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!
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6 comments:
Hi Carol,
I think of you a lot and pray for you. I am glad you had a good week and I hope you are able to do your next treatments. Cathy adores you and loves you so much - I am glad she has been able to be with you for all of this.
Tina
Dear Carol,
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Praise the Lord for your family and friends and for our Lord.
"Let all who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And may You shelter them, that those who love Your name may exult in You."
May the Lord continue to be your shelter. Love and blessing,
Cynthia Heald
Carol-Praise God for his great mercy, grace and joy he is showering you with. Good to see you laughing and enjoying your sisters in the Lord. A merry heart does good like a medicine! We are covering you with prayer continually. So good to know you can feel it. You are loved!
Love-Debbie Edmondson
Dear Carol,
You are in my thoughts and prayers daily. I'm glad to hear that the cancer has not progressed from the PET scan results. Please continue to be "strong and courageous" (Joshua 1:9).
Love,
Regina Gadad
Dear Carol -
So glad you had a chance to get out and "play" with Miss Judy. Blessings on your head (and every other part of your body)! God is not finished with any of us yet. Keep your chin up!
As our dear friend June Rice would say "Love you,dear!"
Linda McCarthy
Carol, I all but cried seeing your picture on today's update. You are so precious to me.
You continue to honor Jesus in everything........as you always have.......and I am encouraged. I pray for you my dear Sister.
Love, Kathy
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