Happy New Year!

Our family once again (this is our third year) went on our annual new years snowmobile ride to Cooper Mountain (yes that's where we got the Dog name). We were joined by the Amsden's, Kevin, Mary, and Cody. We had a light dinner at the warming hut, then just past sunset we headed out to the mountain top. Kevin brought some very festive fireworks which always look really cool at 6500' and on the snow! We often wonder if people below are wondering what the heck us going on on that mountain top up there?! Ya that's just us bringing in the new year a little early. Here's to a great year of healing, and many, many more to come.

Thanks Kevin and Mary and Cody for the fun time. Let's do it again next year!

Brett and Sheri

One o'clock shadow...a glimmer of hope

Ok, you've heard of the five o'clock shadow? Well, in the morning light Brett check out my head for any hair growth...and there are a few little hairs trying to poke out. Yeah! True, it's not even a five o'clock shadow, but there was something! That's a nice thing in this cold weather. I'm not sure how the chemo I'm now taking will effect my hair growth. It took 21 days the first time I took chemo to fall out. It will either grow in spite of the chemo., or decide to take longer to come in, or come in a little, fall out and come in again. The good news is, it will come in.

I'm feeling well on this chemo. I haven't gotten sick and hope not to. A little extra sleep always feels good.

Now the family is enjoying the beautiful snow. We live in a winter wonder land with so many opportunities. There is much to be thankful for.

Looking up and praying for a continued miracle. Thanks for continuing to pray with us for this too.

Sheri

Scan Report

We saw our radiologist for a progress report today. The tumors have shrunk! That is good news. They are about 1/2 to 1/3rd the size they were originally. He said the radiation is continuing to work. As the cells try to reproduce they die at that point because of the radiation. I will also be starting chemo therapy on the 27th of this month again. It will be an oral chemo so I won't need to go to Wenatchee for it. This will be a double dose of what I had during radiation for five days and then I'll get 3 weeks off. This will continue for a minimum of four months.

We will also continue the Herceptin treatments as normal. These will need to be done in Wenatchee.

We are very thankful that God is answering prayer. We are continuing to trust Him. This is the best Christmas present He could have given to me and to our family. Yeah God!!!!! Thank you!!!!!

During this special time of year we give thanks for Jesus' birth. This news makes us thankful for this and so much more, our family, friends, doctors, health, home, church, jobs, and on and on.

Thank you for walking along this journey with us. Merry Christmas!

Looking up and leaning on Jesus,

Sheri

Happy Birthday Alyssa!!!

Nine years ago our girl was born. It seems like we just brought her home yesterday. I remember thinking, wow, they're sending us home with our beautiful girl...but where's the book on how to raise her? I was just sure that each child should have their own book tailored to their specific needs.

As it turns out, she is amazing. We are so proud of her.

We will go down for scans this morning and then celebrate Alyssa's birthday the rest of the day with family.

At this point we are in the middle of therapy right now. My oncologist has prescribed at least 4 months more of chemo. beginning December 27th. So that means that these are mid way scans to see where we are currently at. They also say all the swelling shouldn't be down in my brain yet. We're still hoping for good results.

Tomorrow we will have the MRI results. We are looking up; trusting God no matter what.

Thanks for celebrating and praying with us.

Looking up,

Sheri



Cooper and Ginger breaking bread together!

This time of year we are trying to strike a balance in life....even our pets are getting into the balance thing. Be nice, share, smile, and have a little fun along the way.

Brett and Sheri

Happy Birthday Sissa

Alyssa actually turns 9 on December 22nd, but with the holidays it's always interesting trying to celebrate with a little space between her birthday and Christmas. Friday night she had a little friend party. They went out to pizza, watched movies, painted nails, surfed the Internet (with Mommy and Daddy there), and were generally very loud. It was good to see them all laugh and have fun (and eventually sleep!). This years theme was Tinker Bell....there won't be too many more years of that, we'll enjoy it while it's here. Happy Birthday Alyssa! She is becoming a little lady before our eyes.

Brett and Sheri

Scans and a little more...

Tomorrow Brett and I will be going to the clinic for a normal Herceptin treatment. We will also chat with my doctor about the next steps after the radiation treatment. At this point I think I'll be on 4 months of chemo again. However, the good news is that this chemo is much lighter than last year. It should be 4 months of one week on and three weeks off. So basically I'll be repeating the same oral chemo treatment I finished with radiation only it will be spread out over 4 months. Brett and I will get the details tomorrow.

"So, how are you?" That's the most common question I get. Honestly, I'm doing really well. At times I get tired and am learning not push too much. (But who doesn't get tired during this season?) I'm looking forward to continuing to heal and get better so I get my normal energy back. We're still praying and believing for a big miracle. The other day some ladies from Central Cristiano came to pray with me. Knowing others are praying with you for the same thing is very inspiring and encouraging. We are continuing to have faith and look up.

Next week on Monday we go down for an MRI, ice skating and pizza. I know that's not a normal combination, but it's Alyssa's birthday and that's what she wants to do. So she will be the center of our attention. It's much more fun to focus on her rather than on scans. Then the next day we go down to see our radiologist for the results. We're praying they are good.

Thanks for continuing to pray and looking up with us. Enjoy the Christmas season with family as we all take time to remember the reason for the season...Jesus, the Lord of Life.

Looking up,

Sheri

Birdhouse ahoy!!!

At the lumberyard today we invited kids from K-6th grade to come and build bird houses. We built 73 today! Tons of fun with Santa there and a couple of our contractors showed up and helped out as well. Mark, our receiving guy, is a top notch wood worker, and he pre-cut all the parts. A fun time was had by all....even Cooper the dog was there. Merry Christmas....remember to enjoy today and look up.

Brett and Sheri

A little tired....but no news is.....you know the rest

Not sure what to write here, except that things are somewhat normal. Sheri is a bit tired after school, but who wouldn't being with Kindergartners all day! I get tired just walking in her classroom. Cooper (the dog) is busy getting his house training lessons. He's a great dog that immediately found a place in our family. We are busy with the Christmas grind. Yes that's a bit grumpy, but it is long and tedious at times. Concerts (4), Party's (3 or4), gift opening with family (4), and a birthday party (2) for Alyssa...she'll be 9 on December 22nd. So I guess you see how normal we are.....just the same as the rest of you. It is a nice break not having to worry about scans and chemo and radiation.......so maybe it's not so bad after all. If we skip some days between blogs, forgive us, we are enjoying life one day at a time. We highly recommend it...especially in this busy season. Remember why we go through all this stuff this time of year. Just look up!

Brett

Thanksgiving

Well...all went well yesterday with Sheri's surgery. She has a new port and is all caught up with her Herseptin treatments. It was a busy day as we had to be in Wenatchee at 6am. We finally got home at 5pm. It was a long day. Today we have my family over for dinner. My sister Amy, Doug her husband, and their kids Mitch(10) and Sidney(6). My Mom and Dad are also coming over. Things am I thankful for? Healing, God's grace, family (yes you too Mom in law, you've been a huge blessing even though I don't verbalize it very much), and very supporting friends and community and LCBS crew too . We really are very blessed indeed. Happy Thanksgiving all, and thanks for your support.

Brett

Happy Thanksgiving!!! There is sooooo much to be thankful for today and every day. I echo Brett in being thankful for God holding us in the palm of his hand, His healing, family, friends, my entire school staff, LCBS staff, church, our entire community and fanominal doctors, nurses and crew at the clinic and hospital. We are one BIG family in our valley and beyond.

Yesterday's surgery went great. I was thankful it was so early in the morning so I would still be able to eat breakfast. Brett and I were able to get a bite to eat by 10:30. Yeah! Then we went to the clinic for a Herceptin treatment. They were a little busy so we had about an hour or two to kill. At that point I decided a girl has to do what a girl has to do! ...Retail Therapy! I called mom from Cost Co. and she just shook her head. Then on to Big R and back to the clinic. It was a long, but good day. Today I'm not lifting anything bigger than a coffee pot, but that's ok. There's lots of help from family. It's a great family day.

Another joy is watching the kids with our new puppy. He is already such a part of our family. He follows the kids every move. He is such a little snuggler. Brett and I enjoy stealing moments with him too. He is very sweet and so calm... I'm sure he'll start being a little more active and chewing things up later. It's just a lot of FUN!

Thankfully looking up!

Sheri

Bryce and Alyssa: Meet Cooper, our new puppy!

OK, this post has little to do with cancer, other than there is a lot of life to live outside of cancer! A year ago we had to put down our family dog Izzy, Sheri and I got her from the pound right after we moved back to Manson 17 years ago.

We told the kids we needed to wait two years before we got another dog. Fast forward to yesterday. We had visited Cooper and his brothers and sisters two weeks ago and fell in love! Yesterdays scans gave us the answer. Right after the doctor left the room Sheri and I high fived, hugged, then Sheri blurted out, we're gettin' a puppy! We were planning on puppy sitting the puppy (Cooper) as the Ireland's took the other puppies to their new owners in Seattle. Bryce and Alyssa knew we were going to puppy sit.....but they didn't know it would be their own dog! We had a tag made up with the name we had picked out as a family for our future dog....Cooper. When we arrived Cooper had his tag on. Bryce asked Mrs. Ireland, "what is the dog's name?" She said "Cooper." He then frankly replied, "oh, we're going to have a dog named Cooper in a year." I chimed in "Buddy, this is Cooper, this is our dog." The looks on their faces...."really daddy?".......Really, really.

That'll do Cooper, that'll do.

Looking up.....and living life!

Brett and Sheri

NEWS............

As we sat waiting for Sheri's doctor in the room, she walked in plain faced and said "your scans are normal." Then she jumped and hugged us both!!!! Yep good news indeed! No sign of cancer. We are very happy and giving HIM the glory. This scan was for everything except the brain, which we will do in a month from now. We'll let you know when we cross that bridge. The doctors feel very good about her progress after radiation. For now we are excited to go back to maintenance with Herseptin every three weeks.....that we can handle. Sheri has a small surgery Wednesday to replace her failed port, pray that goes well. Thanks all again for support and prayer, once again we know it works! Now we're off to relax with the kids....play some Wii, and enjoy the blessing God has given us. (and grow back some hair!)

Brett and Sheri

Better Numbers

Sheri had blood work done yesterday. Her liver numbers were down half of what they where the week before. They are still elevated above normal, but they are moving in the right direction. What does that mean? Not much until we get the results of her PET scan on Monday. She goes in for the scan Saturday at 2:30pm, so pray, pray, pray for good results. Actually we were encouraged to see her liver #'s go down, it may mean it was caused by one of the many drugs she was taking, like the steroids. She's been off of them for about a week, and they went up right after she started them. Those things really sent her flying....literally around the house. And man could she eat! She was out eating me! And I'm a healthy eater. Anyway there it is, the latest, unfiltered, nothing beyond the blog, news. We'll keep layin' it out there, if you keep praying!

Looking up,

Brett

CHROME!

No more Mohawks......chrome baby! Two new shinny heads. Yep we shaved them. Sorry we didn't get pictures or Sheri's new do, I'm not so sure she would have let me take it anyway. Once again we are twins. Bryce asked me why I shave my head too. I said: solidarity. What does that mean daddy? I don't want mommy to do it alone.

That is my role in a situation I cannot control, love and support my wife, and pray constantly for her healing.

Brett

Mommy's Sporting a New Mohawk!

You can sure tell that the radiation is hit on each side of my head because I have a Mohawk in the middle. As the days go on, it gets thinner an thinner, but it's still there. I figure a little hair will at least give me some length and maybe a little volume...just in case I don't have to go through chemotherapy again. We'll know that on Monday afternoon after PET scans on Saturday.
As for now, it's one day at a time and trying to live as normal of a life as possible in the midst of it all. I'm thankful God is in charge and am still praying for a BIG miracle.

Looking up,
Sheri

New Numbers

Well, Thursday we learned that my liver numbers are slightly up. My doctor said there could be 15 reasons for it, but she was most concerned that the cancer could be back in my liver. So we will be going in on Saturday, Nov. 22 to get a PET scan. That's two weeks earlier than planned. My doctor would want to get us started on chemo therapy as early as possible. She has different plans depending on the results of the scans.

Both Brett and I were concerned. It seems like every time she has a concern that she is right. So we strap in, put our seat belts on and get ready for the next ride.

My port is also not working. Ugg. At this point my doctor said. "This is ridiculous. You need a port that works! I don't want you to have to worry about that any more. You don't need that." So, I'll probably be going in for a surgery to get mine replaced. This is rare that someone needs to do this, but the results of getting it replaced will be good. I want to keep my veins in good condition. A port also helps in distributing the chemo. Pray for good results with a new port please.

I wanted to let you all know that this type of cancer is always considered Breast Cancer. Breast cancer can travel to the lymph nodes, bones, liver, lungs and brain. It is still Breast Cancer and treated as such. It isn't another type of cancer. It has just moved. (Just a little free information.)

Ok, November 22nd is the day of the Apple Cup. We have season tickets and just Brett and I were planning on going. We were both looking forward to it. Brett didn't bat an eyelash and there wasn't even a second thought of missing it. Now, as a true Coug through and through, that's the perfect example of sacrificial love. You may need to be a Coug to understand that one in a loosing season, but just trust me on this one.

So, what does all this mean? Well, here's how I look at it. My circumstances don't dictate or influence God's power, being, or ability to answer prayer. He is on His throne. We are in His hands. We are still praying steadfastly for a miracle. I will trust Him no matter what comes our way. I will choose to look up. I will choose to rejoice, praise Him, love my husband and children and live each and every day to the fullest. I love the verse: This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24

Continuing to look up!

Sheri

Beyond the blog.....part II

Well here we are again. You all need to know that this most recent news caught us a bit off guard. We, and the doctors were quite happy with Sheri's progress over the last year. Her past scans were nothing short of miraculous, I know I was there and saw them.....yet here we are again, and so soon. The progression of the cancer to the brain, we're told, is a natural one. The doctors are confident Sheri will respond like last time with good results, that is our hope and prayer. Treatment for her cancer in her body is different then cancer in her brain. Many have asked why the first treatment didn't kill the cancer in her brain. We asked the same questions. Plainly.....the brain is different, and is treated very different as well. The previous scans showed no signs of cancer in the brain, so the doctors chose not to put Sheri through that treatment if they didn't have to. Like before it has been caught relatively early, she didn't have symptoms of it even being there. Sheri is a real trooper, and is handling the treatments well. She's working half time in the mornings, and we do radiation in the afternoons. We try to get home before the kids are back from school to minimize any interruptions for them. All in all we're trusting God, but not totally understanding why we're back here so fast. We didn't get much dust collected on our helmets and shields from the last fight, but we strapped them back on for the next round. We've found it's easier to fight today's battle, and not worry too much about tomorrow.

My employees at the yard are great. Thank you to them for holding the fort down for our entire family. We really are blessed by them! Dad is busy with Mom, and I'm in and out with Sheri and the kids. Our friends have helped immensely too, helping drive and watch the kids on days I need to be at work. Thank you!!! My employees also field tons of concerned questions. Their pat answer? "Read the blog." We really do lay it all out here, no hidden stuff behind the scenes....really, really. The main reason we did this is so others know what we know, thus avoiding the "how are they doing" questions that tend to become mind numbing after the 1000th time you've said it. Don't get me wrong here, please, we know people care and just want to know. But if I'm being totally honest here, it does drain me. There, I got my grumpy stuff out there, take it for what it is. In short.....read the blog. I hope I didn't offend too many of you, those that I did I hope you can cut me some slack.....I'm a work in progress. My role in this situation is to love and support my wife and my mother, be a good dad for my kids, and run our business in an uncertain economy. If I come off a bit short and preoccupied, I hope you'll show me grace and understand why.

Keep Praying

Brett

PS: If blogging isn't your thing....Sheri and I are both on Facebook too. Some find it a little lighter and easier then the blog.

Food, Food and MORE Food!!!

The last few days I've been out eating Brett easily! In fact, I think he just watches me, quietly smiles inside and is amazed I can put away so much. I'm finding that I need to constantly eat little bits to keep my head feeling clear. It's really easy to get light headed right now, but if I just keep food going in it really seems to help my head not feel spacey and keeps my hands from shaking. So, at the moment, big meals are out and the little constant meal is in! Now, an excuse to eat all day! Who can complain at that! I know this will pass too. Then we'll be back to normal eating in life, but for now...EAT, EAT, EAT!!!!

Looking up always,

Sheri

Coming off of Steroids!

I'm so thankful to say that today was hopefully the last day I have to taper off of those steroids. I am very thankful for the good work they do in reducing swelling. Really, in the whole picture, feeling a little hopped up is much better than a swollen brain! Let's get it all in perspective.

I expect that it may take awhile for my body to readjust and that's ok. Right now I have quite the chipmunk cheeks. My doctor told me I would. I just told him that was more room for Brett to kiss me on the cheek and he laughed. He also said my hair would fall out again. Well, he must be a good doc. He is right on. It's just starting to come out today, so get ready for the wigs and hats!

All in all, life if great. We took a family trip to watch the Cougs play football this weekend. We had a ball. Yes, I know it's a rough year for the Cougs. I was hoping for just one touchdown...and they got 4! One touchdown in each quarter! All the die hard Coug fans in our section were ecstatic with the progress. Sometimes you've just got to rejoice in the steps of progress of life. It's how we play the game that's important, one step at a time. That's a lesson that I think God is continuing to teach us...looking up to Him.

Well, the kids are watching a movie with daddy and mommy better get downstairs to join them!

Thank you for all your continued prayers.

Looking up,

Sheri

Celebrating Each Step

Last Tuesday my Radiologist doctor told me I could begin going off of the stteroids. Yeah! They have left me feeling pretty hopped up, but the good news is the house is looking pretty clean and I think every piece of mail that could be filed is in it's place at the moment. My nurse warned me that I would probably take a pretty hard crash, but at least it would be in a clean house! We both laughed. I was aware of this because I knew a body just can't keep going like this. I'm so looking forward to just being my normal busy self. The honest rest is sounding really good too. I'm trying my best to rest and really have to concentrate on it, even with sleeping pills.

Radiation and oral chemo therapy seem to be going well. It is a privilege to continue working half time through this and living normal family life as much as we can. My mom has really helped out with the kids on the half days and they love being with grandma and grandpa.

We have student conferences right now. During this time I just worked the conferences. I really missed teaching, but that will come next week with the schedule back to normal. It will be all of us off to school in the morning and daddy off to work. Then I leave at 11:10 to begin the radiation and chemo treatment schedule. We run to Wenatchee and come home quickly so Bryce and Alyssa can just walk home from school like normal. We are blessed to have such a great hospital that works so closely with us. They really care about the needs of our kids and family life. We appreciate that greatly.

Thank you for continuing to pray with us and looking up.

Sheri

Hope

Today is another day of radiation, chemo and steroids. I'm hoping that my doctor may want to begin weening me off of the steroids. I think that would feel good, even though I haven't felt bad, just different. Getting back to natural sleep would be a good thing. My doctors take such good care of me though. I have some great sleeping pills that really help. Sleeping is healing.

On the lighter side of life, I have noticed that I want to clean up, clear out old unneeded things and move them on. I'm not sure if it's the steroids motivating me or something else...but look out old store room! I'm on the move. Maybe it's just knowing Christmas is around the corner and I want to be ready. We all do that.

Enough rambling for now. We're ready for another beautiful day that the Lord has made. A day of healing and giving. Thanks for all your faithful prayers. I believe God honors them.

Looking up,

Sheri

Latest Developments

We started radiation on Monday. Today is Thursday and my doctor decided to prescribe an oral chemo therapy to go with my radiation. It is a drug in stage II trials. The reason we didn't start it immediately is because she was really investigating it before she gave it to me. Both Brett and I appreciate her research on such matters. Basically, they, my Oncologist and Radiologist believe it has the potential to help in the healing process more than hurt anything. That is a good thing. We will be on the chemo and radiation schedule for 4 weeks. At that point we will reevaluate with scans and see where we go from there. The next steps will depend on the outcome of the scans. We may be looking at 6 more months of chemo, we may not... I'm not worried about that right now.

For now the kids homework is done, costumes are set out, juice is ready for each of their classes and they're ready for Halloween! We will be doing a little trick-or-treating and going to my brothers for a party. We are looking forward to it.

Today I went back to work for half a day. I must say I have the most supportive staff in the world. I just love them. The day was wonderful. My kinder kids are doing great and ready to help their sub, Mrs. Charlton, get through the day...just ask them! They are a sweet, busy group and eager to learn. I'm hoping to teach half days as much as I can for the next four weeks. I figure, if I'm able, why not? It helps give continuity to my children knowing mommy is at school and the kids in my class too. It helps me keep a healthier perspective on life too. Isn't it great that life isn't all about me! When you're with kinders, life is honestly about them and that's wonderful.

Thank you for your continued prayers. This may be a battle, but we are ready to fight. Thank you for praying and believing with us.

Looking up,

Sheri

Round Two...Let's Go!

Well, today we went down and met with our radiation doctor. He showed us scans of my head sliced in several ways. We saw 3 large spots and several smaller ones on my head. No wonder I felt dizzy a couple of times and a few tingles on my head at times this weekend. It just amazes me I didn't feel the tingles or any unstableness earlier. I wonder if the steroids made the swelling go down just enough for me to feel it now. I do know I am in God's hands and on a good road.

Today the docs made a mask for me...just in time for Halloween too! The mask actually serves a purpose. It is a mesh that was put over my face..."like a the spa" the nurse said. But then is got cold and hard. (If I were at the spa I'd expect another warm towel!) Anyway, I will wear the mask each time when I get radiation. It keeps my head in one place as they fasten it to the head rest that I'm on when I get radiation. It's not that bad. You just get to close your eyes, relax and go snowmobiling, for a walk or shopping in your head. See, it can be a pleasant thing. That's the choice part of it all.

We have hope. Are there any guarantees? No, but we have hope. We serve a big God and are also encouraged that there are options for treatment. We believe that it is our responsibility to hit this with all the common sense, medication and prayer possible.

We immensely appreciate the love and support from all of our friends and family. We love you all. I am continually blown away by all the love. In fact, tonight we came home to about 30 lit pumpkins in our driveway to welcome up home! We LOVED it!!! We are amazed at how so many are willing to hold us up as we walk through this. We are humbly thankful.

(Hope this makes sense...after being radiated today I'm wondering just how coherent I sound.)

We are looking up and praying for another miracle.

Sheri & Brett

What Happened?

Well, I thought I'd fill you in on what little I know. Thursday my principal walked into our room, that's nothing new, but Brett was right behind her. That was something new. I could tell by the look on his face that something was wrong. He just said "We need to go." I honestly thought something was wrong with his mom. So I showed Heather what we were doing for the next 30 minutes before my kids went to Specialists. Yes, it was towards the end of the day. I grabbed my coat and purse. Then as Brett and I walked home hand in hand he told me that my doctor had called him and told him the cancer had moved to my brain. There were several spots and it was inoperable. We were both in shock...feeling quite numb.

Brett was at his mom's house making her a milk shake when he got the call. He said he looked down and saw water drops on the counter and realized that they were beads of sweat. He was white as a sheet. His mom asked what was wrong and he told her. He just said "I have to go home." He came and got me and now we are on a new adventure.

We are doing better emotionally now and ready to do what we need to. I did ask my doctor about possible seizures and she said the tumors aren't located where they should cause a seizure, but she didn't think I should be driving with the kids in the car alone. That made it easy. I won't be driving at all until next Wednesday when she thought it would be ok. I don't want to put anyone at risk at all.

At this point I'm on steroids to shrink swelling in my brain. I will begin radiation on Monday and be on it for three weeks. After radiation on Monday, I will meet with my doctor and hopefully get the next steps set up. I'm guessing there will be chemo and a PET scan, but we will be more definitive after we talk to her. The steroids make it a little hard to sleep, but some non addictive sleeping medication took care of that last night. Yeah! That felt good.
We are hoping, praying and believing. Yes, God is in control and we will trust him no matter what. Thank you all for the words of encouragement to my kids, husband and me. They mean so much. Thank you also for the prayers. God hears them and answers prayer. I still hope he answers them with healing. He is capable.

Looking up always,

Sheri

The Battle is On!

Ok, we got bad news from our doctor today. The cancer has spread to my brain and is in at least 12 spots. Therefore it's inoperable. I will begin radiation on Monday.
The good news is God is still on His throne and we are in His hands. I'm also feeling well right now.
Please pray.

Looking up,

Sheri & Brett

Celebrating Life!

Every day is a gift from God. That has become very clear the last year. Thanks for celebrating with us last Saturday! We walked (and ran) the Chelan Chase. We ran just to keep up with the kids! Once again they were a great inspiration. It was a super family celebration of all we can do to help others. Last year I focused on trying to get better, and by God's grace, we did. There were points last winter that I wondered if I would have the strength to go for a 6K race this fall. Three miles seemed forever. So when we finished it felt great! We were happy, exhausted (just mommy and daddy) and thankful to be together. I think we will be doing the Chelan Chase for many years to come as a family.
Thanks for all of your prayers over the past year. Thanks also to so many of you who donated financially to the Chase. We raised $4,355.00. (Yes, my number is different than Brett's because more money has come in that we will donate.)
I think my biggest Ah, Ha moment came when survivors expressed how long they have been thriving. It has seemed forever to me since we stopped chemo. It took me back when I realized it has only been 5 months! No wonder I'm tired and a little numb by the time Friday comes! My doctor said it takes a year to get your full strength back. I'd say we're doing great, but I do need to find a little more time to relax in the midst of a busy mommy schedule. Life is wonderful!
We are continuing to pray for Sharon. Hopefully she will return home from the hospital next week. We pray for strength and healing. She is a wheel chair now. She doesn't feel the pain she used to because she doesn't have any feeling in her legs or hips.
We continue to do our best to look up.
God bless!

Sheri

Champion for a day!

Well the results are in, the walk for Breast Cancer, the Chelan Chase is done. With all your help Sheri raised $4,335.00! She was the top fund raiser this year! Bryce was the second place runner in the 6-8 year old division, and Alyssa won a pink leather purse in the drawing. They were both very excited. It was fun to walk with Sheri as a SURVIVOR. This too is part of our celebration, thank you to all who have shared in the journey with us, we appreciate the support, prayers and kind words. Sheri goes in this next week for some update scans she has every three months now. She continues her every three week Herseptin treatments as well. School, work, soccer, life are very busy, but it's good to stop on days like today and remember and celebrate where we've been and where we're going. I think we've started a new family tradition this year with the Cancer walk. We'll be back next year! Looking Up!

Brett and Sheri, Bryce and Alyssa

There's still time to help Sheri........

We are doing well in the support we are getting for the Chelan Chase Breast Cancer walk. It's not to late to still help out though! e-mail us or stop by the lumber yard and come back to my office. The walk is this next Saturday and Sheri, Bryce, Alyssa, and I are walking for cancer. This weekend is full of soccer games, fall projects, and going to see Mom in Wenatchee. We'll keep the updates coming.

Brett

Mom update........a CHALLENGE!!!

Many of you have asked how my Mom is doing. She's been in the Wenatchee Valley Clinic Hospital for about 2 weeks now. She has lost feeling in her legs, so she is bound to a wheelchair. Mentally she's doing well, working from the hospital with her lap top and phone. She's battling, keep her in your prayers.

On October 18th Sheri, Alyssa, Bryce, and I are walking in the Chelan Chase Breast Cancer Walk. Anyone who would like to join us is invited to participate. This is the first event like this we've been able to participate in since Sheri diagnosis last November, and clear scans in May. It is a fund raiser for Breast Cancer research and Local Mammogram programs. I thought it would be cool if Sheri were the top individual fund raiser this year! I'm not used to asking for donations, I'm usually getting asked for them at the lumberyard. Yes, Lake Chelan Building Supply is a major sponsor of the Chelan Chase, so I put my money where my mouth is. If you are interested in donating to Sheri, you can contact us via an e mail or phone 509-687-6344 or my cell 509-387-6069. If you are interested in walking with us check out http://www.chelanchase.com/ I'll keep you informed as to the progress of the donations. This will be Sheri's first time to walk as a SURVIVOR! That she is...

Brett

Successful Surgery

My doctor was pleased with the results of surgery today. He still wants me to check in with him in two weeks when I get my next Herceptin treatment to confirm that my port is working well. He stripped the fibrins off of it so it will work properly. I don't remember a thing. The nap was nice because I didn't sleep too well the night before...go figure. I knew it was a simple surgery, but it was still surgery and I guess I was a little apprehensive.
My favorite part was getting the orders as we left. No driving, no big decisions, no care giving, basically it's a free pass as a night off! Whoo Hoo! I asked if I could get these instructions about every two weeks, but it didn't work for some reason. :)
I'm thankful it went well. Brett was able to visit with his mom as he waited for me. I'm always so thankful to have him with me. He has been an incredible support. When we got married we knew a cord of three is not easily broken. This cord has been a source of incredible strength for both of us. God is at the head of our relationship and the three of us make a great team. Go team!

Looking up,

Sheri

Plans Change

This week was going just great. The school and soccer routine is falling into shape well. We went down for Herceptin on Thursday and that went well too. We talked to the doctor who will be doing my surgery on Monday to clean off my port. It's supposed to be a day surgery and I should be at work the next day. I just figure it's another adventure we get to go through.
Any way, Brett and I were supposed to go to WSU to see the game today...just the two of us. Well, plans change. I came down with the 24 hour flu on Friday after I went to work. All I can say is...I hope no one else gets it! Today I can keep down food and that's a great thing. Hopefully we will be able to get out another time. At this point we'll watch the game from home.
Well, we're of to another exciting week! Blog at ya later!

Looking up,
Sheri

GO COUGS!

Well another Washington State football season is here. I thought I'd post a few pics and a video of the kids. They love the pre-game playground and food fair. The game...well they tolerate it for Daddy's sake. We finally got a win! This weekend just Sheri and I are going...it's our mini vacation. Remember to enjoy the little things in life, like watching your kids play on the jumpy toys! Go Cougs!

Brett

What's a Girl to Do?

Ok, I'm laughing at myself. My hair seems to be growing straight up! I'm hoping that gravity overtakes the curl factor on the top of my head soon. Understand that I LOVE having hair again. It's just going to be funny going through all of those "in between" stages. Oh well. I'm so thankful for every day simple living.
Today we're off to the Coug game...maybe they'll even win!

Looking up and thankful for today!

Sheri

Port News

This afternoon I took a quiet trip down to Wenatchee for a Dye test on my port. My port has been great. It has enabled me to receive medicine without destroying my veins. However, today's test showed that some little fibroids have grown at the base of it. I can receive medicine but they can't get any blood out of it. The bottom line is they can go in and shave the little fibroids off without doing surgery. I don't have it all figured out, but that's nothing new. About the time I think I have something figured out...it changes. That just keeps me on my toes.

School is off to a roaring start. The kids love their teachers, I love my class and we are all doing well. Now it's off to bed because it all begins tomorrow again.

Looking up,

Sheri

Back to normal.....well for us anyway.

Normal. What is normal. Sheri and I toss that word around a lot. Most folk don't realize they are there (normal), until they're not there any more. That was us. Yet we can never go back there again. Not with what has happened the last 10 months. We are closer to being normal then ever, but cancer will never be far from the front of our brains.

Sheri's hair is coming back in with a vengeance. She still gets the "look" from people....like what is she thinking cutting her hair so short? A few weeks back we were talking to some people, and we got on the subject of haircuts. I mentioned Sheri and I had matching Hair Do's....mine was razor induced, and her's was chemically induced. Pause..... The look on their faces.....you could see the wheels turning, they turned to Sheri and said, "you had cancer, you look great!" Sheri's mantra right now while her hair is coming back is: wear it like you meant to do it. It works, and she looks great.
You know, I like the new normal. The old one was over rated. We were very thankful for the last set of scans, and continue to trust God in this journey. The strength you've seen the last 10 months was not ours, but His.
Well.... back to fall projects around the house. Yes we're remodeling again....whats a guy to do.....I guess that's our normal.

Brett

Clear Scans!

Yeah!!! Our scans came back showing no sign of cancer. My doctor could see that my bones are continuing to heal. The scans showed that calcium is going into the bones too. There was no sign of cancer in my liver. This amazes me and I am completely THANKFUL!!! My liver was so spotted in the beginning that it must be a miracle. I'm thankful for an awesome God who is in control of everything. In the beginning of this adventure Brett and I simply decided to trust Him no matter what.
Today my port did not want to work again. We think it's because it is sitting against my chest wall. To make sure we are right, I will need to go in for a dye test in a couple of weeks. This will simply confirm that it is still working mechanically.
In a couple of months or so, I will go in for another mammogram and ultra sound to continue to confirm that everything is going well. It's a lot of work to do all of this but I do appreciate the thoroughness of my doctor.
We continue to thank God for great results and live one day at a time for Him.

Thank God for miracles!

Looking up,

Sheri

Ahhhhh...

Yeah! Scans are done. Now we're home relaxing. Tomorrow we'll find out the results. I feel relieved just knowing the scans are done.
My port gave my nurse fits again. She said that a healthy body wants to fight anything foreign. I was just happy to hear her call me healthy! Anyway, we figured out how to make it work and she wrote it all over my chart for any of the nurses when we go to use it next time.
Well, I'm off to bed! Tomorrow's another wonderful day.

Looking up always,

Sheri

A New Beginning

Tomorrow dawns a new beginning to another year. My kinders will begin their school career tomorrow It's a privilege to be apart of their lives in this way. It's also a privilege to be teaching again. I'm thankful for my job, for being able to contribute to each of their lives and to be close to my own children as I work.

It's a joy to hear Alyssa and Bryce say they love school. All three of us enjoy meeting after school in my room to recap their day. They are good little helpers in my room too.

Yep, scans are in two days. Yep, we're hoping and praying for good results. As crazy as this sounds, I actually have sub plans set up for the second half of Tuesday...and I haven't even had my entire class yet! Tomorrow is their first day. I feel so bad leaving on their second day of school, but logically I know they will be ok.

All in all, it has been a wonderful summer. It has been restful, healing and a joy to enjoy normal activities. (Yeah! Thanks God for that!) We are continuing to enjoy the warm days and barbecuing.

We're now off to a great year to do our best daily.

Looking up continually,

Sheri

Sheri turns 40!!!

That's right, today was Sheri's 40th. I thought about doing a big shin dig with all the folks, but..... One thing the last nine months has taught me is low stress is ok. So we went low stress. Sheri's brother Bret (we call him one "T"...because I have two in my name, so I'm two t's) and his family came up from Entiat for burgers on the grill. The cousins got to play and swim, and the adults caught up with each other. Sheri's actually very excited about 40. It'll sink in later for her. Tomorrow Sheri starts school, with the kids starting on Thursday. We worked hard on the house this weekend. Sheri and I sat down after going for several hours straight, and she said, I feel normal again. She has her energy back to almost 100%. She'll need it for Kindergarten. So another year passed, and a new school year begins. The last nine months will never be far from the front of our minds. Sheri has scans this next week. We'll update as we know new news, or hopefully no news.

Happy Birthday babe! 40 down, 60+ more to go!

Brett

A Hair Cut!!!!!

Yesterday I took Alyssa in to get her school hair cut with Tammy. Graciously she gave me a hair cut too...ok, it was a trim...a very light trim. But it was a trim none the less!!! My hair now lies much nicer behind my ears. Thanks Tam!

It's just nice to have hair to cut! Now I'm praying that my August scans will continue to come out with no trace of cancer so my hair can keep growing! I'm feeling well and thanking God every day for healing me the way He did. Like I've said before, I'm praying for a continued miracle. I have soooo much to be thankful for.

Continuing to look up!

Sheri

All Points Bullentin!!!! Butch is Missing.....

Upon returning home from vacation we found ourselves missing a member of our animal family. "Butch" the cat. Butch, named after the ever famous WSU mascot, is a orange and white one year old kitty. Butch has had a bad habit of jumping in open cars, we wonder if he hopped a ride somewhere? Alyssa is posting a reward if Butch is found. Please let us know if you've seen him.

Brett and Sheri, Bryce and Alyssa

Almost Home......

Wondering where we've been? Well on vacation of course! After Sheri's last treatment we packed up the trailer and headed west to the Kent KOA. We took in the Space Needle and a Mariners game (we lost in the 11th inning, but we saw Ichiro hit a lead off Homer!). Then we traveled north to the Concrete KOA for 4 days. What a beautiful spot. Bay View State Park was our next stop near LaConner, what great sunrises and sunsets! Yesterday we traversed the Northcascades Highway to the Winthrop KOA. We love it here. Trust us when we say, not all KOA's are created equal. Some places pack you in like sardines. Not so here, plenty of room, (except in the pool, it's going to be 104 today!). Anyway there is my half of the update. Sheri and I and the kids have enjoyed our time away, but are looking forward to getting home, (and watching the Olympics on a real TV). It's been fun to dream and talk and play with only a few plans, and no wares in particular to be. We vacation a little different then most. Our lives seem so scheduled the rest of the year, that when we're on vacation we have as little structure as we can. We get up and say, what should we do today? We're weird that way. We continue to thank God for today, and put our trust in Him.

Brett


Ahhhhh, VACATION! We love going, enjoy every minute and yet there is something special about coming home too.
Honestly, we've just enjoyed being a normal family. It's been fun doing whatever we feel like at the moment. One of my favorite moments was watching the sun rise with Brett on the beach. Relaxing fires have been enjoyable in the evenings. Before roasting marshmallows we gave compliments to one another again. The kids are getting pretty good at it. Of course, smores are the perfect motivator!

Looking forward to being home! ...and our own beds!

Sheri

Another Answered Prayer

Forgot to tell you this one... Ok, so I was sitting in the comfy red chair and getting hooked up to the Herceptin. My port was being cranky. They could get the saline solution in just fine, but couldn't get any blood out. (Sorry to gross any of you out on that one.) Anyway, in order to use it, it must be working both ways. Linda, my nurse tried and tried. She then gave me some special medicine to flush it out. We waited about 45 minutes and tried it again. At first it looked like it wasn't going to work. We planned on using a pick line (that means a needle the old way) to give me the Herceptin and try flushing the port out again. All of a sudden she yelled "Yeah! Yes! We got it! Prayer works! I don't care what anybody else says!" I couldn't agree more with her.

Here I was just sitting there comfortably, not even realizing that my sweet nurse was praying. Then I think, how many times is it that we are praying for friends or someone is praying for us...countless? How many times does God answer prayer just because He loves us and we don't even realize it? I thank God for all of those prayers!

Thankfully praying!

Sheri

Wow, I forgot...

Today I got to go down for a Herceptin appointment. The last couple of weeks I was busily running around with my normal amount of energy...buzzing from one project to another. When I returned home from the clinic, I started in on my mental list of TO DO items. Then I thought, I think I'll just sit down for a few minutes...about 10 minutes later I thought, I think I'll just lay down for a bit. Hummm, I forgot that Herceptin can wipe me out temporarily. So I called Brett just to ask him if I was this tired right after Herceptin last time too. He reminded me I was. Phew! I figure that means I'm normal. I'm so thankful that God blessed me with a great husband who can remember all the details that I forget.
We're looking forward to camping this next week. In fact, I think we will be taking off a day early because we are ready to go! We'll be loading the suitcases, bikes and food into the trailer and be off. We'll let you know how it all goes. (Smores are ready to eat!)
Oh, Smores remind me of one of the favorite things we did at Cameno Island. We had smores one night. But before we began roasting marshmallows each of us had to give a compliment to each member of the family. It was great to hear the kids be so positive with each other. It was a neat time of building one another up. Then the roasting fun began!

Looking up!

Sheri

Lazy, hazzy, summer days.....

Yep, summer is over half gone. Today we are over on Camano Island. We won a three night stay this last spring at the youth missions auction, so here we are. We always try to get the kids to the ocean at least one a year. It's beautiful here, and we are taking time to relax, walk the beaches, and just be. Later this week we hook up the trailer and head out to 5 different KOA campgrounds in 10 days. We'll take in a M's game (the kids first), and do some camping. Sorry this isn't very interesting stuff, but after the last 9 months, it's nice not to be interesting! September holds the beginning of school, and the start to Cougar football season. Fall is a busy time in general. Sheri has her next set of scans in the beginning of September as well, so we'll update everyone. Pray for good results. Still looking up, even on vacation.....enjoying every minute He gives us. (I recommend it highly)

Brett

Giving

Brett and I were very involved in a variety of activities at church and in our community before we began our adventure last fall. Lately we've been thinking and praying about where we should go from here. We want to be able to give to others. Giving is part of the joy of living. We also know we should be careful not to over commit. Ahhh, looking for a balance in life once again. We're setting priorities. I honestly figure that the rest will work itself out in God's timing. For now, we are thankful for today and resting in the healing that He has given us. We also continue to pray for a continued miracle. We call it the miracle maintenance program by God's grace. God is good and in charge. We are eternally grateful for his guidance and all He has done and is doing in our lives.
Looking up.

Sheri

Latest Doc Visit

We are now living the new normal. On Monday we went down for an appointment and Herceptin treatment. After an examination, my doctor thinks things are going well. She has set scans for the beginning of September to check in more detail. We'll be getting a bone scan and a PT scan. That means I get to drink the lovely orange-chalk drink before I go down. Ooo-ah. Oh well, that's ok and I know it's important.
We are praying for a continued miracle. At this point it's the miracle maintenance plan.
My muscles are still getting used to a little more activity than they've seen the past few months. They let me know about it occasionally but the more I gently push them, the better it seems to get over time. My goal is to be able to walk in the Chelan Chase this October. I'm looking forward to that. Brett even ordered a few hats to wear when we walk. It should be fun.

Looking up!

Sheri

Live from the Oregon Coast

Hidy ho from the Oregon Coast. Sheri and I are at a WBMA (Western Building Materials Assoc) conference for the next few days. The kids are with Sheri's folks, so it's just us. We packed up the convertible and travelled top down. We found out one thing though....12 hours with the top down is exhausting! Dude, we are fried cookies! Don't cry for us, we'll bounce back. It's 65 and cool down here. We'll spend the time networking with other lumber people, and learning new stuff to help run the business. We really haven't talked much on this blog about our business. I do appreciate my crew at work who have supported Sheri 100% through this. They've supported me by letting me support Sheri too. Sheri really takes a genuine interest in the lumberyard, and is one of my best spokespeople. I value her support of me and us as a business.

Well off to my first networking session (on the golf course, I play once a year, I leave that up to my Dad), Sheri is off to the spa (I've got to spoil her a bit too!). Tomorrow starts the real education seminars. Blog at you soon.

Brett

Permission from Alyssa and a family trip

Since Mommy lost her hair, it's been hard for Alyssa. "It's embarrassing mom!", she would say. So especially for her I would always make sure I had a hat or wig on whenever we went out in public together. (Honestly, when I was completely bald, I wanted something on too! One, it was COLD in the winter and two...it's just nice to be a girl with her hair done.) When we were at home, she was fine with mommy without a wig or hat.
So, yesterday we were busy getting in the car to go to the store. About half way down the hill to the store I remembered my hat. "Oops! I forgot my hat!", I said. I was about to turn around when I heard a soft voice from behind me say, "That's ok mommy." It was Alyssa. "Really?" I asked. "Yes", she said, "It's ok." So on we went to the store! Mommy was out with her new hair do. It looks like a short little boys cut.

We went to Stehekin today in the boat and rode bikes to Rainbow Fall. And yes, we stopped by the bakery! It was beautiful and a wonderful family time.
On the way up the lake the kids told me my hair looks like the same color as the burnt trees from the forest fire that went through a couple of years ago. Ya gotta love kids honesty! I think Bryce's comment was "Hey mommy, your hair looks like that hill." I laughed. "Thanks honey!" Of course Brett let me know he was pretty right on.
Stehekin is one of our favorite places to play as a family. We have many good memories and many more to make.

Looking up!

Sheri

Tumor Board Review

Last time I went down for Herceptin, I could feel it working in my body when I got home. I figured that this was either very good or very bad, but wasn't sure which. We called my doctor and saw her today. She examined me and fortunately couldn't find anything. We will have more routine scans in late August. These will give us more definitive answers.

We also reviewed what she went over with the tumor board. This board is a group of doctors that review cases and give each other their medical opinions based on the latest research. At this point they were VERY pleased with my last set of scans that showed so much progress. They are not recommending a mastectomy right now. They would like me to wait and see how my next set of scans go. At that point they will reevaluate my staging. If there was any new activity in the breast, then they would recommend the mastectomy.

I go down again in a couple of weeks for a Herceptin treatment. In the mean time, we plan on living life to the fullest and enjoying summer with our kids. In a couple of weeks Brett and I are also planning on a little "vacation" to the Oregon coast. It's a lumber yard business trip that we are looking forward to.

Continuing to look up,

Sheri

Summer Joys

In this blazing hot weather this last weekend, we were all nursing ugly summer colds. The kids started theirs earlier in the week and were feeling a little better than mom and dad. So, they naturally wanted to go swimming. There was no way mom and dad wanted to go anywhere, so then they wanted a slip and slide. We didn't have one, so we hooked up the hose and put it on a 10' x 25' piece of plastic. The fun began. We call it our Red Neck Water Slide. It has provided hours of fun. The kids slept great that night too! Go figure.
Enjoy the summer weather!

Sheri

Dare to Dream, Dare to Plan, Dare to Live!

Ever since Brett and I have been married, we have had our 1 year, 3 year, 5 year and 10 year plans. We write them down, put them away and then look at them several months or years later. It's always been fun to see the progress we've made toward them and check them off one by one. On our mini vacation we pulled out the old tradition and began to plan again. What a joy! During the last few months, we put most of these plans on hold for awhile. (For a few months, I didn't know what to plan, how to plan or if we should plan. Life was honestly day to day and sometimes moment by moment.)
Today I have a paint brush in my hand and am side by side with Brett painting the house. We choose to live life to the fullest. We refuse to let any "unknown thing" keep us from setting goals and moving forward. We know God has a plan for each and every one of us and He cares about us. He has ordained each day...so...here we go! We're doing our best to live it for Him and honor in Him in our goals.
Well, I'm off to help Brett paint some more!

Moving forward!

Sheri

Happy Anniversary

Today is our 16th Wedding Anniversary. We are headed to Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop. 16 years ago we spent our wedding night there, so each year we head back. It's strange reflecting back, at times it seem like forever ago, and others it was just a few days back. Anyway, we'll put the top down on the 'stang and head north for a couple of days of relaxation and fun. Sunday is my parents 45th, so we're getting together with my sister and her family to celebrate. Keep my Mom in your prayers as she continues her chemo. She has good days, and bad ones, but continues the fight. (Did I mention I'm tired of cancer now.) We continue to look to Him for strength when we are tired.....He keeps us moving forward, and looking up.

Off to Winthrop! Ye-Ha!

Brett

Live from the KOA Campground in Winthrop........

Yep.....wezza campin'. Six long months of being cooped up in the house, it's nice to get out. Sheri grew up in the Methow (said met-how, say meth-ow in front of her and watch the fur fly!) so we have a fondness for the area. The great part is my cell doesn't work up here, so no interruptions, which is nice. Anyway this is our attempt at getting back to normal. Tomorrow we'll go to town and shop for our Dad's for fathers day.

Brett

As we sat relaxing, I mentioned to Brett how thankful I am to be here enjoying life with the family. After six months of chemo and good results, I'm finding myself thankful for many things I took for granted before. Having energy to kick a ball around with Bryce and to simply get the trailer packed seems like a major event, especially on a weekend (We're beginning our weekend Friday!). Each weekend has been a rest time for me the last few months, so this is a special treat.
We serve a big God and I am thankful.
Looking up!
Sheri

The new normal

Life is strange. That really sums it up right there. I've always said, it is what it is. I think I was right there too.

Certain changes in life you expect and prepare for. Things like high school graduation, or college, or a new job. Dealing with a long term illness, that hits out of the blue.....well it's strange. The emotional side is very hard to explain. When it comes, you are fighting like heck to be tough, and make it through. It consumes every ounce of your existence. When it's in remission your left standing there, having beat it back, wondering what now? Will it strike again out of the blue like before, is it gone forever, what now? Like I say, it's strange. Sheri and I call this the new normal. You always want life to go back to what it was. The song writer Chris Rice has a song called The Eighth Grade, in it he remembers the time back then with fond memories. The chorus is the best part as he says: why do we look back so fondly at those time, maybe it's because at least we know we made it. The unknown is difficult to process, after all it could be anything.

Hope and Faith are what brings us through. Keep an watchful eye out for the enemy, but don't let it consume you like it does during the fight. If you do, it has won. We are moving into our new normal. Today we are going for Sheri's every three week Herseptin. We're taking my Mom with us as she has some appointments at the clinic too.

God has blessed us with the strength to fight, and the joy to enjoy remission. In the weeks and months to come we may be less consistent with our blogging. As new news comes, as always, we will share it. We plan to boat (mostly float because it cost to much to run the engine), camp, and swim the summer away. We have a few small trips planned, but we're not big world travelers, we like where we live and plan to enjoy it to the fullest. I'll keep working on the house as time permits, and someday we'd like to build our dream house on piece of property we bought a year ago. We're patient with that, as other things took a priority these last six months. As always we're pushing forward, and looking up.

Brett

Hair Race Up-Date

Like any sport, race or game...today's winner depends on how you interpret the rules. Who's ahead you ask? Well, in length, my hair is longer. (Brett gave me a head start by a couple of weeks.) However, when we look at thickness, Brett is light years ahead of me! The thinnest part of his hair at the very top of his head is STILL much thicker than mine anywhere on my head!

Right now that cute, old poem about the bear Fuzzy Wuzzy is a little to close to reality! Remember that one? Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear, Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair, So Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn't fuzzy, was he? Yep, I'm a kindergarten teacher!

Anyway, it gives us something to laugh about and hair is definitely something to look forward too!

Looking up continually,

Sheri

On the Mend!

Surgery went well. My doctor said it was a text book case. That was good news. I've been taking it easy to let my body heal as quickly as possible. I'm looking forward to getting back to work and finishing up a good school year. There is only so much sitting I can do before I'm ready to get out and move around! Today I ran into Chelan and it was great to get out of the house and into some sunshine.

Next week I go back to see my oncologist and do a Herceptin treatment.

We're looking up and looking forward to a joyful summer of rest and play.

Sheri

Live from the recovery room.......

Sheri's surgery went well. We're in the recovery room in the clinic. The Doc says all went as planned. She'll be sore for a week or so, and needs to lay low. Sue, Sheri's mom, is helping us with the kids, and will be at the house with Sheri as I go to work the rest of the week. I'm looking forward to her great spaghetti! My mom got out of the Wenatchee hospital yesterday, and is back at home. I must say this whole hospital thing is getting a bit old. I'm glad they're here, I just don't want to have to visit them so darn much.

The great hair race is on! Sheri holds a slight lead (I gave her a head start), but I'm catching fast. We figure you've got to have some fun with all this. If you take it too seriously, it's overwhelming, and you'll go nuts. The next few weeks are pretty calm. Recover from surgery, Herseptin next week, and finish out the school year. Bryce and Alyssa are looking forward to summer, so are we. The little things in life mean a lot more then before. Things like sitting in chairs on the lawn just enjoying the view seem pretty cool. For us, life is about the everyday things. There's a whole lot of life that happens between the big events in life. Don't miss it. Soak it in, and enjoy it. As we've found out, things can change very fast.

Thanks again for all the support. We may never be able to full express our appreciation to all of you for prayers, meals, house cleanings, and encouraging words. We live in a great place, with great people. We are blessed.

Brett (Sheri asleep and recovering)

Thought you'd like to know......

Sheri's Aunt Patti gave our family these bracelets about five months ago to remind us to pray for Sheri's healing. It's a leather strap with a small cross with a heart in the middle of it. Bryce and Alyssa tried wearing their's, but they kept coming off. Sheri wore her's until the last day of chemo, then she lost it. I told her it was telling of things to come. I took mine off the day we got the scan results. We're going to frame it to help us remember that prayer works! We still are wearing the yellow Livestrong cancer wrist bands, we may never take them off.
This one thing (cancer) has changed our lives more them any other. God has a plan here for us in moving forward. When it's time I guess he'll let us in on it. For now we plan to recover from surgery next week, finish out school, and enjoy a great summer! We plan on lots of camping, swimming in the lake and Mill Bay pool, and long nights on our deck looking at the lake.

Sheri and I dream a lot.......out loud. We picked a name for our boat we plan to someday have (maybe) on the San Juans. La Kiyum. From the musical fiddler on the roof, it means "TO LIFE!" Yep, that'll do.

Brett

PS. Keep my Mom in your prayers. We had to check her into the hospital yesterday. She's OK, but it's been a long 16 year battle for her, and at times she's tired, but still fighting. She's an amazing lady, I'm very lucky to have two such strong women in my life.

Surgery Tuesday

We saw the doctor yesterday. It went well and he suggested this Tuesday for surgery. We said "Sure, sounds good". So we will be running down to Wenatchee to have my ovaries out this Tuesday at about 10:30. I'm planning on taking the rest of the week off to rest up. Then I hope to finish out the last two weeks of school with my class.

Wanted to let you all know the current plans. Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.

Looking up!
Sheri

God Answers Prayer!!!!!

Yeah!!! Ok, Thanks to everyone who prayed and prayed! We got the scan results back today. Drum roll please!!! They couldn't find any evidence of cancer in the scans! Yeahhhh!!!!!!!!! We are so VERY thankful that God has answered our prayers. He gets all the glory on this! And thank you to EVERYONE who has been so supportive with kind words of encouragement, hugs, smiles, and countless acts of kindness in supporting us in our home life and work lives.

Where does that put us now? Well, tomorrow we go see our OBGYN doctor and discuss a date for taking out my ovaries. Then it will be about a week before they say I'm on my feet. We will continue getting Herceptin for years and years to come every three weeks in the penthouse...otherwise know as the 4th floor of the clinic. I'll also be on anti-hormone medication. That all seems very doable to me.

Brett and I are soooooo thankful...have it mentioned that yet?! Can you tell we are beyond thankful and excited? ....we are! And tonight we are taking the kids out to dinner to celebrate. My mom and dad will be joining us. Yeah!!!! Ok, I'm off to be with the kids. It's t-ball picture night at the ball field and we don't want to miss it! God bless to ya all! And thanks for looking up with us. (Wow, that's much easier when it's good news. It's a conscious choice when life is stormier.)

Thankful and Grateful!

Sheri (and Brett)

Life After Chemo

Dr. visits continue as we walk on this healing road. Tomorrow we go down for scans that should show us where we are after the chemo. We will get the results on Wednesday afternoon. Then on Thursday we go down for a chat with an OBGYN about having my ovaries out. This is important because the cancer was estrogen, progesterone and Hr2Nu positive. Taking out the ovaries takes away the bodies ability to feed the cancer with hormones.

Some are surprised that we are still going for so many appointments after chemo. The journey continues. For a long time I will be going for full scans every three months. I will also be going down for Herceptin at the clinic every three weeks for the rest of my life (unless a new drug comes out that is different). The Herceptin is important because it blocks the Hr2Nu that would feed the cancer. It also allows my body to fight the cancer with my own immune system.

The results of the scans will tell us if we need to change the course that is presently set. I try not to get myself too set on any schedule. This way I can be ready for anything.

On the fun side of life, the kids t-ball will be coming to a close next week. It's always a joy to watch them play. Alyssa had a music concert last week. The kids were great to watch and she did a wonderful job on a piano solo. Tonight we enjoyed some family fun as we took the kids out for a swim and then out to dinner. At dinner Bryce prayed the sweetest prayer. He thanked God that mommy was done with chemo and then going to surgery and then back to the doctor and then prayed I get all better. His clarity of understanding surprised both Brett and I. His heart was caring and about as innocent as possible as he wanted his mommy all better. It almost made me cry. I love my kids!

We're looking up and praying.

Sheri

Moving Forward

Well the busy weekend is here. Thursday night we finished Sheri's final chemo, and went out to dinner at the Windmill in Wenatchee together. Friday was back to work, and Friday night we had a BBQ with my Men's group and their families. They set up a mock finish line at the front door as we came in, and cheered as Sheri crossed the line. That was fun! Saturday morning brought the Apple Blossom parade. My Mom and Dad, and Sheri and I were named Grand Marshals, so we rode down the parade in the Mustang. You've got to love a small town. Everyone cheered as we drove through town. I put a pink ribbon on the antenna for Sheri (It's the only time that car will have pink on it!). Bryce was in the Junior Court and rode in the parade as well. Alyssa wanted to stay with Sheri's folks so she could catch candy. We enjoyed the rest of the festivities, then took a 3 hour long nap. That night we went to the pageant which Bryce was in as a trumpeter....he rocked the house!

OK.....funny Bryce story. He lost a tooth a while back and is having a tough time with his "P's" sounding like "S's".........ok so now say the word Apple Blossom like that.........ya that's a problem!!! We hoped he didn't say it in front of one festival officials. I wouldn't look to good if the Grand Marshal's son said something like that.

Anyway, later that night we went out to dinner with my family, my sister and her family were in town too. Today is Mother's Day, I think we're going low key. Sheri was tired yesterday, but very glad we were able to make it through. We're not letting cancer stop us from living life.....but we do have to plan little better then before. All in all life is good! We go for Herseptin Thursday, Sheri has scans on Saturday, and we see her Doctor for results next Wednesday the 21st. Pray for great "NO CANCER!" results. Sheri's hair should start growing back in the next few weeks, so I'm going to shave my head again, and we'll race! You gotta have a little fun with this whole thing. Thanks again for the prayers, and cheers, and encouraging words. It really does mean something when people tell us they read the blog.......14,000 of you and counting! Someone anonymously left this sign for us......I think it's very appropriate. It now has a proud home right by our front door.

Brett (Sheri is still sleeping)

PS> Monday AM update: Sheri had new eyebrow hairs this morning, she's very excited!

(Que gameshow music) LIVE! From the red leather chairs, in the penthouse of the Wenatchee Valley Clinic........It's "FINAL CHEMO!!!!" (Crowd Noise)

Today's contestant is a kindergarten teacher from the small town of Manson in North Central Washington State......Sheri La Mar!! She's joined today by here faithful side kick and husband, Brett. OK, so we're excited to be crossing the chemo marathon finish line today, can you tell? I'll hand the computer over to Sheri and stop goofing off. (Brett)

Ok, I've been dancing around all day just as happy as Brett. Yeah!!! Today's the last chemo day. YEAH!!!!!! We'll be back for Herceptin, which bocks the H2Nu, every 3 weeks, but that's different. It doesn't have the dramatic side effects of chemo. So, just as we began this marathon, we will finish the race with the same verse. "This is the day the Lord has made. I will REJOICE and be glad in it." Psa. 118:24

Thank you all for the love, words of encouragement, support, prayers and continual care. We have been overwhelmed with the compassion and acts of kindness shown to us in so many ways. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You all had a part of making this journey a little easier and lighter. I can't imagine traveling it alone. Thank you for making the journey with us.

We will continue to blog and give you up-dates. Next week we will come down for Herceptin. On Saturday the 17th we will be down for scans. We get the results the following Wednesday. Then the next day we meet with an OBGYN to talk about the overectomy. That surgery will be coming up in the next few weeks.

We are continuing to look up and pray for a BIG miracle. God is in control of it all. We are thankful for His guidance and that He has been with us each step of the way. He is faithful.

Keep looking up!

Brett and Sheri