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...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.

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!

Home Again

Carol asked that we continue praying for her because God is answering our prayers! She was released from Valley Care yesterday afternoon about 4PM.

Carol was encouraged and wants to praise God that He used her in many conversations she had with the nurses and doctors at the hospital. She said that God through her is "making a difference."

Please pray for continued wisdom for the doctors and the other attendants and for strength and rest for Carol and her family. Thank you.

Out of ICU

Carol is improving and is being moved from ICU as soon as a bed is available. Pray she continues to gain strength and is released from Valley Care soon. Also, continue to pray for Mark’s strength and stamina.

Thank you all for your continuous, steadfast prayers!

A Request

Carol remains in CCU at Valley Care. The doctors are running some tests to evaluate her situation. As soon as information is available the blog will be updated.

At this time, PLEASE do not call the hospital requesting an update on Carol.
The unit secretaries have been overwhelmed with phone calls which makes their job very difficult. Also, hospital visitors are limited to family only at this time.

Please refrain from calling the Porters home phone and cell phones. It is difficult for them to return calls. They appreciate your concern and your prayers. If you would like to leave a message for the Porters, please do so on the blog.

In ICU

Very early this morning, Carol's blood pressure and heart rate elevated. As a precaution, she was transferred to ICU. The doctors now believe this may have resulted from a drug interaction.

Carol remains in ICU. Her blood pressure and pulse rate are now stable. She was up for breakfast but will remain sedated throughout the day. Mark and Tim Porter are requesting that calls be limited to the family for the time being.

Carol has needed several blood transfusions. Currently, her blood type has been depleted in the valley and must now be delivered from Oakland. Even though you may not be Carol’s blood type, this is a great opportunity to give blood. There is a Red Cross facility in the parking lot at Stoneridge near Cost Plus.

Still at Valley Care

Though Carol is still in the hospital, she is very hopeful that she will be returning home tomorrow. Both her white cell count and her platelet count are rising and she has not had any sign of fever today. Carol is very grateful for the good care she is receiving at Valley Care.

Mark and Carol appreciate your continued prayers.

At Valley Care

Please keep Carol in your prayers. Today, Friday, Carol has had a fever and chills, so this evening she was admitted to Valley Care Medical Center. Both her white cell count and her platelet count are very low. She has received one unit of platelets and is already looking and feeling better.

Erika (her daughter-in-law) is staying with her for the night so she is in good hands.

Pray specifically that:
white cell count and platelet count improve quickly
fever goes down
comfortable and able to sleep (Erika too)
able to come home tomorrow

Thank you for your faithful prayers.

"Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-
who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases" Psalm 103:2-3.

Home and Giving Thanks

Carol came home from her third stay at Stanford on Saturday evening. As expected,Carol is quite exhausted her first few days at home but boy is she glad to be home!

Today Carol woke up extremely weak and so the doctor wanted her blood count checked. After having it tested it was determined that she needed a blood transfusion. She has spent the afternoon at Valley Care Medical Center getting two units of blood and a unit of platelets. She is feeling much better now and is scheduled to be released this evening around 8:00.

If you would like to drop by for a short visit over the Thanksgiving weekend, please call the house first and Mark will let you know if Carol is up for it.

Mark and Carol are giving thanks for each of you this Thanksgiving holiday.

Sharon

Day 3 and Holding Strong

Carol is doing magnificently, all things considered. Her body is handling the drugs well and so she will be able to have the entire course of treatment this round. Dr. Reddy and all the staff have been very attentive, checking in on Carol often. They have worked diligently to stay ahead of Carol's side effects, which have been minimal thus far.

Please continue to pray for:
Minimal side effects
Good sleep
Comfort and peace in the long periods of boredom
Drugs working to kill the cancer

As she is cared for by many, so too, Carol continues to minister to many. She has had several opportunities to share with the staff and to pray with them. Isn't God good to orchestrate these divine appointments?

Cathy and Mary continue to stay by Carol's side 24/7. This morning Cathy left for the VBC Belize outreach and so Mary will cover the rest of the week. At this time, Carol is scheduled to be discharged Saturday, early evening.

Sharon

Back at the Ranch!

Tuesday check-in at Stanford...Carol on the phone as usual!

The day started out with a call from Stanford at 7:30 this morning letting Carol know that a bed was open and waiting for her! Carol and Cathy took off in the car about 9:00 am and headed over to Palo Alto...the sun was shining and Carol's energy and enthusiasm was catching!

Booking into Stanford this time was a snap...straight to the floor (F ground it is called here) and then straight to the room, into the gown and into bed!

Next was a few hours of waiting while meds were being ordered and Dr. Reddy's team was being oriented to Carol's routine. As always, the care of the nursing team has been fantastic...Sandy was the day shift nurse and now Aracely and Vicki are on for the night. Dr. Reddy has stopped by to see Carol twice today...once around noon and now again at 8:40 pm! Dr. Reddy keeps long hours! Laura, the oncology nurse practitioner that has been with Carol at each hospitalization will be looking in on Carol tomorrow. Please be praying for each of these lovely people who are overseeing Carol's care on a daily basis...not only for wisdom in their care for her, but also pray that they would be ministered to by Carol and by those who are hanging out with her this week.

Carol was excited to find that Lou from Auburn will be her roommate this week. During Carol's last stay at Stanford Lou checked in on the last day of Carol's stay so they are already acquainted! It is great to have another believer as a roommate...Carol, Cathy and Lou had a sweet time of prayer together as Lou and Carol both start on this week's road together. Lou has had great news...her cancer is in remission and this is her final treatment for the time being anyway. Lou was also very excited to hear Carol's good news that the chemo treatment is working!

The first day of IL2 and chemo therapy is difficult...the nurses are constantly probing, hanging IV bags, checking vitals, etc...busy is the keyword! Carol hit a wall around 5:30 pm and all enthusiasm for this process promptly ceased...but only for a couple of hours! After a short nap she was up for the challenge again. She is now resting peacefully...oh whoops spoke to soon...Vicki and Aracely just walked in with the "cow" to take vitals and give more meds! Cracks us up that the nurses have named the computers "cows." ...too funny, stands for computers on wheels!

Signing off for now...Carol says, "To God be the glory everybody!"

Tending the Roses

Carol tending to her roses

Cathy for Carol

Above is the picture Sharon mentioned in yesterday's blog entry. Luca and Sharon jumped in to help Carol prune the roses and they finished the job in about a half an hour!

On Sunday evening (Nov 16) about 6:00 pm there will be a time of worship, prayer and communion taking place at the Porters' home...you are all welcome! ....standard rules apply...wash up and only attend if you are healthy!

Carol's blood counts are low at the moment (platelets are at 67)...please pray for those numbers to improve. Please continue to pray for Carol’s strength and stamina. Due to the low blood counts, Carol won’t go back to Stanford until Tuesday morning. She will be there again for five days. Continue to pray that the chemo does it work, and that the side effects will not be debilitating.

Dancing & Leaping & Praising God

"No new cancer sites and there is less intensity in some of the existing sites." These are the encouraging, fantastic words Carol received from Dr. Reddy over the phone this afternoon. Thank you Lord Jesus for your kindness.

When we stopped in on Carol, she was in the front yard pruning her roses with a big smile on her face. "This means we go full steam ahead next week at Stanford," she steadfastly stated.

With the psalmist she has declared and will continue to declare to the Lord, "I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more" (Psalm 71:14).

Join Carol in praising God more and more, in both the good times and the hard times.

Sharon for Carol

He is My Peace

Today has been a good day. A long day and I am tired (I did not get my afternoon nap), but a good day.

At around 10:30 this morning, I became anxious. My thoughts got away from me and I started dwelling on the "what ifs" of my situation. Isn't it amazing how quickly our thoughts can run out of control? God, in His kindness, reminded me of the truth of Isaiah 26:3 -"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you." As I started thinking on this verse, I renewed my trust in the Lord and my anxiousness was soon completely replaced by His calm, steadfast peace. I heard the tender voice of God tell me "I am your Peace and I know exactly what I am doing." Oh how I praise God for His loving care. Are you anxious about something? I encourage you to dwell on this verse and to place your trust in God.

At 3:00 the PET scan began and I am grateful to report that this one was easier than the previous two. The technicians were kind and helpful, giving me markers such as "It is okay to move your arms" and "Now it is okay to move your legs." I will enjoy a short visit with Bridget M. this evening and then off to bed. Please pray that my energy level will continue to increase.

On Monday we will see Dr. Reddy and get the results of the scan. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Sharon for Carol

Carol's Team Update!

On Wednesday, 11/12, at 3:00, Carol will be undergoing her third PET Scan. Carol is so appreciative of your prayers. Please pray specifically for strength for Carol to endure the test and for favorable results.

Just a note to update you on Carol's Team! You are amazing! So many of you are serving the Porters in so many creative ways. Thank you for providing a steady stream of wonderful, nutritious meals, for doing yardwork, dishes, laundry, ironing, and shopping. Thank you for your visits - sharing with Carol, reading to Carol, praying with Carol. The Porters are feeling loved and cared for in every way. You are a testimony of the Lord's faithful, abundant provision.

Go Team Carol!

Sharon

Visitors are Welcome!

Luca (from Hungary) visiting with Carol today

Cathy for Carol

Carol is home from the hospital...as most of you know, she did come home last Friday and is doing wonderfully well! She is very fatigued, but has none of the neurological side affects that she had in the previous round of treatment. Praise God! Short visits are welcome and encouraged! Please be sure to wash up as you enter the house and only visit if you are healthy and haven't been in close contact with a person who has a cold or the flu because Carol's immune system is compromised at this time...thank you.

Carol will have her next PET scan Wednesday, November 12, at 3:00 pm. Most likely she will have the results after the weekend, but we will let you know as soon as the results are in...please pray for positive results.

Specific prayer requests from Carol are perseverance, solid sleep at night, good use of the small amount of energy she does have and for her appetite to return (thankfully her nausea is under control...but food just isn't appealing.)

More coming from Carol in the next few days! Love to you all from Mark and Carol!

Four Days Down, One To Go

Hand off from "Thing One" to "Thing Two"

Carol sleeping with uneaten dinner tray in the background.

Cathy for Carol

Carol is sleeping after trying to get some dinner down...today has been a tougher day than the three previous days this week, but still so much better than the first go-round at Stanford. The neurological side affects appear to be less this week...please keep praying that this would remain the case for the next few days and into next week...thank you.

The doctors are thinking Carol will be able to come home tomorrow (Friday) evening because she has been tolerating this round of treatment so well. YAY!

One of the most difficult things for Carol especially during the latter part of this week of intense chemo and IL2 is the inability to concentrate...she finds it hard to read or even watch TV. She is so used to being productive that not being able "to do" is very frustrating to her. Please pray that God would protect her heart and mind at this time...and allow the scriptures she has memorized throughout the years to surface above the fogginess to comfort and sooth her mind and soul.

We read your comments on the blogspot together this evening and Carol found much joy in your encouraging words to her...especially the words of scripture and hymns that you offered...they were a healing balm to her spirits (and mine). You are all treasured in Carol's heart and she is so very thankful for you...the Lord working through the body of Christ is awesome to behold!

May God keep you in grace and peace.

P.S. I'm editing this after the first publish earlier tonight...Mary C came in and brought fun and laughter at 8:00 pm this evening...we took a picture of the "hand off" from "Thing One" to "Thing Two"...ask us or Carol about that!!!

"He Hears Our Voice" - Psalm 55:17

The IV pole...missed the picture with eight bags, but six is amazing too!

Linda W and Carol at Stanford, Tuesday, Oct 28

Cathy for Carol

With almost a full 24 hours of treatment behind her, Carol is starting to feel some of the side affects of the IL2 and chemo drugs. (I just counted the number of IV bags being fed into Carol's veins...a total of eight!) Dr. Reddy had set a threshold level for her platelets of 25...this morning the number dropped to 23, therefore a red blood cell transfusion was ordered to increase her platelet levels. This is a fairly common occurrence with this type of treatment so was not unexpected. Carol's other blood counts are very good. Please pray that blood count levels would remain and/or return to acceptable levels...thank you!

Carol brought along her packet of memory verses to recite and meditate on throughout the day...she would like to share Psalm 55:17 with you today. "Evening, morning and at noon, I cry out in distress and He hears my voice." As she has meditated on this verse today it has helped her mind stay focused on the Lord in what otherwise might have been a day overcast with some dread because of the foreknowledge of what might lie ahead. How wonderful to know with certainty that our Heavenly Father ALWAYS hears us...He never sleeps or slumbers! May your evening, morning and noon be filled with the knowledge that our awesome God is always with us and attunes His ear towards us in all circumstances!

Back in the Saddle Again!

Carol "hamming it up" with Debbie W

At home with Starbucks coffee brought by Connie J

Cathy for Carol

It's Monday evening about 9:00 pm and the nurses are starting Carol on her next regimen of IL2 and chemo. It's been a day of tears, laughter and waiting, but most of all a day of rejoicing in God's goodness. This morning during the office visit with Dr. Reddy Mark, Carol, Tim and Erika were able to pray for and with Dr. Reddy and this evening Carol and I were able to pray with one of the nurses whose youngest son will be departing for Afghanistan next month. The nurse practitioner, Laura, who took such great care of Carol through the last hospitalization will be overseeing her care again (alongside Dr. Reddy)...and there is also a new intern on this week who is just delightful and very, very bright...she already had her PhD in Bio Chem from UCLA when she decided to go to medical school! Needless to say, Carol is receiving the very best of care here at Stanford!

As most of you know the results of Carol's PET scan were not favorable...Dr. Reddy said some of the cancer sites had grown and there were some new sites as well. However, since the treatment did not start until four weeks after the original PET scan in August the doctor says the growth of the cancer might have occurred during that four week period. Carol is starting the next treatment as planned and another PET scan will be scheduled after this round of treatment. Last week's PET scan will be used as the base line scan instead of the original one to gauge treatment success.

Carol for Carol...I'm glad to be back on this loop...delighted to be back with some of the nurses we met the last go around...glad to know the routine...happy to have a bed by the window! (Easy to delight in small pleasures!)

Some specific prayer requests from Carol:

• For positive interaction with the nurses
• For the ability to handle boredom
  
• For the concentration to keep up her journaling
• To come to know God more fully through this journey and to have others come to know Jesus as well
  

Our Carol is Back!

Chelse, Carol and Jill on the couch.

Carol getting a foot massage from Jill with Chelse looking on.

Cathy for Carol

As you can see from the photos above our dear Carol is back! She had a few bad days...reactions to the IL2 that were fairly severe. Her organs, blood pressure and heart rate are great, but Carol did have some neurological reactions to the treatment that are within normal parameters, but were a bit more severe than the doctors would like to normally see. Dr. Reddy will be adjusting the medication for the next go-round to lesson this affect. Please pray that these side-affects would be prevented from happening for the future treatments.

Carol's appetite has returned...yea! Please pray that her strength returns quickly through the next week and that her blood counts return to normal...her next treatment will begin October 27 with another weeks stay at Stanford hospital. Her nausea has been minimal, but please continue to pray for that issue as well.

Another specific prayer request...Carol has her second pet scan on Tuesday, October 21, in the afternoon...please pray for a good report and wisdom for the doctors as to the right "mix" of IL2 and chemo drugs to administer starting October 27.

Next week would be a good time for some scheduled visits, but as Carol's immune system is compromised please be certain that you are free of any symptoms of colds or flu and that you have not been around anyone else that is ill. Please email or call Cathy's cell to set up a time to visit and know that "flexibility" is in the cards as Carol does tire easily and sometimes thinks she can do more than she really can...but thankfully the batteries are recharging steadily each day!

Carol mentioned today that she is learning so much through this climb...about obedience, about fellowship in the body of Christ...and her heartfelt prayer is to know her awesome God more fully and completely through this journey.

Much love to you all from both Mark and Carol...and many thanks for your prayers and acts of service on their behalf...Mark and Carol are both overwhelmed with gratitude for you all!

Home From the Hospital--Wipeout

Mark, Carol and Erika taking a "walk" at the hospital.

Friday night with Jake and Jordan at the hospital.

Monday 10/13 on the Patio for a Few Minutes

Cathy For Carol

If you can picture Carol singing "Wipe Out" by the Beach Boys that would about sum up how she feels...basically pretty crummy. She is very thankful to be home with Mark, but the week looks to be anything but easy. So far she has no appetite and can stay awake for just a few minutes at a time. Please be praying for strength to return, appetite to increase (or at least that we can discover some food that isn't totally repugnant to Carol), that she would get no mouth sores and for protection from infection, illness or falling. Also please pray that her blood counts would return to normal within the next two weeks...they are low, but this is to be expected at this point in time.

One funny anecdote that had both Mark and I laughing at the doctor visit today...Carol was very fatigued after being at the doctor's office for about 45 minutes and Mark and I started discussing some issue about Carol's recovery and she politely asked Mark, not once, but four times, "Please don't talk." Mark had me cracking up when he said that is the first time in 46 years of marriage that Carol has asked Mark "not" to talk!

Pictures are worth a thousand words, so they say...in light of that below, (actually it will be above because I can't figure out how to get them below) are some pictures of the hospital stay which was difficult but also had some "fun" moments!

Please call Cathy's cell to leave Carol messages...she is too weak and tired to take any calls at the moment. We'll keep you posted when Carol is strong enough for some visits, but at the moment she is not feeling well enough for visitors...thank you for your understanding. Please keep those "blog" comments coming and notes and cards are appreciated as well...the notes and cards that Mary Contois read to Carol this morning were exactly "on point" as to Carol's needs of the moment...it was quite uncanny except that we all know we have a great and caring God that loves us through "small moments" of hope as well as in the "big miracles."

Carol sends her love to you all!

Friday, 10/10, Prayer Request

Hey All,

This is a special urgent prayer request in case you are checking the blog Friday, 10/10, between the hours of 12:30 pm and 4:30 pm. Carol is retaining excess fluid...this is a side affect of the IL2 treatment. This excess fluid can put stress on her heart and lungs. They have just put her on Lasix...the prayer request is that the Lasix will work to expel the excess fluid from her body in the next four hours (by 4:30 pm, today, Friday, 10/10) and that Carol's heart and lungs would be protected. There is another protocol they can go to if the Lasix is not sufficient...I'll update the blog as needed...THANK YOU!

A Day of Contentment

Carol for Carol (kinda sorta)

Wednesday was a rough day, but made sweeter for Carol because she was able to see Mark and Tim and Erika. (Thank you Al for driving over with Mark!) Thursday was much better...a day of contentment, with spots of joy and laughter. There were longer walks because the heart monitor was removed, there were foot massages, short games of SET, times for quiet solitude with the Lord for Carol and even a partial viewing of a movie on DVD!...the only thing we didn't get to was the excitement of getting to shampoo Carol's hair!

It is now Friday morning and I (Cathy) am finishing up where we left off yesterday...Carol got tired as we were talking about what to write last night so this entry has become the "Friday" edition rather than the "Thursday" edition. (And Carol's shampoo did happen this morning so Carol is her beautiful self today!)

Carol wanted to share some thoughts with you around 1 Peter 1:6-9. "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls." Carol is rejoicing with "joy inexpressible" in Christ Jesus and her fervent prayer is that through this particular trial, praise, honor, and glory will be brought to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Carol is expected to go home Saturday evening...please pray the chemo stays on schedule so that she would indeed be able to come home on Saturday. Some other specific prayer requests would be continued endurance for Mark, quick recovery of Carol's blood counts during the two weeks before the next round starts, energy and concentration for Carol to be able to spend time in the Word...and whatever else the Spirit puts on your heart to pray...again Carol and Mark are so very appreciative of your thoughts and prayers for them!

Stanford Hospital...the Spa it is NOT

Carol for Carol...Cathy is only typing!

~Praises of the Day

• Pic line established smoothly (the pic line is a port to enable IV lines to be given without constantly sticking Carol)
• Private room
• Wonderful care from the staff
• Foot massage given by Jill Daniels
• Carol says she loves Cathy for hanging in there with her (she made me type that)
  

~Prayer requests

• No muscular pain on left side or in right shoulder
• Minimal leakage of fluid from her capillaries (a side affect of the IL2)
• NO damage to her heart (possible side affect of IL2)
  
• Blood pressure to not drop below 90/50
• Sufficient sleep to make it through tomorrow
• That the four chemo drugs and the IL2 do their work

~Carol's Climbing Verse for the Day

• Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded (Carol's emphasis) you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you where ever you go.

Carol's done for the day! She loves you all!

P.S. (This is Cathy...please leave Carol your thoughts and prayers for her on the blog especially this week as she will not be able to have very many visitors...the head nurse said she will probably be pretty fatigued fairly quickly and that no one that is around children may visit because of the risk of cold or flu viruses coming into this unit with so many patients having compromised immune systems. Please call Cathy first before coming to the hospital as Carol is being poked and prodded day and NIGHT and is getting very little sleep...we want to be extra careful to preserve any times of rest that Carol may be able to grab throughout the day...thank you!)

No Room in the Inn

Cathy for Carol

...just a quick update! Carol and Mark left the house bright and early to sojourn over to Stanford Hospital to get Carol checked into the hospital only to find that the monitored beds are impacted...it appears anyone majoring in cancer at Stanford must wait for beds just as engineering students must wait for classes! Check-in day will be Tuesday at 9:00am instead. The day was not wasted however...Dr. Reddy was very encouraged to see that Carol's blood counts had recovered nicely and commented that, "she had sailed through her first chemo round with flying colors." He was impressed with her fitness level and her recovery from fatigue as well. He believes that even though they will be adding the interleukin2 low dose treatment simultaneously to the chemo drugs this week that the side-affects will not be drastically different...since she tolerated the chemo well, adding the interleukin might make her slightly more fatigued, but not significantly so. Please pray that the side affects will be minimal...specifically that there will be NO damage to her heart and again that nausea and fatigue would be kept at bay. A second pet scan will be taken after this second round of treatment to assess progress...please pray that both treatments are effective in knocking out the growth of the cancer cells. The schedule for treatment as it stands now will be one week in hospital (at Stanford) receiving both Interleukin2 and chemo, two weeks at home and then back to the hospital for another 5 days...repeating the cycle as the doctor sees fit.

Thank you for your prayers...Mark and Carol will keep you posted as they know more.

A Very Good Week Indeed!

Cathy for Carol

What a great week this has been...it is now Friday, October 3rd, and fall is in the air! Carol has learned new gratefulness for energy which she has had in increasing amounts each day this week.

Jake is sitting with me at this moment as I'm typing in this post for
Carol's blog...you can see from the picture above he has been reading a book (about Japan) with his "Nana" and Jordan. (Jake is on the left and Jordan is on the right.) They made me take a long, deep bow in front of them as if I were in Japan having to show great respect for them! Jake would like you to know that he loves his Nana VERY much and has had so much fun the last couple of days having Nana make French toast, attend soccer practice, nag him about homework and piano practice...and he is looking forward to walking to their favorite Mexican restaurant, "Mexxi's," in a few minutes.

Greg, Mark and Carol's older son, was here on a business trip Monday and came for dinner. Greg reports that even though the salmon was leftover from Sunday night's dinner it was still "first class restaurant style" even the night after! Thank you again all you fantastic cooks out there who are providing Mark and Carol with great tasting and nourishing meals!

Carol's week has been filled with many of her "normal" activities...she even went one day without a nap! She taught Precepts on Wednesday morning, has worked out at the club a couple of times and has met with many of you for Bible Study, tea, CTO and this afternoon talked with both Carol Wattles and Janet Lide about restoring some of her almost 100 year old quilts. We have both been having oodles of fun hanging out with Carol's grandchildren, Jake and Jordan, at their house today and yesterday while Erika and Tim (Jake and Jordan's parents) are off running a 13 mile half marathon in Big Sur for which they have trained diligently during the past several weeks.

As many of you know, Carol will be admitted to Stanford Hospital on Monday morning, October 6 for five days. She will be receiving a treatment intravenously for 15 minutes every eight hours around the clock that is meant to help her body recognize the cancer cells as cancer in order that the chemo drugs can work more effectively. We will let you know as soon as possible if Carol is able to have visitors at Stanford next week.

Carol's blood counts this week have been stellar...improving each time they are taken...please keep praying.

~Prayer requests for next week

• Interleukin2 will work
• Opportunities to talk to people about the Lord
  

• Minimal resulting fatigue
• Wisdom for the doctors
• Endurance for Mark

And now for the short tutorial some of you have requested on "leaving comments" on the blog for Carol to read...she really does love to read your notes to her...they are super encouraging to her...so type away, often!

1. Click on the word "comments" at the bottom of the latest entry in the blog.
2. Click in the box below "leave your comment."
3. Type in your note to Carol.
4. Type in the letters in green in the "word verification box"...the letters are difficult to read sometimes.
5. Please sign your note with your first and last name...some of us have very common first names!
6. If you have a Google account you can use your user id and password to post your comment...or if you don't have a Google account and don't want to sign up for one you can click the "anonymous" button and post your blog that way. If you go the "anonymous" route you for sure need to remember to list your first and last names in your note!

Hope this helps!

...one last note...there is a prayer time set for Carol at VBC, Sunday, October 5th at 2:00 pm. Please feel free to come and join the elders in prayer for Carol at that time. Thank you again for all of your love and support for Mark and Carol. The three weeks ahead are going to be intense, but we know that our great God sustains and carries us through the most difficult of times as He will Carol.

By Faith...still on the couch

I made it to church for most of worship and the sermon today. Gary Darnell was teaching on Heb. 11:4 - "By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice." I had been thinking about what it means to offer a sacrifice of praise. Heb. 13:15 "We bring the sacrifice of praise." What I am experiencing is not comparable on a grand scale to what others have suffered through the years. However, I am gradually learning to offer praise when I do not feel like it. Wouldn't it be nice to learn lessons without the "lessons" ;)?

Each day is a "bit" better. I had the strength to put clean sheets on the bed, to practice the piano. and write some notes. Now I am waiting for Mary Ann Freitas to come and walk loops around my court. Many Sunday nights we have walked 4-5 miles, most of it hilly. But... tonight it will be a wonderful thing to get out for 10 minutes on this gorgeous cool late Sept. evening.

I see the doctor tomorrow. My counts were good on Thurs. and should be looking good tomorrow. Funny how I used to ignore blood counts. Now they are an indicator of health.

Keep up the praying. It is making a difference to Mark and me. We had a tough time over general life stuff this morning. We got past it so fast - in part I believe because of the prayer. Remember to pray for all the relationships of people who are chronically ill. IT TAKES EFFORT that we do not have. Mark, as most of you know, has Parkinson's. He is no stranger to fatigue. Relatonships are most difficult when both are exhausted. By faith we continue trusting God through our circumstances. And... God is a rewarded of those who trust Him.

Love to you all!!! Carol for Carol

God at work again

Hi I'm Jan Dehning- for those of you who might not know me I'm part of the Tuesday morning bible study group at Carol's house. Early today I thought about making a homemade apple pie for Carol. Our Granny Smiths are about to overtake our yard. ( just kidding) Seriously, so while my husband, Brian took off to go watch his beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers play football I set about making the pie. When it had about 8 minutes left I rang Carol to ensure someone would be home. What she said when she answered and I asked if I could bring over the pie was, " I was just searching through the kitchen to find something to eat." As you all know this was not what I expected to hear. So I quickly opened the freezer and said, " Well, I can bring you some pasta and home made pesto also." Carol was ectastic! So as I'm literally running around the house, remember I told her the pie was done in 8 minutes and she wanted it in five minutes- smile- I was just overwhelmed and thankful at how God had allowed me to do something for Carol and right in the moment she needed it. Reading her blog I've seen how God is working BIG TIME, I just didn't expect to be a part of it. GOD IS AWESOME AND ONCE AGAIN HE MET CAROL IN HER NEED!

Almost off the Couch

I'm learning some things - actually a lot of things. Psalm 10 makes more sense than it ever has. it makes more sense on a personal level and on a national/international level. On a personal level, I can see myself in the arrogance of saying 'Nothing will shake me, I'll always be happy and never have trouble.' Well, Friends, I have not always been happy this week. While, I've not been unhappy or unjoyful, it takes energy to be happy and joyful, an energy that I have not had. I've had days of spending 10 hours on the couch. When Cathy Farrar, my climbing sherpa, has been here I've not had the stamina to help put words together for the blog.

On a national level, we see our country in trouble, but in arrogance still not collectively seeking God. Yet, v. 16, the Lord is king forever and ever. He does hear the cry of the afflicted. Can we agree together to pray for our country?

This next week I should be almost back to some normalcy. I walked about 1/2 a mile today with Chelse. Piano practice may be a possibility. Piano playing takes a lot of stamina when you do not have any.

I wish I could share with you all the little places where God has shown up. For instance, my hairdresser's mother lost her hair in chemo. I will not lose my hair, only have it thin. But, hey, it has always been thin! Ashley, my hairdresser, and Sherrie Wallace, owner of the salon are both certified consultants for those having chemo - who could have planned that. A new friend came over to do a massage on Tues. night. What fun to have that when I was so without energy. Through a fluke occurance I ended up buying an ipod in August. Now, I have it to listen to! Connie Johnson is loading it with the Bible!

Well, enough said. I am in love with the Lord, love life even when there is less energy. Keep praying. I have NO idea where I would be without each of you. Many of you have your own challenges. There are many mountains, each a bit diffferent. We all are called to be climbers. i will keep you in my prayers as well. The blogs are so encouraging. Know I care and wish I could be with you where you are from Romania to Arizona. Love, Carol

The Climb - The Couch Week

"Staged" with quilt from Martha Howden and Donna Penna Justice.
"Reality" with quilt from Martha Howden and Donna Penna Justice.

Cathy for Carol:

I'm typing this at Carol's house as she is fast asleep on the couch curled up in the hand made quilt lovingly made by Martha Howden and Donna Penna Justice...Carol LOVES this quilt! The colors are "her colors," she states emphatically, and she delights in finding the details that are embedded in the quilting...lovely flowers and a mouse to name a couple.

Yesterday, Monday, September 22, Carol was back at the clinic for the last interferon shot for this go-round and a visit with Dr. Szumorski. This time it felt familiar and even pleasant to be back...good to see and visit with two of the very caring nurses, Kathy and Nancy. Even Dr. "Sz"was smiling! The doctor is pleased with Carol's blood counts...whites and reds are up (YEA!), platelets are down, but still above 100. Please keep praying that during the next few weeks respite Carol's blood counts would strengthen...and that the physical fatigue she is experiencing would lesson as well. The doctor told her she should expect the fatigue to deepen through Wednesday, but that on Thursday and Friday she should start to feel better. The nausea is under control except for brief instances...PRAISE God! Please also keep praying that the nausea continues to be under control.

A few interesting notes...apparently one of the side affects of the medicine is short term memory loss...I realized this when Carol asked me, (for the third time!) if I had seen the quilt Martha and Donna had made for her...and I was the one that had delivered it to her from Martha! We laughed pretty hard about that one! So, if Carol is repeating a story to you for the second, third or even fourth time, she asks you to please let her know! We have a secret code now for "repeats"...just ask Carol the "code" and she'll share it with you!

This past weekend was an interesting one...Saturday was pretty much a couch day, but Sunday even through the fatigue Carol had a very busy day. It started out at Shadow Cliffs very early in the morning cheering on her son, Tim, in the Triathlon held each year there, then on to church (with naps in-between) and then on to the senior center to share her testimony as part of the sermon Mark, (Carol's husband) was giving Sunday evening. Mark was sharing from Psalm 23 and Carol shared the beginning of her story of walking through the "shadow of cancer" and how God is and has been with her at every point in this journey as her good shepherd.

Again, many thanks to all on Carol's team! Several of you have brought by dinners...and lunches! (Thanks to Carol Williams and Bridget Melson and Lucas, Bridget's 6 year old son, for lunches and fun visits this week and the Mottas and Shiromas for dinners! Connie Johnson has loaded Carol's I-pod with cool music and scripture and Linda Cline had business cards printed with carol's blogspot address - and a beautiful picture of half dome too. Imelda Dodgen is orchestrating dinners and Sharon Collard is the overall organizer...wow what a team! There are many others as well, but the blog would be a mile long to mention you all, but know that Mark and Carol are beyond grateful for your love and care!)

What's to come:

The next treatment begins Monday, October 13. Carol will be admitted to Stanford Hospital for the week to receive the same round of chemo plus an additional treatment called IL2. The doctor will do the next PET scan after two or three months to assess how the chemo is working...we'll keep you posted.

Carol's praises to God:

• For the energy she does have (especially to do the fun things as well as the necessary things).
• For the presence of God
• For God's protection from and during attacks from Satan...particularly thankful for Heb 12. The Word of God is our protection from evil and our place of focus.
• Mark's extreme steadiness and helpfulness.
  

Prayer requests:

• Calmness and patience while her energy is low.
• That the treatment will do its work...destroy the cancer cells.
• Continued control of nausea.
• Energy for small workouts and walks.
• Sleeping well without medication.
  

One Week Down

Cathy filling in for Carol.

Today started out a bit rougher for Carol...a lot of you have referred to Carol as the "energizer bunny" but this morning even the best batteries seemed to be running low. She described her energy level to Sue (the wonderful Christian nurse she has seen two out of the five days this week) as about 1 1/2 batteries out of the normal 6. Carol awoke with some nausea this morning but after eating a bit of food and taking the anti-nausea medicine she felt much better. As always though, Carol's spirit remains strong and she is as upbeat as ever!

After getting her chemo shot this morning Carol took off with Chelse to Michaels to get her new photo of Half Dome matted and framed...she plans to display it on the wall opposite her bed to give her motivation and inspiration for the climb ahead.

The meals you all have been providing for Mark and Carol have been soooo appreciated...they have all been nutritious and delicious! Ruthie Kronk and I were the delighted guests at dinner this evening and were thoroughly entertained by a slightly "drugged on Ativan" Carol. She is experiencing some nausea now during the day and had to supplement the slower acting medicine with the quicker acting Ativan...but little did she know the side affects would make her so hilarious at dinner. (Guess you had to be there!)

Carol has one more treatment on Monday of next week and will also see the doctor in the afternoon that day. The next round of chemo will begin October 13. For the next go-round Carol will be hospitalized at Stanford for five days because of an additional treatment that requires around the clock monitoring.

Please continue to uphold Carol before our mighty God...below are some particular areas to bring before the Lord:

• Platelet levels to remain above 100
• Nausea to be minimized
• Strength
  
• Wisdom for the doctors overseeing Carol's treatment and specific prayer for Monday's appointment that the two doctors would have communicated with each other to better give Mark and Carol some clarity around the plan of treatment.
• That Carol's body would be built up during the break from treatment
  
• That the chemo would do its work...shut down the cancer cells dividing, but leave Carol's immune system intact.

Mark and Carol are so grateful for your support and are continually giving thanks to God for each and every one of you! You are loved and appreciated more than you know!

P.S. Carol loves getting your notes and comments on the blog...the more the merrier and yes, Kathy, you can definitely leave comments every day!

A Short Day at the Clinic

Want to hear a funny story?? Cathy Farrar and I were joking about something and I yelled, "Help!" It had nothing to do with the cancer treatment at all, but it got the attention of all the nurses. It was like yelling "fire" in a theater. It's a huge "no-no." Oh Well, all in a day in the life of Carol mixed with Cathy Farrar. I promised never to do that again. Nurse Nancy was all over me about that one - but very good-natured about it. "Part of the "learning curve" - but the follow-up laughter was good for all of us.

It was a short day - just a shot of interferon and blood draw. The platelets are down a bit, but not dangerously low. I am still making white cells which is good news. Keep praying!!!

So far, absolutely no nausea or other side effects other than more tired than normal. I am planning a light work-out at Club Sport this afternoon and then some regularly scheduled appointments.

It means the world to know that we are being prayed for. Oswald Chambers in "My Utmost for His Highest" for Sept 18 was based on Heb. 4:15 - I have a high priest who has had feelings similar to mine. He is so present and walking through all of this with all of us. Jesus Christ our High Priest is praying for each of us. May each of you walk in grace and strength today.

The Climb - Day Two

Hi, this is Cathy filling in for Carol.

Day two was a good day...Carol was tired by the end of the day, but who wouldn't be...she got up early for the 6:30 am women's Bible study in Acts...had a great time in the Word with the group, left for the clinic at 8:15 am full of energy, visited with the nurses, her son Tim, Linda Marsic, Cathy, daughter-in-law, Erika, grandsons, Jake and Jordan, husband, Mark, and then after returning home from chemo went on a fast-paced 2 mile walk with Chelse! How about that for a jammed pack day! Please be praying for continued energy to get in some physical workouts or walks each day...and for NO nausea. Wednesday is another full day at the clinic. Carol will have her blood counts taken tomorrow...please pray for good results. The chemo can affect her immune system so the doctors have requested that all visitors to the clinic and the house please make sure they are not ill and take care to protect Carol's health by washing their hands often with anti-bacterial soap.

About every ten minutes Carol mentions how loved she feels...she is in awe of the way all of you have come together to support her and Mark in so, so many ways...not only through prayer and in notes and words of encouragement, but in many, many acts of service...you all rock! The spirit of Christ is evident in the love you are pouring out!

Please be in continual prayer for healing, chemo hitting the mark, insurance issues, energy, no nausea...and above all that God would be glorified in and through this entire process!

Thanks and love from Carol reaching out to all of you!

First Steps Up the Mountain

The beginning of the climb is steeper than I had anticipated. It felt a bit like the steep section on the Ridge Trail from the parking lot on Foothill Road. I will be receiving 4 different types of chemo each day this week. My climbing team this morning were Mark, Erika and Cathy Farrar. At lunch Erika picked up the boys (Jake on the right is 9 and Jordan is 7). They had hand tied a fuzzy warm blanket for me! Bridget Melson, Jacque Klippenes and Chelse Barnes also stopped in. Call Cathy Farrar if you would like to drop by at any point this week.

Prayer requests:

• I pulled a muscle in my right shoulder on Sat. We are treating it, but please pray that the pain would not interfere with my sleep.

• The chemo MUST do its work and attack the cancer cells.

• For me to stay focused on the Lord and trust in His work during this process.

• That all medicines and procedures that the doctors prescribe would be ok'd by the insurance company.

Starting the Climb

The climb starts at 8:30 AM on Monday, Sept. 15. I will be at the office of Dr. Szumorski - Valley Medical Oncology Consultants starting chemo. My primary cancer doctor is Sunil Reddy at Stanford Hospital, but I will be able take the chemo here in Pleasanton. For this first chemo, Mark, my husband, Erika, my daughter-in-law, who is a nurse, and Cathy Farrar my sherpa will be with me. All of you can be with me by praying for each drop of chemo to hit a cancer cell. In later chemo's I will be able to have a flow of visitors - and will need them, because the chemo lasts for 6 whole hours.

Well, come along for the climb!

Welcome

Welcome to Carol's new blog...stay tuned for more information.