We did it.

I was a ball of anxiety the entire week and it feels extra sweet to share that Kara crushed her chemo treatment.

She had no hesitation walking into the treatment room. She never ceases to amaze me. We had one hiccup: they tried adding Emend (another anti-nausea med) to her IV, and within two minutes, her face turned red, she broke out in hives, and started coughing. Luckily, the nurse was in the room and immediately stopped the drip. It cleared fast, but it was frightening a moment that stirred up all the trauma. Anti-nausea meds just don’t seem to mix well with her. At this point, we’re sticking with what we know works: Zofran and Aloxi.

While we were there, we met with her care navigator, and I shared the long saga of trying to find a home care nurse to do post-treatment fluids. This has been the thing Kara worried about most when we discussed trying treatment again. That afternoon, we got the call we’d been praying for... they found an agency willing to do fluids at home starting in May! After so many dead ends, I’m incredibly grateful. This is going to be a huge help.

That evening, she had a little nausea, but it was manageable, partly I think thanks to better food choices on and before treatment day. We all went to bed holding our breath, nervous about what was coming.

Wednesday morning, Kara was fatigued and really upset about having to go get fluids. We promised her she’d feel better after, but it took all three of us to get her dressed. She didn’t want to go in pajamas and was so worked up she started coughing and gagging. I had planned to drive separately and head to the office for an executive board meeting, but as Mom pulled out of the driveway, she had to stop; Kara was throwing up in the passenger seat. I ran back inside for a bigger bucket and some Sprite. Threw my work bag in the car with them and told my mom to just drive, that I would figure work out later. Thank God I have a boss who gets it.

Kara was sick the whole ride to DeWitt, but once in the infusion room, she did amazing. The nurse gave her IV Zofran, and as it kicked in she looked up and said, “Oh, I feel so much better now.”

Thursday, Mom had the solo shift while I worked, and Kara did well with Zofran and Clonazepam. By Friday, she was turning a corner. Her appetite was back, but we held off on the cheeseburger… just for a bit. Saturday, her bestie Alexandra came over for a visit and she finally got Culver’s and was so, so happy. Our niece Alexa came to visit in the afternoon and Kara always loves the details Alexa gives when asked, What did you do today?

Now it’s Easter Sunday and, true to form, Kara’s big request is for potato salad. Surprise, surprise.

All in all, we’re doing well. I think my body’s just now letting go of the stress I’ve been holding. I’ve been so exhausted this weekend, just absolutely wiped out. But with this new treatment schedule, we have a little space to recover. Her next treatment isn’t until May 6, and we’re making plans to take a quick trip to Naperville to visit our Florida friends Mary & Joe while they’re up visiting their daughter Lisa.

Also-if anyone has a line on Indiana Fever tickets when they play at Carver, let me know. I’d love to take Kara to see Caitlin Clark play.

While I still can’t shake the heaviness of her diagnosis, I do feel incredibly grateful. We were called to try another dose, and we couldn't have done it without the support of our village. On Friday, I went to take a photo of Kara on the swing. The sky was completely overcast up until I opened my camera and a single beam of sunlight broke through. The light hit her face. It felt like a perfect reminder: God’s got us. All will be okay.

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If You're New Here

Hi, I’m Alisha, Kara’s sister and biggest advocate. Kara was diagnosed with Stage 4 Triple-Negative Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (TNBC) in December 2024. Her cancer has spread to her bones, liver, and other areas, making this an incredibly difficult and uncertain journey.

Despite it all, Kara’s light still shines so brightly—she’s full of love, giggles, and endless positivity. This blog is where I share updates on her fight, the highs and lows, and the incredible community rallying around her.

Thank you for being here, for your love, support, and prayers. We need them more than ever. 💛 And of course, Go Hawks!

Team Kara Support Fund

Your gift helps cover travel, caregiving, and comfort-related expenses for Kara’s support team. While Kara cannot receive funds directly, your generosity provides the relief and resources we need to keep showing up with love.

https://givebutter.com/teamkara