Her Latest Diagnosis

To catch everyone up,

Carol was diagnosed with bladder cancer this past October 2008. She had two biopsies in October and November and began BCG treatments (a bacteria rinse injected into her bladder) right after Thanksgiving. The treatment was once a week for 6 weeks, then she took 6 weeks off before having another biopsy.

On Monday, January 26, Carol had her third biopsy to confirm that the BCG treatment was going as planned. From this procedure, we learned that her cancer is back and has embedded itself deep in the muscle of the bladder. To make sure the cancer had not penetrated the bladder wall, she had a CT scan this past Friday (1/30) morning. We are encouraged with the results that she has heard so far even though they are inconclusive. She is scheduled to discuss therapy plans with her oncologist later this week. At their appointment, she will learn her chemotherapy and/or radiation schedule before having surgery.

An unexpected twist occurred this weekend. Carol had to return to MD Anderson in order to have help managing pain. Today (2/2) she had her kidney drained and now she feels a lot better. She hopes to go home tomorrow.

Please join us in praying for Carol and Danny as we walk through this with them. Carol is doing great and in good spirits. She is tired and groggy from the medication and the procedure this afternoon. Right now, she is not up for visitors at the hospital but would love to read your comments on the blog. Once they are home, we will post a meal calendar for people to sign-up to bring meals.

Daniel is staying with his best friend, Ryan. This past weekend, he was on a hunting trip with his friend, Michael. It was a blessing that he did not have to see Mom in such pain.