As Carol is up in Heaven celebrating with Jesus and the angels her "great awakening"...as the scripture (Psalm 84:10a) says,
Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere
we too are going to be celebrating...a remembrance and tribute to Carol and the life she lived with us here for 68 years. With laughter and tears, joy for her life and sorrow at the missing of her, let's join together to share and encourage one another in love:
When: Saturday, March 28 at 3:00 pm
Location: Valley Bible Church
7106 Johnson Drive
Pleasanton, CA 94588
If you have a photo of Carol you'd like to share with the family please make a black and white or color copy and bring it with you...there will be a board to attach it to so we can all enjoy our shared history with Carol. It'd be fun if you have time to jot a quick note about when and where the photo was taken too!
Mark, Tim, Erika, Greg and Debbie are grateful for your prayers and support for them. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Carol’s favorite mission organizations through Valley Bible Church or to Valley Pregnancy Center in Dublin or to Shepherd's Gate in Livermore.
...Carol so loved you all...and she felt truly loved and cared for by you too...please take joy in knowing that your love helped carry her load as she made this climb.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Carol is Home...Safely in the Arms of Jesus
Carol sweetly passed into the arms of Jesus at 11:51 pm on March 21st. She was surrounded by her family and several friends.
Marian Tidsbury, Carol's good friend from Canada penned this poem for Carol tonight...
Valiant warrior, standing vulnerable,
Open hearted, strong in gentleness.
Kind hearted, never giving quarter
Precious daughter, valiant warrior.
To so very many of us,
You have shown the way.
To a few of us, a special place
in your heart.
Once again, you have shown
the way;
The joy you spoke of,
you know.
The light you described,
you see.
The Lord you love,
holds you close.
You drew us with you
Sharing your wondrous journey
To the very thresholds of glory,
But then you slipped your
grasp from ours
Ran ahead into the joy
into the light,
into the the arms awaiting you.
Valiant warrior, precious daughter - home.
Memorial service is tentatively planned for Saturday, March 28...details to follow.
Marian Tidsbury, Carol's good friend from Canada penned this poem for Carol tonight...
Valiant warrior, standing vulnerable,
Open hearted, strong in gentleness.
Kind hearted, never giving quarter
Precious daughter, valiant warrior.
To so very many of us,
You have shown the way.
To a few of us, a special place
in your heart.
Once again, you have shown
the way;
The joy you spoke of,
you know.
The light you described,
you see.
The Lord you love,
holds you close.
You drew us with you
Sharing your wondrous journey
To the very thresholds of glory,
But then you slipped your
grasp from ours
Ran ahead into the joy
into the light,
into the the arms awaiting you.
Valiant warrior, precious daughter - home.
Memorial service is tentatively planned for Saturday, March 28...details to follow.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Ensconced Downstairs
Carol asked me to give you all a quick update on what is happening with her...don't you love how Carol's heart is still, even at this point in her illness, thinking of all of us?
She wants you to know that her spirits are great!...even if her body is not. Carol has totally moved in downstairs setting up base in their family room. She has a hospital bed that is fairly high...I just talked with her over the phone (I'm in Colorado) and she is so happy to be able to lay in bed and see the birds out her windows making active use of the bird feeders in her backyard! As many of you know Carol is an ardent "bird watcher."
Because of the very low platelet levels in her blood Carol is feeling extremely fatigued physically. She is needing to have someone with her 24/7 now because of the risk of falling in navigating even the small step up from the family room into the kitchen area. She is also sleeping a lot of the day, but still does have an appetite and is enjoying her meals.
As I mentioned in the last update, Carol does so enjoy your visits, but they must be kept very short because her total energy levels are decreasing each day. She also needs some time to recoup between visits so it would be very helpful to have each visit scheduled so she doesn't have ten visitors all at once on one day and none the next! Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness in scheduling your visits through Cathy and/or Sharon...and please do call ahead before coming in case Carol is sleeping or just not feeling quite "up" enough to visit at that time. Carol's health status is changing quickly so "flexibility" is the key word at the moment.
Mark and Carol again want to thank you for all your prayers and support now and in the last few months...the journey has been difficult, but made much easier because of your gracious gifts of service to them.
May the words of Psalm 3:3-4 bless you today too as they have sustained Carol in the last days, weeks and months:
But you, God, shield me on all sides;
You ground my feet, you lift my head high;
With all my might I shout up to God,
His answers thunder from the holy mountain.
She wants you to know that her spirits are great!...even if her body is not. Carol has totally moved in downstairs setting up base in their family room. She has a hospital bed that is fairly high...I just talked with her over the phone (I'm in Colorado) and she is so happy to be able to lay in bed and see the birds out her windows making active use of the bird feeders in her backyard! As many of you know Carol is an ardent "bird watcher."
Because of the very low platelet levels in her blood Carol is feeling extremely fatigued physically. She is needing to have someone with her 24/7 now because of the risk of falling in navigating even the small step up from the family room into the kitchen area. She is also sleeping a lot of the day, but still does have an appetite and is enjoying her meals.
As I mentioned in the last update, Carol does so enjoy your visits, but they must be kept very short because her total energy levels are decreasing each day. She also needs some time to recoup between visits so it would be very helpful to have each visit scheduled so she doesn't have ten visitors all at once on one day and none the next! Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness in scheduling your visits through Cathy and/or Sharon...and please do call ahead before coming in case Carol is sleeping or just not feeling quite "up" enough to visit at that time. Carol's health status is changing quickly so "flexibility" is the key word at the moment.
Mark and Carol again want to thank you for all your prayers and support now and in the last few months...the journey has been difficult, but made much easier because of your gracious gifts of service to them.
May the words of Psalm 3:3-4 bless you today too as they have sustained Carol in the last days, weeks and months:
But you, God, shield me on all sides;
You ground my feet, you lift my head high;
With all my might I shout up to God,
His answers thunder from the holy mountain.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Monday, March 16...Next Steps in Carol's Climb
Please be praying for Mark and Carol and the family as Carol is entering a physically more difficult phase in her journey...her climb.
At this point in time, Mark and Carol and her doctors have decided to forego any further treatment for her cancer. Carol is not in pain, but is experiencing greater fatigue due to low blood levels which at this point cannot be alleviated by transfusions. She is still needing to be on oxygen most of the time as she does have some difficulty breathing.
Carol is in good spirits and knows with certainty that she is in the arms of Jesus...she experiences His great care for her in each and every moment of her day. She asked me to share Psalm 27 with you tonight...this is exactly where her heart is:
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
Please call or email Cathy or Sharon for information and to arrange visits (and you can always try Carol's cell as well, but she might not be up to answering.) The most important thing to keep in mind is that Carol's strength is very limited so visits will have to be kept very short...just a few minutes at a time and do please call before coming to make sure the timing is good for Carol...her flow of visitors needs to be regulated a bit so she can preserve what strength she does have. Carol does always enjoy your notes to her too...snail mail is very much appreciated!
I know this is difficult news to hear...be encouraged today in knowing that God has given each of us that know Him "grace upon grace" (John 1:16)...John MacArthur puts it this way, "For every feature of life there is not a day that goes by in your Christian experience that you are not the recipient of God's grace. It is grace that upholds you..." through all of life...from the moment of salvation through to our glorious homecoming. May you experience, as Carol has throughout her life, ALL of God's good favors that are given to us through the means of this "benevolent goodness called grace." Let's all join Carol in singing and making music to the LORD...our confidence is in the LORD most high!
At this point in time, Mark and Carol and her doctors have decided to forego any further treatment for her cancer. Carol is not in pain, but is experiencing greater fatigue due to low blood levels which at this point cannot be alleviated by transfusions. She is still needing to be on oxygen most of the time as she does have some difficulty breathing.
Carol is in good spirits and knows with certainty that she is in the arms of Jesus...she experiences His great care for her in each and every moment of her day. She asked me to share Psalm 27 with you tonight...this is exactly where her heart is:
Psalm 27
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
O God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing out violence.
13 I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
Please call or email Cathy or Sharon for information and to arrange visits (and you can always try Carol's cell as well, but she might not be up to answering.) The most important thing to keep in mind is that Carol's strength is very limited so visits will have to be kept very short...just a few minutes at a time and do please call before coming to make sure the timing is good for Carol...her flow of visitors needs to be regulated a bit so she can preserve what strength she does have. Carol does always enjoy your notes to her too...snail mail is very much appreciated!
I know this is difficult news to hear...be encouraged today in knowing that God has given each of us that know Him "grace upon grace" (John 1:16)...John MacArthur puts it this way, "For every feature of life there is not a day that goes by in your Christian experience that you are not the recipient of God's grace. It is grace that upholds you..." through all of life...from the moment of salvation through to our glorious homecoming. May you experience, as Carol has throughout her life, ALL of God's good favors that are given to us through the means of this "benevolent goodness called grace." Let's all join Carol in singing and making music to the LORD...our confidence is in the LORD most high!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Some Good News, Saturday, March 7
Darlene, Carol and Cathy
Evodia and CarolCarol's spirits are GREAT and she is still definitely up for visitors...but short visits are the norm now as Carol's energy is limited. Darlene came for a visit and played the violin last week...very fun! Carol also very much enjoyed meeting with our visitors from Hungary and Romania this past week...it was great to hear how the Lord is moving in providing for their needs and how He is opening many doors for ministry. Seeing the ministry increase into the Ukraine as well as in Romania and Hungary is of great encouragement to Carol as she was one of the first from VBC to travel over to partnership "face to face" with the Greathouses, Evodia, Bodi and Dori and others in the ministry there.
Carol's appetite is fantastic and her new favorite is grilled fish tacos and tortilla soup from Baja Fresh. Thank you all for the many delicious and nutritious meals you bring by every week...these are a great benefit to both Mark and Carol in keeping up their strength and stamina. Also, the many "acts of service" that you provide for Mark and Carol truly make a difference...it is amazing how some of the smallest things lift "weight" off the shoulders of Mark and Carol...YAY team Carol!
Specific prayer requests (other than wisdom for the doctors) would be for continued success in treating that pesky itchy rash and also for good sleep at night. Carol has been having difficulty sleeping at night for the last week or two...this is distressing because lack of sleep at night cuts into her energy level during the day.
The other day Carol and I had a great conversation...we were sharing with each other our favorite thoughts about Heaven...and what we are each looking forward to the most when we reach our "great awakening,"...the day my granddaughter, Addie, calls "Our Heaven Day." Carol's mind was turned to thoughts of getting to see Jesus face to face. We of course are still praying fervently for Carol's physical healing, but Carol wants you to know that she is looking forward to her "Heaven Day" whether it comes soon or in years to come...Carol lives with "good cheer" even though her body is at war with itself, (her equivalent of Paul's "cramped conditions")...she echo's Paul's words in 2 Corinthians (quoted from "The Message," below):
6-8That's why we live with such good cheer. You won't see us drooping our heads or dragging our feet! Cramped conditions here don't get us down. They only remind us of the spacious living conditions ahead. It's what we trust in but don't yet see that keeps us going. Do you suppose a few ruts in the road or rocks in the path are going to stop us? When the time comes, we'll be plenty ready to exchange exile for homecoming.
9But neither exile nor homecoming is the main thing. Cheerfully pleasing God is the main thing, and that's what we aim to do, regardless of our conditions.
Along with Carol, be of good cheer as we walk...looking forward to our homecoming...while aiming to please our great and awesome God right now in this great adventure called life!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Tuesday, March 3
...a quick update for today. Carol has a PET scan this morning. Please pray for physical stamina for the day for both Mark and Carol...they have to be at Valley Care at 8:00 am for the scan. Carol is in good spirits though feeling weak and tired. She is still experiencing that pesky itchy rash and would appreciate prayer for the rash to disappear! No chemo scheduled for this week.
Matters of prayer:
Blessings to all...
Matters of prayer:
- Good result from the scan and that it could be easily read
- Wisdom for the doctors and for Mark and Carol in formulating future treatment
- Complete healing
- Good use of energy
Blessings to all...
Monday, February 16, 2009
Monday, Feb 16
Friday the 13th notes from Carol!
Carol has been reading from Hebrews and is reminded that Jesus himself is praying for her! There is no need to fear any tomorrows...God is good!
Last week Mark and Carol saw Dr. Reddy at Stanford. Instead of starting chemo this week it looks now like the next round will start next week, Feb 23. A beloved friend of Carol's is coming to visit that same day from Romania, Evodia Budai, a pastor's wife, that Carol met in 2002. Please pray that Carol will have the strength to spend quality time with Evodia while she is visiting (Feb 23-Mar 6).
Medical issues at the moment include low blood counts (Carol had red blood cells and platelets given last week while at Stanford) and fluid retention in her abdomen and lower extremities. Last week over a liter of fluid was drawn off her abdomen. She is more comfortable now, but please be praying for blood counts to remain good at this point and for management of the excess fluid build-up in her body. Thank you!
Carol is loving having visitors...just give a buzz before you come to make sure she is home! You can call me too (Cathy) to arrange times to visit as well!
Carol has been reading from Hebrews and is reminded that Jesus himself is praying for her! There is no need to fear any tomorrows...God is good!
Last week Mark and Carol saw Dr. Reddy at Stanford. Instead of starting chemo this week it looks now like the next round will start next week, Feb 23. A beloved friend of Carol's is coming to visit that same day from Romania, Evodia Budai, a pastor's wife, that Carol met in 2002. Please pray that Carol will have the strength to spend quality time with Evodia while she is visiting (Feb 23-Mar 6).
Medical issues at the moment include low blood counts (Carol had red blood cells and platelets given last week while at Stanford) and fluid retention in her abdomen and lower extremities. Last week over a liter of fluid was drawn off her abdomen. She is more comfortable now, but please be praying for blood counts to remain good at this point and for management of the excess fluid build-up in her body. Thank you!
Carol is loving having visitors...just give a buzz before you come to make sure she is home! You can call me too (Cathy) to arrange times to visit as well!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Friday, Feb 6
Feb 5thCathy for Carol
"Hi" from Carol. There are "great" moments sprinkled with a few "nose dives" as well. Carol has been able to get in some piano practice on some days of late...one of her great loves! Yay for those days with energy enough to do some of those things that bring her joy! She has had a bit of a nose dive for the past few days...low platelet levels, pain and low energy. Carol is thankful for the help of so many people. You are cherished beyond words! The above picture was taken just after the men in the Thursday evening Bible study at the Porters had prayed for Carol...it was very sweet seeing Carol surrounded by those men all praying with faith and passionate care for her.
1st, 2nd and 3rd John have meant a good deal to Carol since she has been back in the Word on a daily basis. The emphasis those books place on love and obedience has been in the forefront of her mind.
This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome
1 John 5:3 (NIV)
Carol is rejoicing daily as she is able to watch others coming closer to God through her situation.
She had a good talk with Dr. Reddy (her key doctor at Stanford)...he is not discouraged. Carol will have some blood tests next week to see where her levels stand and, if they are in the levels expected, Carol will resume treatment starting Monday, Feb 16, here in Pleasanton. We will keep you posted on any new developments or changes in the situation.
Specific prayer requests from Carol would be that she is wise with use of what energy she does have and for pain control...thank you all!
"Hi" from Carol. There are "great" moments sprinkled with a few "nose dives" as well. Carol has been able to get in some piano practice on some days of late...one of her great loves! Yay for those days with energy enough to do some of those things that bring her joy! She has had a bit of a nose dive for the past few days...low platelet levels, pain and low energy. Carol is thankful for the help of so many people. You are cherished beyond words! The above picture was taken just after the men in the Thursday evening Bible study at the Porters had prayed for Carol...it was very sweet seeing Carol surrounded by those men all praying with faith and passionate care for her.
1st, 2nd and 3rd John have meant a good deal to Carol since she has been back in the Word on a daily basis. The emphasis those books place on love and obedience has been in the forefront of her mind.
This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome
1 John 5:3 (NIV)
Carol is rejoicing daily as she is able to watch others coming closer to God through her situation.
She had a good talk with Dr. Reddy (her key doctor at Stanford)...he is not discouraged. Carol will have some blood tests next week to see where her levels stand and, if they are in the levels expected, Carol will resume treatment starting Monday, Feb 16, here in Pleasanton. We will keep you posted on any new developments or changes in the situation.
Specific prayer requests from Carol would be that she is wise with use of what energy she does have and for pain control...thank you all!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Wednesday...January 21
...just a quick update...more info tomorrow.
Carol is home from the hospital. The procedure went well. Dr. Louie was able to target the areas in Carol's liver that he wanted to reach. Carol is having some pain as expected, but it is under control at the moment. Thank you for your continued prayers!
Carol is home from the hospital. The procedure went well. Dr. Louie was able to target the areas in Carol's liver that he wanted to reach. Carol is having some pain as expected, but it is under control at the moment. Thank you for your continued prayers!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Update...Jan 17
Barb, Carol and JudyAs you can see from the photo above our own Judy Purcell was down from Seattle for the week and she is definitely the captain of "fun." She had Carol "wheelchair" hiking from Half Moon Bay to Sycamore Grove in Livermore...on different days of course. Sushi for lunch was on the menu (only cooked for Carol) almost every day. It was a good week for Carol...renewed energy, a robust appetite and meaningful conversations.
Yesterday, Friday, January 16, Carol and Mark traveled over to Stanford to see both Dr. Louie and Dr. Reddy. Tim Porter met them there and was able to be there for both appointments as well. The results of the PET scan were not conclusive. Carol's liver is larger, but the doctors say the reasons could be varied. Her liver could be swollen because of the procedure done in December (which is to be expected), the cancer could have progressed or there could also be a combination of fluid, swelling and progression of the cancer. If Carol's lab results come back in normal ranges then the liver chemo will take place as scheduled next Tuesday (Jan 20). At this point there is no reason to think that the labs won't be normal, but we will keep you posted on any new changes. Good news from the PET scan was that there was no progression of the cancer in the lungs or anywhere else in Carol's body!
Dr. Reddy at this point in time is thinking of shifting the general chemo treatment to something different than the IL2 because of the severe side affects Carol has had on that particular medication. Please be praying for wisdom for the doctors as to the best ongoing treatment for Carol. The other area of concern that Dr. Reddy addressed was calorie consumption...so please be praying that Carol would be able to take in the full amount of calories she needs with a good amount of protein to keep her body functioning well!
Carol several times a day expresses how much she feels loved by ALL of you...she and Mark are so very thankful for your expressions of love and service to them. The meals delivered, laundry washed and folded, dishes taken care of are all expressions of love that are taken in and savored in their hearts.
One thing we know for sure...whether Carol is healed in this life or in the next...is that our God is mighty to save and His mercies are new every morning. Rest dear ones in knowing that our great God is sovereign and IS in control of all things!
Yesterday, Friday, January 16, Carol and Mark traveled over to Stanford to see both Dr. Louie and Dr. Reddy. Tim Porter met them there and was able to be there for both appointments as well. The results of the PET scan were not conclusive. Carol's liver is larger, but the doctors say the reasons could be varied. Her liver could be swollen because of the procedure done in December (which is to be expected), the cancer could have progressed or there could also be a combination of fluid, swelling and progression of the cancer. If Carol's lab results come back in normal ranges then the liver chemo will take place as scheduled next Tuesday (Jan 20). At this point there is no reason to think that the labs won't be normal, but we will keep you posted on any new changes. Good news from the PET scan was that there was no progression of the cancer in the lungs or anywhere else in Carol's body!
Dr. Reddy at this point in time is thinking of shifting the general chemo treatment to something different than the IL2 because of the severe side affects Carol has had on that particular medication. Please be praying for wisdom for the doctors as to the best ongoing treatment for Carol. The other area of concern that Dr. Reddy addressed was calorie consumption...so please be praying that Carol would be able to take in the full amount of calories she needs with a good amount of protein to keep her body functioning well!
Carol several times a day expresses how much she feels loved by ALL of you...she and Mark are so very thankful for your expressions of love and service to them. The meals delivered, laundry washed and folded, dishes taken care of are all expressions of love that are taken in and savored in their hearts.
One thing we know for sure...whether Carol is healed in this life or in the next...is that our God is mighty to save and His mercies are new every morning. Rest dear ones in knowing that our great God is sovereign and IS in control of all things!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Carol is Regaining Strength
Cathy for Carol
Carol wanted me to let you all know that she is doing well...she is regaining some strength though still living a good part of the day on the couch! Her blood counts are pretty good. She was able to attend church last Sunday (not today) and we were all thoroughly tickled pink to see her and Mark there!!
She had a PET scan this last week, but does not have the reading as yet. She will let you know as soon as she hears anything.
The next plan of action as of today is another straight shot of chemo to her liver on January 20. This requires an overnight stay at Stanford...in on Tuesday and out on Wednesday morning. If the day follows the same path as the last trip she is in the "out" patient wing all day into early evening and then is moved to the "24 hour" hospital rooms until Wednesday morning. There are three beds to each room...very crowded, noisy and hard to rest...and not much room for company! Last time Mary and I both managed to stay until 11:00 pm and Mary pretended she was invisible and somehow managed to stay in the room all night, but every other visitor was "shooed out" about 11:00 pm. Please pray that one of us will be allowed to stay with Carol through the night this next go-round as well.
Carol wants you all to know that she is existing on prayer...she is CARRIED by your prayers for her each day. Please be praying Zep 3:17 this week for her...that God would calm her heart with his love and delight her with HIS songs!
Please also be in prayer for Mark...for strength, stamina and continued good health as he cares for Carol.
Carol sends her love and wants you to know that her heart is gladdened by the care and love she receives from you all!
Carol wanted me to let you all know that she is doing well...she is regaining some strength though still living a good part of the day on the couch! Her blood counts are pretty good. She was able to attend church last Sunday (not today) and we were all thoroughly tickled pink to see her and Mark there!!
She had a PET scan this last week, but does not have the reading as yet. She will let you know as soon as she hears anything.
The next plan of action as of today is another straight shot of chemo to her liver on January 20. This requires an overnight stay at Stanford...in on Tuesday and out on Wednesday morning. If the day follows the same path as the last trip she is in the "out" patient wing all day into early evening and then is moved to the "24 hour" hospital rooms until Wednesday morning. There are three beds to each room...very crowded, noisy and hard to rest...and not much room for company! Last time Mary and I both managed to stay until 11:00 pm and Mary pretended she was invisible and somehow managed to stay in the room all night, but every other visitor was "shooed out" about 11:00 pm. Please pray that one of us will be allowed to stay with Carol through the night this next go-round as well.
Carol wants you all to know that she is existing on prayer...she is CARRIED by your prayers for her each day. Please be praying Zep 3:17 this week for her...that God would calm her heart with his love and delight her with HIS songs!
Please also be in prayer for Mark...for strength, stamina and continued good health as he cares for Carol.
Carol sends her love and wants you to know that her heart is gladdened by the care and love she receives from you all!
Friday, January 2, 2009
A Lovely Holiday
Carol and Mark enjoyed a wonderful Christmas celebration with their sons and families. They are thankful that they could all be together for three full days. They played games, watched videos, ate delicious fondue, and had great family time.
On Wednesday the 31st, Carol had an encouraging appointment with her doctor at Stanford. This next Tuesday, January 6, Carol will have another PET scan (scheduled for 11:00 AM). Then on January 20, Carol is scheduled to check-in at Stanford for her second round of chemo directly to her liver.
Though the side effects of this latest treatment have been significant, the Lord has graciously answered our prayers and has enabled Carol to persevere. She continues to experience His faithful, very personal provision. Thank you for your continued prayers.
On Wednesday the 31st, Carol had an encouraging appointment with her doctor at Stanford. This next Tuesday, January 6, Carol will have another PET scan (scheduled for 11:00 AM). Then on January 20, Carol is scheduled to check-in at Stanford for her second round of chemo directly to her liver.
Though the side effects of this latest treatment have been significant, the Lord has graciously answered our prayers and has enabled Carol to persevere. She continues to experience His faithful, very personal provision. Thank you for your continued prayers.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Wednesday...Carol is Home
Carol is home today, Wednesday, and resting comfortably. She came through the procedure with no complications. She has experienced some nausea already and is in some pain as well. The Porters so appreciate your continued prayers. I (Cathy) dropped my phone in some water last night and it is majorly dead at the moment...will try to get it fixed today so I can take your calls...so sorry about that! We'll keep you posted on how Carol is feeling and when she will be up for visitors.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Tuesday...Carol's Procedure went Very Well!
...just a quick note to let you all know that Carol is in recovery and that the doctor said the procedure went well. She'll be moved over to the main hospital (Stanford) later this evening and is still expected to come home tomorrow. Carol was in good spirits today...she felt GREAT, full of energy...she expressed that she felt "almost" normal!
Thank you for your continued prayers that the chemo would do its work to shrink the cancer site and that the side affects would be minimal. I'll keep you posted on any new developments.
Carol was rejoicing in God's goodness to her today...let's all join our voices with Mary, Jesus's mother, in her song:
“And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.”- Luke 1:46-47, 49.
Thank you for your continued prayers that the chemo would do its work to shrink the cancer site and that the side affects would be minimal. I'll keep you posted on any new developments.
Carol was rejoicing in God's goodness to her today...let's all join our voices with Mary, Jesus's mother, in her song:
“And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.”- Luke 1:46-47, 49.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Notes from Carol
Monday, Mary and Carol in the kitchen making lemon curd
Picture taken after a "delayed", but much enjoyed Thanksgiving at Tim and Erika's...lovingly prepared by four of Carol's dear friends!...notes dictated from Carol!
Merry Christmas Everyone! I won't be sending out a Christmas letter this year...we decided to put our energies elsewhere this year. Thank you for your understanding. Christmas is different this year. The house is beautiful, the tree is up...and I have a deeper joy than ever before as I contemplate the reality of the birth of Jesus. I'm seeing at a new level what it means to have Him born in me. My connection to Him IS permanent! ...my prayer for you as we end 2008 and are thinking about moving forward into 2009 is that you too will long to know him in increasing depth...Happy New Year!
On a medical level...I'm gaining ground. My energy level is better than much of the last three months...that will soon change...as many of you know I will go to Stanford tomorrow (Tuesday, Dec 16) for a procedure to insert chemo directly into the liver. Please pray for its effectiveness. My doctor called last night with the news that they want to give me chemo Dec 22-24 here in Pleasanton as well. This will assure that the cancer sites in my lungs will continue to be targeted as well as the sites in my liver. I had hoped to be free of chemo through the Christmas week, but I do want to keep the process going.
...back to Cathy for Carol
Please pray for perseverance through what could prove to be a hard couple of weeks. Carol will probably come home from Stanford on Wednesday, but the doctors are saying that the next week will probably be tough...nausea, fatigue, pain, chemo brain...adding the additional chemo starting Monday, Dec 22, will add to the cumulative side-affects...please pray that these would be minimized. As always blood counts will be of concern.
The chemo treatment to the liver is now scheduled for three rounds with the next round at Stanford scheduled for Jan 15-16...of course these schedules are held very lightly. Please pray for wisdom for Carol's team of doctors and nurses as they continue devising treatment for Carol.
On a lighter note...many of you have been by to help Carol bring in Christmas in the Porter tradition...Mark put the tree up on Friday and it was decorated in stages by Carol with help from Tim, Erika and the boys as well as a assorted friends. Today Carol, Mary and Chelse made up Carol's yummy lemon curd...and I got to be one of the first to taste the result!!! You all would have enjoyed watching Carol in the backyard this morning (during one of the few moments of warmth) picking lemons off the tree in order to have fresh squeezed juice for the lemon curd.
Carol expresses her deep and enduring thankfulness for all of you often throughout each day...you are loved and appreciated more than you know!
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