen and I) ask that God richly bless all of you.
Ken (for both of us)
Ken (for both of us)
P.S. Karen's Creatine Kinase levels came in. They rose again to 6700+. Please pray with us that the levels will turn around and start dropping.
Friday, September 28, 2007
T.G.I.F.
“Thank God it’s Friday” is what I’m sure many of you said at the end of your work day today. I know because I’m no different than you. I look forward to the end of my work week and the relaxation that comes with weekend activities. I wish you all a wonderful weekend.
Karen and I can be thankful it’s the end of the week as well. We know that next week is the start of week three in Houston but we also know it’s likely the week we will return home. We could focus on how long this has been but we also have to admit we’ve met people that have been here longer, some have been here four months. That sure puts things into perspective doesn’t it?
Dr. Ross visited Karen today. He’s the Big Guy, the Kahuna, the doctor she came to see and perform the procedure (the expert). He provided a good and encouraging report. She has some blisters, but others are worse. She has swelling, but it’s within normal limits. She has no pain, just discomfort with walking on the swollen blistered leg. Her Creatine Kinase levels are high (around 200 is a normal high, Karen’s is 5792), but the spike was expected and they are treating it appropriately. In other words, everything has been normal as far as how Karen’s leg has responded to the perfusion. Nothing has surprised the doctor. All that being said, please continue to pray for Karen. She never expected that it would be as uncomfortable as it’s been. Pray also that the Creatine Kinase levels will return to normal this weekend. We both look forward to coming home and being around all of you.
Karen and I can be thankful it’s the end of the week as well. We know that next week is the start of week three in Houston but we also know it’s likely the week we will return home. We could focus on how long this has been but we also have to admit we’ve met people that have been here longer, some have been here four months. That sure puts things into perspective doesn’t it?
Dr. Ross visited Karen today. He’s the Big Guy, the Kahuna, the doctor she came to see and perform the procedure (the expert). He provided a good and encouraging report. She has some blisters, but others are worse. She has swelling, but it’s within normal limits. She has no pain, just discomfort with walking on the swollen blistered leg. Her Creatine Kinase levels are high (around 200 is a normal high, Karen’s is 5792), but the spike was expected and they are treating it appropriately. In other words, everything has been normal as far as how Karen’s leg has responded to the perfusion. Nothing has surprised the doctor. All that being said, please continue to pray for Karen. She never expected that it would be as uncomfortable as it’s been. Pray also that the Creatine Kinase levels will return to normal this weekend. We both look forward to coming home and being around all of you.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Over the Hump
Every day (actually several times a day) I walk past an area of the hospital with a sign that says Diagnostic Imaging. There is a large waiting area by this sign and the area is always full. As I walk past I have this urge (thankfully it’s been controlled) to ask the entire crowd, “All ya’ll got an image problem you need diagnosed”? Those of you who know me well know my mind sometimes works in ways the normal mind doesn’t. Don’t ask me why that thought goes through my head. I couldn’t tell you. In fact, I’m probably the only one who would find humor in the question.
I never cease to be amazed at the number of people on any given day at MD Anderson. They all are dealing in their own way with the particular cancer they’ve been afflicted with. Every individual is walking through a valley filled with shadows, fears, and sometimes death. I would like to say that all of those people have read and found comfort in the 23rd Psalm during these times but I know better. You can see on the faces of many they are not comforted at all. I thank my Lord and Savior that Karen and I have the promises found in that Psalm.
Karen has experienced some shadows and fears the last day and a half. Karen’s discomfort, discouragement and fears were overwhelming for her. I can say with joy that she is doing much better now. We ended our day together by reading the 23rd Psalm. Our focus is not on the valley but on the other side. The Psalm ends with, “…and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”.
This morning Karen’s day started with the doctor talking about going home. This sent her into a panic. She hadn’t kept food down yet, wasn’t walking on her leg yet and just couldn’t see how she would manage a four hour flight and being at home. The fact that her heavier pain medications were still working their way out of her system didn’t help. She was still unable to control her shaking and was on overload. The discouragement she felt yesterday continued through the morning hours.
As I said earlier, Karen is much better now. She is on just two medications Vicodin and Valium. The Vicodin is taking care of the pain/discomfort without any side effects. The Valium has calmed the involuntary muscle spasms and has calmed Karen’s panic. She has swelling in her leg from the procedure that will probably be there for two or three months. The swelling has caused some blistering to occur. These symptoms are normal and we were told they would occur although we probably didn’t think about the reality of it. Karen is a plodder though and I’m seeing signs that she is getting determined to work through it. I heard her tell Kaydee that although she wishes she hadn’t chosen to do this, it’s done and she just needs to deal what she has.
Our last visit with the doctor today extended the going home to mid week next week at the earliest. They want to watch some enzyme levels that are elevated and could do kidney damage if they got out of control. This is yet another side effect of the procedure. There is nothing to be worried about at this point. We are thankful that they want to watch and make sure it doesn’t get out of hand.
We cherish your prayers. Thank you. We also thank you for your encouragement through e-mails and blog comments. God Bless you all.
I never cease to be amazed at the number of people on any given day at MD Anderson. They all are dealing in their own way with the particular cancer they’ve been afflicted with. Every individual is walking through a valley filled with shadows, fears, and sometimes death. I would like to say that all of those people have read and found comfort in the 23rd Psalm during these times but I know better. You can see on the faces of many they are not comforted at all. I thank my Lord and Savior that Karen and I have the promises found in that Psalm.
Karen has experienced some shadows and fears the last day and a half. Karen’s discomfort, discouragement and fears were overwhelming for her. I can say with joy that she is doing much better now. We ended our day together by reading the 23rd Psalm. Our focus is not on the valley but on the other side. The Psalm ends with, “…and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”.
This morning Karen’s day started with the doctor talking about going home. This sent her into a panic. She hadn’t kept food down yet, wasn’t walking on her leg yet and just couldn’t see how she would manage a four hour flight and being at home. The fact that her heavier pain medications were still working their way out of her system didn’t help. She was still unable to control her shaking and was on overload. The discouragement she felt yesterday continued through the morning hours.
As I said earlier, Karen is much better now. She is on just two medications Vicodin and Valium. The Vicodin is taking care of the pain/discomfort without any side effects. The Valium has calmed the involuntary muscle spasms and has calmed Karen’s panic. She has swelling in her leg from the procedure that will probably be there for two or three months. The swelling has caused some blistering to occur. These symptoms are normal and we were told they would occur although we probably didn’t think about the reality of it. Karen is a plodder though and I’m seeing signs that she is getting determined to work through it. I heard her tell Kaydee that although she wishes she hadn’t chosen to do this, it’s done and she just needs to deal what she has.
Our last visit with the doctor today extended the going home to mid week next week at the earliest. They want to watch some enzyme levels that are elevated and could do kidney damage if they got out of control. This is yet another side effect of the procedure. There is nothing to be worried about at this point. We are thankful that they want to watch and make sure it doesn’t get out of hand.
We cherish your prayers. Thank you. We also thank you for your encouragement through e-mails and blog comments. God Bless you all.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
The Longest Day
Today was probably Karen’s toughest day. They took her off the IV pain meds because of hallucinations and muscle spasms. Those are gone now and she is more aware of what’s going on. That’s a good thing but it also has a down side. Karen is fighting discouragement. Her leg is quite swollen (more than she anticipated) and she couldn’t keep anything down today. I stayed extra long and prayed with her before leaving to go back to the hotel room and it seemed she might sleep well. Thank you for your continuing prayers.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Dark Clouds and Bright Skies
I awoke this morning to dark ominous clouds, a sure sign of the thunder storm typical to Houston Texas this time of year. Sure enough, later in the day the clouds opened and it poured buckets (they must have been large buckets). No sooner does it stop raining the clouds move away and there are bright sunny skies. We’ve experienced this several times during our two trips here to MD Anderson Cancer Center.
We experienced the weather this morning but we also experienced the dark clouds and bright light in a different way. Karen spent last night and most of today in ICU. The woman in the room next to hers passed away today. Karen wondered what all the commotion was about. She wondered aloud if they were moving furniture. There were many people along with much commotion. I guessed what happened but chose not to tell Karen right away. My guess was confirmed later when I saw the grieving family leave. Karen’s nurse apologized for “being busy” next door and later acknowledged losing a patient. Seeing the grief caused by the passing of a loved one certainly was a dark cloud for that family, one we watched as it passed by.
Just as bright skies follow the dark clouds with the weather, we (or at least I) experienced a bright moment today. Houston (the omelet chef, not the city) brightened my day this morning.
I’ve taught him what a Joe’s Scramble is and he asked me if that’s what I wanted as soon as he saw me walk into the hotel restaurant. He also asked where Karen was. I explained the medical procedure she had and the fact that she was in ICU. Well Houston wasted no time and began telling me that God would take care of her and He knows what’s best. He then told me that he would be praying for Karen today.
Karen and I had suspected that Houston might just know the Lord. Having been here a week we’ve spoken to him several times. I'm sure Houston has experienced his own dark moments in life as all of us have. In spite of that, Houston (the chef) has always been happy, outgoing, and has not been afraid to tell us to trust God. My thanks go to Houston for brightening my morning.
Karen’s day today is not one she will remember. She’s got some pretty serious pain meds on board to knock down the discomfort in her right leg. I find it amusing to talk to her because I can start a question and find she’s asleep before I finish. Kaydee tried to talk to her on the phone and just ended up laughing. I’m sure she will write about that one in her own blog.
It was also moving day for Karen. She’s been moved to a room with a view, moving from the 7th to the 11th floor. We learned that the wing she’s in is rehab. I suspect they will have her up and walking tomorrow or at least having her sit up in a chair. It’s hard to imagine her walking with not being able to keep awake. Maybe they will just have her stand for a minute to start out with or like I said just sit in a chair.
I would tell you all that Karen says “Hello” but she didn’t. I’m sure she appreciates your prayers but she didn’t even say that. She just couldn’t stay awake long enough today to express much. I can say with all certainty though that she says and feels those things in her heart. She would tell you if she could. I know I am thankful for all of you. Your support and prayers mean more than I can tell you.
God Bless you all.
We experienced the weather this morning but we also experienced the dark clouds and bright light in a different way. Karen spent last night and most of today in ICU. The woman in the room next to hers passed away today. Karen wondered what all the commotion was about. She wondered aloud if they were moving furniture. There were many people along with much commotion. I guessed what happened but chose not to tell Karen right away. My guess was confirmed later when I saw the grieving family leave. Karen’s nurse apologized for “being busy” next door and later acknowledged losing a patient. Seeing the grief caused by the passing of a loved one certainly was a dark cloud for that family, one we watched as it passed by.
Just as bright skies follow the dark clouds with the weather, we (or at least I) experienced a bright moment today. Houston (the omelet chef, not the city) brightened my day this morning.
I’ve taught him what a Joe’s Scramble is and he asked me if that’s what I wanted as soon as he saw me walk into the hotel restaurant. He also asked where Karen was. I explained the medical procedure she had and the fact that she was in ICU. Well Houston wasted no time and began telling me that God would take care of her and He knows what’s best. He then told me that he would be praying for Karen today.Karen and I had suspected that Houston might just know the Lord. Having been here a week we’ve spoken to him several times. I'm sure Houston has experienced his own dark moments in life as all of us have. In spite of that, Houston (the chef) has always been happy, outgoing, and has not been afraid to tell us to trust God. My thanks go to Houston for brightening my morning.
Karen’s day today is not one she will remember. She’s got some pretty serious pain meds on board to knock down the discomfort in her right leg. I find it amusing to talk to her because I can start a question and find she’s asleep before I finish. Kaydee tried to talk to her on the phone and just ended up laughing. I’m sure she will write about that one in her own blog.
It was also moving day for Karen. She’s been moved to a room with a view, moving from the 7th to the 11th floor. We learned that the wing she’s in is rehab. I suspect they will have her up and walking tomorrow or at least having her sit up in a chair. It’s hard to imagine her walking with not being able to keep awake. Maybe they will just have her stand for a minute to start out with or like I said just sit in a chair.
I would tell you all that Karen says “Hello” but she didn’t. I’m sure she appreciates your prayers but she didn’t even say that. She just couldn’t stay awake long enough today to express much. I can say with all certainty though that she says and feels those things in her heart. She would tell you if she could. I know I am thankful for all of you. Your support and prayers mean more than I can tell you.
God Bless you all.
Monday, September 24, 2007
It's a "Waiting" area ...
The principal of figuring the cost of a project and doubling the estimate must carry over to hospital waiting areas. Karen checked in at 7:30 AM this morning to prepare for a 3 hour procedure scheduled to start at 9:30 AM. At 12:15 PM I was told that they were finished inserting the necessary catheters in her primary vein and artery in the right leg. She was then wheeled to the main surgical area for the perfusion treatment, the one that's supposed to be three hours. I was transferred from one waiting area to another. “Oh my gosh”! The waiting area was comprised of six areas, each able to sit 20 + people. It was full. I checked in and settled in for the expected three hour procedure that was starting three hours late. My 6:30 AM breakfast was still holding its own so I had no complaint. After all, Karen didn’t get to eat anything at all today.
Did I say the Surgical Waiting Area is huge? I found it strange to have so much company and yet be alone. I’ve always been a people watcher and this was certainly a target rich environment. Listening to many of the conversations made me realize many were waiting well beyond the time they expected to. Many were waiting for their loved one to be assigned a room so they could go visit. I settled in for the duration. I knew the time would eventually come when they would call my name and I could go see Karen in her room.
Keep in mind the size of the waiting area and the number of people in it. I checked with the volunteer at 3:21 PM. They said they tried to find me at 2:00PM for a surgical nurse update. "They aren’t finished with the surgery", she said. Maybe I will get another update at 4:00 PM. I wait. At 4:00 PM I do get an update. The perfusion is complete and the doctor is cutting out some lesions and suturing. It should be over soon … “maybe and hour or so”. At 5:00 PM I receive a phone call from the surgical nurse. They are taking out more lymph nodes in Karen’s groin area. Surgery will continue for another 3 – 4 hours. Wow, this wasn’t planned. I didn’t have any additional information. I have to trust that the doctor knows what's best. At 6:30 PM I receive a phone call from the ICU nurse. She tells me Karen’s been in ICU since 4:30 and she would like me to come see her. Wait ... “Houston, we have a problem”. I could see breakdown in communication occurred somewhere. You can too I bet. To make a long story short, the doctor's message that he would be in surgery for another 3-4 hours got translated to Karen being in surgery for another 3-4 hours. Someone, I don’t know who, was having lymph nodes removed. It wasn’t Karen.
I made it to ICU in short time and got to see my bride. She is doing well, with the expected discomfort, and is excited and looking forward to the anticipated outcomes from the procedure. Obviously the results won’t be known for some time yet but we choose to trust the Lord on this one. Thanks to all of you who have been praying.
Oh, we did get to talk to the doctor. He says Karen will be in the hospital for a period of 4-7 days (barring any unforeseen happenings). Following her release the doctor will have arranged for a surgeon in Seattle to remove the stitches. We will have to return to Houston in 6-8 weeks for a follow-up exam. The doctor wants to assess how the cancer is responding to the treatment. I’m sure we will want to know too.
I’ve got to get some sleep. I have a full day ahead of me trying to keep Karen from going nuts in a hospital room. Those of you who know her well know she doesn’t do down very well.
Night All
Ken (for Karen)
Did I say the Surgical Waiting Area is huge? I found it strange to have so much company and yet be alone. I’ve always been a people watcher and this was certainly a target rich environment. Listening to many of the conversations made me realize many were waiting well beyond the time they expected to. Many were waiting for their loved one to be assigned a room so they could go visit. I settled in for the duration. I knew the time would eventually come when they would call my name and I could go see Karen in her room.
Keep in mind the size of the waiting area and the number of people in it. I checked with the volunteer at 3:21 PM. They said they tried to find me at 2:00PM for a surgical nurse update. "They aren’t finished with the surgery", she said. Maybe I will get another update at 4:00 PM. I wait. At 4:00 PM I do get an update. The perfusion is complete and the doctor is cutting out some lesions and suturing. It should be over soon … “maybe and hour or so”. At 5:00 PM I receive a phone call from the surgical nurse. They are taking out more lymph nodes in Karen’s groin area. Surgery will continue for another 3 – 4 hours. Wow, this wasn’t planned. I didn’t have any additional information. I have to trust that the doctor knows what's best. At 6:30 PM I receive a phone call from the ICU nurse. She tells me Karen’s been in ICU since 4:30 and she would like me to come see her. Wait ... “Houston, we have a problem”. I could see breakdown in communication occurred somewhere. You can too I bet. To make a long story short, the doctor's message that he would be in surgery for another 3-4 hours got translated to Karen being in surgery for another 3-4 hours. Someone, I don’t know who, was having lymph nodes removed. It wasn’t Karen.
I made it to ICU in short time and got to see my bride. She is doing well, with the expected discomfort, and is excited and looking forward to the anticipated outcomes from the procedure. Obviously the results won’t be known for some time yet but we choose to trust the Lord on this one. Thanks to all of you who have been praying.
Oh, we did get to talk to the doctor. He says Karen will be in the hospital for a period of 4-7 days (barring any unforeseen happenings). Following her release the doctor will have arranged for a surgeon in Seattle to remove the stitches. We will have to return to Houston in 6-8 weeks for a follow-up exam. The doctor wants to assess how the cancer is responding to the treatment. I’m sure we will want to know too.
I’ve got to get some sleep. I have a full day ahead of me trying to keep Karen from going nuts in a hospital room. Those of you who know her well know she doesn’t do down very well.
Night All
Ken (for Karen)
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Seeing the Sites
I will warn you all that this edition of Karen’s blog is written by Ken. Karen has assigned me the task of keeping her blog updated while she’s in the hospital. I’m doing this edition under her direction so I am sure I have the process down and don’t make any mistakes.
Karen mentioned in her last entry that I was off to get a rental car so we could see some of the local sites. First, I want to say that we are thankful to have had some down time between the barrage of lab work, scans, poking, prodding earlier this week and the surgical procedure that will take place tomorrow.
Friday, we drove to NASA’s Johnson Space Center for a tour. We were both quite impressed with all there was to see and even got to see some astronauts practicing in the mock-up building. The tour includes several displays and screen presentations as well as a tram tour to several buildings. Our total time there was about four or five hours. I would recommend the tour to anyone who happens to be visiting Houston.
Following our tour we drove to Galveston. We were warned by a Houston local that Galveston is not much to look at and the beaches are “muddy”. We actually had considered not going because of the less-than-glowing recommendation. Karen’s plea to see the Gulf of Mexico won out and we drove the extra miles so we could both say, “I’ve seen the Pacific, Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico”. I know it’s not much of a list considering all the seas, oceans, and other bodies of water there are in this world but we will take what we can get. Let’s get back to Galveston. We found the sea wall to be a wonderful place to visit. The temperatures were in the mid-eighties and several surfers and swimmers were out and enjoying the water. Okay, so the water was not blue. We still enjoyed dining at a restaurant across from the sea wall with a view of the Gulf while we ate.
Saturday, we did drive to San Antonio. Originally we had received some misinformation that San Antonio was a five hour drive from Houston. Thankfully some people corrected us on that so we
started out early and endured the, “…three hour tour. The weather started getting rough, the tiny ship was tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crew… ”. Okay, I got off track there a bit. The drive to San Antonio took three hours. While there, we toured The Alamo and walked the River Walk. The River Walk was everything we had ever heard about and more. The boat tour helped us get to the parts we wouldn’t have walked to and also provided the history behind it’s development. The return drive to Houston also took three hours (no surprise). I can’t say much about the Texas countryside. Close to San Antonio we got an occasional rise in the road along with a low spot or two. The rest of the drive was flat with some flatter areas thrown in.
Today, Sunday, we found a church to visit and offered praise and thanks to God for all He has done and is doing for us. The church, 1st Baptist Church of Houston, was on the order of Overlake Christian Church as far as size goes. The church was of interest to Karen because Beth Moore, Women’s Bible Study author and speaker, attends there. Karen thought it would be nice to see her. Well she did. “Ken, there’s Beth Moore!”, she whispered. Sure enough, there she was. She looks just like she does on the DVD’s from her study materials. Karen wanted to walk up and say hello but chose to respect her Sunday of worship.
Tomorrow’s the big day. Karen checks in at 7:30 AM, with the procedure scheduled for 9:30 AM. We are hopeful for a beneficial outcome but recognize that God is the one with the plan and our role is simply to give Him praise and glorify Him regardless. We thank all of you for your continued prayers. The next blog entry will be my report to you following the surgery. Talk to you again tomorrow …
Ken
Karen mentioned in her last entry that I was off to get a rental car so we could see some of the local sites. First, I want to say that we are thankful to have had some down time between the barrage of lab work, scans, poking, prodding earlier this week and the surgical procedure that will take place tomorrow.
Friday, we drove to NASA’s Johnson Space Center for a tour. We were both quite impressed with all there was to see and even got to see some astronauts practicing in the mock-up building. The tour includes several displays and screen presentations as well as a tram tour to several buildings. Our total time there was about four or five hours. I would recommend the tour to anyone who happens to be visiting Houston.Following our tour we drove to Galveston. We were warned by a Houston local that Galveston is not much to look at and the beaches are “muddy”. We actually had considered not going because of the less-than-glowing recommendation. Karen’s plea to see the Gulf of Mexico won out and we drove the extra miles so we could both say, “I’ve seen the Pacific, Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico”. I know it’s not much of a list considering all the seas, oceans, and other bodies of water there are in this world but we will take what we can get. Let’s get back to Galveston. We found the sea wall to be a wonderful place to visit. The temperatures were in the mid-eighties and several surfers and swimmers were out and enjoying the water. Okay, so the water was not blue. We still enjoyed dining at a restaurant across from the sea wall with a view of the Gulf while we ate.
Saturday, we did drive to San Antonio. Originally we had received some misinformation that San Antonio was a five hour drive from Houston. Thankfully some people corrected us on that so we
started out early and endured the, “…three hour tour. The weather started getting rough, the tiny ship was tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crew… ”. Okay, I got off track there a bit. The drive to San Antonio took three hours. While there, we toured The Alamo and walked the River Walk. The River Walk was everything we had ever heard about and more. The boat tour helped us get to the parts we wouldn’t have walked to and also provided the history behind it’s development. The return drive to Houston also took three hours (no surprise). I can’t say much about the Texas countryside. Close to San Antonio we got an occasional rise in the road along with a low spot or two. The rest of the drive was flat with some flatter areas thrown in.Today, Sunday, we found a church to visit and offered praise and thanks to God for all He has done and is doing for us. The church, 1st Baptist Church of Houston, was on the order of Overlake Christian Church as far as size goes. The church was of interest to Karen because Beth Moore, Women’s Bible Study author and speaker, attends there. Karen thought it would be nice to see her. Well she did. “Ken, there’s Beth Moore!”, she whispered. Sure enough, there she was. She looks just like she does on the DVD’s from her study materials. Karen wanted to walk up and say hello but chose to respect her Sunday of worship.
Tomorrow’s the big day. Karen checks in at 7:30 AM, with the procedure scheduled for 9:30 AM. We are hopeful for a beneficial outcome but recognize that God is the one with the plan and our role is simply to give Him praise and glorify Him regardless. We thank all of you for your continued prayers. The next blog entry will be my report to you following the surgery. Talk to you again tomorrow …
Ken
Friday, September 21, 2007
It is Friday morning. Ken is off to get a rental car so we can see some of the sites today. It is a little smoggy today and it is to be a little cooler, maybe 90-degrees. We had wanted to go to San Antonio but that is a 10-hour drive round trip so we thought of Galveston but it was damaged quite a bit with the last tropical storm so it will be off to the Space Center. Their hours are 10-5 so we can have a full day there. I will take lots of pictures.
Yesterday I meant to add a picture to my blog. I wish you could see the facility here. It is just amazing. We never had to step outside as we were going to and from appointments. There are sky bridges to all the buildings. They even have motorized carts like they have at the airport to transport people that don’t want to walk. The facility is so modern and up to date. Here is a picture of a tree sculpture that is near an escalator in the May’s Clinic. All the elevators are labeled with a letter of the alphabet. On my schedule it will tell me to go to Elevator A or Elevator T. The signage is very good all over the area and everyone is so helpful if you need it.
The hotel is owned by the hospital but is run my Marriott Hotels & Resorts. Everyone in this particular hotel is either a patient or a caregiver. You see people being wheeled around in wheelchairs and hospital gowns. There are other hotels in the area but patients or other quests wouldn’t feel comfortable with that kind of patient atmosphere. Our Town Car driver was telling us about another Marriott Hotel close to the hospital that has more of a business atmosphere and thought we should stay there instead of where we are. I would not feel comfortable being wheeled around there if I were able to leave my hospital room for an outing.
Some of you have asked in e-mails how Ken is doing. He is doing well. I know it was a relief for him to finally here that the procedure is a go. He is so thankful that we don’t have to make a third trip down here. I know it will be hard for him while I’m in the hospital. He will be eating alone and coming back to the room at night alone.
I will close for now. I want to be ready when Ken gets back so we can go have breakfast and be on our way.
Love you all,
Karen
Yesterday I meant to add a picture to my blog. I wish you could see the facility here. It is just amazing. We never had to step outside as we were going to and from appointments. There are sky bridges to all the buildings. They even have motorized carts like they have at the airport to transport people that don’t want to walk. The facility is so modern and up to date. Here is a picture of a tree sculpture that is near an escalator in the May’s Clinic. All the elevators are labeled with a letter of the alphabet. On my schedule it will tell me to go to Elevator A or Elevator T. The signage is very good all over the area and everyone is so helpful if you need it.The hotel is owned by the hospital but is run my Marriott Hotels & Resorts. Everyone in this particular hotel is either a patient or a caregiver. You see people being wheeled around in wheelchairs and hospital gowns. There are other hotels in the area but patients or other quests wouldn’t feel comfortable with that kind of patient atmosphere. Our Town Car driver was telling us about another Marriott Hotel close to the hospital that has more of a business atmosphere and thought we should stay there instead of where we are. I would not feel comfortable being wheeled around there if I were able to leave my hospital room for an outing.
Some of you have asked in e-mails how Ken is doing. He is doing well. I know it was a relief for him to finally here that the procedure is a go. He is so thankful that we don’t have to make a third trip down here. I know it will be hard for him while I’m in the hospital. He will be eating alone and coming back to the room at night alone.
I will close for now. I want to be ready when Ken gets back so we can go have breakfast and be on our way.
Love you all,
Karen
Thursday, September 20, 2007
The procedure is a go!!
Today was another long day of appointments. We started at Dr. Ross’ office at 9:00 AM. We were there until 10:50. We had a 9:30 appointment with Anesthesiology but missed that. We were told that happens a lot and not to worry about it. We just went there as soon as we were done with Dr. Ross. We were at Anesthesiology until 12:30 PM and we had a 1:00 appointment with Interventional Radiology for the pre-procedure evaluation. We ate lunch after that and then we were done for the day. I took a nap all afternoon and then we went for dinner here in the hotel. We played a little bit of cards (we each won one game) and now it is 9:30 PM and time for bed.
The procedure is a go. We have the weekend off and then I am to check-in at Diagnostic Imaging on Monday morning at 8:30 AM. The procedure will start at 9:30 and be about 3-hours. Dr. Ross felt that I would be in ICU for the first 24-hours and then be in the hospital for about 4-days. That is less time than I had first heard. We should be home by Saturday the 29th of September if all goes well. The prayer now is that there will be no complications with the procedure. Dr. Ross was very positive and encouraging.
Tomorrow we are going to rent a car and try to see some sites around Houston and maybe try to go to the NASA Space Center.
That is all I can think of right now. If you have any questions please use the comment feature of this blog and I will try to answer them.
Thanks again for your prayers.
Love,
Karen
The procedure is a go. We have the weekend off and then I am to check-in at Diagnostic Imaging on Monday morning at 8:30 AM. The procedure will start at 9:30 and be about 3-hours. Dr. Ross felt that I would be in ICU for the first 24-hours and then be in the hospital for about 4-days. That is less time than I had first heard. We should be home by Saturday the 29th of September if all goes well. The prayer now is that there will be no complications with the procedure. Dr. Ross was very positive and encouraging.
Tomorrow we are going to rent a car and try to see some sites around Houston and maybe try to go to the NASA Space Center.
That is all I can think of right now. If you have any questions please use the comment feature of this blog and I will try to answer them.
Thanks again for your prayers.
Love,
Karen
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Full day of tests
Yesterday we arrived in Houston and checked into our hotel. There was mail waiting for me again thanks to Karina Pikart.
Today started early with a 9:00 AM appointment to have blood drawn. At 9:30 I started my prep for the PET-scan that was at 11:30. At 12:30 the PET was finished. I hadn’t been able to eat anything until the PET was over so Ken & I went for lunch at a Café on the 2nd floor of the May’s Clinic. After we ate we sat outside for about 30-minutes in the 90-degree weather. Then it was off to the 5th floor for an Ultrasound. I wasn’t sure what they were going to ultrasound but found out when I got there. They wanted to see if there were any more lymph nodes affected in my groin. There were two lymph nodes but none showed signs of cancer so no biopsy was needed at that time.
Tomorrow starts early again but I will be able to eat before this appointment. I will see Dr. Ross and he will be the one to decide for sure if I can have the Isolated Limb Perfusion.
We are back in the room and while Ken goes down to the work-out room I am working on the blog. Once he gets back we will decide where to go to dinner. The shuttle will take us to any restaurant within a 1.5 mile radius of the hotel. We need to find a list of the restaurants. They probably will have one down at the front desk.
Last time we were here we had a view of all the hospitals that make up the M.D. Anderson complex. This time we have a view of the Parking Garage. Not quite the view we had last time. If you look off to the right you will see the Astrodome … well maybe just the top if you look close. Notice how flat the land is. That is the way it is no matter which way you look. You can see forever.
Today started early with a 9:00 AM appointment to have blood drawn. At 9:30 I started my prep for the PET-scan that was at 11:30. At 12:30 the PET was finished. I hadn’t been able to eat anything until the PET was over so Ken & I went for lunch at a Café on the 2nd floor of the May’s Clinic. After we ate we sat outside for about 30-minutes in the 90-degree weather. Then it was off to the 5th floor for an Ultrasound. I wasn’t sure what they were going to ultrasound but found out when I got there. They wanted to see if there were any more lymph nodes affected in my groin. There were two lymph nodes but none showed signs of cancer so no biopsy was needed at that time.
Tomorrow starts early again but I will be able to eat before this appointment. I will see Dr. Ross and he will be the one to decide for sure if I can have the Isolated Limb Perfusion.
We are back in the room and while Ken goes down to the work-out room I am working on the blog. Once he gets back we will decide where to go to dinner. The shuttle will take us to any restaurant within a 1.5 mile radius of the hotel. We need to find a list of the restaurants. They probably will have one down at the front desk.Last time we were here we had a view of all the hospitals that make up the M.D. Anderson complex. This time we have a view of the Parking Garage. Not quite the view we had last time. If you look off to the right you will see the Astrodome … well maybe just the top if you look close. Notice how flat the land is. That is the way it is no matter which way you look. You can see forever.
I will write more tomorrow. Love you all.
Karen
Karen
Monday, September 17, 2007
It's about God
Hi All,
Tomorrow we leave for Houston again. I thought I would share with you my schedule so that you will know what we are doing at what time. Remember that there is a two hour difference in time.
Yesterday Pastor Wes’ sermon spoke directly to Ken and me. His text was Hebrews 11:39-40 and the main point of the test was that it’s all about God’s timing with things and that it isn’t about me but it is about God. Ken and I both feel that our trip to Houston isn’t about us or about my cancer but it’s about God and God using us through our experience to minister to others. It’s about how we allow God to work in our lives and the lives of others through this trial. It’s not about me but about God.
We know we are supposed to go to Houston. We are just not sure what is going to happen there. God has been so faithful to us through this trial. He has provided the way for us to go through the generosity of so many people. We look forward to what He has in store for us.
Again, here is my schedule as far as we know it. Keep coming back to this blog to find out updates and maybe see a few pictures.
Thank you again for your love and prayers.
Karen
09/19/2007 9:00 AM BLOOD/SPECIMEN COLLECTION
09/19/2007 9:30 AM PET PREP- DO NOT EAT FOR 6 HRS
09/19/2007 10:00 AM PETCT INJECTION & LOCALIZATION Nuclear Medicine
09/19/2007 11:30 AM PET MELANOMA RESTAGE Nuclear Medicine
09/19/2007 2:00 PM ULTRASOUND WITH FNA
09/20/2007 9:00 AM ROSS, MERRICK M.D. Melanoma & Skin Center
09/20/2007 9:30 AM ANESTHESIOLOGY CONSULTATION Anesthesia Assessment Center
09/20/2007 1:00 PM VIR PRE-PROCEDURE EVAL NEW LV2 Interventional Radiology
09/24/2007 8:30 AM CHECKIN - INTERVENTIONAL EXAM Diagnostic Imaging D
09/24/2007 9:30 AM ISOLATED LIMB PERFUSION Diagnostic Imaging D
09/24/2007 PATIENT ADMISSION Hospital Admissions
Tomorrow we leave for Houston again. I thought I would share with you my schedule so that you will know what we are doing at what time. Remember that there is a two hour difference in time.
Yesterday Pastor Wes’ sermon spoke directly to Ken and me. His text was Hebrews 11:39-40 and the main point of the test was that it’s all about God’s timing with things and that it isn’t about me but it is about God. Ken and I both feel that our trip to Houston isn’t about us or about my cancer but it’s about God and God using us through our experience to minister to others. It’s about how we allow God to work in our lives and the lives of others through this trial. It’s not about me but about God.
We know we are supposed to go to Houston. We are just not sure what is going to happen there. God has been so faithful to us through this trial. He has provided the way for us to go through the generosity of so many people. We look forward to what He has in store for us.
Again, here is my schedule as far as we know it. Keep coming back to this blog to find out updates and maybe see a few pictures.
Thank you again for your love and prayers.
Karen
09/19/2007 9:00 AM BLOOD/SPECIMEN COLLECTION
09/19/2007 9:30 AM PET PREP- DO NOT EAT FOR 6 HRS
09/19/2007 10:00 AM PETCT INJECTION & LOCALIZATION Nuclear Medicine
09/19/2007 11:30 AM PET MELANOMA RESTAGE Nuclear Medicine
09/19/2007 2:00 PM ULTRASOUND WITH FNA
09/20/2007 9:00 AM ROSS, MERRICK M.D. Melanoma & Skin Center
09/20/2007 9:30 AM ANESTHESIOLOGY CONSULTATION Anesthesia Assessment Center
09/20/2007 1:00 PM VIR PRE-PROCEDURE EVAL NEW LV2 Interventional Radiology
09/24/2007 8:30 AM CHECKIN - INTERVENTIONAL EXAM Diagnostic Imaging D
09/24/2007 9:30 AM ISOLATED LIMB PERFUSION Diagnostic Imaging D
09/24/2007 PATIENT ADMISSION Hospital Admissions
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Update on our 2nd trip to Houston
Sorry I haven’t written for awhile. I have been waiting for a phone call from M.D. Anderson in Houston to fill me in on some details. I finally heard from them today. There is still no guarantee that I will be able to have the Isolated Limb Perfusion procedure when I go back to Houston on the 18th of September. The person I talked with today was asking me how high the tumors were on my leg. She said that this treatment is usually only used for people with tumors on the lower leg. The tourniquet is 6-inches wide and could cover some of the tumors on my leg, which would make it impossible for the chemo to get to them. There are still a lot of questions to be answered once we get back to Houston. I will be seeing Dr. Ross, the surgeon on the 20th and surgery is scheduled for the 24th if I am a candidate for the surgery.
If I can have the surgery I will be in the hospital in Houston for a week and then we would need to stay there awhile longer before they would allow me to fly home. The recovery is 6-8 weeks. But again we still do not know if I will be able to have the surgery.
If I am not able to have the surgery there are still other options that will need to be considered but we will deal with that issue when and if it arises.
I would covet your prayers about the issue of the surgery. I want to do what is best, if it is surgery then let’s get on with the surgery, if it is Interleukin II then let’s get on with that. The Lord knows what is best. Please pray for guidance of the doctors involved and for us as decisions are made.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.'
Love you all,
Karen
If I can have the surgery I will be in the hospital in Houston for a week and then we would need to stay there awhile longer before they would allow me to fly home. The recovery is 6-8 weeks. But again we still do not know if I will be able to have the surgery.
If I am not able to have the surgery there are still other options that will need to be considered but we will deal with that issue when and if it arises.
I would covet your prayers about the issue of the surgery. I want to do what is best, if it is surgery then let’s get on with the surgery, if it is Interleukin II then let’s get on with that. The Lord knows what is best. Please pray for guidance of the doctors involved and for us as decisions are made.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.'
Love you all,
Karen
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)