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Following is an update I received this morning sent by our fellow Circle member, Carolyn.
Here is the latest update from Mark: Tara had an additional 100 cc’s drained from around her heart late yesterday. They discovered that her lungs had fluid in them as well. Doctors are hoping that her body will absorb this on its own. The next step is to begin trying to wean her from the ventilator which will take place once the doctors feel she is strong enough – hopefully in the next day or so. Doctors told Tara’s Dad that they will do chemo as planned on Monday (she’s switched her treatments from Thurs.). This morning at 6am she had an X-ray of her lungs and results should be given to Mark & Tara later this morning. Still no word on either the fluid that was tested or the CT results. Mark said that the level of care Tara has been receiving is phenomenal and that her nurses are professional and caring. Mark also asked me to thank all of you from the bottom of his heart for everything you are all doing to support him and his family. He struggled to find the words for how much he appreciates each and every one of you and your prayers, love and support. I know it is carrying him through this trial. He thanks every person that attended the prayer vigil last night as well. He wanted to be there but decided to stay with Tara (right where he belongs). I have been so touched by all of you and your love for Tara and Mark. It is truly my honor and privilege to help Mark and Tara communicate to you during this time. Please know that I pray for ALL of you, especially those of you who want to be here but live far away. I hear your heartache in all your calls and emails; I can only imagine how hard this must be for you.
“I will be strong and courageous. I will not be terrified or discouraged; for the Lord my God is with me wherever I go.” Joshua 1:9
Today let’s follow Tara’s lead of strength and courage as we wait for more updates. God Bless you.
Dear friends,
I hoped to have something inspirational to share, but my thoughts are all about Tara who is now hospitalized, preparing for our Women’s Retreat being held this weekend, getting ready for my step-mother to arrive from Indiana tomorrow, and preparing for our Bible study tomorrow.
The most prevalent of those thoughts are for Tara. Things are getting very scary for her. She was hospitalized on Sunday with pneumonia, adding stress to lungs that already had cancer. Today we were informed that fluid was forming around her lungs. At 8:00 a.m. she went into surgery to drain the fluid. A biopsy of the fluid will tell if the fluid is from the pneumonia or spreading of the cancer. I think I’m correct in stating that she was placed on a ventilator, too. She is in such a serious condition that she is not allowed visitors, flowers, or any kind of stimulation because her body is so stressed and needs to rest.
Because fresh thoughts and words escape me at this time, I’ll share what I sent to our Circle in response to Tara’s situation:
It’s hard to know that someone we care about is struggling, and harder still to face the reality that someone as beautiful and full of love and life as Tara is, who has an incredible husband, precious kids and a wonderful life, is fighting for her life. Why Tara? Why cancer? Why isn’t she being healed? How can God allow things like this to happen? Why do these things have to happen?
We don’t have the answers to those questions. Maybe they’re not for us to know. What we do know is that God does work through all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Tara has been witnessing incredible strength in faith, inspiring each of us. Through our care and concern we’ve bound together as a community of love and support – many of us spending time in prayer that we might not have spent otherwise. And through all of this Tara’s family is experiencing the love of Christ through each person who has helped and supported them in any way. And I’m sure Mark is seeing God’s hand of grace in ways he never has before.
We also know that God is our loving Father and longs to hold each of us. Just as the song Held by Nicole Nordaman (sp?) sings about, we can be sure that Tara is being held and that God is keeping a firm hold on her family, too. We also know that God hears and answers our prayers. Although His answers are sometimes different than those we ask for, we can be sure that He is there and that He rules with love and grace.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” - The words of Christ in John 14:1
Blessings to all,
Renee
In a recent post I told you about my friend, Tara, who was recently diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer (see Tara’s Team). I just received the following update sent out by her husband:
Important update and prayer request from Mark: This morning Tara had a hard time breathing, a fever and coughing so Mark took her to the hospital. She was diagnosed with pneumonia and admitted to Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte. She’s had several breathing treatments that are helping and is on oxygen and IV antibiotics. The doctors expect she will spend much of the week in the hospital depending how she does. They are treating her aggressively because with both cancer and now pneumonia, her lungs are under a lot of stress. Mark said she is not in any pain. Tara is in the oncology unit and flowers are not allowed anywhere on the floor. Mark mentioned it might be good to hold off on visits as well, because she needs her rest. Please lift Tara up to the Lord for His healing and strength. Pray for Mark as he takes care of Tara, their children Max & Ella, Tara’s & Mark’s parents, their whole family and the doctors & nurses treating her. Collectively we are more than 175 people on her website; the power of our prayer cannot be underestimated! Thank you so much.Please pray for Tara as you think about her throughout the coming week. I’ll post any updates I receive.
Thank you all, and may God bless each of you and keep you safe and well.
Renee
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