I had my first treatment on July 7th. I had a severe reaction in the form of allergies for 4-weeks. So when I went in for my second treatment on July 29th I was not able to get it because Dr. Thompson was afraid I would go into Anaphylactic shock. At that time the tumors were getting smaller so we knew the treatment was doing what it was supposed to do. Then after the allergies started clearing up my arthritis flared up. I had my CMC joints repaired many years ago and it was very successful, without any pain in both my thumbs. Well, that is where the arthritis flare-up hit most. My shoulders and elbows are giving me some problems put not as bad as my thumbs. I have increased my Fish Oil, Celebrex and Glucosamine Sulfate. I have braces on my hands to also relieve some pain. This is helping a lot. The doctor felt it was okay to skip this treatment because the tumors were getting smaller and I have had no new ones since that first treatment. We don’t repeat any treatments once they have been skipped. The doctor also said that some people only need one treatment to get results. This treatment boosts the immune system so that my own body fights off the tumors. It is not like chemo where it kills the good and bad cells.
I went to have my third treatment this last Tuesday, August 19th and again was not able to get it. This time it was because of having shortness of breath and total exhaustion when exerting myself. Again, the tumors are disappearing and I have no new ones. I have an appointment for a Pulmonary Function Test scheduled for August 28th and if that is okay I will be scheduled for a stress test. My next treatment is scheduled for September 9th. All I can say is Praise the Lord! He is so good. What a blessing this treatment has been. It is sure easier to put up with the side affects knowing that the treatment is doing what it is supposed to do. To see the tumors disappearing is an awesome sight.
I have done a lot of reading during these last six weeks. I have been reading Joel Rosenberg’s fiction series. The fifth book isn’t out in paperback yet so I will wait to finish that series. I just started ready a fiction by William Young called “The Shack”. It came highly recommended. It is an easy read put very thought provoking. I usually don’t like fiction but I these have been very enjoyable reads.
I had a nice surprise in the mail today. There was a nice “Big” bag of M&M’s. Thank you, Karina, for keeping my diet colorful. I had a good laugh while opening the package. Ken kept the secret. You guys like to keep secrets from me but they have all been good secrets.
Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement. What a blessing you all are to me. I will keep you posted as to what happens next.
Love you all,
Karen
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
A Little Humor!
Yesterday I went to the doctor for my yearly physical.
My blood pressure was high, my cholesterol was high, I'd gained some weight, and I didn't feel so hot. My doctor said eating right doesn't have to be complicated and it would solve my physical problems. He said just think in colors...fill your plate with bright colors... greens, yellows, reds, etc.
My blood pressure was high, my cholesterol was high, I'd gained some weight, and I didn't feel so hot. My doctor said eating right doesn't have to be complicated and it would solve my physical problems. He said just think in colors...fill your plate with bright colors... greens, yellows, reds, etc.
I went right home and ate an entire bowl of:
And sure enough, I felt better immediately. I never knew eating right could be so easy.
I am addicted to chocolate and if it comes in the form of M&M's I'm in heaven.
Enjoy!
~~Karen
Friday, July 11, 2008
Hi All,
I have made it through the first week of treatment. Monday Ken took me in for my first infusion at SCCA. We had to be there early because they had forgotten to do a pregnancy test on my urine sample on Wednesday. They just wouldn’t take my word for it. They had to have it in writing. Wouldn’t I have been surprised?
I got to the infusion floor early so Ken & I played some cards (Black Queen) and he beat the socks off me. They finally called my name and room number so off we went. It is not a big room with a lot of chairs; I had my own room with a curtain across the entrance. There were also rooms with sliding glass doors. Everyone gets their own room. It took about 90-minutes for the infusion. Because I was there during lunchtime I got a (hopefully) free lunch. It just might show up on a bill. The only side affect I had was a headache. We headed home in rush hour traffic but got to use the carpool lane.
The next morning I woke up with my eyes watering and itchy. I don’t know if that was a side affect of the treatment or allergies. I have been tired and have had the backdoor trots but really am feeling much better then I thought I would. Praise the Lord!
My next appointment will be July 29th. I will have blood drawn and see the doctor before the infusion.
I have made it through the first week of treatment. Monday Ken took me in for my first infusion at SCCA. We had to be there early because they had forgotten to do a pregnancy test on my urine sample on Wednesday. They just wouldn’t take my word for it. They had to have it in writing. Wouldn’t I have been surprised?
I got to the infusion floor early so Ken & I played some cards (Black Queen) and he beat the socks off me. They finally called my name and room number so off we went. It is not a big room with a lot of chairs; I had my own room with a curtain across the entrance. There were also rooms with sliding glass doors. Everyone gets their own room. It took about 90-minutes for the infusion. Because I was there during lunchtime I got a (hopefully) free lunch. It just might show up on a bill. The only side affect I had was a headache. We headed home in rush hour traffic but got to use the carpool lane.
The next morning I woke up with my eyes watering and itchy. I don’t know if that was a side affect of the treatment or allergies. I have been tired and have had the backdoor trots but really am feeling much better then I thought I would. Praise the Lord!
My next appointment will be July 29th. I will have blood drawn and see the doctor before the infusion.
I want to share this You Tube clip with you. Kaydee sent it to me this morning. I just love it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT7x3VnrqbA .
You may have to cut and past it in your internet server but I am hoping that all you have to do is hold down the “Ctrl” key and click on this link. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I will continue to keep you all posted on my treatment and progress.
Thank you for your prayers.
Love you all,
Karen
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Date for Treatment to Begin
Hi All,
I was at SCCA all day on Monday having tests done. It was a very long day. I sure wasn’t feeling well after all the stuff I had to drink and the stuff they put in me through an IV. I slept until noon the next day. I’m feeling better now.
I got a call from Dr. Thompson’s office yesterday and I will start the new treatment on Wednesday, July 2nd. I will start the day at 8:30 AM with a blood draw. At 9:30 I will see Dr. Thompson and at 11:00 I will start the infusion. I will receive one 90-minute infusion every 3-weeks for 24-weeks. If I respond well to the treatment I will then go into a Maintenance Phase where I will see my doctor ever 6-weeks for 24-weeks. At 24-weeks I will receive one 90-minute infusion and then every 12-weeks after that.
At any time the treatment can be stopped if there is no sign of the tumors shrinking or I am still getting more tumors. This means the treatment is not helping and there is no reason to continue it.
Please pray for wisdom of the doctor and that the treatment will do what it is supposed to do.
God’s timing is perfect timing. I know that I am in His hands and that His “grace is sufficient for me, for power is perfected in weakness”.
Love you all,
Karen
I was at SCCA all day on Monday having tests done. It was a very long day. I sure wasn’t feeling well after all the stuff I had to drink and the stuff they put in me through an IV. I slept until noon the next day. I’m feeling better now.
I got a call from Dr. Thompson’s office yesterday and I will start the new treatment on Wednesday, July 2nd. I will start the day at 8:30 AM with a blood draw. At 9:30 I will see Dr. Thompson and at 11:00 I will start the infusion. I will receive one 90-minute infusion every 3-weeks for 24-weeks. If I respond well to the treatment I will then go into a Maintenance Phase where I will see my doctor ever 6-weeks for 24-weeks. At 24-weeks I will receive one 90-minute infusion and then every 12-weeks after that.
At any time the treatment can be stopped if there is no sign of the tumors shrinking or I am still getting more tumors. This means the treatment is not helping and there is no reason to continue it.
Please pray for wisdom of the doctor and that the treatment will do what it is supposed to do.
God’s timing is perfect timing. I know that I am in His hands and that His “grace is sufficient for me, for power is perfected in weakness”.
Love you all,
Karen
Thursday, June 19, 2008
God's Sustaining Grace
Hi All,
Again, I haven’t written for a while as I have been waiting for the doctor’s office to call so that I can get started on the new treatment that is available. Well, Tuesday morning I got the call. I have a 10:00 AM appointment next Monday the 23rd with Dr. Bhatia, Dr. Thompson's associate. At 10:30 I will have blood drawn and at 11:45 I will have bone and CT-scans. That is all I know so far. I should get all the details when I talk with the doctor at 10:00.
We have been on vacation in Leavenworth for the past couple of weeks. We have had a very relaxing time with friends who are building their retirement home on Icicle Road. We went fishing at Fish Lake on Monday and caught 17-rainbow trout. I pan fried one for dinner the other day. Yummy!
We tried salmon fishing on the Icicle River this morning but had no luck. We will try again at dusk tonight.
I was listening to a sermon by Charles Stanley on the internet on “Sustaining Grace”. If you have a chance to listen I highly recommend it. He was talking about Paul asking God three times to remove the thorn in his flesh and God didn’t answer him with a “Yes, No or Wait”. He told him that “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) We have always heard that God answers our prayers in three ways but Charles Stanley pointed out the way that He answered Paul’s request and that was that His grace is sufficient for whatever Paul was going through. The same is true for me and for you. He will not give me more than I can handle and when I feel like I can’t handle anymore He says that His grace is sufficient for me and that through this difficult time that power is perfected.
It has really been hard waiting for a phone call. It has been totally out of my hands. The doctor’s office was waiting for the protocol to come through and they couldn’t hurry it up. I was waiting for their phone call and I couldn’t hurry that up. They had my number but nothing could be done until they got the protocol. It took a lot longer than I was first told that it would take. I had to keep reminding myself that God’s timing is perfect timing and there was nothing I could do to change that.
I have spent a lot of time in God’s Word these last few months. I have been reading the Psalms and Proverbs through by reading on the 1st of June Psalms 1, 31, 61, 91, 121, and Proverbs 1. On the 2nd of June I read chapters 2, 32, 62, 92, 122, and Proverbs 2. Can you see the pattern? Read the chapter with the same number as the day and then add 30 to it until you run out of chapters and then read the chapter in Proverbs for the same date. This way you get through the Psalms and Proverbs in a month.
We will be back in Everett Sunday, June 22nd. I will write more after my doctor’s appointment on the 23rd.
Hope you all are having a good summer. Talk more later.
Love you all,
Karen
Again, I haven’t written for a while as I have been waiting for the doctor’s office to call so that I can get started on the new treatment that is available. Well, Tuesday morning I got the call. I have a 10:00 AM appointment next Monday the 23rd with Dr. Bhatia, Dr. Thompson's associate. At 10:30 I will have blood drawn and at 11:45 I will have bone and CT-scans. That is all I know so far. I should get all the details when I talk with the doctor at 10:00.
We have been on vacation in Leavenworth for the past couple of weeks. We have had a very relaxing time with friends who are building their retirement home on Icicle Road. We went fishing at Fish Lake on Monday and caught 17-rainbow trout. I pan fried one for dinner the other day. Yummy!
We tried salmon fishing on the Icicle River this morning but had no luck. We will try again at dusk tonight.
I was listening to a sermon by Charles Stanley on the internet on “Sustaining Grace”. If you have a chance to listen I highly recommend it. He was talking about Paul asking God three times to remove the thorn in his flesh and God didn’t answer him with a “Yes, No or Wait”. He told him that “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) We have always heard that God answers our prayers in three ways but Charles Stanley pointed out the way that He answered Paul’s request and that was that His grace is sufficient for whatever Paul was going through. The same is true for me and for you. He will not give me more than I can handle and when I feel like I can’t handle anymore He says that His grace is sufficient for me and that through this difficult time that power is perfected.
It has really been hard waiting for a phone call. It has been totally out of my hands. The doctor’s office was waiting for the protocol to come through and they couldn’t hurry it up. I was waiting for their phone call and I couldn’t hurry that up. They had my number but nothing could be done until they got the protocol. It took a lot longer than I was first told that it would take. I had to keep reminding myself that God’s timing is perfect timing and there was nothing I could do to change that.
I have spent a lot of time in God’s Word these last few months. I have been reading the Psalms and Proverbs through by reading on the 1st of June Psalms 1, 31, 61, 91, 121, and Proverbs 1. On the 2nd of June I read chapters 2, 32, 62, 92, 122, and Proverbs 2. Can you see the pattern? Read the chapter with the same number as the day and then add 30 to it until you run out of chapters and then read the chapter in Proverbs for the same date. This way you get through the Psalms and Proverbs in a month.
We will be back in Everett Sunday, June 22nd. I will write more after my doctor’s appointment on the 23rd.
Hope you all are having a good summer. Talk more later.
Love you all,
Karen
Friday, May 23, 2008
Latest Update
Hi to all who have been checking my blog and have found nothing new for a long time.
Well, I have a few minutes to write before Kaydee comes over and we do some running around together.
Here is the latest news:
Tumors started appearing after the first of this year. The treatment that I had in Houston lasted for a couple of months but like I said the tumors are back. I have had quite a few removed in the past several months. I have about eight new tumors right now.
The good news is that there is a new treatment that has been offered to me by Dr. Thompson at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA). It has not been approved by the FDA yet but SCCA was able to get a Compassionate Usage Protocol. That means that those with Stage III or IV Melanoma and have not responded to other treatment can be given this drug before it is approved by the FDA. Also, it is paid for I guess by the Drug Company. That is such a praise! We were not sure if the insurance company would pay for it since it is not approved by the FDA yet. Ken was willing to take out money from his retirement fund if need be to pay for it. But GOD had the perfect plan, it is paid for. What an awesome GOD we have. We can plan all we want but his plan is perfect.
Jeremiah 29:11
‘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.’
I am now waiting for a phone call from SCCA to start setting up appointments to get ready for this treatment and then to get started on the treatment. From what I was told last time I talked with Dr. Thompson is that it is a course of four treatments three weeks apart. It is given intravenously so I will probably need to get a port so they don’t have to poke me each time. I had one of those when I was going through the interferon treatment and it was no big deal. I can handle it. So that is what has been going on lately and my summer will be taken up with treatment.
Also, I have been getting ready for American Cancer Society Rely for Life. I have 28-members on my team. My team name is Karen’s Cancer Crushers. This event is going to be held on May 31-June 1 at Cascade High School in Everett. I have been getting donations for this event. My team has made thirteen gift baskets to auction off on the day of the event. I have been going around to restaurants getting gift cards and coupons to add to the baskets to make them more enticing. Come out if you can. Each team will have their own tent with activities, music will be playing, there is a food tent, and all kinds of things going on. You could even walk around the track with us. There is a survivor lap after the Opening Ceremony at 12:00 Noon on May 31st. All survivors can walk this lap. I will be there walking.
You can go to my web page for this relay at www.everettrelay.com and go to TEAMS and find Karen’s Cancer Crushers to make a donation.
Thank you for your prayers and support. I love you all.
Karen
Well, I have a few minutes to write before Kaydee comes over and we do some running around together.
Here is the latest news:
Tumors started appearing after the first of this year. The treatment that I had in Houston lasted for a couple of months but like I said the tumors are back. I have had quite a few removed in the past several months. I have about eight new tumors right now.
The good news is that there is a new treatment that has been offered to me by Dr. Thompson at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA). It has not been approved by the FDA yet but SCCA was able to get a Compassionate Usage Protocol. That means that those with Stage III or IV Melanoma and have not responded to other treatment can be given this drug before it is approved by the FDA. Also, it is paid for I guess by the Drug Company. That is such a praise! We were not sure if the insurance company would pay for it since it is not approved by the FDA yet. Ken was willing to take out money from his retirement fund if need be to pay for it. But GOD had the perfect plan, it is paid for. What an awesome GOD we have. We can plan all we want but his plan is perfect.
Jeremiah 29:11
‘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.’
I am now waiting for a phone call from SCCA to start setting up appointments to get ready for this treatment and then to get started on the treatment. From what I was told last time I talked with Dr. Thompson is that it is a course of four treatments three weeks apart. It is given intravenously so I will probably need to get a port so they don’t have to poke me each time. I had one of those when I was going through the interferon treatment and it was no big deal. I can handle it. So that is what has been going on lately and my summer will be taken up with treatment.
Also, I have been getting ready for American Cancer Society Rely for Life. I have 28-members on my team. My team name is Karen’s Cancer Crushers. This event is going to be held on May 31-June 1 at Cascade High School in Everett. I have been getting donations for this event. My team has made thirteen gift baskets to auction off on the day of the event. I have been going around to restaurants getting gift cards and coupons to add to the baskets to make them more enticing. Come out if you can. Each team will have their own tent with activities, music will be playing, there is a food tent, and all kinds of things going on. You could even walk around the track with us. There is a survivor lap after the Opening Ceremony at 12:00 Noon on May 31st. All survivors can walk this lap. I will be there walking.
You can go to my web page for this relay at www.everettrelay.com and go to TEAMS and find Karen’s Cancer Crushers to make a donation.
Thank you for your prayers and support. I love you all.
Karen
Saturday, March 8, 2008
More Tests
I haven’t written for a while about health issues. Well, it is time to share with you what has been going on the past few weeks.
I am still recovering from the treatment I had in Houston. The sore on the back of my knee is totally healed. I just have to put cream on it to keep it moist so it won’t crack. The sore on the top of my knee is really coming along well. It is getting smaller and new skin is forming around the edges nicely.
Now for the not so good news, about a month ago I found some lumps on my leg. On February 25th they were excised. Tuesday, March 4th the doctor called with the results and they were all malignant melanoma. This Tuesday, March 11th I will be going back to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) for a PET-scan and on March 18th I will go again to SCCA and see my doctor and get the results of those tests.
I want to share with you how at peace I am. Last week, in the Bible Study I am doing at church, we read a passage that really touched me. It was Matthew 9:27-29. Jesus encountered two blind me. They were crying out to Him to have mercy on them. All Jesus asked of them was “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said “Yes, Lord.” I feel that God is asking me the same thing, do I believe He is able. I know He is able. Whether He will or not I can’t worry myself about. There is such peace in knowing He is able. I want His will to be done in my life. The ultimate goal is that God will be glorified in my life, that people will see Jesus through me.
Thank you for your continued prayers. I will keep you posted as to what the test results are.
Love you all,
Karen
I am still recovering from the treatment I had in Houston. The sore on the back of my knee is totally healed. I just have to put cream on it to keep it moist so it won’t crack. The sore on the top of my knee is really coming along well. It is getting smaller and new skin is forming around the edges nicely.
Now for the not so good news, about a month ago I found some lumps on my leg. On February 25th they were excised. Tuesday, March 4th the doctor called with the results and they were all malignant melanoma. This Tuesday, March 11th I will be going back to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) for a PET-scan and on March 18th I will go again to SCCA and see my doctor and get the results of those tests.
I want to share with you how at peace I am. Last week, in the Bible Study I am doing at church, we read a passage that really touched me. It was Matthew 9:27-29. Jesus encountered two blind me. They were crying out to Him to have mercy on them. All Jesus asked of them was “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said “Yes, Lord.” I feel that God is asking me the same thing, do I believe He is able. I know He is able. Whether He will or not I can’t worry myself about. There is such peace in knowing He is able. I want His will to be done in my life. The ultimate goal is that God will be glorified in my life, that people will see Jesus through me.
Thank you for your continued prayers. I will keep you posted as to what the test results are.
Love you all,
Karen
Friday, March 7, 2008
Follow-up on Relay for Life
I have been asked a few questions about the Relay for Life. One question was “Do we have to spend the night?” No, you do not have to spend the night. You can just be there for the time you signed up for to walk the track.
Another question was “How do I get donations?” You get donations by asking friends and family. They do not have to pledge for how many laps you walk. It is a one time donation. If the donation is in the form of cash they will not be sent a receipt but any check written over $10.00 a receipt will be sent to them from the American Cancer Society.
During the relay my team has to have a fundraiser going on in my tent or booth. We have chosen to have a raffle. I have been collecting new item for children and adults to make up gift baskets to raffle off. I will need to have a work party in May to put the baskets together. Watch for the time and place for that. If you have any baskets that you want to get rid of let me know.
I have a Team Captain meeting on March 11th and hope to get more information.
If you have anymore questions just ask.
Thank you for your support in this project.
Karen
Another question was “How do I get donations?” You get donations by asking friends and family. They do not have to pledge for how many laps you walk. It is a one time donation. If the donation is in the form of cash they will not be sent a receipt but any check written over $10.00 a receipt will be sent to them from the American Cancer Society.
During the relay my team has to have a fundraiser going on in my tent or booth. We have chosen to have a raffle. I have been collecting new item for children and adults to make up gift baskets to raffle off. I will need to have a work party in May to put the baskets together. Watch for the time and place for that. If you have any baskets that you want to get rid of let me know.
I have a Team Captain meeting on March 11th and hope to get more information.
If you have anymore questions just ask.
Thank you for your support in this project.
Karen
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Relay For Life
Whether it's a friend, a family member, or the neighbor down the street, we all know someone who has been touched by cancer. Many of us are concerned about this disease and want to do something to make a difference. That's why I've decided to take part in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life® . It's an event that brings together the whole community and helps raise funds for the fight against this disease. I know you care about cancer, too, and I'd love for you to join me as part of my Relay team.At the event, we'll camp out overnight, walk around the track, and meet lots of new people. There is an incredible tribute to cancer survivors and caregivers that starts off the night and a moving ceremony honoring those who have fought the disease. I can truly say Relay is unlike anything else you'll ever do. It's a night full of fun, hope, and remembrance.
Location: Cascade High School
Saturday and Sunday, May 31-June 1, 2008
Opening Ceremony & Survivor Lap: 12:00 pm, May 31st
Luminaria Ceremony: 10:00 pm, May 31st
Closing Ceremony: 8:45 am, June 1st
My team name is “Karen’s Cancer Crushers”. You can join my team by holding down the control key and this link: Click here to view the team page for Karen's Cancer Crushers Won't you join me in this fight?
Location: Cascade High School
Saturday and Sunday, May 31-June 1, 2008
Opening Ceremony & Survivor Lap: 12:00 pm, May 31st
Luminaria Ceremony: 10:00 pm, May 31st
Closing Ceremony: 8:45 am, June 1st
My team name is “Karen’s Cancer Crushers”. You can join my team by holding down the control key and this link: Click here to view the team page for Karen's Cancer Crushers Won't you join me in this fight?
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
My Continuing Journey
Hi All,
I know it has been a long time again since I have written. Time does not go by fast when you are not having fun!
My progress is slow when it comes to the healing process. Ken is having to do my
dressings before he goes to work and again in the evening. Here is a picture of the hole on the back side of my knee. It is the deepest and needs the most attention. A couple of weeks ago the doctor took the scab off the top of my knee and we have to also dress that twice a day. I have to scrub both sites with soap and water and a washcloth. Pain pills are needed before each dressing. I am seeing the doctor or nurse once a week to have everything checked. I started physical therapy last week and am seeing a lot of improvement in the use of my leg. I gave back the wheelchair Monday and use a walker when we go out. Around the house I try to freestyle it.
This is the top of my knee. It isn't as deep because there isn't as much flesh on top of the kneecap.
It was three months on Christmas Eve since the procedure in Houston. We did make a trip back to Houston December 19-21 for a checkup. It was a good trip. The doctor said that he felt really bad because I had a severe reaction to the chemo. But, he did say that the chemo did what it was supposed to do and the 20+ tumors on my leg are gone. The doctor had a Wound Care Nurse come in and show us some different techniques for the wound care and the doctor did call Doctor Windle (Plastic Surgeon taking care of my wounds) and made some suggestions, which included starting aggressive physical therapy.
The Lord has been good through all of this. He is teaching both of us many lessons. One thing that I am learning is perseverance. I am finding that I really can "do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Our God is an awesome God! He is supplying our needs. The hospital bill came the other day and it was covered all but our co-pay. Praise the Lord! We haven't seen the doctor or lab bills yet but we are trusting that those will be covered by our insurance also. We will probably still be responsible for the co-pays for the doctor. This all reminds me of the chorus we used to sing: "Trust and obey, for there is no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey." How true that is.
I still have days of discouragement but they are getting fewer and further between.
This is a long journey that we are on together. I thank all of you for your prayers. I know that I am wrapped in His loving arms. I may never understand here on earth why I have to go through this difficult time but I have the assurance that all thing do work together for my good. When I am down and on my back the only place to look is up. God is there and He sees me and He hears my cries.
Thank you again for your continued prayers.
Love you all,
Karen
I know it has been a long time again since I have written. Time does not go by fast when you are not having fun!
My progress is slow when it comes to the healing process. Ken is having to do my
dressings before he goes to work and again in the evening. Here is a picture of the hole on the back side of my knee. It is the deepest and needs the most attention. A couple of weeks ago the doctor took the scab off the top of my knee and we have to also dress that twice a day. I have to scrub both sites with soap and water and a washcloth. Pain pills are needed before each dressing. I am seeing the doctor or nurse once a week to have everything checked. I started physical therapy last week and am seeing a lot of improvement in the use of my leg. I gave back the wheelchair Monday and use a walker when we go out. Around the house I try to freestyle it.
This is the top of my knee. It isn't as deep because there isn't as much flesh on top of the kneecap.
It was three months on Christmas Eve since the procedure in Houston. We did make a trip back to Houston December 19-21 for a checkup. It was a good trip. The doctor said that he felt really bad because I had a severe reaction to the chemo. But, he did say that the chemo did what it was supposed to do and the 20+ tumors on my leg are gone. The doctor had a Wound Care Nurse come in and show us some different techniques for the wound care and the doctor did call Doctor Windle (Plastic Surgeon taking care of my wounds) and made some suggestions, which included starting aggressive physical therapy.
The Lord has been good through all of this. He is teaching both of us many lessons. One thing that I am learning is perseverance. I am finding that I really can "do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Our God is an awesome God! He is supplying our needs. The hospital bill came the other day and it was covered all but our co-pay. Praise the Lord! We haven't seen the doctor or lab bills yet but we are trusting that those will be covered by our insurance also. We will probably still be responsible for the co-pays for the doctor. This all reminds me of the chorus we used to sing: "Trust and obey, for there is no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey." How true that is.
I still have days of discouragement but they are getting fewer and further between.
This is a long journey that we are on together. I thank all of you for your prayers. I know that I am wrapped in His loving arms. I may never understand here on earth why I have to go through this difficult time but I have the assurance that all thing do work together for my good. When I am down and on my back the only place to look is up. God is there and He sees me and He hears my cries.
Thank you again for your continued prayers.
Love you all,
Karen
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