We hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving surrounded by family and friends.

Karen’s last trip to the doctor was 23 November. We learned the results of the latest CAT scan, lab tests and she received an infusion of Herceptin.

Her platelet count was down sharply to 77,000 from 126,000. The lowest it has been since she started Chemo. In light of the low platelet count and other chemo related complications Karen was experiencing she was taken off Xeloda until at least Friday 02, December.

The cancer in her liver appears to be retreating! Liver function has improved to a level that it is considered “normal”. Praise God! It’s great to hear something is normal. Her liver is oddly shaped as portions are dying leaving scar tissue called Cirrhosis. In cirrhosis of the liver, scar tissue replaces normal, healthy tissue, blocking the flow of blood through the organ and preventing it from working as it should. An amazing fact about the liver is its ability to regenerate itself, hence the odd shape. The main concern now is the scarring has put pressure on the portal vein (main supplier of blood flow in the liver) which is causing an irregular flow of blood. This irregular flow can cause pressure on other organs. The GI doctor was not too concerned with this news, stating “this is to be expected” with the level of disease present in the liver.

The cancer in her bones appears to have stabilized. In June, we were told there was “activity” in the pubic bone with possible spots elsewhere. This scan also revealed spots in the sternum and spine. We were told these spots were probably there in the first scan, but the main focus at the time was the liver which was heavily involved with cancer.

A common question we get is how does Breast Cancer cause problems in other parts of the body? Despite treatment, cancer can spread from its initial location, to other parts of the body. Wherever the cancer forms is what the cancer is named. Lung Cancer, Liver Cancer, etc… Cells from the original tumor break away, travel by way of the bloodstream or other ways and attack another site. The tumors that develop at the new location are not new cancers but an extension of the original cancer. The medical name for the spreading of cancer is "metastasis," and the new tumors are called "metastases." Karen’s cancer began in the breast and spread to the liver and bones.

How does cancer affect the bones? When cancer spreads, it often invades the bones, causing bone metastases. The new tumors can cause bone damage by either causing abnormal "dissolving" or wearing away of portions of bone, leaving small holes or stimulating abnormal bone formation, resulting in areas of bone build-up which can be quite painful.

Karen has been taking a drug called Aredia which is designed to counteract the affects of cancer in the bones. She is being switched to a new drug called Zometa which is supposed to offer the same health benefits of Aredia but at less cost.

Please continue to pray for complete healing, increased platelet counts, continued improvement in liver function and blood flow through this organ, continued reduction in size and location of tumor masses, wisdom for the doctors and that through it all we would loudly proclaim the goodness of God.

Karen is growing wary of the chemo, daily Lovenox shots, and other medical routines associated with the efforts to control the cancer. She is one tough cookie smiling through pain, nausea and fatigue. Please also pray for her to have wisdom, strength and peace.

That's all the update for this week. Thank you for checking on Karen's progress.