Uncategorized
-
Houston, We Have Zero Problems
Hello from Houston, where our stellar MD Anderson team has me totally handled. I left the hospital yesterday after just 2-1/2 days, which is a testament to how they run this show – you will get up and walk on the day of major abdominal surgery thank you very much, and you will not just Continue reading
-
Post-Surgery Update
Charla had a successful surgery yesterday (Tuesday). Thank you for all of your prayers! She is doing well today – hitting all the recovery milestones for day one. After 6 rounds of successful chemo, the surgeons were able to remove the remaining areas of concern and are pleased with the outcome. Charla’s been smart about Continue reading
-
Not Yet……
When I was a kid I loved to make a grand entrance. It usually entailed me doing cartwheels, singing obnoxiously, jumping out of a closet, or re-enacting Bruce Lee’s Kung Fu moves with actual cutlery. Trust me when I tell you these shenanigans cost my parents a trip to the ER with me more than Continue reading
-
On Goose Poop, Trouble, and Hope
Since shortly after the first round of chemo I have felt really, really good. One day I just came out of a fog that I didn’t even know I was in, and I suddenly thought, “Oh, there I am.” I had my old energy back and then some. That energy has been fairly constant, but Continue reading
-
Balancing the Odds of Life
This post was published in the Snowmass Chapel newsletter today. It’s a little longer than my norm, and not necessarily an update on me personally, but coping with what life throws at us is top of mind for me, and these are some things I’ve found helpful. Hope you do too! Thanks for reading! xo Continue reading
-
Kickin’ It.
I decided not to labor over this post and simply offer up a little gratitude and joy that my bloodwork this morning shows the CA-125 is now 11. As a little refresher, this is the primary blood marker for ovarian cancer; 0-35 is normal, and mine was 561 when diagnosed in late March. After two Continue reading
-
No Surgery For Me…Yet
Well this was unexpected (never mind that I was told to expect it). Tim and I did the pre-op visit with my surgeon yesterday in Houston and she postponed the surgery! New scans show chemo is working well, shrinking all the cancer. The primary tumor and all affected “bulky lymph nodes” have reduced by about Continue reading
-
Just this:
One of the hardest things about feeling good during cancer treatment is knowing that so many feel lousy. I’m not talking about right after a big chemo day – that’s just sucks for everyone. It’s a given. I’m talking about the ones who have chronic symptoms that are hard to manage; treatment that leaves you Continue reading
-
Some Things Are Hard to Measure
Today’s update is good! My bloodwork this week was “fantastic” according to the doctor (last time it was “spectacular” so I like her superlatives). You might recall I mentioned earlier that the CA-125 marker is the primary tumor marker for ovarian cancer – if the measurement is above 35 it indicates growth and active cancer. Continue reading
About Charla
In March of 2023 our dear Charla was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer which had spread to the lymph nodes. Charla is a beloved friend and pastor to so many. In an effort to keep all of those who care about her in the loop, and lighten the communication load that would inevitably fall on Charla and her family, we have established this blog. Please post your comments of positivity, prayer, encouragement, and inspiration on this site, or mail encouraging messages via snail mail.
Prior to this diagnosis Charla had tossed around the idea of starting a podcast. With a background in PR and TV, years of expertise teaching and writing on parenting and other topics, a Doctorate in Ministry from Duke University, and 13 years under her belt of co-pastoring and leading a church, Charla has a deep well of wisdom to draw from and “kick around” in conversation in a podcast setting. We can’t wait to “kick it” (slang for “hang out”) with Charla in the years ahead and hear her declare triumph over this diagnosis.
For now, we join Charla in solidarity, with love and constant prayer, as she kicks cancer out of her body.
Kick it with Charla. And lift her up in prayer.
Kick it with Charla 