Karen has decided she will start Chemo. She has settled on an Oncologist (Dr. Jan Galleshaw) who practices near Northside Hospital. Our first visit (03June) with Dr. Galleshaw (Jan) went well. Jan is warm, caring, extremely knowledgeable and well respected in the treatment of breast cancer. Most important, is that Karen feels comfortable with her and feels like a person instead of a number. We've researched a number of treatment options and centers as well as oncologist. This is where we feel lead at this time. Please continue to forward any information or thoughts you have. "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Proverbs 15:22

We've also learned some additional details about Karen's cancer. The cancer is HER2/neu (HER2) positive. HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) is a protein found on the surface of cells that, when functioning normally, has been found to be a key component in regulating cell growth. However, when the HER2 protein is altered, extra HER2 protein receptors may be produced.

We were told this is good news and bad news. The good news is there is a drug called Herceptin that has shown ability to slow the growth and spread of cancerous tumors and in some cases put the cancer in remission. The bad news is it causes aggressive tumor growth that can be hard to control even with Chemo.

Accordingly, Karen is scheduled for CT Scan of her Brain, Chest and Torso on 09June to see if the cancer has spread further. Because of Herceptin's potential serious side effects on the heart (to name a few) she will also have a ECHO of the heart. She is scheduled to receive her first round of Herceptin and Chemo called Xeloda (pronounced Za lo da) after these test have been completed and reviewed. We're planning for this to occur on the same day (09June).

A little bit about the drugs. Herceptin is taken intravenously every other week and takes about 90 minutes. These treatments will be given in Jan's office near Northside hospital. Xeloda is in pill form and taken every 12 hours for 2 weeks, then a 1 week break and repeated.

On Monday 13June Karen is scheduled for a bone scan. Karen will also be scheduled to have shunt put in her chest so that the Chemo can be given into larger veins which will also keep her from being stuck with an I.V. every other week.

I will endeavor another update on Friday, 10 June. Please continue with us in prayer, asking for :
Karen to be completely healed, Wisdom for us and the doctors, The cancer not to have spread any further, The Chemo and Herceptin that they will do their work as intended putting this viscous disease in remission while leaving Karen feeling well by leaving the good cells alone.

In closing:

Thank you for your prayers,
Thank you for the cards,
Thank you for the emails,
Thank you for the meals,
Thank you for the flowers,
Thank you for all the sacrifices of time, energy and financial resources.

You have blessed us in our greatest hour of need. You have made the most difficult road we've traveled (thus far) easier to navigate. Words can not scratch the surface of how much we appreciate what so many have done and are doing for us.

While none of us can be certain what lies ahead (for any of us) we can all take comfort that God is in control. My hope is that God will heal my best friend completely so that she can be here for our children for many years to come. None of us know the day our time on earth will end. Either way I have complete assurance that she will be healed and I will see her again. God will not call her home until His time.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.