  May 18, 2002 Karen was recently (April 22, 2002) diagnosed with lung cancer that was stage IV upon diagnosis. She is beginning chemotherapy using a chemo drug called Gemcitabine. Right now Karen is weak, and she has suffered great weight loss, along with the coughing spells associated with lung cancer. It's very hard for her to rest, due to these spells. Karen was very active and energetic, and enjoyed her work in a garden center until being diagnosed. She was also recently diagnosed with diabetes, so the last several months have been traumatic and life altering for her. : ( Karen lives with her son and daughter-inlaw, Charles and Beth. Beth was so kind to contact me, share Karen with me, and ask for Legacy Prayer Warriors and other friends, to pray for Karen. As you can see, she is a dear little lady and it is a privilege to pray for her. Karen, our prayer is that the Lord will strengthen you with His presence and I pray your treatment will be successful in making you comfortable and slowing the progress of your cancer. Chemo is very effective for some, in achieving remission and a time of well-being. God willing, this will be your experience! We're praying for you! June 25, 2002 I heard from Beth today. Karen is having a very tough time with her treatments, getting extremely ill with nausea and weakness from the chemo now. : ( Her blood count was too low to have this week's treatment so Karen received meds to combat nausea and bring up the count. She may possibly have the treatment next week. Please pray for Karen. Her diabetes is acting up ferociously as well, and she is really having a tough time now. I spoke with Beth on instant message and she spoke of how difficult it was to see Karen decline in this way, to see her feeling so ill. She is normally a very active, energetic, independent lady. Siiiiiiigh . . : ( JULY 4, 2002 I spoke with Beth a couple of days ago. Karen was unable to take this last treatment and it is not looking so good for her, as far as continuing treatments. Her heart condition is aggravated by the chemo, she's so terribly weak and ill from the side affects; she is at a critical crossroad now.. deciding if it is best for her, to continue or cease treatments. Please pray for this family as they make these decisions. JULY 9, 2002 Beth tells me that Karen saw the doctor yesterday and she was doing much better since taking the medications to strengthen her heart. She was considered well enough to take a treatment, so hopefully she is back on track with her treatments and can be helped to feel better. Thank you for praying! SEPTEMBER 11, 2002 Yesterday Karen had a visit with her doctor to check the effectiveness of her treatments thus far. The news was not so favorable. : ( The cancer has grown rather than shrinking. Karen's weight was way down, well below her normal weight. As a result she is extremely weak now. Chemo has been halted until she can put some weight on, and gain some needed strength in order to cope with the chemo itself. It all seems like a vicious circle at times. Beth sent the sweetest letter though, after they got back home. She said Karen was at peace; she is happy. Beth and Charlie want to do all they can to help Karen feel comfortable. They are all blessed to have one another in this difficult time. Dear Karen, may the Lord renew your spirit daily, increase your faith, give you courage, strength, and hope! Many friends are praying for you. Hang in there!
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