October 21, 2008

Hello all—

I thought it might be time to check in and let everyone know how things are progressing. 

I had my 3rd chemo infusion of Phase II yesterday, 5th chemo total.  All went well!  My blood counts are good (the chemo can really get these counts out of line and cause you to have to suspend treatment if it gets too bad), my weight is steady (THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR ALL THE GIFTS OF FOOD!), no nausea, and it only took ONE STICK to get into my vein!  Last week took only 1 stick as well.  Given that I still have bruises from my sticks 3 weeks ago, the one stick status is a huge answer to your prayers.   Only four more sticks to go! 

My weekly pattern is setting up such that I am pretty much confined to bed/sofa on Wed thru Sat.  My side effects are extreme fatigue, pain in my feet (those thick fuzzy slippers rock!) and shortness of breath along with general flu like symptoms.  Between the pain in my feet and the shortness of breath it has become a real struggle just to walk up/down our stairs and also to make it to my daily radiation appts in Chapel Hill.  But so far I have not missed one appt although I was wondering if I would make it last Friday.  My spirits take a real hit during this time since I basically have to check out of all family activities, which is difficult for a Mom.  But I had a sweet and timely note from a dear friend last week who reminded me that it is ok to be weak.  In 2 Corinthians 12:9 God says “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”  And it is surely His strength that has gotten me this far.  Thank you for praying for me – getting me to this point. 

Then on Sunday I wake up feeling much better, and feel pretty good on Sun – Tuesday.  What a great reminder that at some point I will feel better –what a great anticipation!  Those days are such a blessing. 

And so, after this week is finished I have 4 more weeks of treatment.  We were told yesterday to expect the last 3-4 weeks to be the most difficult, but I am determined to see this through.  This aggressive treatment plan is my best hope for a cure and that is a great motivator!  So far I have had no esophagus inflammation to speak of, although this becomes a real threat the last few weeks of treatment, making it difficult to eat and stay hydrated.  

I know I will walk those days covered in your prayers and we are so grateful to you in every way.  We thank God daily for you, our prayer warriors and partners. I will keep you posted as I can.  Thanks again for everything.

Kay and family

October 7, 2008

Dear Friends,

We wanted to share with you the good news we received yesterday from my doctor.  The scans from last week show improvement in the 2 tumors in my lung.  The primary site is smaller and the secondary site has “vaporized” and is barely visible on the scan.  No new sites were seen.  The lymph nodes in my chest did not show much change, but overall this was a very good report.  We are told that this was a good response to the 2 chemo treatments and we are right where we need to be to begin this next phase. 

My infusion went well yesterday, they got my vein on the second try and it held throughout the treatment!  This was huge because the drugs they are using are so strong and so irritating to the veins that accessing them each week (6 more to go!) can be a real issue.  And the veins in my arms are quite irritated at this point.  My doctor does not want to put in a “permanent” port because of the risk of infection.  (A special thanks for praying me through this!)

We praise God for this good report!  We know that God led us to this treatment plan, but we also know that ultimately all healing comes from God.  To say again that we thank you for your prayers is a gross understatement.  I hope you can see answers to YOUR prayers in this report. 

Obviously we are very happy with this good news.  We continue to pray – and praise!  Thank you for joining us. 

Gratefully,
Kay and family

Psalm 28:7   The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped.

October 5, 2008

Dear Friends,

This last week has been a week of scans, x-rays and other tests as the doctors prepare my radiation treatment plan.  On Monday, I will begin daily chemo and radiation treatments.  Each Monday will be a chemo infusion plus radiation, then Tues – Friday I will receive radiation along with a chemo pill.  This is scheduled to last for 7 ½ weeks, ending the week of Thanksgiving.  So far I have had 2 “mega-doses” of chemo that have hit me fairly hard to be honest. 

This is an aggressive course of treatment as we knew it would be.  “A curative approach” as the doctors say.  That is certainly our prayer!

We continue to be so grateful to everyone for all their love and support, and most of all for all the prayers being said for us.  Your prayers are a wonderful gift and we thank you with all our hearts.  They have most certainly carried me through to this point.

Please continue to pray for me as I start this next phase of treatment.  Many of you have asked me for specific areas of concern and there are several.  Please pray for

1. My veins - that they would be easy to access and not so sensitive to the medication (I’ve already had some issues with this although God blessed me with a good experience last week!)

2. My endurance – that I would weather this treatment well and without complications (bleeding/blood clot issues, pain in my feet and hands, burn issues from the radiation, fatigue)

3. My family – especially Andrew, that he would not be too traumatized by this situation and that we can keep things as normal as possible for him

4. My mindset – that I would be mentally strong and have a positive attitude during this tough treatment

Again, we thank you for your kindness to us during this difficult time,  and we are especially appreciative for all the prayers.  It is truly a special blessing to walk through those hospital doors covered in prayer.   

Kay and family