Since the last update, Karen's energy level has improved some but she remains very weak. The roof of her mouth and her tongue are sore and tender which makes eating difficult at times. Her abdomen has swollen to the largest it's ever been and is the cause of much pain and discomfort. Several people (strangers) have actually asked her when she was due, thinking she was pregnant. She was taken off the diuretics she was taking (which reduce fluid retention) due to the negative impact they were having on her kidneys.

She didn't feel well enough to keep her appointment with the doctor today (23June) to discuss the port (see last update). Instead we went to see her Oncologist due to the swelling and pain she was experiencing. It was there we got the results of Monday's (20June) blood test. Her white cells are up, she's borderline anemic and her liver function is down. To make a long report short it's the opposite of what you want to hear. Her bone scan revealed "activity" in the left pubic bone area. We were told it is consistent with cancer but that a Positron Emission Tomography test or PET scan would enable them to determine that for certain. Due to Karen's current health, we are going to hold off on the PET scan for now.

Tomorrow, 24June, is scheduled to be a very busy day with Karen scheduled to have more ascites aspirated from her abdomen. It is hoped that this will relieve her from some of the pain and swelling she is dealing with at this time. After that procedure, were going see the Gastroenterologist (GI Doctor) for a follow up visit from the surgery Karen had last week to stop the bleeding in her esophagus. Then we're scheduled to go see the Oncologist (Cancer Doc) to discuss her blood test taken today and a possible change in Chemotherapies.

I will endeavor another update soon. Until then please continue to pray for Karen. God is good, faithful, merciful and strong. God spoke earth into existence (Genesis 1:1) and He can and will heal Karen. Isaiah 53:5 declares by His stripes we are healed and Jeremiah 33:3 says, "Call unto me, and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things which though knowest not."