Kate's Pallet of Colors

The colors of Kate's pallet over the past two weeks have faded into paler shades interspersed with some dreary shades of grey. While the three weeks of Kate's radiation passed pretty smoothly, it made its effects known over these last two weeks. Nausea entered the picture taking Kate's appetite with it and fatigue has kept Kate sleeping much of the day. The nausea increased in intensity this past week and the anti nausea medication seemed to make little impact. Tuesday night after an 11pm dose of anti nausea meds, Kate was woken from her sleep at 1:15, 3:20 and 5:30 with heaves. The next day we added decadron (a steroid) to her mix of meds in hopes of alleviating the nausea. Kate had labs done locally three times this week to keep an eye on her counts and her electrolytes. Kate's sodium dropped below normal, so last night we added 8 hours of IV fluids for each night of the weekend. We'll repeat labs again on Monday morning, hoping that the sodium is back at a normal level.

Despite the grey days and discouragement of feeling badly again, God faithfully sprinkled His gold into the pale shades of Kate's color pallet. Kate's gentle and loving spirit shone as we did Maggie's room make over. While she didn't have the energy or strength to participate to the extent that she would have liked, she sat on the floor and did the "cutting in" for the color of each wall. Kate gets so much joy out of doing things for others. With Kate's energy low, we've enjoyed some restful, quiet family movie nights, cuddling on the couch. Over the last couple of days Kate seems to have improved somewhat. Thursday had a bright spot when Kate announced that she was hungry for her favorite "Texas Road House" meal. Our Texas Road House gift card was a special and meaningful gift from someone who had also journeyed the cancer road and who knew first hand the fun of actually feeling hungry and wanting something really good to eat. Kate has also continued to enjoy getting out and sharing in celebrating her friends' graduation parties.

The colors of my heart faded as well over the past two weeks. It's so hard to watch Kate struggle and not feel well and feel helpless because I can't do anything to make her feel better. I felt so drained emotionally and physically.
I long to carry this burden for her. How I treasure the family movie nights with Kate resting her head on my shoulder and Maggie holding Gracie beside us.

Please pray that our summer will be one of renewal physically, emotionally and spiritually for all three of us. The last few months have made us a bit weary. Kate had hopes of a summer mission trip but with the encounters over the last two months with various viruses and the side effects of radiation, we've decided this summer is not the best timing. We do, however, hope to get away a bit and enjoy some quiet, peaceful, rest and relaxation.

As always we are forever grateful for you faithfully carrying us in prayer to the throne of grace.

Embraced by grace,
Elaine