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Monday, March 15, 2010 9:22 PM CDT The other day, I was listening to one of Karen's old cd's.
One line of a Dave Matthew's Band song stuck with me and I thought it was a good one to share...
~The space between your heart and mine
is the space we'll fill with time~
I have been using this as a mantra when I feel lost and lonesome for Karen. It helps remind me that we will be together again someday. Until that day, I have promised to myself that I will fill that space between us with family, love, happiness, and life.
Karen continues to encourage and inspire me daily.
Love you forever and always,
Elizabeth
Monday, February 16, 2009 1:02 PM CST
Grandma Karen and Grandpa Ozzie gave us a plaque they found with the following poem written on it. I think it says exactly how we feel, and I want to share it with all of you.
The Broken Chain
~ Author unknown
We little knew that morning, that God
was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
you did not go alone;
for part of us went with you,
the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories,
your love is still our guide;
and though we cannot see you,
you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same;
but as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.
We miss you more than words can say, Karen Annie.
Sunday, November 16, 2008 10:28 AM CST This is our 45th Sunday without Karen Ann. I have uploaded one of my favorite fall photos of her to share with you.
I am honored and humbled by the number of you who take the time to let our family know that she is remembered and thought of often. I had planned on "powering through" her birthday last month without making a fuss, but when I got home from school and saw the beautiful cards, flowers, and thoughtful messages from so many of you, I realized what a foolish idea that was. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Thank you for missing her as much as we do.
Prior to Karen's birthday, some of us gathered at the Jackson Middle School observatory and attempted to view her star. Unfortunately, the clouds weren't cooperating, so we'll have to try another time. We did get to see a beautiful blue star, though, and I imagine the star named Karen Ann is just as awe-inspiring.
Halloween came, and even that day was bittersweet. As usual, Evelyn brought us much happiness to help ease our spirits, but I sure wish her godmother could have been here to see her dressed as Mary Poppins. (See photo album.)
On All Saints Sunday, Advent held their annual Service of Remembrance. They always do such a beautiful job, and this year was no exception. Karen's photo appeared in the slide show, her name was read, a bell was rung for her, and we lit a candle for her. It was an emotional day, as all Sundays are for me, but a wonderful way to acknowledge her as one of God's saints whose spirit lives on. Her memory garden is covered in a protective blanket of leaves now, but it will bloom again in the spring to remind us that she is enjoying that promise of eternal life.
Even so, the approaching holiday season makes me especially lonesome for our girl. Evvy and I were shopping yesterday admiring all the decorations and, of course, I thought about last Thanksgiving and Christmas when we had Karen with us. I know we have so much to be thankful for, but I can't imagine any time, ever, that we will celebrate a holiday or other occasion that we won't miss Karen's presence.
As Karen's friends have been by to visit, I have asked them to choose belongings of Karen's to keep as a remembrance of her. I've also set aside some items for her goddaughters that they may appreciate having in the future. I think it's comforting to have physical reminders of her as well as the memories.
A thousand times, thank you. Thank you for keeping Karen alive in your hearts.
With much love,
Kathy and Family
Friday, June 27, 2008 11:07 AM CDT
I have gotten permission to share a very special story with you that was written by our great friend and neighbor, Mike Roff. Our back yard and Mike's front yard are on a cul de sac at the end of Kentucky Avenue; hence, the title of Mike's story. I thought that the christening of Karen's Memorial Garden was an appropriate time to share this.
Love,
Kathy
KENTUCKY GARDENS
By Michael J Roff
Kentucky Gardens is a mystical, magical place where numerous plant lovers live together and raise the flowers and shrubs they are graced with. Each individual uses his talents to nurture the perennials for many years.
Some remain in the garden for decades, while others uproot and move to other areas. What makes Kentucky Gardens special is that the Master Gardener oversees each yard, each sprout, and every plant in Kentucky Gardens.
I have the privilege of being a resident in this wonderful land. I even had the opportunity to watch a special plant grow and blossom.
In late summer, twelve years ago, a couple farmers uprooted three plants and moved to a larger growing area, as they needed more space. The garden had a feeling of bareness for a short time. Quickly, a pair of new gardeners sowed four, vibrant plants in the northeast section of the garden. I was excited and looked forward to the addition to Kentucky Gardens. My plants, and other plants in the garden all accepted the new additions.
I cultivated my plants. I tried to give them the correct amounts of water, fertilizer, and mulch. I pruned them when needed, and I let them grow and branch out when appropriate. I also helped nurture and care for all the plants in the larger garden as needed, which was accepted by the others.
The Master Gardener provided the correct amounts of sun and rain. He kept watch over the whole garden. I talked to him. At times I would not understand all of his messages to me, or the other gardeners. At other times, I would become stubborn and do things my own way. Then I would see my plants suffer, and my skills lacking, so I would follow the plan laid out to raise a healthy garden, by the Master Gardener.
Slowly over time, I saw that one of the plants in the northeast corner was special. She was a beautiful yellow rose bush. Her flowers were radiant. The yellow hue reminded me of the sun after a thunderstorm, fresh and vibrant, bringing hope and peace. This beautiful rose bush had only one thorn, and even that thorn would rarely cause anyone pain.
The other plants, gardeners, and visitors, were attracted to this rosebush. Another thing that made her so special was her beauty reflected in everything around her. She transferred her essence into the other plants, which made them more attractive.
Life in the garden was good. Then one day, the yellow rosebush’s one thorn began to tear off. This caused the plant a lot of pain, but the two trustworthy, loving gardeners obtained the best care, and had the thorn repaired.
I watched the gardeners, and the other plants care for the injured rosebush. I learned the rosebush was not only beautiful, but also extremely tough. Many of the repair treatments were radical and caused some of the roses to fade on the beautiful rosebush. While the blossoms faded, the roots of the rosebush grew tenfold. Her aura became even more attractive. She used her roots to sustain the other plants. She gave her strength and love to the garden, while the Master Gardener was slowly preparing to remove her from Kentucky Gardens. He planned to replant her in His greatest Garden.
All the plants and gardeners prayed to the Master Gardener to please help the yellow rose bush. They wanted to keep her in the garden. When they finally realized that she could not stay, they prayed that He would end her suffering.
According to his plan, the Master Gardener moved the beautiful yellow rosebush to the Master Garden. The two gardeners, and their three plants, along with a new pink rosebush, which had moved into the garden a year earlier, smoothed the area where their yellow rosebush had blossomed. What amazed me was that nearly a thousand plants and gardeners watched and supported them during that process.
Gray clouds covered the garden for a long time. Everyone missed the beautiful yellow rose bush. Slowly, the sun began to peak out, and soon Kentucky Gardens had days of full sunshine.
I have walked around the northeast section of the garden. One area is now the most fertile. It is where the roots of the rosebush still live. They touch the roots of all the plants, gardeners, and visitors of Kentucky Gardens. They still make it a better place today.
I want to thank the beautiful yellow rosebush. She has helped me to become more humble, loving, and appreciative of all plants and gardeners. Most of all, she has taught me to talk less, and listen to the Master Gardener more. Thank you, Karen Mead, you may not be here, but you are never forgotten.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:57 PM CDT
Karen's Memorial Butterfly Garden is coming along beautifully. Family and friends helped place boulders, haul black dirt, and plant. Auntie Shirley Rae donated many plants that attract butterflies as did Tom and Lisa, Mary G., Wally and Ursula, Mike and Sarah, Denise B., Grandma Karen and Grandpa Ozzie, and Grandma Carole. Karen's memory stone was a gift from the Plumedahl's, and we included the windchimes from Auntie Bonnie, too. Thank you for making this garden such a special and meaningful memorial to our girl. Everyone is invited to stop in anytime and enjoy it. (You are always welcome to pull a few weeds,too!) In the meantime, check out the pics in Karen's photo album.
Love,
Kathy and Crew
Saturday, June 21, 2008 8:25 AM CDT Good morning! This is Karen's Auntie Terrie with a little news. This weekend,we are making the Karen Annie Memorial Butterfly Garden in the Mead backyard. Doesn't that sound impressive for alot of rocks, dirt and shovels? Since none of us are gardeners, we called Karen's Great Aunt, Shirley Peterson, for expert advice and inspiration. We are thinking of this as an ongoing work in progress and you are welcome to stop in and enjoy! We will post pictures (probably not today)in the photo album part of this site. Our hope is that the love and support you have shared will grow and be returned to you in infinite ways.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008 12:43 AM CST One last thank you to everyone for supporting all of us throughout Karen's journey. We are overwhelmed by the caring people with whom God has surrounded us. To each of you who has visited this site, thought about us, sent a prayer, signed the guestbook, spent time with Karen or any of our family, sent a card, contributed to her memorial fund, attended her service, or ministered to us in the many creative ways you've thought of: please accept our heartfelt thanks.
Eight weeks can feel like the blink of an eye as I'm trying to take time to appreciate all the dear folks who have touched our lives. Then again, eight weeks can feel like an eternity when it's been that long since I last held Karen Ann in my arms.
I still journal, but I've gone underground and journal privately. All my entries address Karen. Thank you for still checking in here, though. We continue to think of all of you and give thanks for you.
Always,
Kathy and Family
Tuesday, January 22, 2008 3:01 PM CST I have a confession to make. Today is the first time I've read the guestbook entries since Friday, January 4th. I knew that I would want to take the time to appreciate each and every word that was written and that it would require a truckload of tissues. I finally felt up to it today. Thank you to each of you for your kind and encouraging entries - I am much comforted. Jim and I have also opened all of the cards our family received and are humbled by the outpouring of sympathy and love.
As of yesterday afternoon, when my cousin Mary Kay and her daughter Megan flew back to New Jersey, we are on our own. I have many people to thank for their support, and I look forward to writing to each of them.
I am so lonesome for Karen. Each member of our family takes turns crying selfish tears at least once a day. We rejoice in the fact that Karen is flying free, but feel sorry for our enormous loss. I sure wasn't ready to be done being her mom yet.
I talked with my principal last week and notified the district office today of my intention to take a personal leave of absence for the remainder of this school year. I miss the kids and staff at JMS, but it's been such a long time that I've worked to keep all the balls in the air, and I'm exhausted. I want to be here 100 percent for Elizabeth, Laura, and James. I also need some time for me. I plan on returning to school next fall, hopefully recharged and ready to be the teacher every child deserves.
We'll be keeping Karen's site up in case you feel like writing an occasional message. The memorials received by Grandma Karen and Grandpa Ozzie are being donated to CaringBridge. We will also make contributions to Children's Cancer Research Fund and KS95's Change for Kids with some of Karen's memorials. Finally, Jim and I will be setting funds aside for each of Karen's goddaughters; we promised her we would look after them. Through your generosity, Karen's spirit will live on - thank you.
We love you.
Kathy and Family
Tuesday, January 8, 2008 12:11 AM CST The service to celebrate Karen's life will take place this Saturday, the 12th of January. If you are reading this, you are invited to share the day with us.
Visitation: 10:00am - Noon
Service: Noon
Meal and time for fellowship immediately following the service
Advent Lutheran Church
9475 Jefferson Highway
Maple Grove, MN 55369
From Highway 169, go west on County Road 30 (93rd Avenue)
At first stoplight, turn right onto Jefferson Highway
Church is on left, just past Fair's Nursery
Even if you are unable to attend, we know that your thoughts will be with us, just as we will be thinking about everyone who has touched Karen's life and ours.
Sunday, January 6, 2008 11:56 AM CST Karen's journey has taken her where we cannot follow. She passed from this earth at 10:25 this morning.
Go in peace, Karen ... you're finally
free!
We are planning a Saturday service to celebrate Karen's life. It will be held at Advent Lutheran Church in Maple Grove. A full obituary will be in Thursday's issue of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, and will also be posted on this site.
Thank you for all of your prayers and condolences. God is with us through each of you.
Friday, January 4, 2008 10:07 PM CST
Things are changing rapidly for Karen. As of yesterday, she doesn't want to eat anything, isn't swallowing pills, and is only taking in small amounts of water. It seems that the tumor is obstructing her bowels causing her to have an upset stomach. We are doing our best to keep her comfortable.
Pastor Tim was here today to pray with us, bless Karen, and share communion with us. We are not alone in this heart-wrenching stage of Karen's journey; God is with us. Karen also had a visit from Majken and Val who brought her a wonderful storybook they made about four girls who are best friends, namely Majken, Val, Jenni, and Karen. Karen was asleep when they visited on Wednesday, so Laura and I read it to her on Thursday. She carefully studied each page's photos and listened intently. Other visits from Julie P., Arika and Cullen, Auntie Terrie and Pam and Harvey brightened our spirits. We also celebrated Grandma Karen's birthday today with her and Grandpa Ozzie.
I wish I had better news, but I don't. I know I don't have to ask you to pray for peace and comfort for our Karen - you're already doing that - so please pray for strength for us and for yourselves as we all work through struggles and loss in this earthly existence. Hold on tight to each other and let God carry you in his loving arms.
Love always,
Kathy and Family
Tuesday, January 1, 2008 11:22 PM CST I just finished giving Karen some chunks of a popsicle. When I went to the freezer to get it for her, I couldn't remember what her favorite flavor is, so I gave her mine: cherry. I didn't ask her what kind she wanted because Karen isn't saying too much just lately. Loss of speech is a possible side effect of the new drug she's taking. She'll open her eyes and look at us when we say her name and will follow simple commands; she'll say "I love you" back to us when we tell her; she winces if she's having pain; and of course she kisses us, hugs us, and holds out her hand to Evelyn. She does everything in slow motion, but we're grateful for the interaction.
I hope everyone had a good time over the holidays. Here's a quick recap of ours:
Christmas with the Mead side of our family was December 23rd. The seven little cousins were running all around our house having a blast, Evelyn right in the mix with the rest. Elizabeth was gracious enough to allow them to play in her room when things got too crazy downstairs. The seven big cousins and all the adults were trying their darndest to eat all the wonderful lasagne, salad, and bread prepared and brought by Grandma Carole, Auntie Terrie, and Auntie Missy. The usual bedlam accompanied the gift opening. Then, Jim and I served the dessert that was our contribution to the meal (strange how the pies I bake so often end up in tins with a Costco label!). Karen slept through it all. When Grandma Carole went into her room to kiss her goodbye, she finally woke up, so they were able to visit a bit before the day ended.
Christmas Eve was quiet. We had a couple friends stop by during the day, and later that night our immediate family exchanged gifts. James did a terrific job shopping for gifts from both Karen and him, Elizabeth bought everything for all of us with her own money this year, and Laura was generous as always. Even Evelyn had gone shopping and gave Jim and I coffee mugs with her picture on them! Karen was actually awake and opened her gifts from the day before and the ones from all of us.
Christmas Day, the Osen side of our family was here. We feasted on Grandma Karen's spaghetti and Lisa's super salad and wide assortment of breads. This time, Kasey and Stu provided those delicious desserts that mysteriously end up being served in Costco containers. Karen was actually awake for the early part of the celebration, so people took turns going in to Karen's room to exchange gifts and visit. She became more uncomfortable as the day wore on, and finally took enough meds to sleep later that evening.
Last night we ushered in the new year in the company of our great friends, the Gows, as we've done for about the last twenty years! We ate a fabulous dinner, played games, and watched a movie. (We actually stayed up until 2:00am!) Karen slept through pretty much all of it. Today I did some laundry, finished cleaning the kitchen from last night, and Liz and I shopped for a new jacket for her.
Tomorrow should be fairly quiet around here. Elizabeth went to Lakeville this evening and will help out tomorrow with a bowling party for her cousin Brianna's tenth birthday along with ten of Brianna's friends. I don't think Karen's nurse is planning to come out unless we ask her to, and we aren't expecting anyone else. I'm taking advantage of it and just hanging with Karen, maybe giving her a little spa treatment.
Thursday, Karen has to take another trip to the pain clinic at the U of M to get her pump filled; the in-home service's pharmacy isn't comfortable mixing the meds that are going into her pump since we've added the ziconotide(Prialt). We want to keep using the drug; it definitely seems to be helping manage her pain. Another side effect, however, appears to be hair loss. Her hair is coming out by the handfuls almost like it did during chemo! She will be transported by a service again to get to the U, so it should go smoothly.
I think that's about all there is to report. Wait! One added note: there is now a star near the Ursus major constellation that bears the name, "Karen Ann". Jim's brother, Jon, and his family did that as a gift to Karen for Christmas. Of course we all know she's been a bright, shining star her whole life; it's just official now. Thanks, Jon.
Sending love out to everyone who's ever read this site,
Kathy, Jim, James, Karen, Laura, Evvy, and Elizabeth
Friday, December 21, 2007 10:27 PM CST Happy Holidays Everyone, this is Laura. LifeLink came and picked Karen up on Thursday this week for a little ride to the hospital. Karen got a new medication put in her intrathecal pump to help her with pain. It is a synthetic drug that mimics the effects of a toxin found in snail sweat. Pretty cool! It relieves her pain very well and doesn't make her so sleepy. Karen is also on Ritalin to help stay awake and its working. We have our Karen back, Yay! Today, all of Karen's goddaughters came to visit; Allison, Evelyn and Sarah, to give her an early Christmas present since all the girls won't be together on Christmas. Karen has a beautiful Godmother's ring with all of her goddaughters birthstones on it. She absolutely loves it and said she is never taking it off. It's been very busy around here with many visitors to see Karen and let us all know they are thinking and praying for us. They also bring lots and lots and lots of food, which is just wonderful and really appreciated! Thank you to everyone and I hope you all have a happy holiday and peace in the New Year.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007 12:45 AM CST I don't know where the days go! It seems I just go from one small activity to the next, never accomplishing much, and before I know it, it's 3:00 in the afternoon!
We did manage to get a Christmas tree on Sunday evening and we've gotten the lights, angel, and garland on it, but no decorations yet. We got the smallest tree we've ever had since we're holding festivities for both sides of our family at our house and want to have plenty of room for presents! We figure each of us can put about 10 of our decorations on the tree and then it'll be full (that only leaves about 200 decorations still in the boxes).
Karen continues to sleep as much as possible, but we had a good day on Sunday. She decided that morning that she was hungry for chili cheese dip, so I went to the grocery store and bought the ingredients as well as other yummy snacks. While the Vikings played on the T.V. in the livingroom, and movies were showing in Karen's room, we ate chili cheese dip, shrimp cocktail, and other goodies. It was a great day.
I asked Karen if she wanted to come out to the livingroom tonight to see the tree, but she's not too interested. Jim keeps offering to put a small potted Christmas tree in Karen's commode bucket and let it pop up out of the raised seat, but she doesn't seem too keen on that either! I think I'll just put some Christmas lights around her window instead.
Evidence that the spirit of giving is alive and well continues to pop up at our house. Not long ago, Karen received (from an anonymous source) a generous money order that gave her bank account a nice boost. Two beautiful poinsettias have been delivered to the house, each very different from the other, but both gorgeous. My cousin Lisa brought a nativity scene she made for Karen's room. Tracey gave us a Willow Tree ornament titled "Family." Our friend Audrey brought food, and so did Sandy. Kasey and Stu picked up Sammy's pizza; Pam and Denise had Jimmy John's delivered. Ruth brought homemade pie. Craig and Rosie brought Karen flowers and cousin Brianna sent her a bouquet. Anita, an associate principal at school, sent our family Christmas CD's and DVD's to help us celebrate the season. And, JMS delivered the last of the donations staff gave for our family to help us get a jump on Christmas shopping. People's kindness and thoughtfulness knows no bounds. Thank you.
We've had lots of visitors lately. My dad even made it over yesterday despite still being on crutches after knee replacement surgery. Anyone who is willing to take us and our house in whatever condition they find us is more than welcome here anytime.
Happy December birthdays to Dalton, Whitney, and Kasey.
And now, a little holiday message from Evelyn:
ykcfddddddszfo.h7777777777r fghjtysda g6tt hhhhggggwi m jhn
We'll be in touch.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
The Meads
Tuesday, December 4, 2007 11:31 AM CST
It's becoming pretty quiet around here; Karen is sleeping most of the time due to increases in pain meds. I know it sounds silly to say, now that I'm able to be home with her, but I miss her. I jump at every chance to visit and joke with her whenever she's alert.
I say it's quiet, but we have more people scurrying in and out of this tiny house than ever. Elizabeth is working on her high school credits through the homebound program, so she's here every day spending time with Karen and helping us with her cares. A teacher comes out once a week to collect work and proctor tests. James is working and doing his externship with CPHS's wrestling program, so he's in and out quite a bit but hangs out with us whenever he can. Of course Evvy and Laura are here, and Jim does most of his work out of our home, so our entire family is exactly where I want them to be: under one roof. I love it. Add to that the hospice nurse, doctor, and social worker; the staff from home infusion and Medtronic; and occasional visits from the folks at Option Care; and I guess things aren't quite as calm as I imagine.
We are loving the snow. It's so beautiful. I guess it's time to start getting ready for Christmas; I've bought exactly three gifts so far. I'll try to bring you up to date again soon, but I don't know how much I'll have to say about Karen's journey. Please continue to pray for comfort and peace for her. Thank you.
Love,
Kathy
Saturday, November 24, 2007 11:13 AM CST
A Belated Happy Thanksgiving to All!
I haven't been able to get online for the past couple of days for some reason. (As if that's an excuse for not updating for the last two weeks!)
Karen's been battling pain issues lately, but has still managed to do some things she was determined to do. Last Friday, she had her goddaughter, Sarah, for a sleepover. Karen sat at the table and ate pizza with all of us(usually she eats in bed because it's uncomfortable for her to sit up). Sarah slept in Karen's bed with her and they had some good cuddle time.
On Thanksgiving, we had the Osen side of our family over, and Karen was determined to sit at the table with us for dinner. She lasted at the table for about half the meal, then moved to the livingroom where she stayed until well after dessert. It was wonderful to have her out of her bedroom and a part of the action. Now, she just informed me that she'd like to make a Target run! I don't know if I can keep up with her.
You may have heard by now that I will be taking a family leave from work so that I can stay home with Karen. This wouldn't be possible without the help of our best friends, Tom and Lisa. In addition to employing Jim, they have generously offered to share the good fortune of Tom's thriving business with us to help supplement the loss of my income. What a precious gift.
Once again, we find ourselves in awe of the generous spirit of everyone in our lives. Kind acts pop up almost daily in the form of surprise pizza lunches, cards, balloons, flowers, prayer shawls, donuts and rolls, dinners, and gift cards. I know we will never be able to pay people back for their kindness, so the plan is to "pay it forward" in as many ways as we're able so that other people in difficult situations such as ours will experience the caring and love that we have. For the millionth time, thank you to each and every one of you.
Well, I better get ready for the Target run! I still have school work that I need to do this weekend even though I won't be going back on Monday, so I best get a move-on. Enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend.
Love,
Kathy
Saturday, November 10, 2007 3:59 PM CST Greetings to all! I'm MaryKay, Kathy's cousin from New Jersey. Megan and I are visiting for 5 days and Kathy has given me the absolute honor of updating Karen Ann's site. She may soon regret it, but that's life when you hand it over to me. So here is my little version of an update:
Karen has an awesome bedroom with a new bed and accessories from Make a Wish Foundation, new TV, cool carpeting, and all her gifts from her wonderful friends and family. She is resting comfortably a good share of the time, but the tumor growth has made her a bit uncomfortable. Her stomach feels full much of the time and her right side is feeling pressure, but catheterization has eased the pressure from her bladder. As we all know Karen Ann, she is still that upbeat, loving, and caring person that we all know. Her strength is just plain awesome!!
Much thanks to everyone that does for Karen Ann and family the things that I cannot do living so far away! I AM SO BLESSED TO BE RELATED TO THE MEAD FAMILY!
Love,
MaryKay
Friday, October 26, 2007 3:26 PM CDT
Guess what? Karen has had another surgery since I last updated! Her Hickman catheter started giving her trouble last weekend. Her medicine was backing up and leaking out from under the dressing. We disconnected her pump, and thought we could manage her pain with oral meds. She lasted until Monday, and then she had to go in and get an IV put in her arm. On Tuesday, she was down at the U of M by 6:20AM to have a new portacath placed. She had them put in the kind she had before that requires needle pokes. It is placed on the right side of her chest this time.
Other than that, she's doing all right. We're working on getting her IV pain meds increased a bit; she's having pain in her left leg. The right leg is completely numb, so that doesn't hurt anymore.
We went and visited Dr. Perra and Julie last Friday to say our final thanks for all they've done for Karen over the last six years. It was a teary but fulfilling visit. Although I would give anything for Karen to be healthy, at least we have the blessing of having met all the wonderful people we have throughout this experience.
We celebrated Elizabeth's seventeenth birthday last Sunday, and Karen is turning twenty-one tomorrow! We have gift certificates to Olive Garden from the Landbergs and the Osens, so Karen would like to go out for dinner (and an alcoholic beverage, perhaps). Then, Jim's birthday is Sunday. October is our month!
I was able to come home from school this morning since there were extra substitute teachers in our building today. What a treat to come home and care for Karen. She had a shampoo, bed bath, wound care, and lunch courtesy of Yours Truly while Jim was able to get some running around done for work.
That's all the news for now. Hopefully things will be rather uneventful for Karen for awhile now that she has her new portacath. Thanks for keeping up with the happenings around here - we love you!
The Meads
Friday, October 12, 2007 12:27 AM CDT Karen's surgery yesterday went well, and she came home last night. Her old portacath was removed; a new Hickman catheter was placed. The difference between the two is that the old one was under her skin, and needles were poked through her skin to access it. Now, she has a tube extending out from her chest to which lines can be connected without any pokes. The old portacath worked well for her because, when she didn't need to be accessed, she had no tubes to deal with. Now that she is always receiving IV meds, it makes sense to have something more easily accessible.
I'm home today after going to a doctor's appointment late this morning. I was going to take Karen to visit Dr. Perra and Julie this afternoon, but she's decided to just cool it for today and get over her soreness from surgery yesterday. She is very bruised not only where they removed the catheter, but also in about five places where doctor's and anesthesiologists tried to get an IV going.
hhhghjkk jj b bbn nbbyb auayayauuuuu clclcl;lf;
(Evelyn says "hi")
Thanks for all your good wishes and prayers. We'll keep you posted as to Karen's progress.
XO
Kathy
Tuesday, October 9, 2007 9:01 PM CDT Wednesday, Oct. 10th 4:15pm
Here's the latest: Karen's port isn't functioning properly anymore. She's scheduled for surgery tomorrow at 7:30am to have a different type of catheter installed. If all goes well, she could come home tomorrow! We'll keep you informed.
Karen's been having trouble with her portacath. She has had bleeding and fluid leaking from the site, and sometimes, it stops infusing. She's receiving her continuous IV pain meds through it, so it's pretty important. Saturday, she ended up having to go to Mercy Hospital so the IV team could re-access it. Then, today, it started giving her trouble again, so she's down at the U of M on 5B. Tomorrow they are going to do a test to see if it's still functioning properly and what needs to be done. I had conferences until 8:00 tonight and just got home in time to put Evelyn to bed. Jim's on his way home from the hospital right now.
Between infusion pump alarms, Karen did manage to go out for lunch on Sunday with her friend Majken and Majken's boyfriend, Eric. Majken gave Karen an early birthday present: she made her a photo cube that is decorated in Karen's colors with pictures of her and Majken throughout the years. It's so cute!
We finally were able to get connected to Direct TV last Thursday, and the Geek Squad hooked up Karen's television on Friday, so she's been enjoying the food channel in high def ever since! Also, she will soon be receiving her wish from Make-A-Wish. She wished for an over-sized hospital bed that a mom, aunt, cousin, sister, brother, dad, grandparent, friend, or niece can cuddle in. It will make navigating in her bedroom a little trickier, but it's worth it. (Unlike Laura, the rest of us aren't comfortable just climbing in on top of Karen when we want some cuddle time!)
We also had a nice visit from our friends, Amy and Adam, who came down from Duluth on Friday and brought chocolate and homemade cookies for us. Add to that the cranberry apple crisp from our neighbor Ursula and Grandma Karen's apple dell, and we've packed on a few more pounds (not that we're complaining, of course). Thank you to all of you!
We'll see what the tests show tomorrow. Hopefully nothing major will have to be done, and we'll get Karen back home here where she belongs.
I'll keep you posted.
Love,
Kathy
Tuesday, September 25, 2007 11:24 PM CDT
Long time; no update. Sorry.
We're finally settling into a routine around here. Jim and I do Karen's wound care every evening around 9:00pm, but we didn't finish tonight until almost 10:00. I had spent the evening with Evvy since Laura was at school, so I still had a kitchen to clean! We had another fabulous frozen dinner provided by our friends at JMS. I just popped it into the crockpot this morning, made the side dishes when I got home today, and TA-DA! we each gain another five pounds! It's awesome!
Karen is doing well. Needing help with all of her personal cares is a drag for her, but she's spending time with family and friends, and she's getting into reading novels again. Last Saturday, we had an "immediate family only day" so that we could hang out together as a family with no distractions. We hadn't had time like that since before Karen went into the hospital, so it was great. On Sunday, Karen's cousin Jenna came out and the two of them went out for lunch! Jim helped Karen into the car, drove them to El Toro, got Karen settled into her wheelchair, then left the two girls on their own. They had a wonderful lunch and visit. Karen had taken extra pain meds before hand, so she did well.
Our friend and Christian Ed Director from Advent, Jacqui, stopped to see Karen last week. She brought Karen a beautiful picture book titled "Butterflies Under Our Hats" that tells the story of the people of Chelm who discover the power of hope. It's a story with a good lesson, but I want to share what Jacqui wrote inside the cover:
Karen,
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
Blessings to you as you continue this difficult journey. You are loved more than you can imagine - by family and friends, but also by the God who created you and continues to love you as His child.
I just think it's a good reminder for all of us, and those words were what I needed to hear, too.
Blessings,
Kathy
Sunday, September 16, 2007 9:53 AM CDT Since Karen came home from the hospital Thursday, we've had LOTS of visitors and LOTS of food! Grandma Carole, the Spors family, and my wonderful friends at Jackson Middle School have made sure that we won't go hungry! Karen's friends, Majken, Val, and Jenni brought lunch from Buffalo Wild Wings yesterday. They had a nice, long visit snuggled up in the livingroom with pillows and blankets. Today, we're having brunch with our friends, Teri, Anthony, and Chad Spors. They're coming in from Big Stone City, S.D. just for the day. Auntie Terrie provided a prime rib roast for us, and she and Jim's brother Jon, and his brother Mike and his family are coming for supper this evening.
Jim met with the hospice nurse yesterday while I ran around shopping for some things that Karen needed. Through hospice, Karen will receive greater benefits, and she qualifies for more services. A hospital bed and a new shower chair are being delivered for her today, and she'll get more nursing care than she would if she wasn't in the hospice program. While we won't be treating Karen's cancer anymore, we will be addressing all of her other medical needs. She's getting antibiotics and wound care, and she may have procedures in the future to keep her pain-free and infection-free. We plan on keeping her as healthy as possible for a long time to come.
I am so proud of James, Laura, and Elizabeth; they are all pitching in to help with Karen's cares. Without them, we wouldn't be able to have her at home. Jim is amazing: he deals with all the home care professionals, doctors, social workers, and the insurance company. He's also Karen's primary care nurse, and I am his assistant. Jim is in charge of wound care and oral meds, while I take care of Karen's personal needs and her IV pain meds. And Karen is so gracious and complimentary in accepting our help. She is doing a beautiful job of separating who she is as a person from her ever-increasing physical needs. Along with our vast network of family and friends, we make a great team!
It's a beautiful day; enjoy every minute of it. We plan to!
Thursday, September 13, 2007 12:25 AM CDT
KAREN IS COMING HOME TODAY! She is having her wound care done at the hospital right now, and Jim just left to get her packed up and ready to go. Infusion is coming to her room at 1:00 to change her IV pump to a small portable one, and she had her intrathecal pump filled this morning, so she'll be good to go! I talked to her on the phone last night before she went to sleep, and she said she couldn't stop grinning; she's so happy to be coming home.
My super wonderful coworkers arranged for substitute teachers to take my last three classes so I can be home when Karen gets here. I may even have a little time to do some much-needed cleaning!
Yesterday, Karen received a special delivery courtesy of the Eric Nicolin Applen Fund. Little birdies told the Applens that Karen was shopping for a new television for her room, and they took matters into their own hands. She now has a beautiful LCD Digital television that is the perfect size for her entertainment center. The Geek Squad is coming to set it up tomorrow, and we're getting Direct TV next Thursday. I told Karen we'd all be camping out in her bedroom from now on, and she was cool with that! Karen has experienced the Applen's generosity in the past, and we are so grateful for the help they are able to give kids with cancer through the fund that honors their son, Eric, whom they lost to osteosarcoma.
Whenever someone offers help, my immediate response is to say, "No, we're doing fine, thanks." I don't know why it is so difficult to accept help from others, but I'm slowly getting better at it and learning to say, "Great! Thanks!" So, thanks to all of you who have been persistent in your offers; you've made things easier for us, and we love you.
So, now, help us by celebrating Karen's return home. Send up a prayer of thanks, and shout, "Halleluja!"
Wednesday, September 12, 2007 11:41 AM CDT
On Monday Jim, Karen, and I met with the oncology team. We were able to see Karen's PET and chest CT scans. The spine tumor is primarily on her right side and quite large. The biopsies done during the debridement indicate that tumor is growing into Karen's back wound at the base of the wound. The tumor in her lung is easily seen on the CT but is small and isn't causing her any problems at this point.
We're still working on getting Karen home. The social worker is lining up home care and is getting the hospice team on board. Karen tried weaning off the IV pain meds, but feels so much better with them that she will come home on them. Jim is at the hospital today to see if that means having an IV pole and pump, or if it can be delivered in a less cumbersome manner. He is also observing the wound care nurse to see exactly what the home care nurses should be doing for Karen. Doctors cut her back from two dressing changes a day to only one.
Last night, I shampooed Karen's hair using the shampoo kit we bought that allows her to be in bed for the entire process. It worked great! Afterward, we talked, then shared a big, long hug and many tears. I love that girl so much.
We'll notify you when she's back home. Hopefully tomorrow or Friday.
Love,
Kathy
Sunday, September 9, 2007 7:33 AM CDT
Today is a big day. Karen's cousin, Allison Nicole Osen, is being baptized, and Karen and James are her godparents. Since Karen Ann can't be there, Grandma Karen is standing in for her. I have been enlisted as the official videographer for the event so Karen can watch it on her big screen later today. Karen and James discussed what gift they wanted to give Baby Allison to mark the occasion, and James did the shopping. Jim is going to stay with Karen at the hospital while the rest of us are at church. Not the way we'd prefer to have things, but it's the best we can do, and Karen wanted Mark and Lisa to go ahead with the service rather than postpone it.
We're still working on getting Karen home early this week. She's had a couple of falls in the hospital (one yesterday and one the day before), so she went back on the IV pain med to help her recover from the pain of those. Her legs just don't want to hold her, and even though she's had staff helping her both times, there's not a whole lot they can do other than easing her down to the floor. She'll wean off the IV again today, and we'll be headed in the right direction.
I don't even know where to begin in trying to thank all of you who have let Karen and our family know that we're not alone as we walk this new path on our journey. Thank you to the guidance office staff for the fabulous fruit bouquet; we're still enjoying that treat! Thank you to my friend Judy for bringing us muffins and hugs yesterday, and for listening to my negative blabber. Thank you to my cousin Cindy for calling me when I needed you most. Thank you to Grandma Carole for driving all the way down from Mora to bring us your delicious soups and desserts. Thanks, too, to LuAnne for the daily encouragement. Thank you to everyone who has visited Karen: Grandma Karen and Grandpa Ozzie, Jacqui, Pastor Tim, Deandra, Missy and Eric, Val S., the Plumedahls, Pam S., Val C., and Craig and Rosie. Sorry if I missed anyone, but we're not always at the hospital to see these wonderful people. Knowing others are there for Karen allows Jim and I to be at work or at home getting some things done.
And for everyone who has called, emailed, signed the guestbook, prayed for us, or just thought about us: THANK YOU. WE COULDN'T DO THIS ALONE, AND I'M SO GRATEFUL WE DON'T HAVE TO.
XOXO
Kathy
Friday, September 7, 2007 11:49 PM CDT I'm in Karen's suite (as I've come to think of it) waiting for Jim to come and take me home for a good night's sleep. Karen is eating the dinner I made at home and brought for her. Did you notice the time of this update?!!
Karen's had nice visits with the many friends and family who have stopped by - thank you so much for letting her know she's not in this alone. She's looking forward to more visitors this weekend, but we do have a favor to ask. It would help the nursing staff if Karen didn't have company before noon (she needs to get wound care in the morning). Also, if you would please give her a call before coming, she'll let you know if it's a good time. Again, she wants to see people, but we need to make sure she leaves time in her busy social calendar to get the care she requires. Thanks!
We love you all - keep the prayers coming!
Kathy
Wednesday, September 5, 2007 9:01 PM CDT
Karen and Jim met with the oncologist and the tumor specialist today. The PET scan revealed that Karen's tumor is extremely large. Given the fact that her body is no longer able to recover and heal as it should, surgery is not an option and neither is chemo or radiation. The scan also showed a spot on Karen's lung, so she had a chest CT today and we'll get results tomorrow.
The immediate goals are to continue treating Karen's infection with antibiotics (she started a new one tonight after more cultures came back), keeping the wound clean, and helping her stay as comfortable and pain-free as possible. Finally, it is our goal to have her come home.
Even though this is sad news, Karen promises not to give up hope. As she said tonight, "I'm a fighter."
Sunday, September 2, 2007 8:21 PM CDT Karen moved to a new room this evening. It is a huge, private room that was funded by the "adopt a room" program. Companies' and individuals' donations have made it possible for 5B to create two of these rooms. They each contain a big screen TV, X Box, MP3 player, CD player, cool lighting, and remote control window shades all controlled by a touch on the computer screen mounted on a swing arm by the bed. There is also a desk and computer area, a small eating area, an enormous private bath, and mini kitchen complete with fridge, freezer, and microwave. Karen feels guilty having such a high-tech space when all she wants to do is rest and sleep. However, Jim and I are enjoying the amenities!
Karen had a rough night last night trying to manage her pain, so she's on a continuous drip for pain meds and is doing better today. She's on oral antibiotics and only requires wound care twice daily instead of three times a day. We'll see what decisions are made on Tuesday about her coming home.
In the meantime, Karen can be found in room 5-236 (just one door down from where she was). Thank you to Grandma Karen for staying with her today while Jim and I got some things done at home. I even managed to make spaghetti for us to have for supper tonight; Karen gobbled it up!
Until next time,
Kathy
Saturday, September 1, 2007 3:29 PM CDT
The debridement of Karen's wound went well on Thursday. She had her PET scan yesterday (also under sedation) and that went well too. The nurse from the pain clinic came to the hospital yesterday and emptied Karen's intrathecal pain pump then refilled it with a new concentration of meds. She also increased Karen's bolus dosage.
I've been babysitting Evelyn while Laura was in school Thursday and while she works this weekend, so I brought Evvy with me to the hospital Thursday night. She and Karen were very happy to see each other. Evvy goes to Karen's room and looks for her every morning, then holds her hands out as if to say, "Where'd she go?"
Laura is off work at 5:00 today, and I'm making a gigantic pot of vegetable beef soup, so we'll all head down to the hospital for a picnic supper with Karen.
We don't have results from the PET scan yet, but hope to hear something after the holiday weekend. The soonest Karen could come home is Tuesday; they don't want to discharge her until everything is set up for home care. She is getting excellent wound care three times daily, and we want that to continue. She's still on IV antibiotics, but will switch over to oral once she gets her walking papers. The primary goal is still to rid Karen's body of any infection.
It has been such a treat seeing all of Karen's "big sisters" that make up the nursing team on 5B. They are outstanding young women.
This last week was a sad one for many people. Keith, Melissa, and Jack are mourning the passing of Keith's mom, and one of Elizabeth's teachers, Mr. Bauer, lost his long battle with cancer. So please include the Shads and Bauers in your prayers. Thank you.
What gorgeous weather we're having this weekend! Get out and enjoy it! We'll keep you posted on Karen's progress.
Love,
Kathy
Thursday, August 30, 2007 3:30 PM CDT
Karen was in surgery today for about an hour and a half. The wound specialist at the U removed the unhealthy tissue from her wound, and the tumor specialist took samples for biopsy. She's in recovery right now and will hopefully be returning to 5B unless she's struggling with pain management. If she's hurting and requires stronger IV pain meds, she'll go to the ICU.
The plan is to keep working on eliminating infection through IV antibiotics and wound care, and then to do a PET scan to identify exactly where the tumor is growing before making further decisions about treatment.
We're not quite sure what the next couple of weeks will bring, but we'll continue to take it one step at a time.
Enjoy this last weekend of summer - we'll be in touch!
Kathy
Monday, August 27, 2007 10:45 PM CDT Karen was having a bad day last Saturday with pain and was pretty out of it from the pain meds. However, she perked up later on and was able to hang out with her friends, the Masseys, that evening. Sunday, however, her feet and legs were very puffy, red, and warm.
She spiked a temp today, so Jim ended up taking her to the U of M to have her admitted. She's getting IV antibiotics and the staff is helping her with pain management. Tomorrow she'll see her oncologist and the tumor specialist to discuss next steps. She hasn't been on 5B at the U for a very long time, but it was good to see some familiar faces among the excellent staff there.
Ups and downs. Highs and lows. But one thing remains constant: family and friends are always there for Karen. Thank you to Jacqui for the beautiful photo collage of the BWCA and to Tracey for the cheery flowers. And thank you to my friends at Jackson who asked about her today and continue to follow her progress on this site.
We'll keep you posted.
XOXO
Kathy
Wednesday, August 22, 2007 5:25 PM CDT
Another busy few days!
First, an update on the FUN STUFF:
Last Friday Karen and her goddaughter, Sarah, had a sleepover. On Saturday Karen took Sarah school shopping at Target to help her get ready for first grade. I was merely the chauffer and pusher of the wheelchair, but even I had fun. On Sunday, Jim, Karen, and I went to Wickes Furniture so Karen could shop for some things for her bedroom. She bought an entertainment center. Then a cute, charming, young salesman helped her pick out a rug that she also decided to buy. (Go figure!)
The reason Karen's been able to be up in her wheelchair and doing more is that her pain pump boluses are working extremely well. HOORAY! She's even sleeping through the night again.
On Monday, Mark, Lisa, Brianna, and Karen's other goddaughter, Allison, came over. Karen was wiped out from all the weekend's activity but still managed to spend some time with them.
Now, an update on the NOT-SO-FUN MEDICAL STUFF:
Karen's wound is still not doing well, and we were relieved when she finally got to meet with Dr. Perra and Dr. Dressel yesterday. Dr. Perra sent a tissue sample to pathology and we got results today. The fast-growing tissue inside her wound is not malignant. However, it isn't good, healthy tissue either. The wound also contains bacterial growth, so she was started on antibiotics. Tomorrow she'll have an MRI to check out the tumor activity, and that will decide what the next step is whether it be wound vac placement again or surgery. She is also struggling with some other issues such as swelling in her right leg, but we're taking steps to resolve those things, too.
Okay, on to the SUPER DUPER COOL STUFF:
Karen has been barraged with cards filled with good wishes from Arika Mareck and Company. THANK YOU! What a great pick-up for her spirits. The book that Arika's mom sent speaks directly to the spiritual questions we've had throughout this journey - we appreciate your thoughtfulness in sending it. Thanks, too, to Kasey and Stu for the beautiful little bouquet you sent - it's perfect for Karen's room (but you knew that, didn't you?). Also, thanks to Brianna, Tyler, and Allison for Karen's Build-a-Bear. We read all about "Champ" after you left Monday night. That caused a few damp eyes! Finally thanks to those of you who have taken the time to pick up the phone and call or leave a message in the guestbook; it means the world to us to know we are not alone.
God bless you all,
Kathy
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(The P.S. was from Evelyn!)
Thursday, August 16, 2007 6:58 PM CDT Well, it's been another eventful week. Jim and I were going to take a short overnight trip last Saturday, but Karen had another fall on Friday night. Her face looked like she'd been in a fight with George Foreman and lost. X rays on Tuesday revealed that she hadn't done any further damage to her back, so we were relieved. However, her home care nurse, Leigha, had drawn blood on Monday and discovered Karen's hemoglobin was only 7.7, so she had a transfusion after her x rays on Tuesday.
Today, Karen was seen at the wound clinic, and it was determined that the wound vac isn't having the desired effect. Karen is growing new tissue inside the wound, but it's not healthy tissue, so the wound vac was discontinued until she can meet with her spine surgeon and wound specialist together on Tuesday. In the meantime, she'll be getting daily wound care in which the wound is packed with an antimicrobial material.
Also, her pain has been unmanageable, so she's getting an adjustment to her pump tomorrow when she gets it refilled. Her continuous pain meds are being reduced, but her boluses are being increased. She'll be able to give herself 6 boluses in a 24 hour period, and they'll be at a higher dose than they were. Then, after her appointment at the pain clinic, she'll be heading over to the Masonic Cancer Center to get an infusion of Zometa, a drug that is supposed to help with bone pain.
Care for any more details?! I think that's enough! Jim is working on getting low-interest financing for us so we can make the changes to the house that we need to for Karen. We're thinking big right now, and we'll scale down as we need to later. Cross your fingers, please!
Summer is fading quickly. I've already spent four days in workshops among visits to the clinic with Karen, and Back-to-school workshop begins for me on the 27th. Yikes! I'm a little worried about Karen this fall, but we'll just have to get more home health care on board for her.
As always, we appreciate you visiting Karen's site to see how she's doing. Special thanks to Mark and Lisa for the Kohl's gift card you sent Karen; she'll put it to good use. Trinyani: Karen thought about you when she was in the infusion center at Abbott; hope you're doing well, Sweetie!
Tons of love,
Kathy and all the Meads
Tuesday, August 7, 2007 1:51 PM CDT
Thanks for checking in today! We're hanging in there. Last week was a bit of a struggle for Karen; she started having unusual pain on Wednesday and Thursday to the point that I considered taking her to Abbott's emergency room to have her admitted on Thursday evening. She toughed it out with the arsenol of pain meds we keep locked in our safe, and we were able to see Dr. Perra on Friday afternoon. It turns out that Karen had a fracture to her L5 vertebra. Now, instead of sitting on top of L5, the spacer bone she has in her back is jammed down inside it. While this is causing pain in her tail and hip bones, it may actually fuse more solidly than it would have before. She has to be down in bed as much as possible to help it heal.
Friday she also saw the wound doctor and had a pump increase at the pain clinic. It was a busy day! Grandma Karen came along to keep us company, so we had some laughs and enjoyed being together (even if we were just hanging out in clinics!). Her wound is looking good, but she'll have the vac in for at least another four weeks probably. It's hard to estimate how long healing will take for Karen because of the chemo and radiation she's had. She continues to have wound care here at home every M, W, and F through Allina Home Care. She was also seen today by a physical therapist and an occupational therapist will be coming to the house, too, to see what modifications we can make to help her be as safe and independent as possible.
As far as making major changes to our house goes, Jim's sister, Terrie, is doing some research for us to see if Karen may be elegible for some financing for the disabled to help us in making the house accessible.
Everyone else is doing fine. I am taking some classes offered by the district through summer institute this week and next, and then it's back to school for me on the 27th.
Hope you are enjoying the beautiful summer weather. Feel free to call or stop in for a visit. Thanks to Sean and Alicia for hanging with Karen the other night.
Love,
Kathy
Saturday, July 28, 2007 8:17 AM CDT
Another busy week! Allina Home Care came out on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to replace Karen's wound vac sponge and dressing. This process ended up being a little tougher than we had anticipated. Monday's procedure was pretty painful for her. Fortunately, she had a wonderful, compassionate, patient nurse who took her time and helped Karen through it. Her nurse also did some things to make Wednesday's change easier. Yesterday, she had an RN who works for the wound vac company come out with her, and they did even more to make things go easier. Karen will have the dressings changed again Monday and Wednesday next week, and then she goes in to see her wound doctor on Friday.
Yesterday we also spent a few hours at the pain clinic. Adjustments were made to Karen's continuous dosage, and she was given a device that allows her to give herself boluses through the pump twice a day. A representative from Medtronic came over to the clinic to instruct her on the use of the device and, because our insurance won't cover it, they donated the equipment for Karen's use. Pretty cool, huh?
This next week, I have to get in touch with her spine surgeon and probably Sister Kenny to see if we can have someone come out to the house and work on some occupational therapy for Karen and make suggestions for adaptive devices and making our house more accessible for her.
Jim and I are going for a motorcycle ride today. Laura and Evelyn will be home all day to hold down the fort.
Enjoy the weekend.
Love,
Kathy
Saturday, July 21, 2007 9:50 AM CDT
Karen's surgery Friday to place the wound vac went very well. Dr. Perra removed tissue that wasn't healing and Dr. Dressel placed the vac. She was in surgery less than an hour and rested comfortably the rest of the day on the spine floor.
Home care is coming to the hospital to see us at 1:00 today, and then we're hoping to get Karen discharged. Her wound vac bandage will be changed by Allina Home Care every three days while it's in place. Once the wound is on the way to total healing, Dr. Perra will completely close the wound surgically.
Things are going well. I'm sure she'll be happy to sleep in her own bed tonight.
With regard to Dr. Perra's suggestion of severing Karen's nerves to eliminate pain to her leg: upon further discussion, we have decided that that isn't an option at this point. This isn't the first time that it has been brought up, and it's Dr. Perra's job to discuss all options, but we aren't leaning that way at this time. I didn't mean to be dramatic in my last journal entry, I think I was just a bit tired and emotional. We'll definitely keep Karen as mobile as possible for as long as possible. Sorry if I caused any alarm.
Thanks so much for checking in and for keeping Karen in your prayers.
Love,
Kathy
Wednesday, July 18, 2007 2:31 PM CDT A general surgeon saw Karen at the wound clinic on Friday who referred us immediately to another surgeon who is a back wound guru, Dr. Dressel. Karen saw Dr. Dressel yesterday and her spine surgeon, Dr. Perra, today. She will be going in to Abbott-Northwestern on Friday morning to have the wound vac inserted that was discussed before. Dr. Perra will assist the wound specialist in opening the wound further so that the vac can be placed. This is usually outpatient surgery, so she should be able to come home the same day. Then, home care would come to the house to maintain the wound vac.
We discussed the possibility of performing bigger surgery to debulk the tumor, but we decided to wait and do that only when absolutely necessary. Right now, the tumor isn't compressing her nerves too terribly; the MRI showed growth of about 1 cm in both length and width; her increased pain is likely due to the build up of scar tissue around her nerves.
We're hoping that the wound will heal within two to three weeks and then Karen could receive chemo treatment.
She is having to use either her walker or wheelchair to get around now. Dr. Perra discussed the possibility of severing nerves to her right leg to eliminate the pain which would also result in the loss of any use of the leg. As it is, she isn't able to do much with it anyway, so she's considering taking that route the next time she needs major surgery. We'll have to see what we can do about making the house more accessible for her. Her downstairs room is too small to accomodate a walker much less a wheelchair, and the bathroom and living areas in the rest of the house aren't much better.
I got a little emotional when we discussed performing bigger surgery and Karen's loss of the use of her leg; I wasn't prepared for that kind of talk, but it's the reality. Jim and I are both comfortable with Karen's decision to hold off on big surgery and focus on healing and other interventions for now. She's doing surprisingly well with this next step. I just want to hit "rewind" and go back to pre-tumor times.
For now, we'll just try to make life as easy and comfortable for her as possible. She had changes made to her pain pump, and that seems to be helping. We're also going to call for an increase before she has her procedure on Friday.
Mary Kay, Bob, and Megan made it home safely. It was so good to see them and it means the world to us that they came out for a visit. This Saturday, my cousin is getting married in Duluth, and Jim's cousin is getting married here. If Karen's doing all right, we plan on attending the wedding in town. Best wishes to Jacob and Dawn and to Nathan and Alauna!
Many thanks for checking in. We'll let you know how things go for Karen on Friday.
XOXO
Kathy
Wednesday, July 11, 2007 11:31 AM CDT
Wow! It's been over a week since I last updated. Why do summers fly by so quickly?
Karen made the trek out to South Dakota with me for our friend Jerome's funeral. It was a beautiful service and time of fellowship, but he will be missed terribly. Thursday night, Jim and I attended the visitation for another friend who passed away Monday, July 2nd at a young age from a heart attack. These have been trying times.
But then on Friday Bob, Mary Kay, and Megan arrived! Jim, Karen, Evelyn and I met them at the airport. Karen really struggled with pain over the weekend, so her visits with them were short. Monday she met with her pain specialist and had her pump increased. Then, yesterday, she had an MRI. We'll see if that shows any reasons why her pain has worsened.
Today Elizabeth is working on getting her things out of her bedroom so she can move upstairs and Karen can take her room on the main floor. Karen loves her bedroom on the second floor, but the stairs are proving too difficult for her.
I'm sure we'll hear the results of the MRI in the next day or so, and Karen goes back to the wound clinic on Friday, so I'll update again after that.
Enjoy the cool weather!
XOXO
Kathy
Sunday, July 1, 2007 4:32 PM CDT
After being seen at the wound clinic at Abbott last week, it was determined that Karen's unhealed incision didn't warrent the use of the bandage we had learned about. Instead, we are treating it at home with small medicated strips tht are inserted into her wound to help it dry and heal from the inside out. We change the stip every day, and change her dressings at least twice a day. She is also on antibiotics. Until the wound is completely healed and dry for 5-7 days, Karen can't have any chemo or other treatments.
In the meantime, we ordered a wheelchair for her and, until it comes in, she's using a rental. She, Elizabeth, and Laura went shopping at Northtown for several hours on Saturday, so she got some practice wheeling herself around different stores.
Jim and I spent the weekend with our friends Tom and Lisa at their place in Pipestone. Tom flew us down there and back in record time - it was gorgeous weather! After returning home, we got the sad news that a friend of ours in Millbank, S.D. passed away unexpectedly last Wednesday. Please pray for the family of Jerome Spors and especially for our good friends who are his brother and sister-in-law, Anthony and Teri Spors. His funeral is on Tuesday.
Tomorrow, my cousin Lisa Kauma and her daughters are coming for lunch and a visit. We may play some "Friends" trivia games, too. Then, Friday, my cousins Mary Kay, Bob, and Megan fly in from New Jersey. Although he and Mary have been married for about 20 years and Mary visits us regularly, this is Bob's first visit to Minnesota. We'll have to try to impress him so he doesn't wait another 20 years before his next visit!
Thanks to Craig and Rosie for visiting our daughters today (you must have known Jim and I were away!) and to Jacqui for your call and upcoming visit with Karen.
We love you!
Kathy and Crew
Monday, June 25, 2007 10:14 AM CDT
Wow! Has Karen ever been busy lately! She had the meds in her pain pump altered on Tuesday morning and managed to attend the visitation for her friend Whitney's grandma Lois that night. She made a couple of trips to Target last week to do some shopping (she uses the wheel chair provided by the store). Also, she went out to lunch at Olive Garden with her friend, Majken. Then, she got her pain pump increased last Friday so that she could attend Mike and Bridget Maresh's wedding on Saturday.
We drove the two hours up to Alexandria, checked in to the hotel, attended the wedding in the park, and then went to the reception at the Holiday Inn. Karen made it through dinner before she had to go up to the room and lie down. Sunday morning, we were up at 7:00am and headed out the door by 8:30 to go to nephew Devin's 2nd birthday party in North Branch. Walking requires a great amount of effort on her part, but she's determined to keep going! Needless to say, she didn't do much the rest of the day.
Karen's still having to take oral meds round the clock to control her pain, so we'll be touching base with her pain specialist today about making adjustments to her pump.
Tomorrow Karen reports to Station 43 at Abbott-Northwestern to have the bandage applied to her incision that will hopefully help it heal. Then on Thursday we see Dr. Weigel to determine the next step in her treatment (possibly some form of maintenance chemo).
That's all the news for now! Check out the new photos in the album, and, as always, thank you for touching base.
Kathy
Sunday, June 17, 2007 10:10 AM CDT HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
This last week was a long one for Karen, full of appointments.
Monday
We saw Dr. Weigel, the oncologist, in the morning. Because Karen's incision still isn't healed (and is actually worse since chemo and radiation), she determined that Avastin was off the table as far as the next step in treatment goes. There are some maintenance-type chemos that might be an option, though. That evening, Karen had an MRI. The pain in her right leg has gotten so intense that we wanted to see if the tumor had grown. It looks to be pretty stable - no new growth. The pain might be due to swelling caused by radiation.
Wednesday
Karen and I spent a good part of the day at the Masonic Day Hospital where she received two units of red blood cells. Her hemoglobin had dropped from 9.0 on Monday to 7.8 on Wednesday. Any time she gets below 10, her energy level plummets, so we figured she needed a little boost.
Thursday
We went to the pain clinic and got the dosage in Karen's pump adjusted; Dr. Charry switched the morphine for dilaudid (synthetic morphine - more potent) and her dosage was increased 30 She is supposed to evaluate the effects and call Dr. Charry on Monday before her next appointment on Tuesday. So far, it seems not to have had any effect on her pain. In fact, Jim is down at the U of M getting some more oral hydromorphone for Karen - she took the last dose we had at 7:00 this morning. She's going through it more quickly than we anticipated. I think on Tuesday we'll have the concentration of meds changed: less bupivicane and more dilaudid.
Friday
Jim and Karen met with Dr. Perra. He wanted to see her latest MRI and take a look at her incision. He was still waiting for a copy of an earlier MRI that was done at the U, so it was difficult for him to say much about the tumor growth just looking at the most recent MRI. However, he did say it appears to be stable. After examining her incision, he decided to set up an appointment for Karen to get a vacuum bandage applied to the site. As I understand it, it has a little pump attached to it that provides mild suction to the wound to help keep it clean and increase circulation to the area. Once she has it applied, Fairview home care can perform maintenance to the unit so Karen won't have to go back to the clinic.
While Karen has pretty much been lying in bed or on the couch, she was determined to attend her leukemia survivor friend Deandra's graduation open house yesterday, and she did it! We pulled right up to the driveway, she got out of the car, gave hugs all around, sat down and ate a brownie, then headed back to the car to lie down in the back seat again. A quick trip, but she did it!
She did ask me yesterday about getting a wheelchair for her. I think it would be a good idea. Walking is becoming too difficult and risky for her, so she tends not to go many places. Once we get the pain under control, she might want to get out more.
I think that's all the news for now. Hopefully this week we'll get that bandage applied to her incision, meet with Dr. Charry regarding her pain pump, and talk to Dr. Weigel about possible maintenance so that insidious tumor isn't given much of an opportunity to grow.
In your prayers this week, please include our good friends, the Plumedahls, as they celebrate the life and mourn the death of Mike's mom, Lois. Thank you.
Love,
Kathy
Thursday, June 7, 2007 11:41 AM CDT
Oh, happy day! Karen slept in because she didn't have to go in for chemo and radiation - she finished her last treatment yesterday. Monday we meet with Dr. Weigel to discuss the next phase of treatment. She's tired, but has weathered this treatment well.
We're looking forward to a relaxing summer. Hope you have the same. We'll be in touch.
XOXO
Kathy
Saturday, June 2, 2007 10:55 AM CDT Karen received four treatments of chemo-assisted radiation this last week. She continues to be anesthetized for them, so she and Jim are down at the U for at least five hours every day. I'm sure Karen's hemoglobin has dropped from the 10.9 that it was on Tuesday because she is pretty fatigued. My guess is that she'll need blood products this coming week. However, she only has to get through three more treatments, and then the cycle is finished! Things have gone well in terms of nausea; they give her a long-acting antiemetic that really helps. I don't think she's lost much weight this time around.
I took a sick day from school last Thursday to accompany Elizabeth to the oral surgeon to have her wisdom teeth removed. Then, I got to baby her afterward: feeding her ice cream and pudding, changing her ice packs, and making sure she took her ibuprophen on time. She's still sore today, but she's going in to work from 2-8pm.
Everyone else is doing well. We're just counting the days until summer break! Thank you to Coddingtons for the delicious meal, to Pastor Tim for the kind words, to Cindy Palm for the cookies and care package, to Tracey for the beautiful flowers, and to the Spors for the "Coins for Karen" that ended up being quite a few coins! We feel SO loved!
Signs that God loves us too: Karen is blessed with a wonderful new baby cousin as of yesterday! Mark and Lisa Osen are the proud parents of Allison Nicole. I'm sure big sister Brianna and big brother Tyler are also joining in the celebration. I'm hoping to go see them tomorrow.
Please send some of your powerful prayers this week for Pam, Lois, and Jackie as they continue to battle cancer, too.
Love,
Kathy
Thursday, May 24, 2007 8:51 PM CDT
Greetings! An update on Karen Ann, three days into her chemo-assisted radiation treatment. Monday she was able to receive both chemo and radiation as scheduled. Yesterday, she was in too much pain to lie on her back for the radiation which takes about 40 minutes, so she had to skip that part of the treatment. Today, an anesthesiologist was called in to put her under for the radiation. Ideally, she should have radiation within an hour of having had chemo, but things took much longer than that to get organized. However, she did receive both treatments, and hopefully things will go more smoothly tomorrow. We're also hoping that they can just use a light sedation rather than totally putting her under. That way, she won't have to have as long a recovery time.
This treatment is the same as what she had two summers ago. Back then, she received chemo and radiation Monday-Friday for six weeks. This time, she'll only receive ten treatments, so only two weeks' worth. With her missing one session, I'm sure they'll add that on to the end, and of course, she won't be getting treatment on Memorial Day, but she should be finished sometime during the week of June 4th.
We are praying that this treatment has an effect QUICKLY. She is waking us up a couple of times every night because she's struggling so much with pain. Also, she needs frequent dressing changes as her incision is still healing. Jim said she was cranky when things didn't go as well as she hoped they would today, but overall, she's kept a pretty good attitude. She's eating well and sleeping lots (during normal waking hours, anyway!!!). We are so grateful to Jim's boss, Tom, who allows Jim to be with Karen every day. I am enjoying this school year, but I look forward to being home for the summer. I'm not sure what's in store for Karen after this treatment ends, but it'll be nice to be here for her.
As always, we're thankful for your words of encouragement and for your earnest prayers for healing. Karen often tells Jim and I that she couldn't face this without us, and I know for certain that we couldn't face it without all of you.
Love,
Kathy
Friday, May 18, 2007 9:01 PM CDT
Karen and I went to see her surgeon today for a follow-up visit and to have some of her stitches removed. Karen called him earlier this week, though, because she's had increased pain in her right leg. He ordered an MRI, and we got to take a look at that during our visit. The residual tumor that they found after Karen's last surgery has doubled in size over the last four weeks - the obvious cause of her pain. She had several stitches removed, but the incision isn't quite healed in the area where she's had radiation in the past. However, given the rapid growth of the tumor, Dr. Perra called the oncologist and gave the go-ahead for chemo and radiation, provided they don't radiate the area that is still healing. Karen will start treatment on Tuesday.
We got the forms for handicapped parking and went straight to the DMV after her appointment and got a permit for Karen to carry with her. When she is feeling up to getting out, it'll be less of a strain for her now that she won't have to walk as far. I also bought her a bench for the shower because standing for any length of time is tricky, too. Hopefully the treatment will stop the tumor growth, so the pain doesn't get any worse.
My heart broke for the umpteenth time tonight. As Laura and Elizabeth were heading out for the evening, Karen wished them a good time while it took everything she had just to struggle up the stairs to her room. We have very few times of feeling that life isn't fair, but I feel it with every ounce of my being tonight. She deserves better.
It's another busy weekend coming up though, so that'll take our minds off of the weeks ahead. Please pray that the chemo and radiation do the job without making Karen too sick.
With thanks and love,
Kathy
Sunday, May 13, 2007 5:02 PM CDT
Happy Mother's Day!
Laura, Evelyn, Lucy (our dog), and I just got back from a nice walk. It's been a most relaxing day; I hope you are having the same.
Jim, Karen, and I met with Dr. Weigel last Thursday. The plan is for Karen to get chemo-assisted radiation like she had two summers ago. Last time she received treatment for six weeks; this time it'll probably only be for a few weeks because she has a smaller tumor. The side effects she struggled with last time were extreme nausea and drops in her counts necessitating transfusions. She says, "We did it before - we'll do it again." She sees Dr. Perra again this Friday, and he'll decide when she's sufficiently healed from surgery and ready to start treatment. Dr. Weigel also spoke of some treatments coming available in the not-too-distant future that may be good options for Karen, so we'll do whatever we have to to buy some more time for our girl!
We all enjoyed Evelyn's first birthday party yesterday. She was such fun! She wasn't at all shy about digging in to her own personal cake that godmother Karen ordered for her, and she had a great time opening gifts and swimming afterwards. Every day is a joy with that precious little one!
Have a great week, and we'll let you know when we have a timeline for treatment for Karen.
XOXO
Kathy
Sunday, May 6, 2007 10:25 AM CDT
Having a former coach (Jim) and a current diet and exercise student (James) in the house is paying off for Karen. Between the three of them, they've come up with a training schedule designed to help Karen stretch and strengthen her leg muscles. At her appointment last Thursday, Dr. Perra gave her the go-ahead to start some P.T. at home. She definitely felt the effects yesterday; she was a bit sore.
This coming Thursday, she meets with her oncologist, Dr. Weigel, and will also have scans done in radiology. We'll see what the next step in the plan is.
Last night, Karen was kind of down. She's frustrated by the fact that the rest of us can come and go as we please while she can't even walk down the stairs by herself. We'll keep working on that, though, and my hope is that she can do something special for herself before she starts whatever treatment is next. It's tricky when the friends she'd like to invite to take a trip or whatever have school and work schedules to deal with. However, I'll push her to make it happen; she needs a break!
Thank you for visiting Karen's site. She reads her guestbook messages and appreciates the good wishes you send for her.
Please take a look at the new photos in her album.
God bless you,
Kathy
Wednesday, May 2, 2007 4:31 PM CDT Karen is improving, slowly but surely. She still needs assistance going up and down the stairs, but she was able to get up off the couch unaided for the first time yesterday! Her legs are weak, and she continues to require pain meds in addition to her pain pump, but we're happy with the progress we're seeing. Although she still has drainage from her incision (no sign of infection), she's due to see Dr. Perra on Friday to have some of her stitches removed.
Her spirits are pretty good. Yesterday she said she was a little down because of having to wear her brace, and she is frustrated with her legs not cooperating the way she'd like, yet she's grateful, as we are, that she's walking.
Today, she'll be brighter; it's Evelyn's first birthday! Did that time ever fly by quickly! Laura reserved a room at the Maple Grove Community Center on May 12th, so that's when we'll have a big celebration, but we're observing the day today with cake and singing. Laura informed Jim that Evvy would like chicken and dumplings for her birthday dinner, proclaiming it her favorite. Okay, Lau- I mean - Evelyn!
Enjoy the day! Soak up the sunshine! Happy May!
Kathy
Wednesday, April 25, 2007 7:46 AM CDT We have some really, really good news and some not-so-great news.
The really, really good news is that Karen came home from the hospital yesterday evening! Grandma Karen was with her throughout the day, so she had the honor of going through the discharge stuff, packing up Karen's belongings, and getting her home. Karen is pretty weak; she came home with a walker to help steady her. She also needs help getting up from the couch and going up stairs. It'll take a little while for the strength in her legs to come back.
She's happy to be sleeping in her own bed again, of course, and today she'll camp out in our bedroom on the first floor, so she doesn't have to do the stairs. Laura will act as her nurse for the day as Jim has to go out of town later this morning for work.
Now for the not-so-great news: a post-op CT scan showed tumor growth up into the area of L1, higher than usual, that wasn't detected on the last MRI or during surgery. It is about the size of a small egg and has eroded part of the vertebra. Dr. Perra does not plan on removing it surgically. Instead, Karen may have to have radiation to that area. I'm not sure how this affects her other treatment; I don't know if she can have Avastin along with radiation or not. We'll be talking to Dr. Weigel about that and will update you when we know something.
For now, we'll focus on resting and healing. It's so good to have everybody home again. I can't believe who we've heard from on Karen's guestbook! I wish I could sit at home writing emails and letters and making phone calls. I'll get to that eventually. Thanks to all of you for letting Karen and the rest of us know that you're thinking about us. Thanks, too, to Uncle Mark, Pam Sayler, Deb Radmer, and Alisha Roff for stopping in to see Karen at the hospital. And, as always, thanks to the excellent nursing staff at Abbott-Northwestern for your superb care. Things couldn't have gone better for Karen thanks to you.
We'll be in touch!
Kathy and Crew
Monday, April 23, 2007 5:20 PM CDT
Karen has had a busy day today. She was fitted for a new brace, the last drain tube from her back was removed, she got her pain pump refilled, and she will be getting her catheter out later this evening! WOW! Same old Karen - when she decides to make things happen, they happen.
She's had no sign of spinal fluid leaks, so things should continue progressing at a fast pace. I haven't been to the hospital yet today, so I'm not sure where she is with her pain meds, but she sounded great when I talked to her on the phone. Jim's been with her since this morning, and I'll see if she wants me to come down and help her with her bedtime routine. If not, I have plenty of school work to catch up on after being gone last week!
Again, thank you for checking up on us. I'll let you know when we start talking about getting her discharged, but it sure sounds like she's headed in that direction!
Kathy
Saturday, April 21, 2007 10:27 PM CDT Karen moved out of ICU and onto the spine floor of the Heart Hospital early this evening. She is working on taking pain medication orally in hopes of titrating down off the IV drip. She is still getting meds to help control nausea and was able to eat some oatmeal for a late supper tonight.
I'm not sure if Karen is going to want me to stay overnight with her or not, but I came prepared in case she feels she needs me. She has excellent nursing care as usual, though, and is surrounded by familiar faces, so she may send me home.
That's our big news of the day! Hope everyone was out enjoying the balmy weather today.
Love,
Kathy
Friday, April 20, 2007 12:35 AM CDT
The hospital called at 8:00 this morning. Karen was lucid and asking for her mom and dad. Jim was already on his way down there (I had taken a personal day today to take care of Evvy, so that's what I'm doing). When Jim got there, Karen signaled for a pen and paper and the first thing she wrote was, "Can my dad get a chair?" She's always the patient who's looking after everyone else!
Since then, she's been taken off the sedatives and gotten her breathing tube out. She's having some issues with pain, so they've paged the pain management specialist to get her meds increased. She had to go down for a CT scan, so they gave her as much for pain as they could, but I'm sure she'll be hurting when she gets back. Hopefully, they'll get orders soon.
It sounds like she'll stay in ICU one more night, and then move to the spine floor tomorrow.
A big, huge thank you to our Jackson Middle School administrative and guidance offices for the gift cards that were delivered to the house yesterday. Between those and supper arriving tonight from Jan and Bev, I won't have to cook all weekend! The gas cards will certainly get used too as we go back and forth between the hospital and home. You guys are the absolute best.
I'll be heading to the hospital after I get Elizabeth from school. I'll update later with any new information, and I'll share the guestbook entries with Karen. I know she's been feeling your love all along.
Kathy
Thursday, April 19, 2007 2:54 PM CDT I am with Karen on Station 20, and she's still resting very comfortably. Earlier today, she opened her eyes, gave my hand a squeeze, and mouthed that she needed a cold washcloth. Dr. Perra just stopped in a little bit ago. He'd like to give her until tomorrow to stay just as she is. That'll get her over the toughest days after surgery. So, she stays on the ventilator until tomorrow.
In the meantime, she is being weaned off the sedatives. In addition to the narcotic pain med, she is getting another med that acts as a synergist, so she should require less of the pain medication than is usually needed to keep her comfortable.
Dr. Perra also spoke with Karen's oncologist, Dr. Weigel, this morning. It sounds like the plan after Karen heals from surgery is to try the Avastin again. Hopefully, with a smaller tumor load, it will work.
I'm not sure if she'll be leaving ICU after getting off the respirator or not. If she continues with the meds she's on, the spine floor may not be comfortable monitoring her. (ICU wouldn't use this med after her last surgery and didn't want to this time either, but Dr. Perra weilded his magic powers, and POOF! Things got done!)
As Karen sleeps, life goes on at the Mead household. Laura left for San Antonio, Texas early this morning to visit her friend, Elise, who's going to school down there. So, we have Evelyn this weekend. Rich is bringing Evvy over to his parents this afternoon while Jim takes Elizabeth to an oral surgery appointment (wisdom teeth) and to a job interview at Maple Grove Community Center. (Liz took her lifeguard certification class over spring break.)
I want to post this before the end of the school day for my Jackson family, so I better close. Thanks for the calls and good wishes; they're working! I'll write again tomorrow.
Love,
Kathy
Wednesday, April 18, 2007 2:09 PM CDT Karen is resting quietly in ICU. The plan is to keep her sedated and intubated until tomorrow morning. At that time, they'll work on bringing her out of sedation, increasing her pain meds to keep her comfortable as they decrease the sedatives. The pain management specialist will be stopping by any time now to discuss the plan with the nurses.
Looking back on all of the embolizations and surgeries Karen has had, this is the first time she has been given enough pain medication to keep her fairly comfortable. Usually when I see her after embolization or in recovery after surgery, she is crying and in pain. Yesterday, that was not the case. I am so grateful to the staff for understanding her tolerence to medication and for having the bravery to give her the doses she requires. She hasn't had to suffer this time around like she has in the past.
Thanks to all of you for the uplifting messages in Karen's guestbook. I couldn't believe it when I read the message from Maria Savini. I had just been asking about her last week, and BAM! There's a note from her! Karen has a list of names at home of people she was intending to write thank you notes (You know how well she's done with that in the past - NOT!). And here we go again ... I doubt those notes will get written, so please accept my heartfelt thanks for your kindness.
I have a feeling Karen will spend tomorrow night in ICU, too. Maybe she'll be ready to move to the spine floor on Friday. I'll let you know where you can find her / call her. Before she was admitted on Monday, Karen asked me to post on her site that if you were thinking of sending her flowers or anything like that, she would appreciate it if you would send a donation instead to either CCRF (Children's Cancer Research Fund) or Caringbridge. She donates generously to both organizations and has experienced first-hand the fabulous work they do.
Thanks, again, for holding us in your thoughts and prayers.
We are doing the same for each of you.
XOXO
Kathy
Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:02 PM CDT Karen had her embolization at 9:30 this morning and was taken into surgery at 12:30 this afternoon. Dr. Perra just spoke with us to let us know that everything went well. Her tumor was about the size of an orange on the left side of her spine and the size of a grapefruit growing off to the right.
He removed all that he could see and aggressively scraped along the nerves. The tumor has eroded away the muscle that runs to her right leg - she will not regain the ability to lift her leg because of that. However, the tumor was not pressing against the nerve sac as much as it has in the past. Because Dr. Perra didn't have to scrape so much in that area, we're hoping that there will be no spinal fluid leak like last time.
Once again, our hero has done more than we could hope for. He replaced rods and screws because the femur bone that's serving as the support had broken away from her lowest vertebra. Karen will have to wear a brace for 3-4 months until that area stabilizes.
She'll be on Station 20, ICU, for a few days. They'll keep her heavily sedated and intubated, so she can just rest and recover. When she is moved to the spine floor, I will update again unless there is news before that time.
Thank you, thank you, for your prayers. God has provided many angels to watch over Karen.
His blessings and our love,
Kathy and Family
Monday, April 16, 2007 9:52 PM CDT We are at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital. We were waiting to hear from Karen's oncologist or radiologist about the chemo/radiation treatment she is supposed to start this week when her surgeon called. He had communicated with the other doctors, and it was decided that the tumor was too large for the treatment to be successful. He wanted us to have her admitted tonight, she'll have an embolization first thing in the morning, and surgery around 9:00am.
Jim is here, too, and we're working on getting her port accessed so she won't have to get stuck for labs. Her nurse has already been in contact with the pain management specialist. They are on the ball, as usual!
Karen is SO not looking forward to this, but there's a better chance the surgery will go well now rather than waiting after she's had treatment and her counts drop and her tissues have been radiated.
Cross your fingers, and say your prayers (as I know you've been doing for so long now). I'll update after the surgery tomorrow.
Love,
Kathy
Thursday, April 12, 2007 6:27 PM CDT
Karen just got back from the U of M. She was supposed to get her third treatment of Avastin today, but she's been in so much pain lately that she had requested an MRI on Tuesday. After looking at the MRI, her oncologist and surgeon determined that the Avastin isn't working. She stayed at the U for a bunch of other scans, and, after numerous phone calls among her oncologist, surgeon, and radiologist, a new plan is in the works.
After another scan tomorrow, Karen will start chemo and radiation treatment on Monday. This is the same treatment she received the summer before last. Because the tumor is growing in a different direction than before (more to the right side than the left), it has been determined that she can withstand more radiation since they will be targeting a slightly different area. The plan is to have her receive treatment M-F for two weeks and then re-evaluate. She will experience nausea, a drop in her blood counts probably requiring transfusions, and possibly some hair loss (although she didn't lose it last time).
This SUCKS! I hate that word, but it so suits my reaction to this news that I can't find anything with which to replace it that adequately expresses my sentiments.
I'm tired, so I can only imagine how Karen must feel. I got to take her to her treatments last time, but Grandma Karen will have to help us out with that this time. I wish I could be there for Karen, but I'll just have to make up for it by being there in the evenings instead.
No more news for now. Please send Karen your prayers for strength. If you could also include prayers for Jackie J., Pam S., Brent W., and Pete L. that would be great. We sure aren't alone in this battle!
Love,
Kathy
Thursday, March 29, 2007 10:31 AM CDT
Karen is getting her Avastin infusion right now! The protein in her urine is actually less than it was before her last treatment. They will continue to check it every other time she's scheduled to receive a dose (so about once a month). Grandma Karen has been a godsend; she brought Karen's specimen down to the lab at the U of M yesterday and is with Karen for her treatment today. Things would be so much more complicated if she weren't retired.
Laura's daughter, Evvy, has had a bug for the last few days. She's been running a temp and is somewhat conjested. Jim called from Pipestone last night, and now he has it too. I wonder who's next? Fortunately, the treatment Karen's receiving doesn't lower her counts, so hopefully she won't get sick.
As usual, we are overwhelmed with the kindness of family and friends. Our family received flowers from Mark, Lisa and kids last week. Yesterday, Karen got a beautiful card and planter from Paul and Mary Lou. She continues to get cards from Grandma Phyllis and LouAnn Graber. She also opened a card from the Applens that had a generous check tucked inside. I'm numb; I can't remember how many times we've said "thank you" and I don't know how to express the fact that those words are still as hearfelt despite the repetition. Our faith has been seriously tested throughout this experience, but God continues to show us His presence through all of you.
We love you and thank you (yet again!),
The Meads
Saturday, March 17, 2007 8:51 AM CDT
We've had a couple of bumpy days this week. Karen and I met with her oncologist on Thursday. We had pretty much decided that we needed to move forward with the avastin treatment and just had a couple of questions we needed answered. The plan was for Karen to start treatment right after our meeting. Unfortunately, that didn't happen.
After labs, it was discovered that Karen has protein in her urine, an indication that her kidneys aren't functioning properly (probably due to past chemotherapies). Because avastin is also known to cause damage to the kidneys, treatment was withheld pending results of further testing. Karen was extremely upset; she feels that this is one of her last hopes of beating this tumor, and her pain has increased significantly, so she thinks she's running out of time before surgery will be needed. Further tests were ordered, and we went home after Karen received an infusion of fluids.
Yesterday, Jim took Karen back to the clinic to await test results and hopefully to receive treatment. After checking in at the lab, they sent Karen straight to infusion. It had been decided that the possible benefit from treatment outweighed the risk of further damage to her kidneys. She got her first round of treatment.
She will receive treatments once a week, every other week. The hope is that the drug will cut off blood supply to the tumor causing parts of it to die, break down, and be absorbed by the body. Dr. Weigel says that, if it's working, Karen should feel results after two or three treatments. Meanwhile, Karen is going to have her pain pump dosage increased again, and she's taking break-through pain meds on a regular basis. Hopefully we have enough time for the treatment to work before Karen begins to have more symptoms of nerve compression from tumor growth.
That's where things sit right now. Thank you for your prayers; we need them!
XOXO
Kathy
Saturday, March 10, 2007 8:18 AM CST Karen got a call yesterday from Jody, Dr. Weigel's nurse practioner. The chemo isn't working; her tumor has definitely grown.
We will meet on Thursday to discuss the next step. We talked before about using a drug called Avastin. Avastin is a type of targeted therapy known as anti-angiogenic therapy. It helps block the growth of new blood vessels that provide nutrients to the tumor. Because Karen's tumor is very vascular, we're hopeful that this therapy will be effective in slowing its growth.
Another set back, some more tears, but we're picking ourselves up and going at it again.
Please pray for strength and hope for Karen; she needs both right now.
Thanks for sticking with us and caring about our well-being. With support from family and friends, anything's possible.
XOXO
Kathy
Wednesday, March 7, 2007 4:30 PM CST
Karen had an MRI today, and we're meeting with her oncologist next Thursday to discuss the results. She has been experiencing a bit more pain, so she's getting her pain pump filled and the dosage increased next week. Otherwise, she's doing well. She says the chemo she's getting is "kicking her butt, but it's better than surgery." This is her "off week," so I hope she can enjoy the weekend.
We had a rough week last week as we mourned the loss of two young women who lost their battles against bone cancer. One was Laura who we met at the U of M while she and Karen were getting treatment. The other is a cousin to our Laura's best friend. Both women were in their early twenties. I held Karen as she cried, and didn't have any words of hope for her. That is, until I came to school the next day. Jackson was holding its annual Change for Kids drive to support KS95 for Kids. We raised $7000.00 this year. I was able to go home and tell Karen that that is where the hope is.
Everyone else is doing well. Laura's daughter, Evelyn, has started walking! She turned 10 months on the 2nd of this month. What fun we're all having with her.
That's all the news for now. I'll update after we talk with Dr. Weigel next week.
Love,
Kathy
Wednesday, February 21, 2007 5:08 PM CST
Long time - no news from the Meads. Karen is plugging along with the chemo. She sleeps a lot, but that seems to be what she needs.
She got together with a friend who used to room with her on 5B when they were getting inpatient chemo together. Her friend, Deandra, is a senior in high school and has been free of leukemia for a year and a half now. They had a good visit.
I got to take Karen to her treatment on Monday since I had the day off school. She'll get another treatment next Monday, and then it's time for an MRI to see if it's having the effect we're hoping for.
Cross your fingers ... I'll update with the news!
Kathy
Monday, January 22, 2007 7:43 AM CST I've been pestering Karen to update her site, but I've not been successful in getting her to do it. So, you're stuck with my version again!
Karen received her chemo two weeks ago on Monday and again last Monday. She did experience nausea but was able to control it with her antiemetics. Those make her very sleepy, but she doesn't mind that too much. She also had severe itching which we discovered is a less common side effect of the drug. So, she had to take benadryl which also makes her sleep! She's doing better now and is looking forward to having this week off.
The rest of us are doing just fine. Evelyn is crawling, pulling herself up and walking along the furniture, and pointing at everything while we identify every object in the room for her. She also loves to look at photos and have us tell her who everybody is. Yesterday at church, she pointed and waved at everybody as Laura walked down the aisle to take communion - she was a big hit!
Jim took a new job in our good friend Tom's emergency lighting business. He is learning so many new things and works primarily out of our house. He's excited and enjoying it so far.
Elizabeth has her driver's permit and we're waiting to hear about her behind-the-wheel. James and Laura are busy with school. Laura finally checked her grades from last semester and was thrilled to see she earned an A in biology. She's taking microbiology this semester and plans on going into nursing. James is working on his applied science degree and wants to be a physical trainer.
So, we're staying busy! Hope all is well with everyone who checks this site. Feel the love coming off this page?! I hope so. Have a great week!
God's blessings,
Kathy
Saturday, January 6, 2007 9:54 AM CST On Thursday Karen Ann, Grandma Karen, and I went to see Dr. Weigel, the oncologist at the U of M. She discussed chemotherapy options with us. The goal is to slow the growth of Karen's tumor to buy her more time between surgeries or, even better, to buy time until a possible cure becomes available.
Karen chose to try a fairly aggressive form of chemo (but very different from any of the others she's had). It's called gemcytabine. It is administered through an IV but just once a week, and it'll only take about one hour to infuse. Karen will receive one treatment a week for two weeks in a row, and then have a week off. If her blood counts are good, she'll repeat the cycle the following week. Unlike some of the other chemotherapies she's had, there is no limit to how much of this medicine a person can have.
Side effects seem fairly mild, but different people react differently. After treatment, she may experience flu-like symptoms: fever, chills, cough, weakness, and runny nose. Her platelet counts may drop, and she'll also have some (not total) hair loss.
It's so strange. Karen and I talked about how we hate the idea of her having to undergo treatments again, but how much better we feel knowing we're doing SOMETHING. Karen says her lowest times are when she's in the "wait and see" mode.
She's starting treatment on Monday, so send her your positive thoughts that she doesn't experience an adverse reaction and that the side effects are tolerable. Dr. Weigel assured us, however, that if this med doesn't work well for Karen, there are many other options for us to try. She also let us know that she continues to talk with colleagues all over the world about Karen's case and has her ear to the ground for any treatment options that might be a cure for her.
We appreciate you visiting the site. While Karen doesn't get online too often, I do print the guestbook entries for her and she reads every one of them. I'll let you know next week how things are going.
Love,
Kathy
Wednesday, December 20, 2006 2:26 PM CST Karen’s got a busy week planned for herself. She has a bone scan, echo cardiogram, and chest CT today in preparation for chemotherapy. Tomorrow she’s getting her pain pump filled and having the dosage increased. And Friday, she’s seeing her surgeon (although she took out the rest of her stitches herself last Sunday!). I suppose she’ll perform her next surgery herself, too. Lord knows she’s knowledgeable enough!
We're celebrating the holiday with Jim's side of our family on Saturday, eating leutefisk with my family after church on Sunday, and then going to Mark and Lisa's for my side's celebration on Monday. Needless to say, Karen's going to be wiped out!
I haven't had time to do any baking, but our great friends, the Spors, sent us a candy and cookie care package in the mail, so we've been happily munching! Thanks, Guys. Jim and I are finally doing some (all) shopping tonight! Even though I'm still not caught up with my grading, we have to get some presents under the tree. Speaking of the tree...
We had a little incident shortly after we put it up a couple of weeks ago. One day, our dog Lucy was going nuts trying to open the door on the entertainment center. We were sure we had a mouse in the house. Eventually, she flushed a small gray squirrel (chimpmunk?) out and chomped it! It had to have come in with the Christamas tree! I felt like we were on National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Well, this morning, two weeks later, same story! She caught another one! I can only imagine what things will be like if we have an entire family of critters that came in with that tree!
I hope you all have a peaceful, critter-free holiday. God's blessings on you and your family.
Love,
Kathy
Thursday, December 14, 2006 4:04 PM CST
Karen continues to improve. She had some of her stitches removed on Friday and is up and about more and more every day. She is still having quite a bit of pain, especially in her right leg, so she's scheduling an appointment to have her pain pump adjusted.
I am still trying to get caught up at school, and I haven't even started Christmas shopping yet! Oh well, it all gets done eventually.
Take care, and thanks for keeping Karen in your thoughts.
Love,
Kathy
Tuesday, November 28, 2006 4:03 PM CST Oh happy day! Karen is home resting in her own bed! It's hard to believe that she hadn't been out of the hospital bed for several days before yesterday, and now she's flown the coop! When she decides it's time to be discharged, she makes it happen.
Thank you again to all of you who helped make the last three weeks bearable for all of us. Thank you for the good thoughts, prayers, company, cards, comfort items, flowers, and food. Karen and I always wonder about those people who don't have the extraordinary support system we do; we don't know how they survive.
Karen will be back to Dr. Perra's office to have stitches removed and to check on her healing. She'll also visit her pain specialist to check her pain pump and follow up on oral meds. Eventually we'll be meeting with her oncologist to discuss chemo. When we have a plan for that next step in her journey, we'll give you an update.
How about some more good news before we close? Eric's mom, Geri, is also leaving the hospital soon. Miracles, miracles, everywhere!
God bless you and keep you in His care as He has done for us,
The Meads
Sunday, November 26, 2006 8:45 PM CST A quick update as I'm headed home from the hospital:
Our day didn't start well - there was talk by one of the spine doctors of needing to go into surgery tomorrow to take a look at why Karen's incision is still draining. Then, Dr. Perra showed up. (We didn't think he'd be back in town until tomorrow morning.) He looked at Karen's incision, thought it looked like normal drainage for her and not spinal fluid, and said she could start sitting up in bed. She sat with the head of her bed up and had no headache. Tonight she sat on the edge of her bed for about 15 minutes with no headache. Tomorrow she should be able to stand and possibly walk a bit. If she still has no headaches or other signs of spinal fluid leak, she'll get to have both her catheter and her lumbar drain removed and could come home as early as Tuesday. Finally things are headed in the right direction again! We're so relieved.
Thanks to all who came to visit today: Grandma Karen, Grandma Carol, Grandpa Mike, and Lisa Gow. It was a super day!
Have a great week; we'll let you know when Karen is headed home.
Love,
Kathy
P.S. I just read Karen's guestbook. A message to Dave: Karen remembers you very well and mentions you often. We still have your address, and we'll be in touch. I hope all is well with you and your wonderful wife. I so remember the celebratory atmosphere you brought to the radiation department at the U of M. God bless you for keeping tabs on Karen!
Saturday, November 25, 2006 8:39 PM CST
Last night was an emotional one for Karen and me. It's hard to be patient with this process when all Karen wants to do is come home. Just when we were at our lowest, however, Laura stopped in with our bundle of sunshine, Evelyn. Laura also brought with her the fabulous care package that was dropped off at our house by our friends at Jackson Middle School. Although it was still hard to say goodnight and leave Karen alone at the hospital, she and I both knew that many people are thinking of us.
Today didn't bring the news Karen hoped for either. Because there continues to be drainage from the incision, she is still not allowed any more activity than having the head of her bed raised 30 degrees. She has now been in the hospital for 17 days, has only been out of bed for two and a half of those, and has been almost totally flat for the last five in a row. Yikes! No wonder she's fed up with this scene. Also, the infectious disease doctor is keeping tabs on Karen because she has white cells in her cerebral spinal fluid. Not an astronomical amount, but we are watching for any sign of infection.
Once again, we did have a spot of happiness in the day. Our friends and neighbors Alicia and Sean Roff came to visit. Alicia is the one who just finished nursing school and works at Sister Kenny. Her brother, Sean, is attending school at Bemidji State. They brought laughter and fun with them - what awesome kids they are!
This evening, Karen and I ordered Domino's pizza and watched a movie. Well, I watched a movie and Karen slept. Her pain is under control, so she likes to sleep as much as possible to pass the time. I'm headed home in a little bit, then I'll be back tomorrow after church.
Thanks again, JMS, for the great stuff you sent Karen. And a note to my friend Teri in South Dakota: the chocolate chip cookies survived the US mail just fine, but didn't last long after reaching their destination! They were scrumptious!
Love to you all. Pray for progress in Karen's recovery.
Kathy
Friday, November 24, 2006 3:40 PM CST
I hope everybody had a nice Thanksgiving yesterday. I managed to get the last turkey dinner from the cafeteria, Jim had a deli sandwich and a salad, and Karen started a new tradition: Thanksgiving pizza. Whatever works! Grandma Carole sent leftovers for Karen which she ate for lunch today, and I've decided that Jim and I are fixing turkey dinner next weekend when we have everybody home.
We had some great surprises yesterday, though. Just as I was finishing shampooing Karen's hair and giving her a bedbath, my brother Mark and his family showed up for a visit. Later, Geri came up in a wheelchair from the fourth floor, so she and Karen had a wonderful chat. Later still, Missy, Eric, and the kids came. Finally, Laura, Rich, and Evelyn stopped in.
Thank you to Jacqui for the beautiful centerpiece and the huge apple pie. Staff enjoyed that along with us!
Now, a medical update: Karen is able to have the head of her bed up about 30 degrees. The plan was to have her sit on the edge of the bed today, too, but she has some drainage from her incision, so we're proceeding more slowly. Maybe tomorrow. She is off the IV pain meds, though - Good job, Karen! We'll see what tomorrow brings.
XOXO
Kathy
Tuesday, November 21, 2006 5:41 PM CST
Karen's surgery went well today. Dr. Perra feels was able to locate the leak and patch it. Karen was in a lot of pain afterward, but is resting comfortably now. Her pain specialist decided to have her go to ICU for the night so she could be monitored closely while on higher doses of pain meds. They are holding her room for her on 7th floor, though, so we didn't have to move all of her things. The plan is to move her back to H7006 tomorrow.
In order to help the patch hold while the dura heals, the lumbar drain is still in place and Karen will be flat in bed again until Thursday. Come Thursday, if she has little or no drainage from the incision and no evidence of a spinal headache, the drain will be removed on Friday or Saturday and she'll be on the road to coming home.
That's the scoop! Thank you for checking up on us.
God bless you this Thanksgiving. We give thanks for having you in our lives.
Kathy and Family
Monday, November 20, 2006 7:47 PM CST
Karen's spinal fluid leak hasn't resolved itself, so she will be going in for surgery tomorrow morning at 9:00am. Dr. Perra has to open her incision, find the leak, repair it, seal the dura, and then close her up again. We're looking at only about an hour to an hour-and-a-half for the procedure. The lumbar drain will remain in place, relieving pressure, so that things have every oportunity to seal / heal. I'm sure she will have to remain flat for a time following tomorrow's surgery, but I don't know how long.
Of course, she is sad and wants to come home. We'll celebrate Thanksgiving here at Abbott, though, and make the most of it.
As you say a prayer for Karen tomorrow, will you please pray for Grandma Geri, too? She has to have a procedure tomorrow too to remove some fluid that has accumulated on her lung. Uncle Eric is visiting Karen right now, and I always stop and visit his mom, Geri, on the fourth floor as I'm coming and going. It's a family affair!
We'll let you know how things go tomorrow.
XOXO
Kathy
Saturday, November 18, 2006 9:33 AM CST Happy Saturday!
Dr. Perra stopped in early this morning, and now we know the plan. Karen has been flat in bed since they placed the drain on Wednesday. She'll continue to be flat until Monday afternoon or evening. At that time, they'll evaluate her condition. She has had quite a bit of drainage from her incision but that seems to be improving (we're changing her dressings less often). If the drainage stops by Monday and she has no headaches, no further intervention is needed. If, on the other hand, the incision is still draining or she has a spinal headache when she sits up, she'll have to go back to surgery on Tuesday so they can seal any leaks in the dura of the nerve sac. We're planning on everything looking good by Monday.
It's becoming obvious that she's recovering in every other way from the surgery. She's getting impatient with having to lie flat and has entered what we affectionately call the "snippy stage." Actually, she's still a hundred times sweeter that most patients. That is largely due to the fact that she is surrounded by so much love.
Speaking of which ... I can't believe the visitors, gifts, and good wishes she and our family have received this time around. Deb made her famous brownies; Trinayani brougt cocoa (but we missed seeing her); Mark and Lisa brought her a Friends trivia game and a stuffed giraffe (ask Karen about the giraffe); James, Laura, and Evvy and Missy and Eric have been here; Sharon B. dropped off DVD's; Amy from Jackson sent her a care package (which Karen hasn't opened yet); and Tracey and Kim brought her slippers. WOW!
It's so strange being in this position. While we appreciate the kind acts of others, we really wish we weren't attracting so much attention; it is far easier to give than to receive. On the other hand, we are glad to have people who care; I can't imagine going it alone.
God is also with us. Here's proof:
I was at school on Thursday and gave Karen a quick call to see how she was doing. A person from the lab was there to draw blood, and my brother Mark and sister-in-law Lisa were there, so she asked me to call later. Before I could get back to her, she had left a message on my cell phone. Mark and Lisa are expecting a baby in May! What happy news! Like I said before, God just keeps plopping these balloons filled with miracles into our lives, splashing us with His grace.
We will give thanks with grateful hearts this Thanksgiving for all the blessings in our lives. As you do the same, please remember to include prayers of healing for Grandma Geri, Jackie J., Mike P. and Lorraine, and prayers of sealing :) for Karen Annie.
Love,
Kathy
Wednesday, November 15, 2006 5:57 PM CST Karen just got back from radiology where they placed a drain tube in her back. This should reduce pressure from the dura of her nerve sac so that the spinal fluid leak can seal. It is a very painful procedure, but it's behind her now. If all goes well, she will get out of here in three to five days. Of course, we're hoping to have her home for Thanksgiving.
James took Elizabeth to her MRI so both Jim and I are here with Karen. Right now, she is battling a spinal headache and pain from the procedure, but she's happy to be back in her soft bed in her room. We'll see how she's doing as the evening progresses. At this time, I'm still planning on going to school tomorrow.
Alicia, our friend and neighbor (who recently started working as a nurse at Sister Kenny Institute), stopped in to see Karen today. Thanks, Alicia, for the bright bouquet and cozy foot warmers - you didn't have to do that.
I doubt that I'll have much to report in the next few days. It will be safe for you to assume that "no news is good news" if I don't update for a bit.
Much love and many, many thanks,
Kathy
OH, GREAT! I JUST READ KAREN'S GUESTBOOK, AND NOW I CAN'T STOP CRYING. I LOVE MY JACKSON FAMILY; YOU ALL ARE THE BOMB!
Excuse me, LeAnne Clauer, didn't I read in my email that you are a little busy yourself today? I have YOU in MY prayers.
Thank you all for your kind, inspirational words. You keep my family and me strong.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006 6:43 PM CST Updated Update (Wed. 11/15 12:30pm):
Change of plans. Karen will have the drain placed today at 2:30. As she was turning in bed today, her headaches would return, an indication that the leak isn't sealing. Also, she has a great amount of drainage from her incision and there is a risk of infection. They are checking her clotting factor right now to make sure that she doesn't have too high a risk of bleeding. Cross your fingers that the procedure goes smoothly and with a limited amount of pain. I am leaving later to take Elizabeth in for an MRI on her knee, but I'll update later this afternoon or early evening.
A quick update (Wednesday, 11/15):
Karen is to be flat in bed today and overnight tonight and we'll see how she is tomorrow. If she still has a spinal headache, the plan is to place a drain on Friday. She was in a lot of pain last night, so she's taking more oral pain meds to stay on top of it. It should be a quiet, boring day - poor thing.
(Tuesday, November 14)
Again, I say, "What a day!" However, today has a different tone. Karen went for a short walk late this morning, and had to return to her room because of a tremendous headache. Later, she tried to sit on the edge of her bed - same thing. When she would lie down, the headache would subside, so we knew she had a spinal fluid leak.
Dr. Perra told us after the surgery that she had a couple of tears in the dura of her nerve sac that occurred as he was removing the tumor. One tear he repaired with stitches, the other with an adhesive. Things looked good by the time they were ready to close. I suppose with her getting up and moving, pressure was put on those spots, and they started to leak.
Here's the plan. She is on bedrest for the next 24 hours in hopes that the leak(s) will seal. If that doesn't work, she'll have to have a drain inserted above the leak to relieve the pressure and will be in the hospital for an additional three to five days. If that doesn't work, they'll have to open her up again and repair the leak surgically. That would mean an even longer hospital stay. She wasn't happy with the knowledge that she'll be in here for awhile, but she's handling it well. She understands that after radiation and so many surgeries, her tissues aren't healthy and can't heal like they used to. We have to be patient.
Karen has had spinal fluid leaks before. One time, bedrest allowed the leak to seal itself. Another time, she had to have a drain inserted. We'll see what happens this time.
Meanwhile, she is now off of IV pain meds and is taking everything orally, and she got a unit of blood today to boost her low hemoglobin (she had lost seven units of blood during surgery that had to be replaced).
Thank you to Laura, Evvy, and Elise for visiting today. A big thanks to Melissa and Jack Schad, too. Karen loved seeing little Jack and is still cuddling the puppy he brought for her. And, of course, LuAnne's cards continue to brighten Karen's days.
I am going back to school on Thursday, so Jim and I need to discuss plans for each of us being here as much as possible.
We thank you for your good thoughts and wishes - keep 'em coming!
Kathy
Monday, November 13, 2006 3:34 PM CST
What a day! Karen is titrating down on her continuous IV pain medicine, and she's switching to oral meds for break-through pain relief. She got up and sat in a chair for lunch and then went for a little walk before returning to her bed. The plan is to get her up and about two more times this evening.
She's had visits from two of her favorite nurses, Deb and Mickey as well as Deb's daughter, Tina; Grandma Karen and Grandpa Ozzie; Jacqui; and Kasey and Stu. Kasey and Stu brought her a beautiful silk flower arrangement set in acrylic that Kasey made to match Karen's new bedroom decor. Fresh flowers were delivered from Grandpa Ozzie and Grandma Karen and also from Stan and Illa. Her room is looking like a spring garden!
She was finally awake enough today to open the beautiful pajama outfit Grandma Carole brought her the other night. She loves it! Also, she is munching on M&M cookies handmade by one of my students delivered yesterday by his family. They also brought her cinnamon cocoa and an Angel of Miracles figurine by Willow Tree. If she weren't working so hard on dealing with pain and healing, this would just be one big party!
The kindness of people never fails to astound me. I have no concept of how much further we have to travel on Karen's journey to a cure, but when I am feeling the most tired and uncertain, God sends family and friends to help us on our way. Thank you to each one of you for picking us up when you saw us hitch-hiking along the road. You not only make the trip tolerable; you make it pleasurable.
Love,
Kathy
Sunday, November 12, 2006 4:49 PM CST
Hi, this is Elizabeth! Karen is doing really well in her new room. Her favortie snack seems to be lemon ice...Jeremy is down for a visit and Dad will be coming here a little later tonight. Karen sends her love and thanks out!
Saturday, November 11, 2006 6:55 PM CST Good evening! Karen is staying in ICU one more night before moving onto the spine floor. She's still needing quite a bit of pain medication and it's easier to monitor her here.
Things are progressing just fine, though. She can now raise the head of her bed but hasn't done so yet. She's eating lemon ice and drinking water. And, she's resting well.
Laura and Evelyn came to visit last night - that sure perked Karen up! Grandma Carole, Auntie Missy, and Grandma Karen have also been here. I really appreciate the company, too; sitting here with Karen round-the-clock can be lonely.
As soon as she moves to H7000 tomorrow, I'll update hospital room information on the site. Thank you for following her progress.
Love,
Kathy
Thursday, November 9, 2006 7:55 PM CST
Karen's surgery went well; she's in recovery. The anesthesiologist is working on a combination of sedatives and analgesics to keep her comfortable before moving her to ICU. The plan is to leave the breathing tube in overnight so that they can continue to sedate her and let her rest. She'll be in ICU at least two nights.
Thank you to Uncle Mark for visiting Karen for such a nice, long time last night. She loved it! Thanks, too, to Auntie Missy for taking her to visit Geri (Missy's mother-in-law, also a patient here at Abbott-Northwestern)and for helping Karen prep for her surgery today. How wonderful that Karen got to spend time with both her godparents while I attended the induction to the National Honor Society for one of my former students.
Grandma Karen, Grandpa Ozzie, and Jim just left the hospital headed for home. I'm hoping to go see Karen in a bit - she'll be in recovery for awhile.
Thank you for the prayers and good wishes and for checking in on us. We're hanging in there!
XOXO
Kathy
Friday, November 3, 2006 11:06 AM CST
Karen is having surgery on Thursday, November 9th. She'll be admitted on Wednesday for an angiogram and a possible embolization. She doesn't require reconstruction, so the plan is just to debulk the tumor. We are hoping for good healing afterward; the tissues are pretty beat up!
As you pray for Karen, please include prayers for the Waxler family from our church and for Jackie, a friend from school as they fight their battles against cancer, too.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE,
The Meads
Wednesday, October 4, 2006 8:47 PM CDT
Karen's tumor is back and growing quickly. In a letter we received from her surgeon regarding her recent MRI, he described the tumor growth as "substantial" and "worrisome". He estimated its current size to be 2cm x 6cm x 10cm. Karen wasn't surprised by the news, but she's not indifferent to it either. She says she's doing okay, though. She'll have another MRI at the end of the month.
In the meantime, she's seen the movie "The Guardian" twice this week, done some shopping with Laura and, of course, slept a lot.
This Sunday Evelyn is being baptized, and Karen is her godmother. Also being baptized is Jim's nephew, Devin. James and Elizabeth are his godparents. We'll all come back here afterward for lunch. God just keeps sending us rays of sunshine through the clouds that crowd our days.
Please add to your prayers Grandma Phyllis as she recovers from a stroke and Lorraine as she recovers from surgery. We look for support and healing for them and for Karen Annie.
Thank you,
Kathy
Thursday, September 21, 2006 6:36 PM CDT Sorry it took so long to update-not too much is new around here. I had an awesome time in New Jersey! Going to the beach was my favorite-I could've stayed there for the whole vacation. Thanks Mary,Bob,Megan,John and Tina for making my visit so wonderful, I love you all.
I went to Evelyn's four month checkup today with Laura. Of course Ev's perfect....She did have to have some immunizations and that was hard to watch. Laura didn't cry this time, which is big because Laura still cries when she herself gets shots!!
Laura and I have started doing Yoga Booty Ballet three times a week so hopefully I can get into better shape and be stronger. Man is it hard to get out of bed and get my butt moving though!
I had an MRI last week and I'm still waiting for results but I'm not in much pain, so either the tumor isn't growing yet or it's really small. I'll update again when I get results.
Thank you all for your continued love,prayers,and support. You'll never know how much it means to me.
love,
karen annie
P.S. from Kathy: Check out new pics in the photo album!
Friday, August 25, 2006 4:06 PM CDT
We had such a wonderful time at my cousin's in New Jersey last week that Karen decided to stay another week! Tomorrow she's visiting Washington, D.C. and she's been to two different beaches along the Atlantic coast as well as shopping the boardwalk. She's coming home late Saturday night.
I'll update again soon with more pics, too!
Kathy
Saturday, August 12, 2006 9:47 PM CDT THANK-YOU! THANK-YOU! THANK-YOU!
The Relay for Life went very well thanks to your support. I just got totals the other night. Although our event was much smaller than usual, we did just fine: $35,600.00. Karen's Kare Bears raised more than any of the other teams: $5,839.00. Thank you for your generosity. We had beautiful weather - no rain, a nice breeze, and no bugs! Karen stayed until about 2:00AM and then had to call it a night (I think she does that just to get out of breaking down our camp!)
I just got pictures back yesterday, so I'll work on getting copies out to you in your thank-you notes. I won't post any on the web until we get back from our trip. That's right! Karen is finally taking a little vacation. She, Elizabeth, and I are flying out to stay with my cousins in Vineland, New Jersey tomorrow. We'll only be gone one week, but I think that'll be just perfect.
Take care, enjoy the week, and I'll update again when we get back.
Love,
Kathy
Friday, August 4, 2006 8:52 AM CDT
TONIGHT'S THE BIG NIGHT!!! IT'S OUR RELAY FOR LIFE AT CHAMPLIN PARK HIGH SCHOOL.
Thanks to all of you who have donated so generously to the American Cancer Society. We have over 30 luminaria bags decorated in honor of or in memory of those we know who have been touched by cancer. There have already been some emotional moments just thinking about those we've lost, and I know there will be more sad moments tonight. However, this event focuses on the hope we all have that the money we've raised will help researchers find a cure for Karen and others.
We look forward to seeing many of you at the opening ceremony at 7pm on the football field at CPHS. All are welcome! If possible, stay for the lighting of the luminaria at dark. Or, stay late with us as we walk, eat, and socialize (and maybe sometimes sleep!) until 7am tomorrow. Look for Karen's Kare Bears in the sky blue t-shirts with orange lettering.
Right now, Karen and I are headed out the door for her six-week post-op check-up (are ALL of those supposed to be hypenated?! I should ask an English teacher - hee! hee!)
See you later!
Love,
Kathy
Friday, July 21, 2006 12:59 AM CDT Karen is continuing to recover from her surgery. Her incision isn't completely healed yet; opening the same site so many times makes healing a tricky business. Also, she has developed such a sensitivity to tape that she took her steri-strips off her incision a little early. We're watching for infection and changing her bandages often. She's also still having quite a bit of pain in her legs and will be checking with her pain specialist to see if something can be done, perhaps through her pump.
We're starting to gear up for this year's Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society that takes place August 4-5. Because so many of Karen's friends will be at Wee Fest this year, a lot of us family members are stepping up to be on the Karen's Kare Bears team. As in years past, Whitney and Julie Plumedahl are spear-heading the operation and doing a beautiful job. If there's anyone out there who hasn't had the opportunity to contribute lately, we would love to take your donation. Checks can be made out to the American Cancer Society and, if you would like to honor a loved one who is battling or has battled cancer, please write his or her name on the memo line and we will make a luminaria for him or her to help light our path the night of the relay. You can send your donation to our home address. We'll send you a thank-you letter complete with pictures from the night's activities. Also, please join us for the opening ceremony at 7:00PM on Friday, August 4th at Champlin Park High School. Karen will be walking the survivors' lap and we'll all be there in our Karen's Kare Bears t-shirts.
Thank you, yet again, for your support.
Love,
The Meads
Monday, July 3, 2006 5:17 PM CDT I am updating from home, and Karen is upstairs sleeping in her own bed! Yesterday was spent titrating her IV pain meds down, getting her central line taken out, and taking lots of walks. Like I said, when Karen decides it's time to go home, things happen quickly!
Her incision site is red, and she was running a temp, so she had to have another course of IV antibiotics today before coming home, and she's on oral antibiotics too. We're watching her closely. I'm just glad they trust us to keep an eye on her rather than making her stay another night in the hospital.
Thanks, again, to everyone who has been praying for her recovery; you are a powerful bunch!
Our next-door neighbors (AKA Rich, Laura, and Evelyn) are coming over for dinner this evening. Jim is grilling steaks. We don't have any plans for tomorrow - we'll just be laying low enjoying the fact that Karen's home.
Love to each of you from all of us,
The Mead Clan
Saturday, July 1, 2006 1:03 PM CDT
Time for an update:
Things are progressing well for Karen. Yesterday she sat on the edge of the bed and then went for a short walk later in the day. Today, she took a longer walk. She's still having a lot of leg pain but claims that it feels better when she's up. We're cutting back on her IV pain meds every four hours, too. She's eating a regular diet, visiting some, and still sleeping lots. Thanks to James and Sharon, Jacqui, Julie B., Jeremy, and Craig and Rosie for visiting. Grandma Karen and Grandpa Ozzie are with her right now. They took Karen's grocery list over the phone and brought her lots of goodies today. Thanks, too, to the Andersons for sending Karen such lovely flowers and to Mark, Lisa and Kids for the Target gift card.
Jim came down and stayed with Karen yesterday afternoon until I came back at eleven last night. I went home to help get Elizabeth ready for her trip to San Antonio (last minute shopping at Target); she leaves at 4:30AM on Monday. She and thirty-eight other kids from Advent Lutheran are attending the youth gathering down there. Then, I went to help Laura and Rich with some cleaning / moving in next door. They slept in their new home for the first time last night. We are so thrilled to have little Evvie as our next-door neighbor!
That's about it for now. I'm thinking Karen may get to come home on the fourth of July. But, you never know with Karen; when she decides it's time to fly the coop, we'll be on our way!
Have a wonderful day - embrace the heat - you'll miss it come January!
Love,
Kathy
Thursday, June 29, 2006 12:17 AM CDT
Karen and I were talking last night. Being in the hospital again is bittersweet: it's the last place she wants to be, yet she gets to see the familiar faces of the wonderful people who have cared for her throughout the years.
Yesterday "her" Deb (a nurse who's been with Karen since her first surgery) and Deb's daughter Tina came to visit Karen in ICU. Today, she has her nurse Mickie who has also been with her since the beginning. It's a mini family reunion at the start of each nursing shift - hugs, laughter, chatter, catching up. Being at Abbott also makes us lonesome for Karen's "big sisters," the staff on 5B at the U of M. And yet, when she's not needing to be in the hospital, I think she's too busy leading a normal life to want to visit hospitals.
Today, she's still requesting quite a bit of pain meds but is getting a wee bit more active. She's repositioning herself in bed, doing some foot pumps, feeding herself ice chips, and talking about sitting up on the edge of the bed, too. Pastor Tim came to visit and share a prayer this morning, and Karen's friend Jeremy just stopped by, so I'm heading outside for a walk.
Like Karen said, had it not been for her illness, we wouldn't have met the terrific friends we've made throughout her journey. As for the rest of you who are stuck with us through other associations, we thank God each and every day for you. Even as I write this, my friend Lisa is helping my daughter Laura clean the little house she and Rich will be renting next door to ours. I didn't have to ask her for help; she's just there for us like so many others. Thank you. Thank God.
Kathy
Wednesday, June 28, 2006 10:39 AM CDT Wednesday, June 28, 2006 8:25PM
Karen transferred out of ICU late this afternoon. She's back on the seventh floor of the heart hospital - the spine institute floor - and is doing well. She's on great doses of pain meds, but is tolerating it well, so the docs don't have a problem with it.
Karen's surgery went well yesterday; it took about four hours. Dr. Perra removed most of the tumor, did some ultrasonic wash to get rid of more cells, replaced one of Karen's rods, and put some more bone in.
Pain management has been tricky as usual. Karen has a lot of leg pain due to irritation of the nerves. She's in the ICU, and the pain specialist and staff have been wonderful as they try to help her with pain control. She may be moving to the spine unit later today, but we're not sure. When she's on high doses of pain meds it's good to monitor her closely and they're better able to do that in the ICU.
Right now, she's resting fairly comfortably. I'll update when she moves to the spine floor.
A big thank-you to LuAnn for having a cheerful card delivered to Karen here at the hospital already, to Grandma Karen and Grandpa Oz and Elizabeth for being here with us yesterday, and to Deb for checking in with us yesterday and visiting Karen today. Thanks to the rest of you for your heart-lifting messages and thoughts - we couldn't do this alone.
Lots and lots of love,
Kathy
Friday, June 23, 2006 7:24 AM CDT Thanks for checking in! Karen had her pre-op physical on Wednesday and an MRI and CT scan yesterday to prepare for her upcoming surgery on Tuesday. She'll be admitted on Monday morning for her embolization, have surgery on Tuesday, and then we're estimating she'll be in the hospital for at least five days. She's not looking forward to this and is getting a little anxious, but she knows she'll be doing so much better after recovery. There are no plans for follow-up treatment at this time. This will be her seventh spine surgery - maybe number seven will prove to be lucky.
Everyone else is doing just great. James is finished with school for the summer, so he's switching to the day shift next week at the machine shop. He's living with us (at least for the summer) to save some money. It's fun having him around again.
Laura enjoyed her graduation open house last Saturday and so did we. Thanks to family and friends who shared the day with us (despite a little rain toward the end). Laura starts classes at North Hennepin again next month. She's also planning on going back to work mid-July.
Evelyn is doing just great. She attended her first softball game to watch Auntie Liz play on Tuesday and she came to the park with Tracey, Luke, Grace, Kim, Stephen, Olivia, and us yesterday. She is such a good baby.
Father's Day last Sunday was quiet, and I didn't have to cook - we just ate left-overs from the party! Elizabeth played three games in a tournament in North Saint Paul, so Jim got to spend his day working on his tan and watching the Rebels win the championship. Fun! It was Rich's first Father's Day, so of course he had to go to work at his second job with Anoka County Corrections. At least he and Laura had brunch with his family and a quick dinner with ours before he had to leave. The kids gave Jim a gift certificate to Twin Cities Harley Davidson, so Jim got a part for his motorcycle that he's been wanting.
Elizabeth subbed for a few games with the Rebels fastpitch team and had a good time. This week she started summer school on Wednesday nights. She leaves for the ELCA youth gathering in San Antonio, Texas on July 3rd. So, she's staying busy and out of trouble!
I'm busy staining and finishing doors and woodwork. Then, I need to do some painting. Jim's brother, Jon, remodeled our upstairs bathroom, replaced the girls' doors and windows, and finished a room downstairs for James. I'm trying to get as much done as possible before Karen goes in to the hospital.
That's the Mead Clan news! Hope all of you are enjoying these beautiful summer days. Please send Karen your prayers for another successful surgery and a speedy recovery. I'll update from the hospital next week.
XOXO
Kathy
Wednesday, May 17, 2006 4:18 PM CDT
Karen is scheduled for surgery on Tuesday, June 27th. She will be admitted to Abbott-Northwestern on Monday for an embolization which is a procedure that cuts off blood supply to the tumor. She is experiencing increased pain, so we'll see if she can hold surgery off that long. She's going in tomorrow to have the dosage in her pain pump increased.
In the meantime, she continues to be the one Evelyn likes to be comforted by. We get to see Evelyn often (thank goodness!), and she's doing great! Laura is bringing her in for her two-week check-up tomorrow. Yikes! She's already two weeks old (as of yesterday)!
Thanks for checking in; now get outside and enjoy the spring weather!
Love,
Kathy
Friday, May 12, 2006 12:15 PM CDT KAREN IS AN AUNT!
Laura and Rich brought Evelyn home Wednesday, May 3rd. They are all doing just great. Last night, Laura brought Evelyn over for a visit. She was a bit fussy at one point, and Karen decided she needed her auntie. Sure, enough, Evie calmed down and dropped off to sleep shortly after being given to Karen.
Karen is waiting to hear back from her surgeon. She's trying to schedule surgery for sometime after June 21st (if she can hold off that long). There is no follow-up plan for after surgery, so we're putting it off as long as possible. The pain pump continues to work well for Karen, but she can tell that the tumor is starting to compress her nerve sac somewhat.
We'll let you know when we have news.
In the meantime, enjoy this weekend and especially Mother's Day.
XOXO
Kathy
P.S. Check out the new photos! (FINALLY)
Wednesday, April 12, 2006 7:53 AM CDT
Just a quick update on Karen. She saw her surgeon last Wednesday, and got to see her MRIs firsthand. It appears that the tumor isn't pressing too much on her nerve sac; she still has room to spare. Her doctor told her she will likely need surgery within two to four months.
She also had the dosage in her pain pump increased yesterday. That little device is AWESOME! The nurse has what looks like an oversized palm pilot. Attached to it is a cord with a flat sensor about three inches square on the end of it. Karen places the sensor over her pain pump, and the nurse uses a stylus on her little computer to reprogram the pump. She also explained to Karen yesterday that they can program a flexible dispensing of the meds so Karen can get an increased dose for a few hours in the evening when she is sore from the day's activities, then the dosage would go back to a lower amount again. Cool, huh?
I am enjoying my week of spring break. Our family and our friends, the Pools, attended the performance of "Godspell" at our church last Sunday. Then, we went out for brunch. Later, Jim and I attended a graduation open house for Laura's good friend, Elyse. After that, we went for a motorcycle ride with the Gows and then had dinner at their house. Last night, Lisa Gow and I attended the Women's Lecture Series at Orchestra Hall with my friend, Sandy. We heard the author of Eats, Shoots and Leaves, Lynn Truss, speak. She was very entertaining. Today I am meeting my friend, Sharon, for breakfast. Tomorrow, I'm picking up our goddaughter, Morgan, so she can come along to visit my friend Mary and her horse, Red. Friday, Karen and I plan on seeing the movie, Failure to Launch. Then, to wrap up the week, we're having Easter dinner at our house on Sunday. At least I won't look back on the week and wonder what I did!
Well, there's your short update on Karen and your long update on me!
Easter blessings,
Kathy
Saturday, March 25, 2006 7:24 AM CST Hi, All!
We haven't updated for a long time mainly because there isn't much that's new with Karen's health. However, she did have another MRI yesterday to monitor the tumor's growth. She's asked her doctor to look at the amount of growth between her last three MRI's and see if he can determine approximately how long it will be before she'll need surgery again.
Also, she had the dosage altered and had her pain pump refilled on Thursday. She said that getting the pump filled was easy - easier than having her port accessed, so that's great. She is noticing more back pain, but the pump continues to work well and she has no other symptoms. She went to the Science Museum with Missy and Eric and their four kids yesterday. Her friend, Jeremy, met them down there and then the two of them went out to dinner and watched a movie here afterward. So, she's getting out a bit which is wonderful.
The rest of the family is doing well. Jim is itching to get on the motorcycle, so we may go for a short ride (wearing full gear, of course - BRRR!) tomorrow.
James is in Arizona for his annual visit with his friend, Kevin. He wasn't planning on going this year since money is tight, but he got his taxes back and decided he could afford it. By then, it was too late to get airline tickets, so he and his friend Vinny drove out there.
Laura is doing well, too. She's still taking three classes at North Hennepin and working about 20 hours a week lifeguarding at the community center. She finished her last session of swim lessons, and will soon be working "on call" only. The baby is due May 1st, so she and Rich are getting ready: the crib is up; the rocking chair, swing, and bouncy seat are assembled; the car seat is ready; and Grandma Karen is making curtains for the nursery. Our family threw Laura a shower in February, the staff at the community center is giving her one tomorrow, and Rich's family is showering them after the baby's born. An earlier ultrasound stated that the baby "appears girl," so that's what we're planning for! Even Grandpa Jim couldn't resist buying her four outfits the last time we were at Kohl's! It will be such fun.
Elizabeth has taken over Laura's old room and continues working to make it "her" space. She is attending Lenten services at church with her godmother and mentor, Lisa, to help prepare her for confirmation next fall. She plays her guitar and sings at services on Tuesdays and Sundays, and is planning on going to San Antonio in July for the ELCA youth gathering. Other than that, life is quieter for Liz since she isn't playing fastpitch softball anymore. She'd like to have a job, but few employers hire 15-year-olds.
Well, I think I've given you the low-down on all the Meads. Hope I haven't bored you too much.
Thank you for continuing to pray for Karen and our family. Please add to your prayers Debbie B. and Laura J. who are fighting their own battles.
We love you,
The Mead Clan
Tuesday, February 28, 2006 3:00 PM CST
Thanks for checking in!
Karen had an MRI on Friday, but we haven't heard anything yet. She knows the tumor is growing, but isn't experiencing unusual symptoms (such as numbness) yet. In the meantime, she's putting in a call to have her dosage increased in her pain pump. She is getting better pain control from it - she says it's easier to get into and out of the car, and she seems more perky.
We'll let you know of any upcoming plans.
XOXO
Kathy
Wednesday, February 15, 2006 7:06 PM CST Karen's surgery on Monday went well, and pain management afterward was excellent! She was able to come home yesterday afternoon.
Her abdomen is very sore where the pain pump was implanted, but she's icing it and taking pain meds to help with that. She is moving much easier today than yesterday.
Her spine surgeon visited her yesterday before she came home. He wants her to have an MRI in a couple of weeks to monitor tumor growth. He is in close contact with doctors at Mayo Clinic again, and has his ear to the ground for any new treatments coming available out there. Once again, I have to say, he is our hero.
I had my alarm set throughout the night last night to give Karen her meds on time. Usually, I am able to go right back to sleep, but last night I struggled. I was fine today, but when I go sit down, I know I'll be done for the day - no more energy!
So, thanks again for sending prayers for Karen. They were answered! I am going to stretch out for awhile and then hit the hay. I always read the messages you all send Karen, and I thank God for blessing us with so many caring people. You're the best!
Love,
Kathy
Monday, February 13, 2006 7:26 AM CST Karen just went into surgery. She was a bit emotional, but otherwise doing fine. The procedure will take about an hour and a half.
She gave me her "Deb bracelet" to wear while she's under. That is a bracelet given to her as a gift by one of her favorite Abbott-Northwestern nurses. Also, we discovered during her last stay here that the nurse practioner who works with her pain specialist is the daughter of another fabulous nurse from Abbott. Finally, the nurse who took care of her this morning in preop started her nursing career on 5B at the U of M. She knows all of Karen's "big sisters" from over there. What a small, wonderful, caring world!
Laura and Rich were over for dinner last night. Laura is complaining about how big and uncomfortable she is, so I assured her it is going to get much worse! Actually, she looks terrific. Rich just keeps telling her that if she'd go work out once in awhile, maybe she could get rid of that pot belly!
Jim and his brother, Jon, worked all day to replace our dying electric water heater. They installed a gas one, and seemed to have it working just fine. But then, as with all projects like this, something went wrong. For some reason, the electric ignitor quit working. I heated water on the stove to help Karen shampoo her hair and wash up before coming to the hospital. Jon is having someone take a look at it for us today - he's such a good brother.
Karen has a bed reserved on the 11th floor. A private room, I think. I'll update info when she's settled.
Thanks for checking in.
XOXO Kathy
Friday, February 10, 2006 8:48 AM CST
Karen has had better pain relief since her surgery last Tuesday. She's had her dosage increased a couple of times, and is planning on having it increased again today, but she says her low back and leg pain is definitely better. Hopefully this will continue even as the tumor grows.
She's having surgery again on Monday to have the pain pump implanted in her abdomen. She may just have to stay in the hospital overnight. Again, she'll be on the west bank at the University of Minnesota - Riverside .
We'll update afterward to let you know how things went.
Enjoy the weekend!
Thursday, February 2, 2006 4:02 PM CST Karen had a rough night Tuesday night and still had pain issues during the day yesterday. But, we got those resolved, and BINGO! She's coming home today!
A home health nurse will be visiting to evaluate her pain level and adjust medications as needed.
As soon as we know something, we'll let you know the plans for the next step: implanting the pump internally (she's wearing it externally until they get the dosage just right).
Thanks, again, for your prayers and support. Special thanks to Pastor Tim for visiting Karen at the hospital.
XOXO
Kathy
Wednesday, February 1, 2006 9:58 AM CST
Karen's procedure went well yesterday. Her spine surgeon, Dr. Perra, worked on her first to remove some bone and create a pathway for the intrathecal catheter that was implanted by Dr. Charry, the pain specialist. Karen's surgery was a bit unique because of all her previous work and the extra bone and hardware she has in her back.
She was awake and alert in recovery and throughout the entire day yesterday until I left the hospital after 9:30 pm. She ate a regular diet for supper and was up to the bathroom without any headaches or other symptoms of a spinal fluid leak. That is great news!
However, she called me at 7:15 this morning. She had been up the entire night struggling with pain control. Finally, around 6:00 am, it seems like they got her on an appropriate amount of break-through pain meds, and she had caught up sufficiently to make her comfortable.
We aren't phoning her at all today in hopes that she can get some rest. She'll be in the hospital tonight, and may come home tomorrow if her pain is under control.
Once again, your prayers have seen Karen through! Thank you, and enjoy the beautiful snow-covered winterland today.
Love,
Kathy
Monday, January 30, 2006 12:38 AM CST Karen is settled in at Fairview University - Riverside Campus. Today she is on the tenth floor, but may be moving to the eleventh floor tomorrow. She is having bloodwork and x-rays done today to prepare for the procedure tomorrow.
The procedure will take approximately an hour and a half to two hours. They will be inserting a tube to her tumor site to deliver morphine directly to that area. The medicine will be dispensed by a pump that she will wear externally for a few weeks until doctors are certain that the dose is adequate for pain control. Then, the pump will be implanted inside her abdominal area. No more oral pain meds or pain patches, and hopefully, better pain control and less grogginess will be the result.
If all goes well tomorrow and Karen isn't in pain or nauseous, she could come home as early as Wednesday.
I'll update again after surgery tomorrow.
Kathy
Wednesday, January 18, 2006 3:34 PM CST Karen is scheduled to have her pain pump implanted on January 31st. She'll be admitted on Monday the 30th, and may be able to come home on Wednesday. Hopefully, this will give her better pain management.
Thursday, January 19: Updated Update (I was too tired to write much yesterday.)
Jim and I managed to go out of town for the weekend – to Pipestone with Tom and Lisa. We left on Friday and came home on Monday. It was totally relaxing; our goal was to do nothing, and I think we accomplished that. Laura and Rich stayed at the house with Karen and Liz, and James went over and cooked dinner for them all on Saturday night and spent the night, too.
Laura and Rich are doing well. They got a second car yesterday, so Laura is thrilled. She doesn’t have to get up at 4:30 in the morning to drive Rich to work anymore. Also, Rich interviewed at Cass Machine this morning – he will be able to take classes during the day and work evenings (for $1.00 more an hour than he’s making now). They seem happy.
The rest of us are plugging along.
Thanks for checking in,
XOXO Kathy
Wednesday, December 21, 2005 3:42 PM CST Sorry for the long silence - it's been a busy time (for all of you, too, I'm sure)!
Laura Kay was married to Richard Brown, Jr. last Friday. It was a cold day, but the ceremony was beautiful. We all had a great time and danced the night away! Hopefully you'll be receiving your photo Christmas card in the mail soon (if I manage to get to the post office before they close).
Karen's latest news is not as happy. We got results last Thursday from her latest MRI and CT scans. Her tumor is back. She and Jim met with her surgeon Monday after her PET scan. He doesn't want to perform surgery unless there's a follow-up plan. He's checking with Mayo and the U of M again to see what more can be done.
In the meantime, Karen was scheduled for admission to the hospital on Monday to have her pain pump implanted. However, after hearing the bad news, she just wanted to come home. Maybe she'll want to reschedule the procedure for next week. She'll be having scans again in a month.
We're taking turns being strong and positive for each other. We just have to continue to believe that there's something that can be done for Karen.
As usual, we're asking for your prayers. In this season when we wait for the one who made lame beggars walk and blind men see, we wait for our own miracle. God bless you for your continued support.
We love you,
The Mead Family
Monday, November 14, 2005 4:19 PM CST
What a week it's been! And it's only Monday!
Last night at our youth service at Advent, we had a guest speaker, Bruce Johnson. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor back in August and has since had surgery, chemo, and radiation. He shared his faith with us in a touching, humorous, entertaining way. I cried, I laughed, I was inspired.
Today, I learned that one of my students will be having surgery tomorrow to see if his cancer has returned. Again, my communication with him and with his mom has moved and inspired me.
We are surrounded with people of strong faith who are testaments to fact that God is with us ALWAYS, even in our most troubling times.
Karen received such good news at her last check-up. Her PET scan actually showed that there is significantly less cell activity than there was the first time she had the scan. Her score came down from a nine to a four - three is normal!
She has scans again in mid-December, so keep the prayers coming! Also, please add the two other fabulous people I told you about to your list of prayer concerns.
Love,
Kathy
Saturday, October 29, 2005 9:59 AM CDT Karen spoke with her oncologist and with her surgeon regarding her latest scans. The verdict is: no change. This is good news! In the past, by the time Karen is this far beyond surgery or end of treatment, we have seen significant tumor growth. Keep your fingers crossed that this continues...
She had a nice birthday Thursday. Thanks to her friend, Val, for bringing flowers and cake for her; that was SO sweet! Thanks, too, to Jacqui for the balloons - it was very festive. Jim was gone hunting, but the rest of us ordered pizza (Karen's choice for her birthday dinner), and I made her a banana cream pie. Hard to believe my baby is nineteen years old!
Everyone else is doing well around here. As I said, Jim is hunting, so he got to spend HIS birthday (yesterday) out in the field - perfect! Laura is getting excited about her fiance, Rich, coming home from his training with the National Guard. She's heading down to Missouri next week with Rich's family to attend his graduation. Then, wedding plans really kick into high gear - not many days left until December 16th!
Elizabeth bought an electric acoustic guitar with her birthday money, so she's giving us concerts whenever we sit down. She is enjoying playing with the band at church, and recently had a choir concert at school. She sure didn't get her talent from ME!
James is busy with his classes; he has three on-line and one on campus. He's working evenings at Cass Machine, and maintaining a social life, too. He was here on Thursday for Karen's celebration - I love that he comes to visit us at least once a week despite his busy schedule.
I just finished installing the new modem I had to order for our computer, so I can finally update this site and access email from home again. Of course, school keeps me busy, too. I'm just hoping we get our contract settled soon; we're well over 100 days without a contract.
It's time for me to get outside again and take care of leaves. Hunting season conveniently coincides with fall lawn clean-up! Oh well, I love being outside, and Jim and Lucy are working hard to put food on the table.
Enjoy the weekend.
Love,
Kathy
Wednesday, October 19, 2005 3:24 PM CDT Karen had another PET scan today. She also had an MRI and a CT scan last week. Hopefully, we'll have news late this week or early next week. She's also been in touch with her oncologist, trying to get things going with the pain clinic. She'd really like to have that intrathecal pump implanted to help her with pain control. So far this fall, she hasn't been taking classes at school and hasn't had the motivation to start her volunteer work. I am hoping that when she gets results from these latest tests, she'll feel more confident about starting some things.
Jim and our dog Lucy have been enjoying a full hunting season. Geese, ducks, pheasants - Lucy is happy to get them all and bring them right to Jim's hand. I need to tag along one of these times with a video camera.
I finished fall conferences last week. Working two thirteen hour days in a row is a challenge. It would be better if I didn't talk so much, but I can't seem to stop myself. I sure love my job, though!
Our biggest family news of late is that we are making wedding plans! Laura and her fiance, Rich, are getting married on December 16th. They are planning a small, intimate affair. It gives us something fun to look forward to. Karen, Elizabeth, James, and Rich's brother, Mike, are their attendants. Laura has purchased her dress, we've bought the bridesmaid's dresses, reserved the church and hall, ordered the flowers and cake, secured the photographer and the D.J., and will be taking care of invitations soon. What fun!
I appreciate your checking in with us. We still think back to Karen's open house and marvel at what a special day that was for her. Again, we are grateful for the family and friends with whom we are blessed.
Take care. Love,
Kathy
Tuesday, September 13, 2005 7:52 PM CDT hey all!
just updating to say that Dr.Perrra called with the results of my PET scan and we're still not sure what's going on. there is definetly a hot spot on the scan but it looks different than the tumor has in the past so the doctors aren't sure if it's encouraging or not. i'll have more scans done in 5 weeks to see how things are looking then.
not too much else going on. thanks for the continued love and support -
love,
karen
Wednesday, August 31, 2005 10:33 AM CDT
An update is long past due. First of all, thank you to all of you who made it to Karen's celebration earlier this month. It was great to see everyone, and Karen had a wonderful time. She didn't get out of bed the next day until 6pm!
The week following the party I had a district workshop. Then, Jim and I took time off for a little motorcycle trip with Tom and Lisa. We spent some time at their place near Danbury, Wisconsin, then took a trip up the north shore of Lake Superior. It was a fabulous get-away!
Now for the important news: Karen had scans last Tuesday and we met with her oncologist this week. Her scans show something in the tumor sight - something different than they've seen before. It looks like a bony mass. They aren't sure if it's residual tumor that has been ossified by the radiation, or if it's new growth.
In order to find out, she'll be having a PET scan next Thursday. This scan is just now being used for tumors. It measures the intake of glucose by the tumor cells - the higher the intake, the more likely it's growing. (Cancer cells use glucose.) So, pray for low levels of glucose intake!
Yesterday, Jim took Karen to the U of M West Bank to see a pain specialist. He talked to her about having a medicine dispenser implanted in her abdomen. A tube would deliver medicine directly to the tumor site continuously. She would have fewer side effects, and better pain management. She was excited about the possibility, so we will be persuing it.
I am in the thick of things with the new school year starting. We have new curriculum this year, and I still need time to plan. So, while Jim and Elizabeth hunt the early goose opener this weekend, I'll be getting some work done.
I hope everyone enjoys this holiday weekend - rest!
Again, thank you for coming to the celebration. We have a beautiful extended family for which we are SO grateful!
Love,
Kathy
Tuesday, August 9, 2005 9:00 AM CDT
I think we're still recovering from the weekend!
The Relay for Life on Friday night was a success - we couldn't have asked for more perfect weather! Elizabeth raised over $700.00 for the American Cancer Society; thank you to all of you who donated. A huge thanks to Whitney and Julie Plumedahl for organizing Karen's Kare Bears again this year and to Jacqui Thone and LuAnne Graber for heading up the Advent Butterfly Challenge. Karen was in attendance for the opening ceremonies at 7:00pm and stayed until 3:00am! She didn't get out of bed all day Saturday, but she says it was worth it.
The sad part is, she missed two beautiful weddings on Saturday. It was so good to see my family at Olivia and Marcus's wedding, and lots of friends at Josh and Trisha's celebration later that day.
Today, Karen is going down to the Masonic Day Hospital at the U of M. Her counts yesterday were a little low, so she's going to get a boost. Two units of red blood cells will perk her up for the upcoming weekend.
Thanks to all of you who came out for the Relay on Friday and to all of you who asked about Karen on Saturday. I look forward to seeing as many of you as can make it to Karen's celebration on Sunday. In case you haven't heard...
We are celebrating Karen's hard work and all the people who have been supportive of her over the last several years. Join us at our home this Sunday, August 14 at 3:00pm until whenever. We want to thank you for all you've done for us, so join the party! We'll have food, beverages, and lots of cool people for you to visit. Hope to see you on Sunday!
Love,
The Meads
Saturday, July 30, 2005 11:53 AM CDT Update: Monday, August 1st
Karen was supposed to see her oncologist today but cancelled her appointment. She has been feeling rough all weekend. Saturday, she couldn't keep food down, and has been working her way back VERY SLOWLY. As it is, her oncologist only wanted her to have labs drawn today anyway. So, we'll do that tomorrow in Champlin, and they'll fax results to the U of M. We won't know anything about maintenance chemo until she has scans done in 3-4 weeks.
In the meantime, we're getting ready for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life this Friday. A letter from Elizabeth (who will be crutch-walking this year) follows. I suggested that we decorate our wagon and pull Liz around the track in that, but so far she's not buying into the plan! We hope to see many of you at the event - it's pretty amazing.
A great big thank you goes out to Val Carlson for bringing us supper last week. Your chicken and cheese enchiladas were "muy delicioso!" Also, thank you to Julie Plumedahl for the visit and the beautiful roses you brought for Karen. Julie, her daughter, Whitney, and Jacqui Thone are the driving forces behind Karen's Relay teams, and we are so lucky to have them rallying for the cause.
Again, thanks for your interest and support. See you at the Relay!
XOXO Kathy
Elizabeth Mead
12067 West River Road
Champlin, MN 55316
“We are not human beings on a spiritual journey,
We are spiritual beings on a human journey.”
Dear Family and Friends,
Another year has gone by and Karen continues her long journey. As I write this letter, she is at the doctors getting radiation and chemotherapy. She has been doing this every weekday for the last 6 weeks. I am so proud of her. I pray that this is the cure for Karen and she will be on her way to a smooth recovery. My family and I love her so much and want her to be healthy. I know all of you wish for the same thing.
There is a way to help not only Karen but all the others who struggle with cancer. This Friday, August 5th, I am going to participate in the Relay for Life at Champlin Park High School. Teams of people are going to walk all night to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Thank-you for helping us last year, and if you would like to help again this year, you can mail me your pledge. During the walk, our path is lighted with luminaries. They are decorated with the names of people who have fought or are fighting cancer. If you want a luminary for Karen or someone else you know, please write his or her name on the memo line of your check. Make checks payable to the American Cancer Society. Send checks to the address at the top of the letter.
Then if you can, come join the fun! Our family will be there, and we would love to see you. The opening ceremony is at 7:00pm outside CPHS. We will light the luminaries at dark. Thank-you for supporting Karen and other people fighting cancer!
Love,
Elizabeth
Friday, July 29, 2005 9:11 AM CDT
HOORAY! TODAY IS KAREN'S LAST DAY OF TREATMENT!!!
She is looking forward to being finished, but she is also nervous about the "wait and see" period ahead. Laura is taking her to the U today, so I will prepare a little congratulations welcoming party for when they get home.
In addition to getting red blood cells last Friday, Karen had to get platelets twice this week so that she could continue treatment. It's obvious that her body (or at least her blood) is wearing down. Her radiation oncologist wants to see her in one month, and she has to see her regular oncologist on Monday. We still don't know if she will be receiving maintenance chemo or not. She shared with me that she would feel better doing that if her doctor decides that it is appropriate.
Thanks for checking in with us. Please visit again soon - we will have information about the Relay for Life taking place at Champlin Park High School on Friday, August 5th (Opening ceremonies at 7:00pm) as well as information about a celebration we're planning for Karen on Sunday, August 14th.
Lots of Love,
Kathy
Friday, July 22, 2005 2:09 PM CDT
Long time - no update. Sorry for the silence.
We are plugging along. I am in the biomedical library in the basement of one of the buildings at the U of M. Karen is upstairs getting a couple units of blood. Her hemoglobin is low, and she will be continuing treatment next week, so she needs a boost. She has had 24 treatments and will have received 29 by next Friday, then she'll be finished. There is some talk of her receiving some kind of "maintenance chemo," but we're not sure about that. We'll know more when we meet with her oncologist next week.
Other news: Elizabeth's knee surgery went well on Monday. Thank you to Jacqui for getting Karen to her treatment, so both Jim and I could be with Liz. Part of Liz's meniscus was removed, and part was repairable. Because they did do some repair, her recovery will actually be a bit longer. She has to avoid weight-bearing for six weeks. She was sad to hear this, but is doing a great job staying off of it. She also struggled with nausea for a few days after the surgery. A big thanks to Lisa for staying with her on Wednesday while I brought Karen to her treatment. It has been quite a week! With Laura teaching swim lessons and my parents being out of town, we've had to rely on others to help us get where we needed to be without Jim taking more time off work.
We appreciate your continued interest. Karen and I have both fallen down on the job of writing thank-you's, but everyone who has been there for our family in any way, shape, or form, has their names written on our hearts. I especially want to say thanks to my cousin Mary and her husband Bob for sending some fun money to Karen. I would love her to use it to hop on a plane and come visit you! But, another summer seems to be slipping away from us - that happens so easily when a portion of every day since I got out of school has been spent at the hospital. I at least have had a couple of days off. Karen hasn't had any.
We are looking forward to a quiet weekend, and we're counting down the days to next Friday. Take care, and thanks for checking up on us.
Love,
Kathy
Friday, July 8, 2005 10:15 AM CDT Karen is just finishing her third week of the chemo-assisted radiation. She is nauseated and VERY tired, but she's doing a great job eating and trying to get out a bit. She had to have a transfusion on Tuesday of this week to boost her hemoglobin. Now her plateletts are low. We'll see how they are on Monday. Her nurse yesterday told her that they may withhold treatment for a few days. Karen's response was that she would rather be given plateletts and keep going with treatment. She told her nurse, "This is my last shot - I want to give it every chance to work - I don't want to skip any treatments."
I am so proud of her fighting spirit.
We celebrated the fourth of July by going to Grandma Carole's and Grandpa Mike's on Saturday. Karen rode up to Mora on the motorcycle with Jim, floated in the lake with the kids, went for a pontoon boat ride, held her new cousin, Devin, A LOT, and stayed up for fireworks. However, as soon as those were over, she was more than ready to head home and crash! James and Sharon stayed for two more days and had a great time.
Wednesday after treatment, Karen and I had lunch at Sally's on the U of M campus. Then, she got a haircut!!! That was her first haircut in almost three years - she was pretty excited.
Last night, Jenni and Majken stopped in to visit. Although they had to wake Karen up, she really enjoyed seeing them.
Right now Karen is at the U of M getting her last treatment for the week. Jim took off work today and the next two Fridays so that he can take her and give me time to work on my Master's project. So, I guess that's what I better do!
Hope you all are enjoying the summer. Take care, and come visit anytime!
Love,
Kathy
Tuesday, June 28, 2005 3:50 PM CDT Sorry for the silence. We've been pretty busy since I updated last. Our nephew, Devin, had to stay in the hospital for almost a week after his birth. So, we got to have Missy and Eric's other three kids here a week ago Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It was great fun, but I'm happy to report that Devin went home on Thursday the 23rd, so the whole family is home together and doing well.
Jim and I left Friday for a long weekend motorcycle trip to celebrate our 23rd wedding anniversary. We rode with our friends Tom and Lisa and many of their other friends and neighbors. In all, ten bikes left Coon Rapids headed for Pipestone, Minnesota on Friday morning. Tom and Lisa had organized the ride and an entire weekend of activities. We each paid $25.00 to participate, and we each donated a prize to be auctioned. There were motorcycle races (to see who could drive the SLOWEST without putting his/her feet down), minnow races, a frozen T-shirt contest for the men, a pig roast, and karaoke. All proceeds went to the American Cancer Society.
It was FABULOUS! Thank you, Tom and Lisa. We rode back late last night between storms; even that was great!
I suppose you really checked in to hear about Karen Ann. She is in her second week of chemo and radiation therapy. She is nauseated, but doing a great job of eating often and staying well. Of course she is also tired, but she managed to get to her friend Whitney's open house on Sunday. We usually leave the house every weekday about 8:30am and are home by 12:30pm. She doesn't have treatments on Saturday or Sunday. She's scheduled for six weeks, but we'll see if she reaches the limits of how much radiation she can take before that time.
We also have news on Elizabeth's injured knee. I had her to the orthopedist today, and she is scheduled for surgery on July 18th. She tore her meniscus, so they will either repair or remove it depending on how things look when they get in there. She is bummed about missing the rest of her summer fastpitch season, but hopefully she'll recover quickly and may even be ready to play if the team decides to participate in the fall league.
I think that's all the big news. Thanks for checking in!
Love to each of you,
Kathy
Thursday, June 16, 2005 8:11 AM CDT BIG NEWS!
Friday, June 17 6:54 AM
Devin Eric, son of Missy and Eric is born! He weighs 8lbs. 7oz. and is 21 1/2 inches long. We can't wait to meet him. Welcome to the family, Little One.
Karen will be starting her chemo and radiation on Monday. She said yesterday, "I don't want to do this," but at least she gets a nice, long weekend to enjoy first.
We've had company lately! Thanks to Tracey, Luke, and Grace for visiting on Tuesday and to Denise, Drew, Nathan, and Christine for coming over yesterday. Tracey made Karen a gorgeous bracelet, and Denise and Christine brought good wishes AND generous donations from Champlin Park High School and Fred Moore Middle School. Thank you to Judy, a friend from JMS, for bringing us your scrumptous homemade cookies yesterday. Everyone who ate them agrees that you could quit your job at JMS and open your own bakery. (By the way, all but two cookies are gone - give me another five minutes!) We are no longer shocked by people's generosity; we realize that we live in a world where goodness and kindness prevail. However, knowing that doesn't prevent me from crying as I write this!
Even though we have stated several times that we have good insurance and a great support system, people still want to help. And, in all honesty, it does make things easier. Jackson Middle School, the Applen Family, Edina Realty, CPHS, FMMS, and our family members have helped Karen keep money in her savings account and have provided some extra spending money for her to shop and do fun things when she's up for it. They have helped us with Karen's annual health insurance deductibles, parking expenses, and time lost at work. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you... NOW STOP IT!!! You're killing us with kindness!
Tomorrow, we are looking forward to more company - Amy and Lisa, friends from Duluth and South Dakota, will be stopping in. Then on Saturday, my family will be coming for an early Father's Day celebration. Sunday should be fairly quiet. I wish all you dads a wonderful Father's Day; you deserve it!
As you continue to pray for Karen's healing, please include our friend Tim in your prayers as he undergoes surgery and recovery. Thank you.
Lastly, I had Elizabeth in for an MRI of her knee this morning. She had an x-ray yesterday, and that looked fine. Hopefully we'll know more later today.
Have a faboulous weekend! I hope you're spending it outdoors with people you love.
Kathy
Tuesday, June 14, 2005 7:59 AM CDT
SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER!!!
Karen, Laura, Elizabeth, and I had one of the laziest days ever yesterday. At various points throughout the day, each of us napped! What a treat.
We're still waiting for a phone call from the U of M. Karen had her simulation last week (they had to reconfigure everything because she's lost 10 pounds since her surgery). On Friday, she got her stitches taken out and had some blood work done. She'll probably start chemo and radiation therapy Thursday or Friday of this week.
A HUGE thank-you to the Plumedahls for the visit and the flowers, to Paul and Mary Lou for the beautiful flower arrangement and care package, to Roger and Diane for the card and fun money, and to LuAnn for the steady stream of get well wishes. Karen knows without a doubt that she is loved and thought about daily by so many. It means the world to all of us.
Sunday, we all made it to our niece / cousin Jenna's open house in St. Francis. What a perfect day! (The only one sandwiched among how many rainy ones?) Jim and I rode the motorcycle and the kids drove the van. I can picture Jenna at every stage of her life, and I can't believe time has flown so quickly. She is a fabulous young woman now!
We mentioned at Jenna's party that we'd like to have a celebration for Karen this summer and were thinking about July. However, in looking at Liz's softball schedule, August may work better for us. You can bet we'll get the word out, and anyone who hears about it is welcome.
Thanks for checking in. Have a great day.
Love,
Kathy
Tuesday, June 7, 2005 6:08 AM CDT
Looks like another typical day in Minnesota for weather! At least we had one day of pure sunshine yesterday.
Karen is heading down to the U of M today for a CT scan and a simulation of the radiation therapy. Then, she'll probably stop up at 5B for a visit if she has the energy. She is still VERY weak and is having nerve pain in both her legs . She didn't make it to her friend, Jenni's open house last Saturday or to commencement on Sunday. It was a depressing weekend for her since she should have been involved in graduation "stuff."
Her spirits were lifted by the company we had, though. Teri, Anthony, and Chad visited from South Dakota, and Craig and Rosie stopped in, too. Grandma Karen and Grandpa Ozzie came over with their puppy, Buttons, and that helped too.
Elizabeth had a softball tournament in South Saint Paul Saturday and Sunday. She injured a tendon (we think) in her knee during the last game on Sunday. Consequently, she won't be playing in tonight's game in Becker.
I am enjoying my last week of school - HELP! I am a grading fiend this week, and before I know it, it will all be over!
Enjoy your week, and we'll let you know when chemo and radiation will start.
XOXO Kathy
Friday, June 3, 2005 2:33 PM CDT Karen is coming home today! HOORAY!
Yesterday, doctors stitched the drain tube site that was leaking spinal fluid. By the afternoon, the leaking had stopped. She was still flat on her back all day and last night. Today, she was able to have the head of her bed up, then she could sit up, and finally, she could stand and walk (all of these for the first time since last Saturday!).
Thank you for the cards, visits, and good wishes - this was a long haul for Karen, but so many of you helped her through it.
We'll update when we know more about her upcoming chemo-assisted radiation therapy.
ENJOY THE WEEKEND - I KNOW WE WILL!
XOXOXOXO Kathy
Wednesday, June 1, 2005 5:51 PM CDT
Karen's drain was removed this morning. Unfortunately, the wound from the drain started leaking spinal fluid this afternoon. Consequently, she is still on flat bedrest, and if the leaking doesn't stop by tomorrow, another drain may have to be inserted.
This isn't going at all how we had hoped! Karen was tearful when the current leak was discovered, but she seems to be doing better now. Laura stayed with her last night, James is staying with her tonight, and Grandma Karen is with her during the day. I have exhausted my sick days at school for this year, so I really appreciate their help.
Monday, Karen's day was brightened with a visit from her friends, Jenni and Jenna. Then Jim, James, Laura, and Elizabeth brought supper in the evening, and we had a picnic in Karen's room. As I have said so many times, we are fortunate to have such wonderful people in our lives, even the ones to whom we're related!
I am heading to the hospital right now for a visit. Jim just left to watch Elizabeth's softball game. Life goes on!
Again, thanks for checking up on Karen. We'll keep you posted.
Love,
Kathy
Sunday, May 29, 2005 9:15 AM CDT
Karen had a drainage tube placed in her back last evening. The procedure was less painful than the myelogram earlier in the day. However, having the drain stitched in place without any numbing wasn't fun. I was able to be with her throughout it, but we were both glad to be back upstairs when it was over.
Now, she is on flat bedrest for three to four days. Hopefully, by then, the drain will have removed enough spinal fluid from the area to relieve the pressure and allow the leak to heal itself.
Karen is sad about having to stay here for that much longer - we had planned on having a long weekend home with our family. Oh well, you just have to roll with the punches. Jim hasn't been feeling well, so he's stayed away. I hope he is better today and can visit us and bring a few things we need.
I am going in search of coffee. I don't think there will be much news while Karen is on bedrest; I'll update when we start talking about going home!
Thanks for the continued support.
Love,
Kathy
Saturday, May 28, 2005 2:46 PM CDT Saturday, May 28 3:10PM
The spine surgeon just called up to the floor. Karen DOES have a spinal fluid leak. The plan is to go in and place a drain to relieve the pressure and allow the dural tear to heal. This will be done in radiology; they'll call us when they have it scheduled.
Earlier today:
Karen had her myelogram (I even spelled it right this time!) this morning. The radiologist didn't see a definite spinal fluid leak during the procedure. It was a VERY uncomfortable procedure for Karen, but they let me stay with her to hold her hand and give her tissues.
The spine surgeon on call hasn't stopped by to tell us anything yet, so Karen is just resting with a pressure bandage on her back.
Thanks to Pam Sayler for the visit and the cookies yesterday. Thanks to Deb for Karen's beautiful bracelette; she hasn't taken it off except to have the CT done. Julie Blaha stopped up today with flowers for Karen and then had lunch with me in the cafeteria - it gets pretty lonely around here, so I really appreciated that. After she left, Mom and Dad showed up. They brought balloons, so Karen's room is looking much cheerier. We appreciate the cards from Kasey and Stu and LuAnne Graber, too. What would we do without all the fabulous people in our lives?
I hope everyone is enjoying this holiday weekend. I am hoping we will be home before it's over.
Love to all of you,
Kathy
Friday, May 27, 2005 12:27 AM CDT Friday, May 27 8:15PM
I don't want to hear any complaints that I'm not updating often enough!! Karen's nurse just told us that the mylegram is scheduled for 9:00AM tomorrow. So, it's off to McDonald's I go - Karen has to be NPO after 9:00PM!
Friday, May 27 8:00PM
Karen was taken down to pre-op about an hour ago. Dr. Perra's associate looked at the incision and told us what he would do at this point if Karen were his patient: he would get a CT mylegram to determine if it is a spinal fluid leak. If it isn't, he wants her to be flat on her back with a pressure bandage on the incision until it stops leaking. This sounds like a safer bet to us than opening her up again. There doesn't appear to be any infection, and the wound is healing well (except where it's leaking, that is!), so why introduce more possibility of infection? Right now, they are trying to get the mylegram scheduled for tonight. This means no food yet for Karen! If the news is good, though, we'll celebrate by feeding her whatever she wants. We'll get the word out when we know something.
There is still drainage from Karen's incision. We had thought to wait until tomorrow to see if it would stop, but obviously it isn't going to. So, one of Dr. Perra's associates will work it into his schedule today to open the incision, clean things out, do a culture, and try to determine why it is draining. Then, he will close the wound using the dissolving stitches as usual on the inside and then use stitches on the exterior side too instead of the usual steri-strips. Karen will be under general anesthesia, of course, and the procedure will take approximately one hour. They've scheduled her for 5:00pm, so she will probably head down to pre-op around 4:00.
Karen is sick of the whole thing. In her words, "This sucks." I guess she's entitled to those feelings once in awhile. I know she just wants to get home.
Laura came to the hospital last night and stayed overnight while I went to Liz's softball game and got some things done at home. She and Karen had McDonald's for supper and watched two videos together. It was a good night.
Let's hope all goes well tonight, and Karen is able to come home soon! Thank-you, in advance, for sending good thoughts her way.
XOXO Kathy
Thursday, May 26, 2005 10:18 AM CDT
Karen saw one of Dr. Perra's associates this morning. Her drainage had slowed somewhat but still hadn't stopped completely. He then went to assist Dr. Perra in surgery and told us Dr. Perra would stop up afterward. They decided not to let Karen eat or drink anything in case they needed to do some diagnostics.
Dr. Perra came up after surgery and presented us with some options. We decided to follow the "wait and see" plan. If, by Saturday, the leaking hasn't stopped, then we'll think about opening the incision, taking a culture, and closing her up again with stitches in addition to the glue they usually use. Of course, if she becomes symptomatic before that time, the plan will change. I am very hopeful that it will heal fine on its own though.
In the meantime, she was given the go-ahead to eat. I ran down to the cafeteria and got her some goodies. She is eating right now, feeling good, and plans on going for a walk today. She is off the IV pain meds completely and taking oral meds as needed.
Thanks to Grandma Karen and Grandpa Ozzie for visiting yesterday while I ran to school and did a few things. Karen had a nice visit with Jacqui while I was gone, too. Today, her former nurse, Deb, is stopping by with her world-famous brownies. Thank goodness Karen got the thumbs up for eating, otherwise I would have had to eat them all myself!
Thanks for the phone calls, cards, and good wishes. We'll be out of here before we know it!
Love to you all,
Kathy
Wednesday, May 25, 2005 9:46 AM CDT Karen had a wonderful day yesterday! We had a great visit with Pastor Tim. Later, I brought Karen outside in a wheelchair, we sat in the picnic area, and she took a short stroll along the path. Then, we came inside and picked out a bouquet of flowers for her room. When we got back she remarked, "This is insane! I can't believe I feel this good!"
Later, James, Laura and Rich came to visit. As Karen got up to eat some supper, we noticed that her entire bed was soaked. She has had a lot of drainage from her incision ever since. It appears that it is spinal fluid, but she shows no other symptoms associated with a leak. She doesn't have severe headache or anything; she still feels great.
So, we are changing her dressings and bedding often and waiting to see what happens. In the meantime, she continues to receive less and less IV pain medication and is tolerating that just fine. We had a busy night last night, so she is napping right now.
We will probably see Dr. Perra later today. I will update when we know what the plan is.
Keep those prayers coming! We love you!
Tuesday, May 24, 2005 11:00 AM CDT Happy Tuesday! I used that greeting for my own benefit; it feels like the weekend. Last evening Karen was sending her IV pumps into hysterics every time she bent her left arm, and her hand was getting pretty puffy. I talked with her nurse, and he called the IV team. They accessed her portacath without any trouble, so her arms are free now! She slept soundly through the night - hardly moved a muscle. Then, at about 4:00am, she said she needed to sit up. Next, she decided to sit in a chair. Finally, she needed to eat a lemon ice. BOOM! She had turned a corner in the recovery process.
She ate breakfast sitting in the chair, too, and will be getting a regular diet for lunch instead of full liquids. Her nurse, Deb, who is no longer a floor nurse here, stopped in for a visit a little bit ago. Karen loved chatting with her.
I am going in search of food - I'm hungry as Karen seems to be. The plan is for Karen to continue working off the IV narcotics and stay here until about Thursday or Friday. Then, she'll head over to the U of M so they can rework their plans for radiation once she's healed sufficiently from the surgery.
As always, thank you for your concern and prayers. You are powerful - you've helped pull Karen through each and every time.
God's blessings,
Kathy and the rest of the Meads
Monday, May 23, 2005 6:27 PM CDT Karen is luxuriating in her room on H7000 - the new spine wing in Abbott-Northwestern's Heart Hospital. She is in H7002.
The pain specialist stopped by this evening, and the plan is to start weaning Karen off the IV antibiotics tomorrow.
Right now she is a bit loopy - I think the drugs are catching up with her. We are cutting back somewhat on them tonight, lowering the dose one milligram every three hours.
She did stand next to her bed again today and took some steps, so things are moving along. James and Laura are coming down for a visit and to watch 24 with Karen and me (we'll record it for Karen since she may not remember much of it later on). Stop by and see this beautiful facility. Hopefully this will be your last opportunity to visit Karen here!
Kathy
Sunday, May 22, 2005 6:41 PM CDT
Karen is staying in the ICU again tonight; the doctor who visited her today didn't write a transfer order. It's just fine to put off the move until tomorrow; she's resting comfortably, and things are quiet on the unit. She sat on the edge of the bed today and stood up while we changed her bedding. She also had clear liquids for supper tonight - nothing like a little green jello to lift the spirits! She is still on the maximum dose of IV pain meds she can be, but the pain specialist will be in tomorrow and will share a plan for weaning her I'm sure.
Thanks to Craig and Rosie for visiting today. What a pleasant diversion. By the way, I quizzed Karen this evening, and she did remember the visit! Jim is here now. He brought some items I required as well as a big bowl of his homemade vegetable beef soup. What a prince! We strolled over to the heart hospital and saw the new spine wing - WOW - it's gorgeous! Hopefully Dr. Perra will visit early tomorrow and get us transferred before a whole new batch of surgical patients take all the rooms!
We'll let you know where we'll be once we're settled tomorrow.
XOXO
Kathy
Saturday, May 21, 2005 1:18 PM CDT
We just visited with Karen's surgeon (our hero), Dr. Perra. She is in recovery and doing well. In addition to the usual tumor debulking, he used an ultrasonic spray and suction device to elimate cancer cells in hard-to-reach places. He said he was able to reach every "nook and cranny" as well as areas along her nerves. He also placed five markers on the dura of her nerve sac to help the radiologist know what areas to avoid when Karen starts radiation in a couple of weeks.
She lost about nine units of blood during the surgery, and they've replaced six. She'll spend tonight in the ICU and then move to the new wing of the hospital tomorrow. While one of Karen's favorite nurses has taken a new position, we hope that several others made the move to the new unit - we've come to expect the high level of quality care they provide!
Laura is home getting ready for prom and is needing some emotional support, so Mom left here a few minutes ago to help her out. Laura and Rich are having pictures taken by our friend, Lorrie, and then heading to dinner at Bennihana(NO CLUE HOW TO SPELL THAT!) before the dance.
Elizabeth is here at the hospital with us. There are advantages to having surgery on the weekend. This is the first time Liz has been able to be here, and we practically have the place to ourselves.
When we have Karen's room and phone number tomorrow, we'll update. Thank you for your prayers today and for checking up on us.
Love,
Kathy
Tuesday, May 17, 2005 7:43 PM CDT Thursday, May 19
Updated Update:
Karen is having surgery Saturday morning! She'll be at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital. Her surgeon will once again be removing as much of the tumor as possible, then Karen will have follow-up radiation and the radiation-enhancing chemo starting about one and a half weeks after surgery. This will be done at the U of M.
Please take a minute to send a prayer her way on Saturday. We'll update when she gets out of surgery.
Tuesday, May 17:
We met with Karen's radiologist at the U of M today. Both Loma Linda Medical University and Boston rejected Karen as a candidate for proton beam radiation. Their reasoning was that they weren't sure they could cure her, and didn't want to take the risk of damaging her nerves or spinal cord. However, we are to the point that we need to take risks.
Fortunately, there is a plan B. The U of M is one of 20 facilities in the U.S. who does Tomotherapy. This is a photon beam radiation that is CT-guided. While the beam will pass through all tissue in its path rather than stopping at a predetermined depth as is the case with proton beams, it is extremely accurate.
The tentative plan is for Karen to have surgery next Thursday, May 26th. Then about a week and a half later, she will start six weeks of radiation (Monday through Friday). We also discussed the use of Topotecan, a chemotherapy that assists radiation. She would have a dose of the chemo each day before receiving radiation therapy. There is also a radioactive liquid, Sumarium, that targets areas where bone is being made. This could be used as additional treatment. Finally, doctors are looking at something that could be done during surgery that may involve heat ablation therapy directly to the tumor site. All of these come with the risk of nerve and spinal cord damage, but we are confident that Karen's doctors will do everything possible to avoid that.
Karen is nervous about the up-coming treatments, but relieved that there is a tentative plan in place. I think we always feel better when we are doing something rather than playing the wait-and-see game.
As always, we appreciate your continued support. Pray that this works to cure Karen!
Love,
Kathy
Wednesday, May 11, 2005 5:43 PM CDT
We didn't meet with Karen's surgeon yesterday - there was no reason to since we're still waiting to hear back from Boston. We'll update as soon as we know something!
Thursday, May 5, 2005 7:02 PM CDT
Well, it's O.C. night at the Mead's. I don't care much about the show, but I love having all the kids here. Laura and her boyfriend, Rich, bought all the fixins for Reuben sandwiches. James had to work until 6:00 but came right afterward.
Here's the latest on Karen:
The doctors at the University of Massachusetts also turned Karen down as a candidate for proton beam radiation. Jim and I needed a clearer picture as far as reasons why and what risks are involved. Jim contacted the radiologist at Mayo who had first suggested the treatment, and she called her colleague at Boston. They are now taking another look at Karen's case.
In the meantime, we have a meeting with Karen's surgeon and her oncologist and the tumor specialist from the U of M next Tuesday. We'll let you know what comes of that.
Karen had a great time at the Lennox get-together last Saturday; we all enjoyed seeing everyone. Afterward, Karen's goddaughter Sarah spent the night with her godmom. Sunday we had brunch at Grandma Karen and Grandpa Oze's, but Karen wasn't up for two days of being out and about, so she stayed home. However, today her guidance counselor from CPHS, Tracey, came over with her two kids and they all had lunch together. She liked the company so much that Karen told us she wants to find something to do that will give her a reason to get out of bed each morning. She'd like to do something that has people contact. A good plan!
hey it's karen taking over now... i just wanted to say hi to everyone and say thanks for all the messages and all the prayers. it was great to see everyone at the lennox gathering. i love you all and am thinking of you all.
love,
all the meads
Thursday, April 21, 2005 9:32 AM CDT
Karen received a call from her surgeon yesterday.
The doctor at Loma Linda Medical University decided that he will not do proton beam radiation on Karen due to the amount of radiation she had in the past.
Doctors at the U of M and at Mayo still feel that the dose she received back in 2001 was relatively low, and proton beam radiation is a good option for her. So, her surgeon is now checking with the doctor in Boston to see what s/he thinks.
Her latest MRI shows that her tumor is the size of a golf ball. Her pain is increasing, but not to the point that surgery is necessary immediately.
We are praying for guidance - the right answer for Karen's situation is out there - we just have to find it.
Thanks for checking in; we'll update again soon.
Kathy
Tuesday, April 12, 2005 8:53 AM CDT
Loma Linda Medical Center called yesterday. They requested more of Karen's records to determine if the proton beam radiation is definitely the way to go. Cross your fingers...
We'll update as soon as we know something for certain. In the meantime, give Karen a call; she's pretty bored, lonely, and a bit down-in-the-dumps. Thanks for caring!
XOXO Kathy
Thursday, March 31, 2005 5:22 PM CST hey guys and gals!
yesterday afternoon i had an appointment with my surgeon, Dr.Perra, and we decided to have my upcoming surgery at Abbott Northwestern like i have all my others. the only advantage to doing it at Mayo would've been for their tumor specialist to actually be able to see my tumor when it was still in my back. i don't think that would change my diagnosis or that he would be able to tell Dr.Perra (he was going to do the surgery no matter where i had it) something different to do during surgery. so i just want to have it here because i know the nurses and it's not a long drive for my family and friends to come and see me.
now that i've updated you on that stuff, i'll tell you what else is going on in the mead family. James is moving from his two room apartment that he shares with Jeremy into a single room apartment in the same complex. he's moving tonight after work. Laura has another job at the maple grove community center in addition to her lifeguarding. she is now supervising the maze there too. so now shae can take me out to lunch more with all that extra $ she'll be earning! he he. Liz is busy with fastpitch softball as she made the 9th grade team. yay Liz! she's actually on her way to a catchers clinic as i write this. Mom and Dad are starting to get out on the motorcycle with the relatively nice weather we've been having and they have fun with that. usually Gows go out with them. our adorable puppy Lucy is keeping busy with fetching and of course staying on squirrel patrol. i got to hang out with my best buddy Jason over the weekend which was really nice. thanks for the flowers hunnie! not much else is new with me.
my goddaughter Sarah Elizabeth broke her collarbone last week so if you could say some extra prayers for her that'd be really nice. i'll update again when i find out when surgery is or if something else comes up.
much love always,
karen annie
Tuesday, March 15, 2005 5:24 PM CST Check out the new pics in the photo album. I finally got my film developed from Christmas!
We just walked in the door from the Mayo Clinic. Karen had her myelogram this morning (we were at St. Mary's Hospital by 6:00am), and then we went to the Mayo Building to consult with the orthopedic spine specialists and pediatric oncologist. Karen's diagnosis remains the same - low grade osteosarcoma. The bone scan she had awhile back confirms that it has not spread to any other areas.
The doctors at Mayo didn't receive the CT films today. After the spine surgeon talked with the radiologist, he let us know the tentative plan and then we headed home. Chemotherapy was ruled out - much to Karen's relief. However, it does appear that there is residual tumor putting pressure on her nerves and eroding the donor bone in her spine. It looks like Karen will be having surgery again and then will have proton radiation once she heals sufficiently.
The surgeon wants to see the CT, consult with the neurosurgeon, radiation specialist, and the surgeon who's done Karen's previous surgeries, and then he will get back to us with the final plan. He wants us to consider where we would like to go for the proton radiation. There are two sites in the U.S. from which to choose: one is in Boston, Massachusetts and the other is in Loma Linda, California. Not sure how we're going to swing that yet, but we'll figure things out.
A huge thank you to Tom and Jean for your wonderful hospitality Monday night and this morning. You made us feel so relaxed and comfortable in your home.
As we know more details about this next step in Karen's journey, we'll update.
God bless all of you who continue to support her.
Kathy
Saturday, March 5, 2005 8:07 AM CST
Karen promised me she would update her website this last week, but it never got done. Sorry for the silence.
Her appointments at Mayo last week went well. She saw a pediatric oncologist, an orthopedic spine specialist, a bone tumor specialist, and a radiation specialist. She had a chest CT and a bone scan - both look clear.
She has another appointment on March 15th and will be having a myelogram to determine if things other than the tumor are causing the pain she's having. Basically, the test involves a CT scan with enhancement injected into the spinal fluid (a spinal tap). Then, we're hoping that all of the specialists will have come up with a plan of action that they will share with us. A big thank-you to Tom and Jean Pool for offering lodging for us while we're in Rochester; we are happy to take you up on your offer!
In the meantime, Karen has been sticking pretty close to home. After walking around Mayo that first day, she was SO sore! Jim encourages her to use a wheelchair, but she doesn't like to. She continues to sleep a lot, but that's her way of dealing with things right now. She does want to get to Kohl's today and do a little shopping. That will be good for her.
This last week was a busy one. Midquarter grades were due at school by Wednesday, and I had parent-teacher conferences on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:15 to 8:30. It makes for a couple of long days, but I really enjoy talking with students and parents. Wednesday, I attended conferences at Laura's school, then went straight to church for lenten worship followed by discussion time with my mentee. I ate McDonald's for supper while sitting in the car wash!
Elizabeth completed her 30-hour famine to raise money for world hunger last weekend. Jim and I joined the kids on Saturday night when they worshipped and broke their fast. It was a cool experience for her; she said she learned a lot.
Jim took a much-needed day off work on Thursday to drive down to Pipestone with our friend, Tom, and then fly back with him. They took the two dogs with them and, even though it was a quick trip, had a nice day.
Laura and her boyfriend, Rich, took Missy and Eric's kids to the community center again yesterday. Then, they came here for a late supper. Those kids are such fun! Dalton had lost another tooth at school and was pretty excited about showing that off. Elizabeth went along when they brought the kids home to Cambridge and she stayed overnight at their house. She's got homework and laundry to do today, so I hope she gets back at a decent time.
Well, I guess I better talk about James since I gave the scoop on everyone else! He comes over on Thursdays for "O.C. Night." He has supper with us, sometimes brings his laundry and does that, and we all watch O.C. together. This last Thursday, he ordered pizza for the girls since Jim and I weren't home. He also came to show off his new camera cell phone he bought with his birthday money. His lease is up on his apartment the end of this month, so he's been looking around for a new place to live. He finally decided that he's going to stay in the same complex, just get a one-bedroom apartment and live without a roommate for awhile. I can't believe he's 21 and independent. Seems like yesterday...
Okay, I'm all talked out. I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend. Thanks for continuing to check in with us. God bless you all!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX Kathy
Monday, February 21, 2005 3:07 PM CST hey all! mom's been updating this for a long time so i figured i should give it a shot. not too much happening around here.... we were dog-sitting lucy's brother charlie for some friends and he went home yesterday so lucy's pretty sad today. my guidance counselor tracey landberg is coming to visit on wednesday and i'm excited about that. for some reason i had it through my head that she was coming today and so mom and liz and i got all ready and when it got past the time she and i had talked about mom called her at home. that's when i remembered she wasn't coming today!! so yeah, i feel like a bonehead but i'm blaming it on the drugs!!
i have an appointment at Mayo Clinic on the 28th so we'll see what we find out then. of course we'll let you all know what's up. not too much else to write - thanks to everyone who continues to leave messages in the guestbook and send cards - knowing you think of me makes me feel so loved. mom or i will update soon!
much love,
karen annie
Saturday, February 12, 2005 7:41 AM CST
Karen, Jim, and I saw Karen's surgeon yesterday afternoon. The tumor is growing back and is about the same size it was when she had her follow-up MRI after completing chemo last time. So, we're thinking we have about 5 weeks to get another plan in place before she has surgery again.
We are waiting to hear back from the tumor specialist at the U of M who has looked at Karen's case since the beginning. Dr. Perra is also contacting a colleague at Mayo Clinic to have a pair of "fresh eyes" look at Karen's case and possibly recommend a treatment that is still in clinical trials or even pre-trial. We were reassured yesterday by the fact that Karen's case is on a national list. Over 40 spine specialists across the country have consulted on possible treatment plans for her. The same is true with consultation from tumor specialists.
Karen wasn't surprised to hear that the tumor was coming back - she already knew because of the level of pain she's been experiencing. However, it is still an emotional blow to have your suspicions confirmed. Dr. Perra is so wonderful. There hasn't been a time we've met with him that he hasn't teared up a bit himself. Laura is struggling, too.
Plans were in the works for us to take a Make-A-Wish trip to Mexico next month. I called our coordinator right after the appointment to cancel. Even if Karen isn't having surgery by that time, I doubt that she'll be feeling up for traveling. We talked about other things she may be wishing for, but she'd like to stay with the vacation idea. We just have to wait for a time that she'll be able to enjoy it fully.
Elizabeth left for the Wisconsin Dells yesterday to attend Youth Quake, a Christian youth gathering, with a group from church. She called last night to see how the appointment went. I was pretty vague; I want her to enjoy the weekend.
Today we will be celebrating Jim's mom's birthday. Everybody's coming over this afternoon and we'll be having a spaghetti dinner early this evening. It will be a good pick-me-up.
While this isn't the greatest news, we are still extremely hopeful that a solution will be found. I think we are all weary, but God is good. He will continue to guide and support us.
As usual, Karen and I have been remiss in our thank-you writing. I want to thank so many of you for all you've done. If I miss anyone, I apologize. Thanks to The Eric Applen Family, Arika Mareck, Jacqui Thone, the Plumedahls, Cindy Palm, Val Carlson, the JMS staff, Grace Jelle, Pastor Tim, LuAnne Graber, and our fabulous family members. Without the generous, kind-hearted people in our lives, we would not only be weary; we would be insane! Thanks for sticking with us on this journey.
I hope everyone enjoys this gorgeous weekend. We are praying for each of you, as I know you are for us.
Kathy
Friday, February 4, 2005 3:23 PM CST
Long time - no update. Par for the course.
Karen had an MRI last Monday, and we're meeting with the surgeon for a follow-up visit next Friday. Hopefully things will be looking good. We faxed info about some trials at Mayo clinic to her surgeon to see if the method they are trying for tumor removal would benefit Karen. Keep your fingers crossed; news about cancer cures is always promising.
Karen is getting a little bit more active, but she gets very sore. She cleaned her bedroom closet and was done-in for two days afterward! However, she spent Wednesday night up at her Aunt Missy and Uncle Eric's place in Cambridge and, other than being tired, seems to have survived just fine.
A big thank-you goes out to Karen's friends who have been stopping in to visit; it makes a noticible difference in her mood. Thanks, too, to those of you who initiated voting Karen as "Most Trustworthy" for the CPHS yearbook. That was sweet.
The rest of us are plugging along. Jim is out of town this weekend, so maybe I'll get some things done around the house. I would also like to get to the movie theatre with my daughters. There are so many movies out that we'd like to see. And, of course, with weather like this, we have to get outside!
Enjoy the fabulous heat wave!
XOXO Kathy
Saturday, January 15, 2005 10:52 AM CST
This last week has gone well for Karen. She is taking fewer oral pain meds, and her incision is healing nicely.
She's a little down in the dumps because she knows this is not the end of her journey. Her surgeon told us that it isn't a matter of "if" she'll need surgery again but "when". He is in close contact with the tumor specialist at the U of M, however, so he'll have more tools in his toolbox next time he goes in. They are looking into cryotherapy (freezing the cells), laser therapy (cooking the cells), and some other possible treatments that may stop the tumor from coming back.
We'll be scheduling an MRI in the next week or two and going in for a follow-up visit after that. In the meantime, we appreciate information people have shared with us about possible treatment plans. We're open to trying just about anything that may help Karen!
Thank you for your continued support. We have a big, loving family that includes but extends well beyond our blood relatives. We count our blessings every day.
Love,
Kathy
Saturday, January 8, 2005 7:37 PM CST WE'RE HOME! WE'RE HOME!! WE'RE HOME!!!
We left the hospital around 5:30 tonight. Jim is at the pharmacy right now getting a couple of prescriptions filled, and I just finished eating supper. Karen, of course, is snoozing in her very own comfy bed.
Thanks to all of you for your wonderful messages in Karen's guestbook, and thank you to those of you who sent cards or were able to visit us in the hospital. It makes things so much easier when you know you have other people thinking of you and praying for you. Thanks, too, to the fabulous Jackson Middle School staff who dropped goodies off at the house while I was staying at the hospital with Karen. Jim, Laura, and Elizabeth really appreciated it.
I will update soon with plans for Karen's continued recovery.
I LOVE YOU!
Kathy
Friday, January 7, 2005 11:24 AM CST Yesterday and today have brought great improvement! Karen is on half the IV meds that she was on Wednesday. Although she is a bit more uncomfortable, she isn't trying to eat her MP3 player anymore, and we are enjoying intelligent, coherent conversations again.
Also, some of the tubes are being taken out: her central line is gone from her neck and she's got her portacath accessed, and her foley catheter was removed a little over an hour ago. She's up and walking around the nurses' station a few times a day, too. Yipee!
She switched rooms AGAIN! A private room came available yesterday, so we took it. She's in 3472.
When her surgeon saw her today, he talked about her going home as early as tomorrow if things continue progressing. Cross your fingers!
XOXO Kathy
Wednesday, January 5, 2005 2:19 PM CST What a day!!! Karen's pain is under control, but the meds are making her wacky!
Repeatedly, I have had to:
Stop her from disconnecting her IV
Explain that yes, we are in her hospital room
Explain that no, it's not Monday anymore
Replace her oxymeter that she keeps pulling off her finger
Take her oxygen tube out of her mouth and put it back in her nose, and
Inform her that she cannot take a bite out of her MP3 player because it's NOT a candy bar.
YIKES!
On the other hand, she has sat on the edge of her bed, stood, and taken a few steps twice today. Tomorrow, we will cut back on the IV pain meds, and start working toward getting her back on her duragesic pain patches.
We slept more last night than the night before, and hopefully tonight will be even better. We keep switching things around, though. Karen is now in room 3478 bed 2. She will still have a roommate, but will enjoy the window side of the room.
Keep the prayers coming - she's working hard to get home by Friday or Saturday! I'll update soon.
Love,
Kathy
Tuesday, January 4, 2005 12:52 AM CST Latest update (01/04 6:45pm): Karen switched rooms - she's now in 3478 bed 1. Also, her pain is better under control and she's doing fine.
Karen's surgery went well yesterday - about 5 hours long. Part of the tumor looked exactly as expected; part of it was three times the size it showed on the MRI 5 weeks earlier. Dr. Perra removed all of the tumor he could see, replaced the rods, added bone to the area, and secured some of the screws. He sent Karen the old appliances that he removed. Jim and I have decided to have a sculpture erected using all of the old hardware from Karen's back!
She is doing fairly well today. We are finally getting her pain under control. Yesterday was a challenge - she didn't rest at all from the time she was in recovery until about 10:30 last night. She just wasn't getting enough pain medication. Because she is always on a narcotic pain med, it is difficult to manage her pain post-operatively. Right now, she dozing in her room.
She says this is the hard part. Then, when her pain is manageable, she will become more mobile, and things will get better and better. Today, physical therapy plans on having her sit on the edge of the bed. Tomorrow, she will probably stand. We're hoping she'll get to go home around Friday or Saturday.
That's all the news for now! Thanks for checking in!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO Kathy
P.S. I just read Karen's guestbook entries. Now, I'm sitting in the medical library blubbering in front of this computer! Thank-you all for your powerful messages - we feel your strength and support every step of the way.
Sunday, January 2, 2005 8:02 PM CST Happy 2005!
Tomorrow is a big day for Karen - we have to be at Abbott-Northwestern by 6:00am. The surgery will not be as extensive as last time, so we're hoping it won't take overly long. Her surgeon will be removing the tumor, implanting some more bone to promote healing, and possibly installing a drain tube so she won't have troubles with spinal fluid leakage like she did last time.
I'll update with hospital info and a report on the surgery tomorrow.
Keep her in your prayers,
Kathy
Thursday, December 23, 2004 7:18 AM CST Karen's surgeon called yesterday. Her tumor is back, but appears to be the same cell type as before - no changes. She will have surgery to remove it again on Monday, January 3rd. What a way to start the new year!
I think we are all resigned to the fact that this will be an on-going process. At least she will not be having any more chemo or radiation. She'll have hair again!
Jim and I are looking into alternative treatments, but for right now, it's just the surgery. We feel so fortunate to have the surgeon we do - he is a hero.
So, let's just enjoy the holidays and enjoy spending time together. We already had a wonderful Christmas with Jim's side of our family last Sunday. We also enjoyed Advent's Christmas concert that day with Grandma Karen, Grandpa Ozzie, Great-Grandma Phyllis, James, Karen Ann, and Laura all there to hear Elizabeth sing.
Count your blessings as we are counting ours, and let's continue to pray for each other and all those in need of God's healing.
Love,
Kathy
Thursday, December 16, 2004 6:56 PM CST Karen had a needle biopsy today to check out something "suspicious" that her surgeon had spotted on her MRI. The biopsy went well and she and I went out for lunch at Olive Garden afterward. She's been napping ever since.
Karen believes that her tumor is back, but we'll know for certain as early as Monday. If it is, surgery is in her future, but I don't know what else as she's had all the radiation and chemo they want her to have.
I will update as soon as we know something. Thanks to all of you for your continued support. We sure didn't think it would be such a long haul.
Love,
Kathy
P.S. Karen's driver's test did not go well, but she is going to try again!
Friday, December 10, 2004 5:35 PM CST A big week is coming up for Karen. She has her driver's test on Monday and her needle biopsy on Thursday. Please remember her in your prayers, as you always do.
Love,
Kathy
Friday, December 3, 2004 9:14 AM CST I'm not sure how many people are still checking Karen's site since I haven't updated for a long time, but here's the latest news:
Karen is meeting with her spine surgeon today to come up with a plan for stablizing her back. He talked about grafting some of her bone (possibly from her hip) into the spine to encourage growth now that she is finished with chemo. We are hoping to take a family vacation during spring break, so we'll see if she'll have surgery before that or after. We'll let you know.
We had some very sad news this week. One of Karen's friends from 5B passed away: Amy Marek. Amy was a vibrant, beautiful nineteen-year-old who was always busy, always smiling, always bringing encouragement and hope to others. She lost her battle with bone cancer on Tuesday. Karen took it pretty hard. We aren't attending her funeral today, but we are thinking of a way for us to celebrate her life.
Thanks for checking up on us! We appreciate it. God bless you.
Kathy
Thursday, November 4, 2004 12:56 AM CST Karen celebrated her eighteenth birthday in the hospital last Wednesday. Tuesday night her nurse, Holly, decorated Karen's room with curling ribbon and wrote her a beautiful "Happy Birthday" message on the white board. On the big day, Jenna Stinski, Pete Schmidt, Majken Carlson, and other friends came with signs, posters, and gifts. THANK-YOU! Of course Jim and I visited, and so did Grandma Karen, Grandpa Ozzie, and Great Aunt Illa who had just flown in from Washington state. Karen received flowers, cards, and gifts at home, too.
Karen's Aunt Terrie came down from Cass Lake on Friday and stayed with us for the weekend. We had all of Jim's side of the family over for an October birthday celebration on Saturday (since there are six who were born in October!). It was such a good time, and Karen was able to be part of it.
Then, the Plumedahls invited her over for dinner on Tuesday. She said it was great to hang out with her "other family" again. We are so lucky to have fabulous family and friends.
Speaking of which, I was treated to lunch, a massage, and a manicure by my friends at Jackson Middle School during MEA. I was working at school on Thursday when they surprised me with the news that I had appointments at The Marsh, a spa in Minnetonka. Karen was supposed to get the manicure, but she wasn't feeling up to it that day, so I got the full treatment! What a pleasure. THANKS, GIRLFRIENDS!!!
Today, Karen had counts checked. Her counts aren't great, but she decided not to get a transfusion. Hopefully, she can bounce back on her own.
NO MORE CHEMO!!! YEAH!
We'll keep you posted as Karen has scans or other news to share. Thanks for your continued support. We love you!
Kathy and Crew
Monday, October 25, 2004 3:31 PM CDT Karen is back in for her final round of chemo. She's fighting a bit of a cold, but that's not holding her back. It's almost over! Keep your fingers crossed that this is the cure we've been hoping for.
XOXO
Kathy
Wednesday, October 20, 2004 3:27 PM CDT Wow! What a long silence! I haven't updated this site since October 6th. Things have been crazy busy - I had midquarter reports to process the week of October 4th, then I had conferences last week and this week. Sorry for not keeping people informed.
Karen came home from round five on Friday, October 8th. She was on IV fluids for three days and then went in to the day hospital to receive two units of blood on Friday, the 15th. She managed to make it to church last Sunday and to a movie with Laura and me late that afternoon.
Jim has been pheasant hunting in Pipestone since Friday. He'll be getting home this afternoon.
Laura is swimming with the high school varsity and doing fabulously! Last night she placed first in three events and third in one. The team was tied with Anoka going into the last relay and needed to place first to win. They did it! I was at conferences, but I could hear the cheering from the pool area. It was so difficult not being there.
Elizabeth has a "sleep out" with church tonight. The youth are experiencing homelessness by sleeping in boxes in the church parking lot. Then, tomorrow morning, we are driving them to the homeless shelter to serve breakfast. I have to go buy her a box!
The plan for this MEA weekend is to REST and RELAX. Karen goes in again on Monday, the 25th. She'll be getting chemo on her eighteenth birthday Wednesday. How sad. But, it's the last time!
Thanks for checking in!
Love,
Kathy
Wednesday, October 6, 2004 4:16 PM CDT Karen was admitted for round five on Monday. I haven't seen her since Sunday night! I'm heading down to the hospital right now. Sounds like it's just more of the same - sleep, sleep, eat, then sleep some more. Can't wait until this is over. Please keep praying for her.
XOXO
Kathy
Friday, October 1, 2004 9:08 AM CDT A VERY quick update:
Karen will not be going in for chemo today. She is going in on Monday. Her cold is still bugging her, but she's doing everything she can to get rid of it. I am hoping she and I can do something fun together this weekend.
Take care, and thanks for checking in!
Love, Kathy
Tuesday, September 28, 2004 6:54 AM CDT Karen has been battling a cold since about Thursday or Friday. Yesterday, she went in to clinic and was supposed to be admitted for chemo, but they decided to delay her chemo until Friday. She's eating, sleeping, and drinking lots of fluids. Hopefully, she'll be good to go by the end of the week.
Kathy
Monday, September 20, 2004 9:48 PM CDT When Karen had her labs done last Thursday, her hemoglobin was 7.9 (normal is between 12-15). By the time Grandma Karen took her to the day hospital for a transfusion early Friday morning, it was 6.6. Karen got two units of red blood cells and five units of platelets. Then, she came home and took a nap.
Friday evening her friend Jason called and asked her to go to the Champlin Park football game. I woke her up, and it certainly sounded like she wouldn't be going. The next thing I knew, she was coming down the stairs, getting ready to go!
Late Saturday morning, Laura, Karen and I headed to Danbury, Wisconsin to stay with my friend, Lisa. We had a lovely, lazy weekend. Elizabeth had a good weekend, too. She got a duck!
Now, it's back to the usual routine for us. However, Karen did have a visit from Arika and her nephew, Evan, today. She loved seeing them.
The plan is for her to go back in for round #5 next Monday. In the meantime, have a great week!
Love ya!
Kathy
Friday, September 17, 2004 7:14 AM CDT Karen is on her way to the day hospital to receive a transfusion. Her counts dropped rather quickly this time, so she's been doing nothing but sleeping since she came home from the hospital on Sunday. Hopefully this will perk her up a bit.
Elizabeth and Jim are getting ready for the youth waterfoul hunt this weekend. Jim, Liz, and Lucy (our dog) will be flying down to Pipestone with Tom, Matthew, and Charlie Brown (Lucy's brother). Elizabeth did some trap shooting yesterday with Grandpa Ozzie and is ready to go! The other girls and I are planning to go to Tom and Lisa's place in Wisconsin with Lisa for a mini girl's vacation provided Karen is up for it.
I hope everyone else has a great weekend, too! Stop in for a visit next week, if you have a moment.
XOXO
Kathy
Sunday, September 12, 2004 10:53 PM CDT Karen is home! She decided to stay in the hospital last night to make sure her stomach was going to be okay. She came home this afternoon and is eating and doing well. We'll hook her up to IV fluids overnight for four nights to help keep her hydrated.
Thank you to LuAnn Graber for the Care Bear you sent Karen. She doesn't have one, and she just loves it! She and Laura have a date tomorrow to watch the video that came with it! You are awesome.
I forgot to thank Karen's website pal for the Barnes and Noble giftcard that was sent along with the picture frame. Perfect! Karen reads everything she can get her hands on.
Our Rally Sunday church service was terrific this morning. The youth conducted the whole thing and Elizabeth got to sing "Karen's Song" which she had written for her sister. She sang it during a slide show of the Relay for Life. We are blessed with a caring, passionate congregation.
Back to school tomorrow! Jim is working evenings now so he can be here for Karen during the day. Hopefully this week will go better for her than the last week following chemo.
Karen hasn't read her guestbook much just recently, so I'll have to print a few pages for her again. Thanks for the messages, though. They do brighten her day!
Stop in for a visit soon.
Love,
Kathy
Thursday, September 9, 2004 10:23 PM CDT Karen's scans look good and the chemo is going well. She seems to be awake more this round than she usually is. Grandma Karen was with her most of the day and into the evening. Of course, she brought Karen some tabloids to read! Chemo will be done Saturday morning. Because Karen ended up back in the hospital last time, there was talk of keeping her longer or sending her home on IV fluids. We would prefer that she come home on fluids. We'll see what the doctors say.
A big thank you to Auntie Terrie for having flowers sent to the house each week - they are lovely. Also, thank you to LuAnn Graber for sending Karen encouraging cards and for the yet-unopened box that came in the mail today. Everyone is so thoughtful. It means a lot to know that Karen is being thought of and wished well.
I'll let you know when she comes home.
XOXO
Kathy
Wednesday, September 8, 2004 1:18 PM CDT Karen went into the hospital yesterday. She had her MRI and CT scans and was admitted after that. Her chemo started around 11:30 last night. I haven't talked to her today, but I'll be heading down there right after school. Thanks for keeping the prayers coming!
Love,
Kathy
P.S. Thank you to Karen's website friend who sent her the beautiful picture frame. You are sunshine!
Tuesday, August 31, 2004 12:10 AM CDT Hi everyone!
Karen isn't feeling so hot today, so she is resting. She will probably go in for a blood transfusion tomorrow. I just wanted to say hello, so "hello." I hope that those who helped me for the Relay For Life got thier thank-you, thank-you, thank-you notes. Well I am going to go clean my messy room :( hehe!
Peace and God Bless!
Elizabeth
Wednesday, August 25, 2004 6:53 AM CDT Wednesday, August 25,2004 6:00PM
KAREN WAS ABLE TO COME HOME! WE ARRIVED HOME AT ABOUT 5:00PM. SHE'S DOING BETTER - SHE KEPT BREAKFAST AND LUNCH DOWN TODAY. I'M WAKING HER UP SOON TO MAKE SURE SHE EATS A GOOD SUPPER AND GETS HER MEDS ON TIME.
Just a quick update...
Karen ended up back in the hospital yesterday. Her nausea kept getting worse until she couldn't keep food down yesterday afternoon and early evening. We brought her back to 5B around 6:30pm. She's getting IV fluids and antinausea meds. By 10:00pm she said for the first time that day, she wasn't feeling like she had to throw up.
Hopefully, this will help her recover the ground she lost and allow her to come home later today. I'll keep you posted.
XOXO Kathy
Monday, August 23, 2004 6:44 AM CDT Karen came home from the hospital around noon yesterday. Guess what she's been doing ever since? You got it - SLEEPING. Actually, she's doing well. We're keeping her on the antinausea meds, so that makes her tired. The night before she was discharged, she was given one unit of blood because her hemoglobin was low. That should help her when her counts start to drop this week. Her toe is looking much better, but she still has to take antibiotics for 14 days. All in all, things are going as expected. She's going back in on September 7th (our district's first day of school) for scans and her fourth round of chemo.
Elizabeth came home on Saturday from a week up in Cass Lake with Auntie Terrie. She and her friend, Martina, had a great time. Yesterday, Jim drove her to Amery, Wisconsin, to our church camp, Camp Wapo. She'll be coming home again on Friday.
Laura has been lifeguarding at the Maple Grove Community Center and will likely teach swim lessons there this fall. She's already been school shopping, but the rest of us will just be going to school naked this year. No time for shopping!
I start workshop at school on Monday, August 30th and we have Open House on Wednesday, September 1st. They've been doing so much work on the building that I haven't been able to get into my classroom. I think I'll be putting in some long hours next week!
Hope everyone enjoys these last few days of summer. As usual, it's flown by!
Take care,
Kathy
Saturday, August 21, 2004 9:04 AM CDT Karen is doing well - sleeping, waking up to eat, then sleeping again. She should be able to come home around noon on Sunday.
She is scheduled to go back in on September 7th. Before starting chemo, she'll have an MRI and CT scan to check how things are looking.
We have many people who have given Karen support this hospital stay:
Thank you to Grandma Karen and Grandpa Ozzie for balloons, magazines, and visits. Thanks to Grandma Carole and Grandpa Mike for driving the two hours to see Karen and for bringing cookies and chocolate (the cookies are gone, still working on the chocolate!). Thanks to Jacqui for watching Karen sleep and dropping off pictures from the Relay. Thank you to Whitney and Charlene for coming and bringing pictures, too. She loves seeing people under the age of 40 sometimes! Thanks to Teri and Anthony for the "Friends" care package. And thank you to LuAnn and Grandma Phyllis for your many, many uplifting cards that have come at least every week for many months. Finally, thanks to everyone for your messages in Karen's guestbook. The road Karen travels is so long, but your care and attention make it bearable. We are blessed.
Enjoy the weekend. We'll let you know when Karen is home.
Love,
Kathy
Wednesday, August 18, 2004 12:14 AM CDT KAREN HAS A NEW ROOM AND SHE'S STARTING CHEMO TODAY!!!
Karen was sharing a room with a very sweet 15-year-old girl, but they were directly across from the nursing station which is a very busy place. Because Karen likes to sleep through as much of her chemo as possible, they moved her to a private room down the hall. She's now in 5-239.
Her 6-hour flush was started this morning, so she'll get chemo later this afternoon. If everything goes well, she should be able to come home Sunday late afternoon or evening.
Thanks for your response to the pictures - I only hope they aren't taking too long to load!
Have a great day,
Kathy
Monday, August 16, 2004 7:23 AM CDT UPDATE: Monday, August 16 6:00PM
Karen came in to get chemo today. During her admit exam, I told the doctor her toe was hurting since last night. He looked at it and saw that it was somewhat inflamed (she has an ingrown toenail). Because there is a risk of infection, and the chemo causes her counts to drop, she has to have two days of antibiotics. Then they'll reassess on Wednesday, and hopefully start chemo then. BUMMER! This means she'll be in the hospital over the weekend. She shed a few tears but seems to be doing better now.
Any and all visitors are welcome to help her pass the time until chemo!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
I finally did it! I figured out (with Elizabeth's help) how to resize photos so I could upload them onto Karen's site! Check out her photo album to see pictures from the Relay for Life.
I promised to update last week, but time got away from me. Sorry. As I said, the Relay was super! Our friends, Teri and Anthony from South Dakota surprised us by showing up with their son, Chad, Mary (Anthony's sister), and her kids. How awesome! We also had Grandma Carole and Grandpa Mike, Grandma Karen and Grandpa Ozzie, Mark, Lisa, Brianna and Tyler, Tom and Lisa, Jim and Mary Jo, Christine and Hanna, Ruth, Sharon and April, and Jennifer and Emily. Thanks for the support!
Karen walked the Survivors' Lap with her friend, Jenna (see photo!) and she walked the Team Lap. That was more exercise than she's had in the last three months! She stayed at the relay visiting friends and family until 9pm then went home to rest. She came back at 11:30 and stayed until almost 3am!
Elizabeth's boyfriend, Tyler, was kind enough to enter the "Mr. Relay" contest for the Advent Butterfly Challenge. He had to dress up as a female and collect donations in his purse. He collected $80! Not bad. There was karaoke, theme laps, and food. Everyone had a great time until we got rained out at 4am. We went home wet but satisfied that we had contributed to a good cause in Karen's honor.
Speaking of Karen ... she needs to head to the hospital today for Round Three. I woke up at 5am this morning and couldn't get back to sleep for thinking about what is being done to her poor body. Keep praying that this chemo works and please come visit soon.
XOXO Kathy
Saturday, August 7, 2004 10:50 AM CDT The Relay for Life was a tremendous success (despite getting a tad wet around 4:00am)! Thank you to Karen's Kare Bears and the Advent Butterfly Challenge for a job well done. Thanks, too, to all the friends and family who showed up to support Karen. As she said as we left the Relay at 2:40am, "I'll be SO sore tomorrow ... but it was SO worth it!"
I'll update the journal early next week with details. Enjoy the weekend!
XOXO Kathy
Friday, August 6, 2004 8:58 AM CDT T.G.I.F.
Tonight is the big night... the Relay for Life! Thanks to all of you who have sent Elizabeth such generous donations. It should be a very successful event.
Karen's counts are low - she ended up having to go to the day hospital for a transfusion yesterday. Hopefully that will help energize her for tonight. Thank-you to the Kaumas for bringing us supper last night - your timing was perfect since Karen and I spent 6 hours at the hospital and Jim is working 11 hour shifts. It was awesome to come home and not have to prepare anything!
We're looking forward to seeing any of you who can make it over to the high school this evening at 7:00pm for the Opening Ceremony and at 9:00pm for the Lighting of the Luminaries. Look for Karen's Kare Bears in blue and purple tie-dye t-shirts and The Advent Butterfly Challenge in orange and gray spray painted t-shirts. It should be fun!
Elizabeth has written and recorded a song for Karen with the help of J.C., our youth director at church. She hopes to have it played sometime during the relay tonight.
Love to everyone who reads this site,
Kathy
Saturday, July 31, 2004 1:28 PM CDT Karen's home! She came home late yesterday afternoon. Now, she's just resting up, hoping to make an appearance at Tony Maresh's welcome home party tomorrow afternoon. Also, she's planning on being at the Relay for Life on Friday. Give a call or come visit this week!
XOXO Kathy
Thursday, July 29, 2004 10:00 AM CDT THANK-YOU! THANK-YOU! THANK-YOU! to Arika, Sharon Bray, and Julie for coming to visit Karen yesterday. She ended up having a pretty emotional / teary evening, but I think it was good for her. She hasn't done that in a long time. Even after I got home last night, she called, crying, just sick of the whole ordeal. She didn't want me to come back down, so I called the nurse's station and had one of her favorite nurses (she has so many) go down and talk with her. I'm almost relieved when she stops being so stoic and just lets her emotions come out.
Thanks to all of you who are keeping her in your thoughts and prayers. I have another workshop this next week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, so if anyone would like to stop in and visit Karen, that would be great. With all of the support she has, I know she'll get through this!
Enjoy the blessing of this beautiful day,
Kathy
Wednesday, July 28, 2004 8:07 AM CDT Well, Karen is back in the hospital this week for round two. So far, she's doing well - a bit nauseous but that's par for the course. I haven't been spending nights there this time, so I'm better rested.
Elizabeth is spending a couple of days with her cousins, Brianna and Tyler, and Laura is in Wyoming this week, so things are pretty quiet at our house.
We're gearing up for Champlin's Relay for Life to help support the American Cancer Society on Friday, August 6th. Whitney and Julie Plumedahl are heading up Karen's Kare Bears and Elizabeth will be walking with the group from Advent lead by Jacqui Thone. This year, Karen won't be in the hospital (provided she stays healthy), so we should be able to be a bigger part of it. Last year, she was allowed to leave the hospital for only one hour so she could attend. Thanks to those of you who have sent donations and/or purchased luminarias for loved ones. If you'd like to be a part of the fun, the opening ceremonies are at 7pm at Champlin Park High School and the lighting of the luminarias is at 9pm.
I'm headed to the dentist this morning (fun! fun!) and then down to the hospital. Hope you all have a good week. Karen should be coming home on Friday evening. Stop in for a visit!
XOXO Kathy
Wednesday, July 21, 2004 6:02 PM CDT Yesterday, Karen's hair really started falling out, so she had Elizabeth and Laura take the clippers to her head. Her curls are gone.
She's pretty weak and tired; we'll see what her counts are tomorrow. Then, she's scheduled to go in again for chemo on Monday.
We did make it to Amy Spor's wedding in Duluth this last weekend. Karen went to the ceremony and the dinner but not the dance. Laura stayed back at the hotel with her. I'm so glad she was able to attend!
Hope everyone is enjoying the lovely warm weather. We'll be in touch.
Love,
Kathy
Saturday, July 10, 2004 8:02 PM CDT WE'RE HOME! One down, five to go.
Karen tolerated the chemo well - she slept through it, as usual! And, she's STILL sleeping. This is good; her motto when she had chemo before was, "If I'm sleeping, I'm not throwing up."
She will go in to the clinic on Thursday to check her counts and get a blood transfusion, if necessary. Then, it's on to Amy Spors wedding in Duluth.
Karen's next scheduled admit is on July 27th. We'll be in touch.
XOXO Kathy
Thursday, July 8, 2004 12:04 AM CDT Summer's back! Mom just got here, so maybe she and I will take a walk and enjoy the sunshine.
Karen is doing well. She's had some nausea, but the meds are helping with that. She's eating and keeping it down!
The way this chemo works is she gets two different medicines, back to back. Each takes one hour to run. She does this every day for five days, and then she gets to go home for two weeks. She'll continue this 21-day cycle for a total of six times.
Now the fun stuff! I forgot to tell about Karen's arrival at the hospital on Tuesday. When we got here a little after 9:00am, Grandma Karen and Grandpa Ozzie had already been here and gone. Karen had balloons all over her room: butterflies, Care Bears, and sunshine balloons. Her favorite tabloids were spread across her over-the-bed table, and the room was well-stocked with all her favorite snacks. What a fabulous welcome!
Then, later in the day, Karen had some visitors. Three brothers from Alaska are bicycling from Anchorage to Orlando, Florida to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. They are aged 18, 19, and 20 (and cute, too!) We got their web site address and home address, so we'll be sending a donation. Their goal is to raise $500,000! The 19-year-old (Charles) had Lymphoma at age 12 and took advantage of the program. He had promised Christopher and Curtis a trip to Disney World but changed his mind at the last minute and opted for a shopping spree instead. The story is, he's taking them to Disney World now to make it up to them, but they have to bike all the way there!!!
Today, Karen also had a visit from Amy, another teen undergoing treatment here. She was in for some scans and stopped in to chat. Later, we're expecting Jacqui, too, so it's a busy day. Naturally, Karen will sleep through most of it! Oh well, I appreciate the company.
Also, Elizabeth informed me we received a box of goodies from the Spors family - THANK-YOU! We'll see you next week for Amy's wedding. We're planning on having Karen transfused on Thursday, if necessary, so we'll head to Duluth on Friday!
XOXO Kathy
Tuesday, July 6, 2004 7:31 PM CDT Well, we're settling in here on 5B at Fairview-University Children's Hospital. Coming back is bittersweet: it is good to see the wonderful staff again, but the reason we're here stinks.
Karen has a whopper headache right now, probably caused from lack of sleep. She and Laura were awake until about 4:00am. Karen was nervous about her chemo, and she and Laura had a good talk and shed some tears together.
After having a CT scan and an MRI today, Karen finally got her flush started around 1:00 in the afternoon. She will be starting her chemo anytime now. We're hoping the nausea won't be too bad, but we'll see. I think she's planning on doing her usual: sleep through as much of it as possible! I'm camping out in her room, catching up on my reading. She should be finished with the meds and ready to go home by Sunday or Monday.
Thanks for keeping Karen in your prayers.
Kathy
Tuesday, June 29, 2004 5:48 PM CDT Happy Summer! Finally.
Karen saw her oncologist yesterday. She will be starting chemo next Tuesday, July 6th, at the U of M. She'll be getting two meds at the same time that will take about six days to run. Then, she'll have three weeks off. She'll be going through six rounds (so, six months) of this. The side effects include nausea, a big drop in all blood counts, and hair loss. It's certainly not fun to look forward to, but Karen is hanging in there.
She's hoping to feel well enough to attend our friend Amy's wedding on July 17th. We're going dress shopping this week.
Other big plans include Fourth of July at Jim's mom's place. We haven't really planned out the rest of the summer. Just have to see how things go.
A big thank you to Karen's secret pal who has sent her a "Friends" mug and mouse pad and, more recently, a "Survivor" bandana and Wooly Willy game. How perfect and what fun! It's been a super pick-me-up for her.
Thanks, too, to the friends and family who have continued to call and visit. I know this is a long haul, and I appreciate your continued support.
Happy Independence Day! I'll update from the hospital.
Kathy
Wednesday, June 23, 2004 7:51 AM CDT Once again, it's been a long time between updates! Sorry for the silence.
Karen is doing very well. She saw the surgeon on Friday, the 11th. Everything looks stable and just as they hoped it would. He wants to see her again in about 6 weeks, but he gave the go ahead for Karen to start chemo.
We spoke to one of her oncology nurse practitioners last week, and they should be calling sometime this week to set up an appointment. They are wanting additional pathology on Karen's tumor before setting up her chemo.
In the meantime, Karen has replaced her oral pain meds with a duragesic patch. This way, medicine is delivered through her skin thereby avoiding nausea caused by oral meds. It's working! Karen isn't vomiting anymore and is doing a great job eating healthy foods. Her primary complaint is leg pain caused by irritation to her nerves, so she started on a new medication to help with that, too. We're hoping that eventually she won't need the patches anymore.
She is continuing her homebound classes with her teacher on Monday and Thursday afternoons, and she's getting out and about with friends a little more. She isn't looking forward to chemo, and yet, in some ways, she wants to get started and get it over with. Understandable.
So, things are plugging along here! I hope everyone is enjoying summer. Please stop in for a visit, if you get a chance. I am scheduled to be at a workshop all next week and I'm sure Karen would love some company.
XOXO Kathy
Thursday, June 3, 2004 7:11 PM CDT It's been too long since I last updated the journal. Sorry for the silence. When I'm at home, instead of doing schoolwork, I'm taking on projects that really should be saved until school is out. Then, when I'm at school, I have to work like a mad woman to stay on top of things.
Karen is still struggling some with nausea, pain, and fatigue. However, she is trying really hard to eat healthy foods on a regular schedule, and she is going for walks every day. (A challenge when the weather was so rotten!)
She's also been a little down-in-the-dumps, so the visitors she's had have really perked things up for her. Thanks to Majken, Jenna, Jenni, and Bunky for stopping by a couple weeks ago and to Whitney for popping in last Saturday. To Jacqui, Julie, Val Carlson and Kathy Schroeder: you ladies are AWESOME! And, of course, the Spors family came all the way from Big Stone City, SD for the day last Sunday. Where would we be without our friends?
Speaking of friends...thank you to the staff at Jackson Middle School for the gift certificates to practically every eating establishment in Champlin and for the homemade meals you've sent us.
As Karen said, "People amaze me over and over again."
Karen meets with her surgeon next Friday for a check-up. After that, we'll be getting together with her oncologist. We'll share news as soon as we have some.
Until then, XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO.
Kathy
Sunday, May 23, 2004 7:39 AM CDT Karen is happy to be home and continues to recover. However, she is sleeping a TON and eats barely enough to keep a small bird alive. We're working on both of these things.
Thank you to everyone who has sent cards and flowers. They are a wonderful bright spot for Karen. If anyone has a few minutes to stop by for a visit, give us a call. I think Karen's getting tired of seeing only our boring faces day in and day out!
Today, Karen watched the videotape of Elizabeth's choir concert in which Liz had a solo part. Liz did such a beautiful job; that made Karen smile! Also, last Thursday, we watched the videotape of the special good-bye episode and the last episode of "Friends" together. We were laughing so hard at Joey's "moo point" and at his appearance on the Pyramid game show, that I was crying and Karen was begging me to stop because it hurt her so much to laugh. In the end, it was worth it - laughter IS good medicine.
Thanks, too, to those of you who have sent suppers for our family. I guess word's out regarding my aversion to cooking! It is fabulous to come home and not have to worry about preparing a meal. Lucky, lucky, lucky us to have friends looking after us.
Enjoy this wet weekend! Please pray for continued healing and the return of strength for Karen as she looks forward to the next step in her treatment.
Love,
Kathy
Tuesday, May 18, 2004 3:16 PM CDT Sorry for the delay in updates. Karen's condition continued to improve throughout the weekend and she got to come home yesterday afternoon! No further surgery was necessary. What a relief! We are juggling schedules so that Karen has someone here with her - getting around is still a challenge for her. Elizabeth slept with her last night and helped her out with whatever she needed. Consequently, Liz didn't feel well this morning and didn't make it to school! I think she was just overly tired. Grandma Karen was with her all day today. Not sure what the rest of the week looks like; we'll take things a day at a time. We're just happy to be out of the hospital.
Now, it's just a matter of giving Karen time to heal from the surgery. We haven't met with her oncologist yet, so we don't know what her chemo schedule will look like. I promise to update as soon as I know anything.
AGAIN - THANK-YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS FOR YOUR MESSAGES, CARDS, FLOWERS AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT!
Love, All the Meads
Friday, May 14, 2004 8:38 PM CDT Karen is still exhibiting symptoms of having pressure on her nerves, but she's not getting any worse. Her surgeon stopped by this evening and she and he decided that they are going to take things one day at a time. If she remains stable and eventually improves, she won't have to have any further surgery right now. If she doesn't improve or if things go downhill, Dr. Perra will get her into surgery immediately to repair any tears in the dura of her nerve sack.
It was good to see Mark and Lisa and Karen's guidance counselor, Traci, tonight. Karen's probably getting sick of my face! She had short visits and is resting now. Hopefully, she'll get a good night's sleep.
Enjoy your week-end and we'll let you know if anything changes.
Kathy
Thursday, May 13, 2004 11:28 AM CDT A bit of a setback today...
Karen started having troubles during the night that indicated a spinal fluid leak was putting pressure on her nerves. An MRI at 5:00am confirmed it. She is now in Radiology having a drainage tube implanted in her back to drain the fluid and relieve the pressure. This is a fairly quick procedure that requires only light sedation. She should be back in her room in no time. She may have to be flat on her back for awhile afterward to allow the leak to heal.
She was very anxious to come home, so she's understandably saddened by this turn of events. However, she knows that it's best to have discovered this now and to get it taken care of rather than having to come back in later.
Keep Karen in your prayers, please. She's being so brave about all of this.
Love,
Kathy
Thursday, 6:30pm
Although they tried for about two hours this morning to place the drain tube in Karen's back, they were unable to do so. It was too difficult to work around the hardware and bone in order to get to the area. Instead, they did a needle aspiration to remove the fluid. Now, we'll see if the problem is resolved or if it recurs. We'll probably know something by tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 12, 2004 6:20 PM CDT I am back at the hospital! Jim stayed with Karen the last two nights, and "second moms" Julie Plumedahl and Jacqui Thone were with Karen today.
Karen is off the IV pain meds, has been fitted for a new back brace, and has been up and down a few stairs with PT. She's working hard at being able to come home. She had an MRI today to check for further spinal fluid leaking, but that looked the same as it did after surgery. She is still having headaches though, so now she is receiving a blood transfusion - her hemoglobin was pretty low. She also developed a urinary tract infection and is on antibiotics for that.
Tomorrow she will have final adjustments made to her new brace and, provided everything else looks good, she should be able to come home.
Thanks again for checking up on her!
XOXO Kathy
Tuesday, May 11, 2004 6:53 AM CDT
Karen continues to improve. Yesterday she was working on getting up for short periods of time, but her head was pounding so badly that she had to lie back down right away. She kept at it though, and last night she went for a short walk! She is one strong and determined woman. If she continues to progress, she will be fitted for a new back brace today.
They are slowly decreasing the dosage on her IV pain meds, working toward putting her back on oral medication. She moved quickly from eating ice chips and drinking sips of water to being put on a regular diet. Although she is taking in very little, she seems to enjoy having something with flavor after five days of nothing.
I am at school today. Jim stayed with Karen last night and will be with her all day. I'll head down there again to spend the night after Elizabeth's choir concert.
I just got off the phone with Jim, and Karen had a great night! She walked all around the nurse's station. Caffeine seems to be the solution to her headaches. Grandma Karen picked up some frappacino for her yesterday, and today she's going to try some iced tea.
Again, we appreciate your prayers and messages. We'll probably have her back home within a couple of days if she continues improving like she is!
Kathy
Sunday, May 9, 2004 1:30 PM CDT Happy Mother's Day!
My Mother's Day presents include the wonderful gift of Karen's continued improvement. She was up earlier today and sat in a chair for awhile. Her headaches seem to be getting better, so she can be up for longer periods of time. Her digestive system is still pretty sleepy, though. She is on a clear liquid diet but seems to prefer water and ice chips to apple juice and popsicles. Whatever works!
Jim and the other kids will be coming down to visit this afternoon. I think I'll step outside for a bit and check out the weather. It would have been a great day for running in the Race for the Cure. That's a goal of mine and Karen's for next year.
Hope everyone is enjoying a day of company and rest. Love to all of you.
XOXO Kathy
Saturday, May 8, 2004 3:11 PM CDT Well, Karen has moved again! A private room became available on Station 34, so we took it. She is now in 3472 and her phone number is 612-863-2891.
She is still on high doses of pain medication, but she had them reduce the amount of Valium she gets every two hours. Today she sat on the edge of her bed but was too light-headed to stand. Maybe later...
The doctors say she is making good progress. I think she would like things to move along more quickly, but we have to be patient. One day at a time.
If you'd like to visit, please give a call and we'll let you know if Karen is up for it. LOVE TO ALL OF YOU!!!
The Mead Clan
Friday, May 7, 2004 7:26 PM CDT Karen made it out of ICU this afternoon! She is now on Station 34, an orthopaedic care unit. Before leaving ICU, she had her second incision drainage tube removed, another IV taken out, and was also taken off the heart monitor. Now she only has two IV's and her oxygen. It's always good to see the number of tubes being reduced - a return to normalcy.
She also decided that she wanted to stand at the side of her bed for a short time! She got a bit light-headed, but she did it. I can't believe how determined she is. I think she's turned the corner and is on her way to recovery.
Laura stayed with her this evening so I could come home for awhile. Jim and I had a bite to eat at Ruby Tuesday's, and I'm going to shower and head on back to the hospital to stay overnight. I can't believe it's Friday already. We have no clue how long she will be in the hospital; it all depends on how she's doing.
Her new room info and phone number are updated. If you're thinking about visiting, please call first. We want to make sure it's a good time for Karen.
Enjoy the week-end! Happy Mother's Day!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
The Meads
Thursday, May 6, 2004 10:23 AM CDT Today's the big day...
the final episode of "Friends" will be aired! We have promised to tape the show for Karen. She had said before that she was sure she would cry when she watched the last one.
Karen is still on pretty hefty pain medication and also Ativan, which makes her sleepy. She has to continue to lie flat on her back with occasional turning to her side. Her temperature and her heartrate are up, but that is to be expected after such a big surgery. She did have one of her IV's and the drain tube from her back incision removed: PROGRESS! Dr. Perra, her surgeon, didn't mention during his visit this morning that she would be leaving ICU anytime soon. We need to be patient and give her all the time she needs to start healing.
Mom is here with me today, and Jim, Laura, and Elizabeth will probably visit after school. Mom and I were saying how wonderful it is to read the messages in the Guest Book -thanks, again, for that communication. It's easy to feel isolated here, and reading those helps us feel less alone. I need to make a considerable donation to CaringBridge!
As I watch the two-hour "Friends" tonight, I'll be thinking of all the fabulous friends we have. Real life outshines any TV series ever made!
God Bless You, Friend.
Kathy
Wednesday, May 5, 2004 7:16 PM CDT Karen was able to get off the ventilator at 2:30 this afternoon. She was displaying some of her usual sense of humor when they were explaining how long she had to wait until they would remove the breathing tube. She couldn't talk, but she was snapping her fingers as if to say,"Hurry it up!"
She is pretty uncomfortable, but she has a wonderful nurse who is working hard to help her manage her pain. So far, she has turned on her side a few times for brief periods. Otherwise, her doctor wants her flat on her back. She is also (weakly)coughing quite a bit, trying to get over having that tube down her throat for so many hours.
I am planning on staying in a room at the Waise Center tonight. They have rooms available right here at the hospital for families of patients. Karen says she will be taking an ativan at 11:00pm and then sleeping, so she wants me to do the same. At least if she needs me, I will only be a few minutes away.
Thanks to all of you who have left such wonderful messages for Karen and our family. She hasn't read them yet, but I've shed a few tears while reading them.
We're not sure when Karen will get out of ICU. We'll update again tomorrow.
XOXO Kathy
Wednesday, May 5, 2004 11:37 AM CDT Hello Everyone!
This is Elizabeth here... Karen is going to wake up soon. We are going to try and get her off her breathing machine in a little while. Mom, Dad and I are the only ones here at the time and we will let you know when Karen is ready for visitors. Untill then, thank-you so much for your prayers and cards and love, that's just what she needs! I am going to go back up to the room now, Thatnk-you again so much!
Peace and God Bless!
The Mead family
Tuesday, May 4, 2004 11:31 AM CDT Karen Ann went into surgery at 7:40 this morning. Her embolization went well yesterday; they blocked off three blood vessels leading to the tumor.
She was a bit nervous going in this morning, but Grandma Karen, Grandpa Ozzie, Uncle Mark, Dad and Mom were here to give her support. All reports say things are going well. They will be talking with us after completing the first half of the surgery (where they are entering from the back). Then they will go in on Karen's left side to finish all that they have to do. A big job!
Keep your prayers coming!
Love,
Kathy
Tuesday, May 4, 2004 9:45pm
Karen is finally out of surgery. Her surgeon showed us her x-rays - she has more hardware in her than a True Value store. This should stabilize her spine.
They removed as much of the tumor as possible. They had to leave a little bit behind; there was too much scar tissue on the dura of her nerve sac for them to get it all without doing damage. She'll spend tonight and possibly tomorrow night in the ICU. She received 9 units of blood along with clotting factor and platelettes during surgery, and she needs to be monitored closely.
As soon as she is moved back to Station 34, the orthopaedic floor, I will update her room and phone information.
Thanks, again, for prayers and support.
Kathy and Crew
Sunday, May 2, 2004 10:24 PM CDT Karen has to be at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital by 6:30am tomorrow. She will be having an embolization, a procedure that reduces blood flow to the tumor in her back. This decreases the risk of bleeding too much during her upcoming surgery. The embolization is done under general anesthesia and usually takes 2-3 hours. She is pretty uncomfortable afterwards, so I'll be staying with her at the hospital to help her in any way I can.
Then, Tuesday is the big day. Karen's surgeon will first place new screws and rods in her back to strengthen her spine. Then, he will remove the tumor and two more vertebrae that have suffered a lot of erosion from the tumor. This will be an all-day surgery. The last time she had a tumor removed and rods put in, it took 12 and 1/2 hours. We all have total confidence in her surgeon and know that Karen will recover quickly. We are anticipating a 6-8 week recovery time.
We haven't met with her oncologist yet, so we are not sure what her chemo schedule will look like. Step number one is recovering from the surgery. Karen was pretty upset tonight about the whole thing; I'm sure it's difficult since she knows exactly how unpleasant the ordeal will be. However, a few weeks of misery is worth years of having a strong back.
We know many of you are thinking about Karen and sending her your prayers and good wishes. THANK YOU! I will try to update this page often.
Love,
Kathy
Wednesday, April 21, 2004 6:51 AM CDT We got some sad news yesterday - Karen's tumor is back.
Friday, April 23
Karen is scheduled for surgery on Tuesday, May 4th at Abbott-Northwestern. She'll be admitted on Monday the 3rd for an embolization and then will have tumor debulking and major reconstructive surgery to her spine.
More aggressive chemotherapy will follow after she recovers from surgery.
Thursday, March 11, 2004 12:20 AM CST hey everyone. sorry i've been so bad about updating this site........ i'm lazy what can i say. thanks for still checking in though. i am feeling so good these days! i've got most of my energy back, and my hair's coming back and it's just all good. i'm getting ready to go back to school next quarter and i'm really excited to get to see everyone daily again. i got to participate in the KS95 for kids radiothon over the weekend and that was really cool. i did a live interview with van and cheryl but i blubbered like a baby most of the time. still, it was a cool experience. please remember that radiothon when it comes around next year and donate! it's a really great opportunity to help kids everywhere. the proceeds go to gillette childrens hospital and the childrens cancer research fun which have both helped me out a ton through my experience. so yeah, just thought i'd give a little update. love you all!
always,
karen annie
Thursday, January 29, 2004 9:58 AM CST
Just had to share some very happy news with all of you! Karen's scans that she had done last week all came back CLEAR. She is cancer-free!
Soon we will be meeting with the surgeon to schedule one last surgery. Her lumbar region needs to be stabilized - more fusion of her vertebrae.
She is also very busy growing hair. It is about an inch long, nice and thick, all over her head. School work is keeping her occupied, too. She finally feels well enough to be making progress.
Thanks, again, for your continued thoughts and prayers. You have helped us throughout this journey; we couldn't have made it on our own.
Enjoy the weather!
Thursday, January 8, 2004 7:15 AM CST
Hello there! Long time; no message from the Meads. Sorry for the delay.
Karen had her last two chemo treatments over the Christmas break. After the first one, she came home on Christmas Eve. When she finished her last one, she was able to come home on New Year's Day. What a happy new year! Our family celebrated the end of chemotherapy by going out to eat at Bucca di Beppo on Friday, January 2nd.
Next, Karen has scans on January 19th and the 26th to check bones, heart, liver, hearing, lungs, etc. All the things that chould be affected by the cancer or the chemo. Once those are finished, we will be meeting with her surgeon to determine when she will have her last (hopefully) spine surgery.
What a long haul it has been, and yet, Karen and I were saying how quickly these last eight months have passed. She did so well, and we managed the situation well thanks to all the support of our family and friends. We will never be able to thank you enough for being there for us.
We will keep you updated with news of Karen's upcoming surgery and continued recovery. In the meantime, she will be home plugging away on school work and taking care of our new chocolate lab puppy, "Lucy." Please call or come and visit anytime.
With love and eternal gratefulness,
Kathy, Jim, James, Karen, Laura, and Elizabeth
Thursday, December 11, 2003 8:23 PM CST Karen Ann has a new nickname!
It's "Chia Karen!"
She is so busy growing hair; it's unbelievable. It is coming in darker than it used to be and kind of fuzzy. While Christmas shopping with James last week, her head got hot with her skull cap on, so she took it off. James said, "Karen, put your hat back on; your hair's all messed up!" Then, when we were getting ready to take a family picture last week-end, we had to wait until James gave Karen a "zig-zag" part in her hair. (If I had to guess, I would say her hair is about 1/4 inch long.) Still, it's very exciting.
Karen is scheduled to go back in to the hospital on December 21st. (She wanted to be sure she could attend Mead Christmas on the 20th.) After that treatment, she'll only have ONE left! She'll be finished with chemo before the new year.
Already, her spine surgeon is talking about scheduling surgery to better stabilize her spine. The earliest that could happen is late January. Not much time to celebrate the successful navigation of one hurdle befor encountering the next. But, Karen is upbeat and positive as usual (even though her counts are quite low this week - her hemoglobin is 9.4 today).
Well, that's all the news for now. Happy Holidays to each of you and God bless you in the New Year!
Love and Chi - chi - chi - chia!
Kathy
Monday, December 1, 2003 10:54 AM CST
Hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving. Karen made it home on Wednesday, so we had a great day. She went back into the hospital on Saturday for another treatment (her last one of Doxyrubicin!). She will be coming home on Tuesday night.
Next, she has two weeks off. Then, she will have her last two treatments two weeks in a row and then...
TA - DA! SHE'LL BE DONE WITH CHEMO!!!
Things have moved along for her so well, in part, because she takes such good care of herself. She is sure to get enough rest and not run herself down.
The filming of the poetry spot didn't work out for last Wednesday morning. They wanted to film on Wednesday evening, but Karen was able to come home and didn't want to hang around the hospital any longer than absolutely necessary. (Understandable!) We'll let you know if it ever does happen.
Thanks for your continued interest in Karen's progress. Please call and stop over for visits - Karen is feeling well.
Love,
Kathy
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 3:55 PM CST
Well, it looks like you're stuck listening to me ramble on and on again. I kept nagging Karen to update her site, but she never got around to it.
We had a fabulous evening attending the wedding ceremony of our youth director, Arika, and her new husband, Brent, last Saturday. Early Sunday morning Karen and I dragged ourselves out of bed and got her to the hospital for another treatment. We are hoping to have her back home sometime tomorrow or Thursday morning at the latest.
While she was in the hospital last time, Karen took a poetry class offered by Children, Family, Life. The poet who taught the class is being featured on a news special on WCCO television. The poet asked Karen if she would be willing to share something about her experience with the class on the program, so she will be filming that tomorrow. Fun! We'll let you know when it will air.
Thanksgiving is at our house this year, so if you have no place else to go, come on over! We're eating at 4:00!
We have many blessings for which we are thankful and, if you are reading this, consider yourself one of them. A special thanks to the staff at Edina Realty in Champlin for presenting our family with a generous check that we plan to use for a celebration when Karen is in the mood for a vacation or a party.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Love,
Kathy
Saturday, November 15, 2003 9:56 AM CST Hey, Everybody!
Karen had her wisdom teeth extracted last Tuesday and went into the hospital for chemo yesterday. (And I thought I had a tough week!) She's doing pretty well. I'm just headed out the door to visit her. Tonight, Elizabeth is singing at the 5:00 church service and then Jim and I are actually going out on a date (gasp!). Tomorrow we are making Christmas candy with my family. So, anyone out there who would like to visit Karen is more than welcome. She is on 5B as usual, Room 5-237, bed 2. Her phone number is 612-273-0349. After this, only 4 more treatments! We're counting down!
Love,
Kathy
Friday, October 31, 2003 8:42 PM CST hey all! happy halloween. i'm home for awhile now. i go in on november 11 to get my wisdom teeth out and i'll go in for chemo soon after that. only 5 more treatments - yay!! not too much is going on around here - mom and dad and i went out for dinner tonight, liz went trick or treating, laura is up at missy and eric's, and james went to a halloween party in madison,wi. i only made it to school on monday of this week as my counts are low and i haven't had much energy. it should be better next week though.
much love,
karen annie
Friday, October 17, 2003 8:55 AM CDT BIG NEWS!!! KAREN HAS 6 TREATMENTS LEFT!!!
Karen was in the hospital from Monday until yesterday this week. She'll be going in again on Tuesday (Elizabeth's birthday) after school. The chemotherapy she is getting still wipes out her white and red blood cells and her platelettes, but it doesn't make her so sick to her stomach. If she continues doing as well as she has been, she could be finished with her chemo by mid December. Merry Christmas, Karen!
Thank you to Lisa, Lorraine, Brianna, and Tyler for visiting in the hospital this last week. Thanks, too, to Grandma Karen and Elizabeth and to Laura Kay for staying overnight Thursday. Because Karen isn't so sick now, she gets very lonesome and bored. Those visits mean a lot to her.
She is still plugging away at her school work but is oftentimes too tired to be doing all the homework she should be. Toward the end of this school year, we will sit down with her counselor and see what she needs to do to get on track for graduation. Right now, though, the focus is staying as healthy as possible and finishing treatment. Her last bone scan looked good - no new growth.
Good news, followed by good news, and MORE GOOD NEWS! Thank you for your continued prayers. God is listening.
Love from all of us,
Kathy, Jim, James, Karen, Laura, and Elizabeth
P.S. Saturday, October 18,2003
This message comes to you via our brand new IBM computer generously given to us as a gift by our Advent Lutheran Church family! I am still in shock and awed by their caring and kindness. WE ARE SO BLESSED! Thank you.
Saturday, October 4, 2003 4:59 PM CDT Hey everyone!
It's Liz, Karen's littlest sister. Karen is is room 5-237 if you want to visit. she is doing pretty good. Mom and I came here around 1:30 today with presents for her. She ate a little lunch and is now sleeping like... a.... sleeping....person. Sorry just a little lost brain connection. but all is well and we miss her at home. Please write and we will get back to you. Thanks for stopping in!
Laterz,
The Mead Family
Sunday, September 28, 2003 3:59 PM CDT hey everyone! i've been home for a couple weeks now and i've finally recovered from my last round of "the tough chemo." yay! i'm not sure yet when i'm going back into the hospital - either next weekend or the one after. i'm going to school this week and i'm pretty excited to be "normal" for a week. i took my goddaughter, sarah, shopping for a backpack yesterday - she's starting preschool next month - and it was a blast. my best friend whit came with and sarah just loves her! so, that's the latest. i'll update again soon.
love,
karen
Sunday, September 14, 2003 8:42 PM CDT Karen Ann is halfway through her chemotherapy! She is in the hospital right now getting her last dose of cisplatin, the really icky med that makes her sick. We hope she'll get out on Wednesday or Thursday and will probably come home on fluids again. Then, she'll have two weeks off. Her routine will continue with the other two meds she gets, but she feels stronger when she's not getting the cisplatin.
We see the light at the end of the tunnel!
XOXO,
Kathy
Tuesday, September 9, 2003 2:17 PM CDT hey guys and gals. i'm home again - yay! i am now officially half way done with my chemo. can ya believe it! it's gone by much quicker than i thought it would. i go back in on friday for my last round of the "tough stuff" then it should be much easier. thanks gram, james, mom, liz, matt and julie for the visits in the hospital this time around. it makes a huge difference to have some company. jacqui and erik - sorry i missed you but thanks for stopping in! i'm lovin being back at school - it's good to see everyone and to get out of the house regularly. i'll update again soon.
much love,
karen
Thursday, September 4, 2003 8:28 PM CDT hey everyone! my first couple days back at school were great! it was so nice to see everyone. i'm going in for chemo tomorrow morning but it's the easy stuff so it shouldn't be too bad. hopefully i'll be out of the hospital by tuesday and back to school on wednesday. thanks to everyone who left messages in the guestbook - they are always so uplifting to read. all is well with my family, we're all busy with the back to school stuff. i'll update again soon.
love you all,
karen
Thursday, August 28, 2003 8:11 AM CDT
Just a quick note to let you know that Karen is home this week. She was supposed to go in for chemo on Monday but is struggling with mouth sores (caused by the chemo), so she has to wait. The plan now is for her to attend school T-Th next week and then go in to the hospital on Friday morning.
We are going to enjoy this last weekend of summer, and we hope you all do, too. Thanks for your continued support!
XOXO, Kathy
Wednesday, August 20, 2003 12:08 AM CDT Happy Wednesday!
Karen is doing well; her methotrexate levels are coming down, so she seems to be on target for coming home tomorrow. I am just heading down to the hospital right now, but I wanted to say:
CHECK OUT KAREN'S PHOTO ALBUM! I FINALLY GOT SOME PICTURES UPLOADED FOR YOU ALL! STILL WORKING ON MORE FROM THE RELAY FOR LIFE. ENJOY!
XOXO Kathy
Sunday, August 17, 2003 7:07 PM CDT "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of the time ... giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:15-20)
This was the theme for our worship service today. After reading the passage and listening to Pastor Dan's sermon, I was overcome thinking about everything for which our family has to be thankful. We have wonderful family and friends, material comforts, and LOVE.
I thought especially of Karen's friends who participated in the Relay for Life in her honor last weekend. I am thankful that she has loyal friends who have a sense of compassion and purpose who are willing to serve.
A big, huge thank-you to the kids who raised money for the American Cancer Society by walking all night (even in the spray of the sprinkler system): Whitney, Jenni, Majken, Val, Jenna, Joey, Pete, Sam, Bunky, Cody, and Matt.
Thank you to Tracey and Christine for sticking it out throughout the night and acting as organizers, chaperones, and mop-up crew.
Thank you to the others who showed up to offer their support: Julie, Dolly, Jacqui, Sharon, Grandma Karen, Grandpa Ozzie, Grandma Carole, Grandpa Mike, Laura, Luke, and Amy.
Finally, thank you to the numerous family, friends, neighbors and co-workers who made VERY generous donations.
As I said, we have so many things for which we are grateful, but the number one item on our list is the people we know. I thank God for each of you every day.
Karen looks forward to participating in the Relay herself next year. What a celebration that will be, thanks to you all.
Kathy
Monday, August 18th, 10:00am:
Karen's platelette count is up; she's headed to the hospital. She'll probably be in until Thursday. Any and all visitors are welcome!!!
Saturday, August 16, 2003 9:11 AM CDT It's the weekend! Yea!
Karen came home from the hospital on Tuesday. She had to have four units of red blood cells and three units of platelettes as well as her I.V. antibiotics during her stay. She came home on I.V. antibiotics, too. She gives herself these three times a day through Sunday. They want to be sure and knock this infection out completely!
Whitney took her to Mercy Hospital to check her counts on Thursday. Her platelette count is only 55. It has to be at 70 for her to receive chemo on Monday. So, we'll take her in to the clinic early on Monday morning to see if she'll be going into the hospital or not.
We are hanging out at home this weekend. Elizabeth leaves for Camp Wapo in Wisconsin on Sunday evening. We all went out for dinner last night, and today we are planning on seeing "The Pirates of the Carribean" - FINALLY. Karen and I have been wanting to see that since it was first advertised.
That's all the news for now. We hope everyone is enjoying these last days of summer! I go back to school on August 25th, so I'm doing all I can to soak up the last little bit of vacation.
With love,
Kathy
Thursday, August 7, 2003 1:47 PM CDT OOPS! Karen ended up in the hospital again this week. She has a urinary tract infection. Her kidney scan looks good: no stones or blockage. However, her counts are at an all-time low so she's not only getting I.V. antibiotics but also platelettes and red blood cells. They said to expect her to be in the hospital "for several days."
We're thinking about the Relay for Life tomorrow evening. Her doctor said that if she is doing very well tomorrow, we may be able to arrange her antibiotic schedule so that she can make a brief appearance at the event. Cross your fingers - she really wants to go!
As sad as Karen was when she found out she had to be admitted, she is so much more comfortable now and is glad she's here. This is just how it goes, I guess.
That's all the news for now. Hopefully we'll see a lot of you at the opening ceremonies tomorrow at the Relay!
XOXOXOXO
Tuesday, August 5, 2003 6:45 PM CDT HOORAY! We are finally hooked up at home again and have internet access.
Our new e-mail address is: meadsrus2003@yahoo.com
Karen is doing pretty well, but she is so wiped out! Tonight is her last night on I.V. fluids. We're keeping her on her anti-nausea meds so that she's getting something every three hours, around the clock. I'm tired, too!
Thanks to those of you who have sent donations for the Relay for Life in honor of Karen. I'm getting so excited for the big event this Friday night. Whitney and I went and ordered the team's t-shirts yesterday. We got them in Karen's favorite color, yellow, and the team will be called "The Kare Bears." Kare Bear is a nickname Karen's friends call her. Hopefully, she'll be feeling well enough to attend at least the opening ceremonies.
We are planning on going camping for a few days early next week with the Osens since Karen will be off. We have to get in as much fun as we can; summer is slipping away!
Thanks for checking in with us! We love you!!!
Kathy and Family
Friday, August 1, 2003 12:28 AM CDT THIS IS A WEEK TO GIVE THANKS!
I just saw Karen's MRI that was done earlier this week and there is NO new growth. Her spinal cord looks straight; no tumor putting pressure on it. It also looks like she is busy growing bone around her rods where they removed her vertebrae. The treatment is working!
And Karen is sleeping through the good news. She ate nothing at all on Wednesday, all day. Yesterday, she ate four small meals and slept in between, so she's improving. She asked me if there was any chance that she could go home today (her chemo ended at 11am), but that would not be a good idea. The plan is that she will come home, still on IV fluids, Saturday. Jim and I are going to the James Taylor concert tonight with Kasey and Stu so James (Mead, not Taylor) is bringing Laura down here to stay overnight with Karen.
Your prayers are working; please keep it up! Also, thanks for the interest in the Relay for Life. I added more info on the event in Karen's guestbook. We are surrounded with wonderful people and give thanks for that every day.
Kathy
Wednesday, July 30, 2003 3:28 PM CDT Karen is in the hospital this week. For the first time after getting her last medicine, she was able to go right back in the following week. She is nauseated and sleeping a lot.
Mom and Dad are here with me right now to help relieve my boredom (thank-you, thank-you!). I am spending nights here too. Karen appreciates it and I am comfortable being able to help her throughout the night if she needs anything. After this, she will be home for two weeks (August 4-17).
Laura is at Missy and Eric's house for a few days this week and Elizabeth is in New Jersey with my cousin, Mary. When Liz called from the Philadelphia airport yesterday, she had been in the cockpit visiting with the captain and having her picture taken. It was an exciting first flight!
We're all hanging in there and looking forward to the Relay for Life on August 8th. We're hoping for a lot of donations in Karen's name. Thanks to Christine and Tracey from CPHS for setting up the team.
We send each of you our love!
Kathy and Crew
Thursday, July 24, 2003 4:42 PM CDT hey everyone! i'm so outta here! i should be heading out in about an hour. thanks for all the notes - they are so important to me. hope everyone has a good weekend. Liz has a fastpitch tourney in Austin this weekend so hopefully her team does well. not much else to say.
love you all,
karen annie
Wednesday, July 23, 2003 2:48 PM CDT Hey, Everyone!
Well, here we are at the hospital again. Karen is doing real well this time; hardly any nausea at all. I am hoping she'll go to teen night tonight for pizza and socializing.
She had a heart scan yesterday which looked fine and had her hearing checked today. She has had significant loss in the upper frequencies and will be closely monitored from now on. If she continues this hearing loss, some alterations may have to be made in her chemo.
She hopes her methotrexate levels will be low enough for her to go home tomorrow. We'll see...
That's all for now. We'll update again soon!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Kathy
Wednesday, July 9, 2003 9:16 PM CDT Well, here we are again. Karen is doing fairly well and hopes that her liver enzyme levels are low enough for her to go home tomorrow. She's somewhat nauseous and sleepy but in good spirits.
We had a great July 4th weekend at Grandma Carole's with all of the aunts, uncles, and cousins. Karen went from boating and lighting fireworks in Mora on Friday to visiting her friend Alex's cabin in Alexandria on Saturday and Sunday. She even managed to get a bit of a suntan!
Elizabeth has had the flu this week, so she hasn't been able to visit Karen. She's been a real trooper about it all, though. Laura is busy driving me all around town now that she has her permit. She is an excellent driver, even though she has a lead foot at times!
Thanks to James, Grandma Karen, Arika, Julie, Whitney, Val, Denise, and Drew for visiting this time. Although Karen is sleepy much of the time, she does appreciate the company. Thanks to everyone else for your good thoughts and prayers. They sustain all of us and we are so lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful people.
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer. We are hoping to have more fun in the sun this weekend before Karen has to come back to the hospital next Monday. Stop in and see us if you're in the neighborhood!
Love to each and every one of you!
Kathy
Monday, June 16, 2003 8:23 PM CDT Karen was sent home last Monday because her liver enzymes were too high for her to receive chemo. Friday, they tested her blood to see if she was missing a certain enzyme, but everything came back normal. Today, her blood count and enzymes were all good enough for her to start her second round.
Right now, she is getting her 10 hour flush and her chemo will start at about 9:30pm. After her first medicine, she receives some more flushes and then she'll get her second medicine that runs for 72 hours. She plans on taking things slowly and staying in the hospital for at least a day after she goes off of the I.V. antinausea meds.
We had a good weekend in Mankato watching Elizabeth play in a softball tournament. Karen watched two of the four games, did a little time in the hot tub, and socialized, too. It's so important for her to go and do when she feels up to it, and she is!
Thanks, Everyone, for your continued concern. We're all making it! Glad summer's finally here!
Love,
Kathy
Wednesday, June 4, 2003 5:15 PM CDT hi guys and gals! well, i'm just chillin in the hospital - eating lots of pizza. things are going really well this time around so that's cool. i had lots of visitors last night and that was fun. it was especially cool to cuddle with my baby sister laura - i miss you sweetie. i hope to come home tomorrow and be able to see lots of you over the weekend. good luck to my softball team tonight - i'm always thinking of you girls. love to everyone!
always,
karen annie
Monday, June 2, 2003 9:57 AM CDT hi everyone. well, i'm back in again but it's not so bad. thank you all so much for the messages you've left on this site. they are the brightest spot in my day. hey choe, you should give me a call and we can hang out - it's been forever since i've seen you. well, love you all and i'll update soon.
always,
karen
Tuesday, May 27, 2003 11:15 AM CDT hey everyone! i get to go home - yay! my liver function tests came back too high so i'm going home and coming back in on monday. i'm happy for the slight delay - i need a break. so if anyone wants to visit, this week would be great. love you all and i'll update soon.
always,
karen
Wednesday, May 21, 2003 11:24 AM CDT hi everybody!! well, it's back in the hospital for me but i'm not as sick this time so that's a plus. hopefully i'll be home on friday 'cause sharon and i have a shopping date together. thanks to everyone who keeps leaving me messages on this website - they are my high-point in the hospital. i love you all so much. i have my favorite nurse today - yay- and grandma karen is visiting right now. well, not much else to say. i'll update you all again soon.
much love,
karen annie
Tuesday, May 20, 2003 4:14 PM CDT
Hey Everybody!
Well, it's me again. Karen is playing her Sleeping Beauty role today. She started her chemo at 7:30 last night. The medicine only ran for four hours. Then, starting tonight, she will receive another medicine to help her get rid of and recover from the first one!
She did get sick today even though this medicine isn't supposed to cause nausea as much. She's resting now, though.
Last Thursday night, Karen had her sister, Laura, cut off her quickly thinning hair and then use the clippers on her head. As she was getting ready for her first "bald outing" on Friday, she couldn't decide what to do. First, she put on a bandana. Then, she took it off. Then she put on some hoop earrings - that made her look a little like Mr. Clean - so she took those out. In the end, she went out hatless, bandanaless, earringless and BEAUTIFUL!
I love that girl so much!
Kathy
Thursday, May 15, 2003 9:34 AM CDT
Karen has been home since last Friday. She has enjoyed some time with friends at ball games, Broadway Pizza, and Caribou Coffee. She came to church with us on Mother's Day and visited with Grandma Karen, Grandpa Ozzie, Uncle Mark and Auntie Lisa and their kids. She spent Tuesday night in Cambridge with her Aunt Missy and Uncle Eric and their kids. Thank you to all friends and family for making Karen's days out of the hospital fun-filled and memorable.
As expected, Karen is beginning to lose her hair. She has maintained a positive attitude about it and appreciates the hats and bandanas she has received as gifts. However, last night Laura and I shared a few tears with her over the loss. The reality of it hit us!
Currently, our internet service at home isn't working. I will try to update Karen's journal from school occasionally and she will add to it when she's in the hospital until we get our service at home up and running. She returns to the hospital Monday, May 19th to continue her first round of chemo. Hopefully, this medicine won't make her as nauseated as the first one did. GO, KAREN!!
Love, Kathy
Thursday, May 8, 2003 7:16 PM CDT well, i'm still here! aahhh! but i'll be home tomorrow for sure. i'm so happy we won our first softball game! thanks for wearing the ribbons and everything girls - i love you! mom and liz are here hanging out right now and it's soo good to see them. sorry i'm not typing too much, don't have tons to say i guess. talk to you all(and hopefully see you all)soon.
much love,
karen
Wednesday, May 7, 2003 7:07 PM CDT hi everybody! well, i'm back in the hospital 'cause i was having trouble keeping my cookies down but it's all under control now and i'll be going home tomorrow. gram and gramps were just here for a visit and an emergency chicken nugget fix. not too much else to say, thanks again for all the messages and cards and phone calls - they mean a lot.
love you all,
karen
Sunday, May 4, 2003 10:38 AM CDT hey guys! well, i'm finally ready to go home today. me and mom will probably be leaving in about a half hour. thanks so much for all the messages you sent - i loved them. talk to you all when i get home.
much love,
karen
Saturday, May 3, 2003 1:11 PM CDT Greetings! What a gorgeous day. Unfortunately, Karen's stomach hasn't been cooperating so that she can get home and enjoy it! She's still hoping for a turnaround, but she understands that it wouldn't be good to be home and be sick. So, we're hanging out here.
She sleeps much of the time due to the medicines that help with nausea. She finished her chemo at about 6:15am and is down to one IV tube now. Even if she doesn't get out of here today, we're hoping to step outside for a bit.
After this round, she'll have two weeks at home. We will be hearing from the homebound teachers on Monday so she can get going on her school work again. I'm sure she will appreciate visitors once in awhile, too, so give her a holler!
Take care, everyone, and enjoy the weather!
Love,
Kathy
Thursday, May 1, 2003 2:29 PM CDT Happy May Day!
Wish we were out delivering May baskets. Karen is resting right now. She seems very satisfied to be sleeping as much as possible. Late yesterday morning she started getting sick to her stomach, and it has continued into today. She nibbled on graham crackers and sipped a little chicken broth earlier, so we'll see what happens.
Her chemo will be finished around 7:30 am on Saturday. If all is well, we are hoping for her to be discharged later that day. If she's still sick, they'll keep her until Sunday.
Thanks for your continued support both at the hospital and at home for the rest of the family. We're hanging in there!
Kathy
Tuesday, April 29, 2003 9:21 PM CDT hey everybody. it's about 9pm on tuesday night and mom and i are just chillin', waiting around for a pizza. it's real rough in here! he he. anyway, right now i'm getting flushed with all this liquid and then i'll have my first chemo treatment at about 12:30 tonight. after that the chemo will just be running for about 3 and a half days. thanks to you who left messages - it means a lot to me. well, not much else to say, and mom wants to watch "judging amy" so buhbye.
love you all,
karen
Monday, April 28, 2003 8:06 PM CDT Karen checked in to Fairview - University Hospital today. She had her portacath implanted and had a heart scan. Her heart was found to be extremely large due to all the love it holds! She will be taking me on a tour in a few minutes. We are currently sitting in the Teen Room with Grandma Karen (we had to get special clearance in order to be admitted into the Teen Room due to our advanced ages).
Tomorrow, Karen will receive her first medicine. Jim reported earlier today that it will take about 4 to 6 hours. Wednesday she will receive her second medicine which will take approximately 72 hours. We hope she will be coming home on Saturday.
Keep her in your prayers as we know you have been!
Love,
Kathy
Wednesday, April 23, 2003 1:23 PM CDT
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