Hello one and all,

We know that it was January 28, 2013, since we lasted updated this blog.  First of all, a belated Happy Easter to one and all.   Now to the news.  Karen is still receiving her monthly Xgeva shot and has her blood tests conducted.  Her blood results (i.e. red blood count, white blood counts, etc.) are well within the established limits.  However, Karen's cancer markers have increased from 135 in Nov. 2012 to 189 in  Mar. 2013.  As a result of the increase in these readings, Karen had a PET scan on March 25, 2013.  Karen saw her oncologist on April 8, 2013, and found out that her cancer has returned.  Luckily for Karen it is not affecting her lungs nor any vital organs.  Additionally, it is not as widespread as it was last year.  The oncologist, who was more disappointed than Karen, advised Karen that she will undergo chemo treatments again but it will not be as aggressive as it was last year.  The chemo will be Taxol and will be administered every week for three weeks and one week off.  Karen will undergo this treatment for a six month period.  Anyhow, Karen is very upbeat and is looking forward to this new journey.  Karen did ask her oncologist if there was a likelihood of her losing her hair again.  Sure enough the oncologist gave her an affirmative nod.  Of course Karen told her oncologist that losing her hair was not a problem.  Maybe this time the good Lord will give Karen brown and wavy hair instead of white and straight.  Karen will tell you that bald-headed people are beautiful and the look is definitely "fashionable."  The doctor's office is acquiring approval from Karen's health insurance provider.  Once that is approved, they will provide Karen with her chemotherapy schedule.  The oncologist would like the treatment to start sometime next week or the week after.  We will update the blog once the chemo treatments began.  Please take care and thanks to all the family members and friends who are keeping Karen and her Mom in their thoughts and prayers. 

Tip of the Blog: Angels fly above us for one reason so they can always watch over us.