...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!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
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.
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