Lindsey's Christmas Gift

Happy Christmas season everyone,

Many of you are already aware that yesterday Lindsey had her 3 hour MRI and that today she met with her Dr. who is her neurologist/oncologist.  I've had several inquiries of what has taken place this week so I'm here to give you an update.

Yesterday:

Her MRI began around 6:45 am yesterday morning.  Typically, a normal length MRI has been challenging but add additional hours and also the contrast (injection dye) being added and we were worried it was going to seriousy tax Lindsey's system.  Mark and I went to the hospital around 8a and of course, Joshua was there waiting and within a few minutes Lindsey got to take a short break and she was doing great.  She had not taken her anti-nausea medication and didn't get sick all day following the test.  YAY!

Today, Wednesday, the 15th, Lindsey met with her Dr. this morning at 9a to get the results of the test.  She met with him for over an hour and 1/2 and Josh summed it up in a few short minutes (he's been sick) so there may be additional information that trickles down to me over the next few days and if so, then I'll send out an addendum to this email.  Her Dr. was absolutely AMAZED at Lindsey's physical abilities.  The fact that she had no more double vision, could walk on her own, had the amount of strength that she did, had gone off her anti-nausea meds and moved back home was stunning to him.  He said her progress was remarkable.  Now, the tumors are still there.  In fact, there is one that has increased in size, however, you can live with tumors in your body.  Some of us may already have these and be absolutely unaware of them and as long as they are nice little tumors that don't want to bother you then it's ok. Lindsey knows of a person who has 6 brain tumors and has had them for over 6 yrs and is doing alright because they are not growing. This is the case here.  Lindsey still has the tumors, however, they have shrunk significantly in size which is why she is doing so well physically.  As far as the one which in larger, he said that could be inflammation from the radiation.  She can live a relatively normal life if the tumors behave.  What we hope for is that the radiation has stunted the tumors and they will not grow anymore. 

What's next:

In 3 months she will have another MRI to see what is happening.  PLEASE keep your faith, prayers, love, light and whatever other good energy you are sending her way coming!  Her attitude towards life along with all our positive energy is making a difference.  Many of you have contributed to helping Josh and Lindsey out financially.  You have no idea what a difference this can make between the feelings of being overwhelmed and full of anxiety to looking forward with hope and happiness.

REMINDER:

Many of us look for ways to bring the Christmas spirit back to the holiday.  You dont' have to go looking too far.  PLEASE visit the blog at www.forlindsey.blogspot.com or the For Lindsey facebook page and make a donation.  It's been surprising the openness of peoples hearts......  thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping.  Your love and generosity have helped ease a very painful and emotional situation.

We love you all.  We can't give up we must continue moving forward.  Please email or FB if you have any questions and again....THANK YOU AND MERRY CHRISTMAS.   We are looking forward to a beautiful 2011.

Mark and Julie Karr Family

November Update

Hello All and Happy Holidays!

It's been a while since the last update and we know that means that things are going well for the time being.  In fact, Lindsey and Josh moved home the day after Thanksgiving.  She was feeling strong enough to handle being back home and the neighbors and ward are stepping up and taking each day to check on her while Josh is at work.  She sleeps into late morning and Josh is trying to finish work by 4 so I think it's a good move for them.  It's time to reconnect with life before the illness and she said it felt so good to be home.  She has been making trips to shop and get some dinner and we are all so happy to see her in a good place right now.  Josh and Lindsey went to Walmart last week and she was laughing at the experience of driving around the power cart.  I had to do that when I was in a cast last year and trust me, they don't go fast.  The person you are with can walk faster than those carts go but even with that Lindsey ran into a toy display!!  She had the biggest smile on her face telling us all about it!  She had to have her hair cut.  The radiation has left 2 areas on the back of her head bald from the base to the crown.  When you combine that with the spot from the brain surgery and the spot from the previous tumors it's quite a do!  But you know Lindsey!  And she can smile at the uniqueness of the entire situation.  Her sister made her some awesome knit caps which she constantly wears.  Josh made the mistake of suggesting a wig (way to go son) Lindsey said it says 'cancer' all over it so there wasn't anyway she was wearing one.  Her feistiness definitely has helped her thru this season of trials.  We love her so much.

I want to send a heartfelt thankyou to those of you who have already made donations.  It has been touching and brought us all to tears with your generosity.  Josh was presented with a $49,000 bill last week and he was so upset and out of sorts and then he received a donation from a person who absolutely reminded me of the story of the woman giving her last mite.  She doesnt have it to give but gave anyway and it made all the difference to the kids.  I know those of you who have given have dug deep and thank you again, from us all. 

If you are looking for a way to help someone this Christmas, here are a couple of suggestions.  One, to head to the blog or FB page.  www.forlindsey.blogspot.com or "For Lindsey" on FB.  You can read her story on the blog and make online donations there.  Also, it's been suggested that "Angel Trees" be set up at different locations.  You can attach envelopes with the online information for making donations inside and include a brief of her story.  Ask your Ward or religious congreations if that is a possibility or a more general domain such  a convenience store.  Please don't include any addresses or phone #'s, just the online information.  I know we can continue to give the kids some relief from the ever present medical bills.

The next step:

Lindsey meets with the radioligist on Tuesday, Nov 30th to evaluate her current condition.  From there they will setting up the appointment to do the next MRI to determine how the tumors have been affected by the radiation treatments.  Please remember to keep the kids in your prayers.  We see the miracles of those blessings every day. 

Thanks everyone!  We love you all.

Julie.

Remember the reason for the season.