Update #9 - 8/7/23

Kara is halfway done with chemo!!

The surgeon had taken a biopsy sample of one of Kara’s lymph nodes, and the result came back negative for cancer! This is also great news, as it indicates a very low likelihood that the cancer has hitchhiked to other parts of her body via her lymph system. This also comes with news from a checkup with her surgeon: the cancer is responding well to the treatment, such that her tumor has shrunk significantly! The doctor didn’t measure it, but whereas before it was easy to find, now Kara can’t even locate it. Praise the Lord for this progress! She still has three more chemo treatments to go, which will end in early October. After that, she will continue to get a shot once every three weeks until next June. This shot contains the targeted immunotherapy drugs which will continue to seek and destroy any cancer cells anywhere else in her body. This treatment protocol has a 94% success rate of no cancer recurrence ten years later.

One piece of the treatment plan that requires a decision from us is the surgery question. One option is to do a lumpectomy, but that would necessitate significant radiation treatments. Another option is mastectomy with reconstruction, which would basically eliminate the possibility of recurrence (in the breast). Both have pros and cons, but those are really the two treatment-plan compliant options. At the end of the day, it has to be Kara’s decision, but please pray for discernment as we weigh our options.

I want to take the opportunity to thank you all for your prayers and financial support, and to update you on some of what that support has provided for us. First, we are so thankful to have been able to spend a week getting treatments at the alternative cancer center in Tampa. That alone would have been financially crippling for us, but God provided for that through your support. Even though we didn’t continue through their full 8-week program, we learned so much during that week about how to support Kara’s body and fight the cancer at home.

Another thing not covered by her insurance is the “cold cap.” This is a cap that Kara wears during her chemo infusions that pumps freezing cold fluid through it that chills her scalp. This restricts the blood flow to her hair follicles during the treatment and can help reduce hair loss. Your support paid for a cold cap for Kara, and she has lost very little hair so far! For our girls, this means even though Mommy is tired and feels sick sometimes, she doesn’t look scary. Thank you so much for this blessing!

Kara’s regular doctor here in Lakeland offers an IV treatment for chemo patients that boosts their immune system and helps with energy levels. Kara is now able to get these infusions twice a week for the duration of her chemo treatments. This is also an out-of-pocket expense that your support has made possible, and we are so thankful to be able to take advantage of them! They have really helped Kara bounce back faster after each chemo.

As I wrap up, a quick update as many have asked about it: the fund set up by Delaware Bible Church has raised almost $30k for the van! They have asked me to relay a message about it though: some have written checks to “Witt Family Fund” or other things like that, but unfortunately in those cases, they have no way of depositing the check and have had to return them. If you were one of those, they’re asking if you could resend your donation made out to Delaware Bible Church and just write ‘Witt Assistance Fund’ in the memo line.

Thank you so much for your generosity! It is so humbling to be cared for in this way, and we can’t begin to express how much we appreciate you!