Good News!

Hello Friends,
I just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah. I have to agree with Tom, that though the cancer could have overshadowed a lot of 2005, I also end the year feeling very blessed and grateful. Many of our family and friends came to our aid and helped out so much, that our hearts remain full. As I continue to heal and gain strength, I look forward to paying it all forward. God will show me a way.

More good news - my PICC line was removed today!! I am surprised at how excited I am about this. It was the last remaining tube/reminder of my hospital stay. I feel so free without it.

I talked with my oncologist today and a decision whether to do systemic chemotherapy must be made soon - within a couple of weeks. Tom and I will prayerfully consider all the plus' and minuses. But, I won't think about it until after Christmas!

Love,
Karen

Wednesday

Hi Everyone!
I just want to let you all know that I am feeling better. My cramps are subsiding and I am able to eat a little more. Unfortunately, I lost some weight (not eating for 4 days will do that), so am working on gaining it back. You know what that means!! Chocolate shakes, cookies, ice cream and candy! Thanks for the prayers. Once again, they worked.

I'm starting to get out a little. Last night, I surprised my Jazzercise class with a visit. It was sooooo great to see them and I can't wait to join them again. Today I went to the bank and to buy my kids some new tennis shoes. So, hopefully you'll see me out and about more. I can't drive yet. I have 2 more weeks to wait. So my parents and husband chauffeur me around.

If you want to email me, you can now use karenpendleton@hotmail.com. Don't use the comcast address anymore. Thank you.

I know that this entry isn't as funny as Tom's, but there's no way I can compete!! If you haven't read Tuesday's entry from the blog man (Tom), keep scrolling down and enjoy. I read it last night and got a good ab work out (which isn't hard for me, since my abs are so weak anyway)!!

With much love,
Karen

Saturday, Dec. 17th

Hi Everyone!
It's Saturday and the boys are at their last soccer games of the year. Unfortunately, I don't feel well enough to attend. I'm still experiencing stomach cramps and they're driving me absolutely crazy. My Mom has a theory. I have been using some estrogen patches to deal with the menopause that I'm going through. One of the side effects (we learned from reading the literature this morning) is abdominal cramping. So, I decided to take the patch off and see if it helps. I would rather feel grumpy than crampy!! I hope that is all it is, and I can get back to eating again! I feel as though I've taken ten steps backward and am feeling very frustrated. You have all been so supportive, I can't thank you enough.
I have only been on a few outings - mostly doctor's appointments. I got my stitches removed Tuesday - YEAH! I went to my oncologist yesterday, and they gave me a shot (procrit) because I'm still a little anemic. The most fun outing was when I went to Tucker's class yesterday to view the gingerbread village that he and his friends worked all week on. The village was really amazing and some of it came home with us. It tired me out and I came home and immediately took a nap.
Tom is in BG to attend his grandmother's memorial service. I believe she lived to be 96 years old. We feel fortunate that we were able to visit her last August before she passed. The boys miss him and so do I. Please pray for safe traveling for him and his family. He'll be home Monday night.
In addition to that prayer request, I would like to add that I would like for you to pray for my cramping to stop. Once that happens, I think I can make more progress again. Also, pray for my parents who are doing such a great job of taking care of me and the boys. It isn't easy and they have managed with great grace and love.
Don't be afraid to call. Hopefully this cramping will stop and I'll be up to more visitors and more outings!!

With lots of love,
Karen

Denver Surprise!

Since Karen and Tom were scheduled for about an hour layover in Denver on their way home today, I drove down to the airport and managed to talk United into giving me a gate pass to go down to see them (very nice United lady that I thanked profusely. They are allowed to do this, but discouraged from it).

I had sent Tom an email that I might be able to do this, but he hadn;t read it yet. So, they were both stunned that I was at the gate waiting for them. Remember when we all use to be able to do that?

So, I had a nice 40 minute visit with Karen and got to take her on walk to the bathroom. I was also able to deliver the new pig pillow, as the last one was worn out in DC. Karen looked great and sounded good too. Flight from DC to Denver went well and she seemed excited about getting home to see the boys.

For one last finale, I snapped this picture of the two of them in the airport just before they boarded the flight to Orange County.