Karen’s Story

Site created on September 14, 2022

Welcome Friends! This page is to share updates about Karen's journey.  Over the last year, she began having  difficulty breathing, swallowing, and talking.  The normal diagnostic tests - an endoscopy, pulmonary, swallow and stress tests still lead to no answers - everything seemed fine. This fall, her doctor sent her to an ENT for a thorough look at her neck. They found a paralyzed vocal cord followed by CT scans showing a mass and  finally an MRI done on  Sept 9, 2022.  There is a thyroid tumor invading into her trachea as well as the nerve that innervates her vocal cord with some involvement of her esophagus.

 This was the answer we were waiting on, but not the results we wanted to hear.  The doctors have worked quickly to schedule an 8 hour surgery on September 28th.  We know it's a complicated surgery involving reconstructive work with two doctors, but we don't have many details.   We would appreciate your prayers for a successful surgery and a positive outcome. This is all very surreal as it has happened so quickly. We don't know if Karen will be able l to talk for a while after the surgery - which you all know is going to be very hard for her. I'm sure she would love to read your emails (fklarson@gmail.com) as time allows and we'll keep you posted as we know more.

The Larson, Hamilton, Vipond Family


Clarification:

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Newest Update

Journal entry by Karen and Francis Larson

One Year ago...two doctors, ten hour surgery, and 21 days in the hospital...priceless life-saving surgery, cancer-free, and today celebrating the gift of life.  Thank you Dr. Militsakh and team and Methodist Hospital medical staff for amazing care.  It took awhile before I could read the daily notes in my "notebook" that shared the dark 10-11 days my family spent in difficult, emotional, long hours with me sedated, needing a trach, wondering what was coming next. The notebook continues with the days of unbelievable recovery to the point of going home faster than anyone expected. I felt the prayers of so many, even strangers as I lay there in a coma-state.  My first Sunday "awake", my sister had her computer for us to watch church.  I started trying to write notes with hands far too swollen to write the scribbles.  One of the first songs that day contained the words, "I am ALIVE". God has blessed me with a year of celebrating all the firsts of twin grandsons, the joy of a precious three year old and darling six year old grandchild who make every day full of fun and love! 

There are so many who gave me courage, support, and love.  I cannot thank enough those who sent cards, offered help, called, and continue to care!!  This isn't about me.  This is about receiving God's love, and realizing there are so many people who reflect the best of our world, quietly taking care of others, giving of themselves.  TO EACH OF YOU, I SAY THANK YOU!!

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