Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

What a wonderful, blessed Christmas. Family, food, friends, Christmas lights, all make the season what it is. Mostly though we are thankful for an awesome God and time as a family. We are certainly enjoying the time off. The day after Christmas we all rested, PJ's for at least half the day. Bryce never did get out of his new Sponge Bob PJ's.

We are looking forward to a Happy New Year. I can't help but wonder what God has in store and where He will lead us, but I know He will be faithful to show us.

Physically I am doing well. It is all manageable. I'm still on full time oral chemo. I have to be careful with my hands and feet but we're "still have'in fun" as Alyssa says.

We're looking up and thankful for the miracle of each day God gives us. It's fun to enjoy today and look forward to tomorrow.

Happy New Year!

Brett and Sheri

Happy Head Scans! PTL!!!

Yesterday we drove three and a half hours to the University of Washington Medical Center, took an MRI, got results and drove home. Whew! What a day!
After the MRI, we went to see Dr. Rockhill for the results. He gave us the thumbs up. I was so happy that I gave him a big hug. We were all very happy.

Brett and I decided this was the best Christmas present we could receive. Thank you Jesus! Christmas is not about all the busyness, presents, baked cookies and holiday music, although we enjoy that too. It's about God sending his best, His Son, to us. It's about loving one another and spending time together honoring Him.

Merry Christmas!

Looking up,
Sheri

Scan results

Good scan results today! Friday we head to the UW for a follow up MRI on the brain. Please pray for good results from that test as well. We appreciate all the support, and we continue to rely on a great God. As always....looking up!

Sheri and Brett

Happy Thanksgiving!

We have so much to be thankful for. This year I am most thankful for my family, friends and a loving God who is with us each day guiding the way. Thanks to all of you who have been praying and believing for healing too. We are looking up!

Today we are off to Waterville for a family Thanksgiving with the La Mar and Viebrock side of the family. Tomorrow we will have Thanksgiving dinner with the Gardner side of the family. We figure two dinners sounded great and you can't beat the awesome family time. We cherish that.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving with family and friends. God bless ya all!

Looking up,

Sheri

The New Do

Yeah! My first hair cut in two years!!! It looks much better. It's not longer in some places where it came in at first and short in others. Tammi did a great job...as always. We're waiting for the top middle to grow a little longer. I told her that was from my reverse Mohawk I was sporting under my wig. It's nice to have it feeling more healthy now.

We have a couple of scans coming up in December. On Sat., Dec. 5th I have a PET scan. We usually get results the next week. Then on Dec. 11th Brett and I will go to the U.W. for another MRI of my head. Dr. Rockhill will share the results that day with us. We are just planning on driving over and back in one day. We continue to ask God to show us the big miracle of healing and are hoping all these tests are for nothing. Upward and on-ward!
Thanks for praying and believing with us. God bless ya' all.

Looking up,

Sheri

New hair cut

Tomorrow Sheri gets her first hair cut in two years! Tammi Larson, our good friend, is dooing the doo! My vote is for the sassy Sheena Easton look.....we'll see how it turns out. This past Monday was the two year mark of Sheri's diagnosis, another road marker wizzed by. We have a few scans coming up in December we'll let you all know about when they happen. Again thank you for all the prayers and support. As always, keep looking up!

Brett and Sheri


PS>>> My vote for Sheri new hair cut!

Life....

Well the Chelan Chase is over. Sheri was a great Queen for the day! Bryce won his class, Daddy made it in 11 minutes faster then last year (I was very slow last year), and Alyssa won some cool prizes. We made our final trek for the year to Stehekin on Sunday. The fall colors were beautiful (sorry we forgot the camera in the boat), we ate lunch at the "BE STILL" park, then sauntered up to High Bridge. It was a great trip, to cap a great weekend.
Sheri had an appointment last week with her doctor, all was well and she doesn't go again for a month. It's nice to have a break after so many months of weekly, or sometimes twice weekly appointments. The kids have a few more weeks of soccer, and a fall piano recital this Friday. Sheri is liking half time, relaxing in the afternoons and getting caught up at home. Thanks for the support in the Chelan Chase, our family was top fundraiser in the "family" division....THANKS! Thanks too for the continues prayer for Sheri's healing and strength.

Looking up!

Brett, Sheri, Bryce, Alyssa (Cooper, Ginger)

Chelan Chase Breast Cancer Walk

Here we go again!!! On October 17th our whole family is doing the Chelan Chase. This is our second year. This year Sheri is the Chase "QUEEN"! It's a great honor for her as we race in her name to fight breast cancer. This November will make two years since Sheri was diagnosed.

We love your help! You can help by donating to this great cause. You can donate on line here: http://www.active.com/donate/chelanchase/sherilamar

Thanks for all your support!!!

Brett, Sheri, Alyssa, Bryce

Breathing room

Good scans have a nice side benefit....less doctors appointments! We love Sheri's doctors, but seeing them so much...well it was getting tiring. We don't see Sheri's doctor in Wenatchee for another month, and her doctor at the UW for 3 months. The kids are in full stride with school, soccer, and piano. We hope to head back to Stehekin on Sunday just for the day, probably our last time this year. Sheri is completely enjoying half time, relaxing and healing in the afternoons. Fall is a busy time for our business too, so having a break from doctors fits in nicely. Thank you all again for your prayers, they do work, and we can feel them...please keep it up. You may see more "dead air" here on the blog...that's a good thing though, it means we're off living life.....which is what we all prayed for.

Looking up!

Brett and Sheri La Mar

Back to Stehekin....just Mommy and Daddy

If you didn't know, Sheri is doing half time this year at school. Normally she goes in at 7:30 and gets off at 11:30. Her co-teacher needs Friday off, so Sheri is taking Thursday off in trade.....so we thought why not get away for a day. So we're off to Stehekin for the night, and come back tomorrow. Sheri's Mom is watching the kids, so it's just us. Stehekin is a very special place to us. I asked Sheri to marry me on the Lady of the Lake on a trip back from Stehekin almost 18 years ago to the day.
Keep looking up!

Brett

It is well.....

Good Scans from the Udub (I knew the U was good for something!) All the spots had shrunk even more, and many were completely gone. All of us, the doctor included, were very happy. Tomorrow early it's off to Stehekin for a little R&R. Thanks for all the prayers, keep them coming.....and keep looking up.

Brett and Sheri

Moving forward....

Well we spent the weekend in Pullman watching the Cougs. Yes, we lost, but there were signs of light that they are getting better! Today we are catching up around the house. Sheri and the kids have a week of school under their belts now. Sheri begins her half time schedule this week, we're anxious to see how she likes it.....I think she'll love it! Friday we head to the UW for an MRI of Sheri's head. We are praying for continues healing and great results. This scan will set the path for the next months to come. The PET scan last week(from the neck down) looked very good. We continue to take life one step at a time, otherwise it becomes quite overwhelming. We're thinking of heading to Stehekin next weekend, it's our only free weekend until November. With the beginning of school, work, soccer starting, house work, and all of life swirling around us, we must remember to focus on that He is in control, and to rest and be still.

Looking up,

Brett and Sheri

An Early Surprise

This morning I went to my first day of work. We were in a staff meeting when our secretary came in with a message for me that Brett had just called. Dr. Malhi called him at home to let us know that our scans were good! Yeah!!!!! We all cheered in the staff meeting. That was fun.

We are continuing with chemo each day orally. In a couple of weeks I go to Seattle for an MRI to see how my head is doing. Today's results were for my neck down.

I'm looking forward to school beginning tomorrow so I'm off to bed.

Thanks for continuing to pray! Keep up the good work.

Looking up,

Sheri

Stehekin Weekend

We spent this past weekend in Stehekin at the head of Lake Chelan. Nick Glenn, our family friend and electrician, kindly allowed us to use his family cabin. The trip up on our boat Friday...well it...uh...ok it flat out sucked! 3-5 foot waves the whole way...45 miles, it took us almost three hours! We were well tenderized when we got there. We docked right in front of Mr. Nick's cabin, and the past 45 miles melted away, what a spot! Nick and his family have kept the cabin just as his grandparents had it (with a few modern upgrades). No TV, no cell phones, no radio. The kids did a lot of fishing, played card games...all without computers or TV. We went for walks, ate very well, fished some more, and generally relaxed. A big part of healing is relaxing, I think we got a good dose! We visited one of our favorite places, the Stehekin Bakery for breakfast each day. One of Sheri and my favorite parts was Nick let us use his truck up there, a 1949 Chev. Dude, I'm in love. It's ok, Sheri is too. What a great old truck, with a bench in the back for the kids. They didn't stop smiling as they rode along in her. The trip home came way too soon...the nice part, it was smooth the entire way. Today Sheri had a doctors appointment, it went well. Sheri is looking and feeling great. We are trying to take time to smell the roses in life. The roses just smell a little better in Stehekin, and so do the cinnamon rolls!

Looking up!

Brett and Sheri

PS> We keep running into this verse: "Be still and know that I Am God." If you look close, the cross in the above picture has that carved in it....we've walked past it a dozen times, but didn't stop to read it until the day we left. Things that make you go Hum.

A Wonderful Summer Day...

The weather today is perfect! It's cool with a little cloud cover and a slight breeze. Ahhhhh. Last week I learned that I'm easily susceptible to a sun rash while on chemo. I've avoided the sun ever since. Yep, I'm the nut running around in light, full length sweats or pants and long sleeve shirts or light jacket in 85-95 degree weather. My feet and hands are doing well. I've been very careful not to over do it walking or running around. I am nursing a canker sore away right now. Fortunately it doesn't hurt right now and I think it's getting smaller. It wasn't quite as big as a dime, but it was close.

We are all looking forward to school. The kids have their supplies packed in their new backpacks. I think they'd have their lunches made for the first day of school if I'd let them.

The kids and I are off to set up my classroom for a bit this afternoon. In the morning, they are fully enjoying Vacation Bible School this week.

Thanks for looking up with us. God is good.

Sheri

The Final Vacation Night

Brett and I were able to sneak away for the last night. We've honestly enjoyed a relaxing time this vacation. Time on the boat with mom and dad has been great. We feel pretty spoiled. Tomorrow we head home. It's always good to go home, but we're hoping it cools down back home soon.

Wednesday I go see my doctor for blood tests and what Brett and I have named Zaboombafoo. That's just a medication that strengthens my bones.

We're enjoying our last vacation evening. Hasta luego.

We are continuing to look up. Thanks for looking up with us.


Sheri & Brett

Vacation pictures......a trip to the emergancy room!

Here are some pictures of our vacation we are on, lots of fun! We made an unexpected trip to the emergency room for Bryce (Sheri is doing great!) He kept complaining about a rock in his shoe. We thought, "that's weird." Come to find out he had an infected sliver in his foot! The puss blister was the size of a nickel! Gross. The doctor lanced it and irrigated it and sent us on our merry way. It didn't slow him down a bit....some of the pictures are post emergency room so you can see for yourself.

Keep looking up!

The La Mar Family

The $300 vacation.......

We're off on vacation! First we hit Winthrop KOA for two days, tons of lightning storms and rain, and cool temperatures! Then we stopped for two days at the Concrete KOA over Highway 20. Now we're on our way to the South Whidbey state park for four days. We've never been to this park, it looked good on line though. We love Whidbey, especially Coupeville. Later this week we're mooching a ride on Roger and Sue's boat in the San Juans. Sheri continues to do very well on her new chemo, she's on round two.

So total with park fee's were spending a whopping $300.00. Food you say?.....we would have eatin' at home. Gas?......I would have bought gas at home. OK so I'm stretching it a bit, but it still feels good to spend so little, yet have this much fun! We'll try to post some pics of beach combing!

Keep looking up!

Brett and Sheri, Alyssa, Bryce, and Cooper (yep he made the trip!)

God's little surprises

Surprises are fun, and a blessing, especially when they are good ones.

We went over to Seattle Wednesday through Friday. Wednesday we went to a M's game with the kids. We sat on the third base line, right down on the field. It was a great game until the ninth inning when the M's blew a 3-0 lead and lost 5-3. Oh well, it was really fun! Thursday the kids went with Sheri's Mom and Dad to their boat in La Conner, and we went South for a few appointments with her nature path Doctors, good stuff! Friday we headed to the U for a mid way MRI checkup. We were briefed during Gamma Knife to not expect much from this mid term scan, and to expect it to possibly look worse! Surprise!!!! All the tumors were at least 75% smaller!!! Our Doctor at the U is a very serious fellow, even he was noticeably excited with the results. Originally he had wanted Sheri to come in at 4 weeks and 8 weeks, now he doesn't want to see her again for two months. God is good. You could see it on her Doctor's face that these type of results are why he does what he does, we're sure glad he DOES! Thanks for the continual prayers and help, keep it up, there is still much left to this journey, and we'll need support and help along the way. Thanks for sharing our journey with us!

Brett and Sheri

A new week

What a great 4th! It was relaxing, with very little stress. This week is packed to the gills. Today Sheri has a couple of follow up appointments with her Doctors in Wenatchee. Wednesday we head to Seattle, we'll take in a M's game with the kids, then they get to go with Amma and Pappa to their boat in LaConner, while Sheri and I visit more Doctors and a Nutritionist in Seattle, then we all head home Friday. Sheri is continuing to feel well during this new chemo, so keep the prayers coming. She's been walking a couple of miles each morning with some friends pretty faithfully. She'll do a blood test today to see how her #'s look, we'll let you know what we find out. Keep looking up and enjoy your summer.

Brett (Sheri's out walking)

Daddy and the Kids

Mommy is off to Seattle in the Mustang to visit her good friend Michelle, and to see her Nature Path Doctor. For the kids and I, tonight is swimming at Mill Bay Resort and cookies! Tomorrow Mrs. Maden is helping us during the day, and Mommy will be back tomorrow night. Off to the swimming hole.....wish me luck!

PS: Sheri has been tolerating the new chemo quite well so far. Next week we go back to Seattle for a MRI on her head at the UW. It's a mid way scan, the real results are in five more weeks, this one is a check up scan.

Brett

Continuing on...

Yesterday a friend and I went to Wenatchee for my doctor's appointment and a little retail therapy (shopping that is!). My doctor is pleased with how the mastectomy is healing. I'm thankful that is going well and equally thankful that the drain is out of my side. I got to keep the drain for about a week. It was a real trick to try to wear something that would cover it up to go out of the house, so I mainly relaxed at home. Brett and I did make it out for dinner for our anniversary on the 20th. That was nice. I married an awesome, supportive man. I'm blessed.

Monday I begin a new chemo therapy. How will it affect me? I don't know exactly. There are a variety of reactions I could have but I've decided not to worry about them and simply deal with any reactions I actually do have at that time. I'm prepared for the reactions with medication on hand, but why worry about reactions that I won't have?

The girls, Cooper and I have been out walking in the mornings. It's been a joy walking, sharing and laughing together.

Looking up,

Sheri

Successful Surgery

Yesterday I went in for a single mastectomy. The surgery went well. My doctor said she got all the cancer tumor that was there. Fortunately it hadn't gone into my muscle under it at all. Yeah!

I am currently feeling well. I have some extra pain medicine in case I need it. At this point I haven't needed it and hopefully won't. I do have a drain still in that I need to empty twice daily. I'll probably have it until this Friday or next Monday. My doctor will take it out when the draining slows down and it looks good to her. I like to leave these decisions to the experts.

The kids stayed with grandma and grandpa Gardner. They happily swam in the pool and had a ball. Hopefully they'll still want to come home!

While I was gone, our Angel Crew showed up and cleaned our home. What a blessing it was to come home to some sparkle and shine. Thank you Angel Crew.

This Thursday I'll see my oncologist and talk about beginning the new chemos. I'm guessing we'll begin on Friday. We'll see when we talk to her. We sure appreciate all she does and the awesome team that works with her. We are blessed.

We are continuing to look up and thank God for each day. And yes, we are still praying for a BIG miracle.

Thankful and rejoicing in today,

Sheri

Surgery Monday

Last week we visited our surgeon and oncologist. We decided to do a single mastectomy this Monday. Since this is the second occurrence there, Brett and I are comfortable with the decision. Then I'll begin a new chemo on Thursday.

The adventure continues. For now our adventure will take us to Winthrop with the kids today to do some camping for the weekend. We really try to get out and have some fun in the midst of it all. God has given us each day to live...so we like to live it to the fullest! Also understand that our type of camping involves the small trailer. We can get up, grind the coffee and have it going in the pot first thing in the morning. The fire will be going in the evening. The lawn chairs and kids bikes will be ready for action. Now that's my type of camping.

Looking up! Praying for a miracle on the road to healing,

Sheri

Princess for a day?

Gamma knife surgery went well on Thursday. The doctor found 15 spots that they hit in my head and zapped each one. The MRI at the UW is stronger, so they could see more spots and many of the spots were the size of a pencil point. The big one was the size of a pencil eraser. We blasted them all though.
When the doctor screwed the frame on my head the nurse told me I would be princess for a day. Honestly I like the beautiful crown I see the girls wear at Apple Blossom best. They are so much prettier! Yep, screwing the helmet on hurt, so I did what any normal girl would do, I cried for a couple of minutes. Then the numbing medicine took over and I felt fine. The rest of the time was actually relaxing. I went in and out of the machine for about 6 hours listening to quiet music. I could pray, relax and sleep. I actually left more rested than when we arrived. We were at Harbor View from about 6:30am to 7:30pm.
Next week we go to Wenatchee for an appointment with my oncologist and surgeon. We will beginning another round of chemo and talk about a single mastectomy. The adventure goes on.
We are continuing to look up and are thankful for all of the medical advances that have been made. We are also thankful that God is keeping us in His hands.
Thank you for continuing to pray.

Sheri & Brett

Seattle ahoy!

Sheri and Brett off on a whirlwind adventure..... 5am will come very quickly! Our first appointment is at 10am with the Nature Path Doctor. There's a cool story that goes with this appointment. Apparently this is a very sought after Doctor we are seeing. We got a call from his nurse at home late last week asking us to call asap as they had an opening the day we'd be in Seattle....we didn't get the message until after work at 5:30pm. Sheri decided to call their office though earlier that day during a break at school. The nurse said, "you must have angels looking out for you!" Sheri said confidently, "well yes I do." The nurse replied that this was the only open appointment that they have for over 5 months, and she was waiting for 10 other people to call her back to book this time, and Sheri was the first to call back. Kinda cool hu?! We are excited to see what he has to tell us. Then at 1pm we do our pre-meeting at the UW for the Gamma Knife. Thursday is Gamma Knife day and the drive home. All in all we are looking up for Gods hand in all of this, and praying for healing. We are thankful for technology as well, knowing God can use these things to heal too. Thanks for the prayers and support, keep it coming!

Brett and Sheri

I will yell a big GO COUGS!!!! in the halls of the U hospital for ya all!

Now......gamma knife for you.

Well the scans are in. Two of Sheri's tumors grew slightly in the last two months, and there is one tiny new one. Keep in mind all of these are quite small, but you don't mess with stuff in the head.....so now we are a candidate for Gamma Knife surgery. If you read back several months ago we were here once before but the Doctors over there (UW) sent us back because we're COUGS!!!! Just kidding, because Sheri didn't quite fit their criteria, now she does. So next Wednesday and Thursday we head to Seattle. While we're over there we are going to meet a Nature Path Doctor to discuss nutritional things we can be doing better to help Sheri's body win. 17 years ago my Mom beat back a watermelon sized tumor in her abdomen with an alternative therapy, no chemo or radiation, so we know this can play a very important role. We have changed our diet a lot, but I think we can take another step.
A piece of good news is another Doctor looked at Sheri's other scan (her body PT) and they determined it is not in her bones. We are continuing to ask God for a complete healing. I know my Mom is in His ear telling Him to heal "that one." We have the best cheerleader on our side up there now! It's been a rough two weeks, but we are pushing through it. I guess my Mom was a great example for us, in 17 years she had a lot of bad news, bad scans, proceedures, doctors appointments. In between all that stuff, there is still a lot of life to live. We are going to follow her lead and push on with this fight......and.....keep looking up.

Brett (Sheri proof read)

What a week...

Why haven't I blogged? Well, I thought it would be more respectful to celebrate my mother in law at this time. It sure has been an eventful time though.
Friday morning Brett called me about him mom passing away. I was able to go right over to see him and his dad. After some visiting, with Brett, dad and Craig and Chris, our pastor and his wife, Brett and I went to get the kids at school to tell them. I wanted to get them before first recess so I knew we would be the ones to tell them. We took the kids to the lake to tell them. We all cried in together on the dock. Then we skipped rocks or just threw them in the water on the beach. It was a beautiful sunny day and a family time none of us will ever forget.

Saturday, th next day, I had a scan planned. We went and got the results on Monday. My doctor informed us the cancer had returned just above my adrenal gland, in my breast and in three spots in my bones. That wasn't the news we were hoping for. In the middle of receiving the news, Brett actually passed out. We had one doctor, three nurses and me right there to help immediately. Honestly, if you're going to pass out, that was a good place to do it. They had his pulse and blood pressure almost immediately. He was fine...just totally overwhelmed. Can you blame him?

Right now we are concentrating on celebrating Sharon's life. On Thursday, the day after the funeral, we will go down for a MRI to see what is going on in my head. My doctor is more concerned with my head than the rest of me at this point. I will also get training on the new chemo that I will be taking. It will be oral so I won't have to go down for as many treatments. I'll just take them at home.

During the midst of this, Brett and I have decided that it would be best if I worked half time next year so I could rest in the afternoon and heal up. That was a BIG decision for me because I've been doing the same thing for 17 years and I love my job.

We are choosing to look up at this point and trust God. It may not be what we would have chosen, but healing will come in His time, not ours. I think of the verse "This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it." I'm not worrying about tomorrow or yesterday. He has given us today to live right now. I pray that God gives us each the grace to live each day to the fullest for Him. I am also so thankful for the peace that passes all understanding that He gives.

God bless you all.

Looking up,

Sheri

Sharon J. La Mar 1943-2009

Sharon J. La Mar, 65 of Manson, went home to be with her Savior Jesus Christ after an extended illness on May 15th, 2009. Sharon was born in Wenatchee on July 29th , 1943 to Norman and Anita Coon. She grew up in Wenatchee and graduated from high school there in 1961. During her years in Wenatchee she was heavily involved in music and drama, and was an Apple Blossom Princess for the 1961 festival. She attended Washington State University where she was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority, along with numerous music and drama groups, and she was selected as College Queen for the Pacific Northwest,. Sharon met her future husband, Edward La Mar, while attending WSU, and the two were married on June 22, 1963. After some time in the Mukilteo and Everett area, Edd and Sharon settled in the Lake Chelan valley in 1969 and moved to Manson in 1971. Their family grew with the addition of their two children Brett and Amy. Sharon quickly became entrenched in the music and drama community in Lake Chelan, directing choir for the Chelan Methodist Church and many other community functions. She was one of the founding members of the Lake Chelan Bach Festival, and a board member of Chelan Valley Players. Edd and Sharon started their family business, Lake Chelan Building Supply, in 1979 in Manson, and added a branch in Chelan in 1993. Sharon was very involved in her community, including: PEO, Lake Chelan Hospital Guild, Community Choir, JC Wives, Manson Apple Blossom Festival, Little League Boys and Girls Baseball, Cub Scouts, Bluebirds, along with many others. In 1992 Sharon was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer, at that time she was given a very short time to live. Never one to look at the odds, Sharon tackled her disease like all things in her life, head on. For 12 years she was pronounced cancer free much to the amazement of her doctors. In 2004 her cancer returned, and she resumed her courageous fight to the end. She was an avid supporter and participant in all forms of music and drama, making yearly solo appearances in the Lake Chelan Bach Fest, as well as numerous Chelan Valley Players productions. She and Edd were also long time members of the Columbia Choral. For the past several years Sharon and Edd traveled south to Arizona in the winters where they were involved in the Choir, and she was a soloist and guest director at the Gold Canyon Methodist Church. Locally Sharon helped direct many community choirs for the Manson Apple Blossom Festival, and was a frequent soloist in weddings, and funerals. For the past 30 years she has been the Choir director and involved in the music at North Shore Bible Church, were she directed the choir this past Sunday, Mothers day, May 10th , 2009.
Sharon is survived by her husband Edd, son Brett and wife Sheri La Mar, and daughter Amy Dobbs and husband Doug. Sharon was a proud Grandmother of four grandchildren Mitchell Dobbs, Alyssa La Mar, Bryce La Mar, and Sydney Dobbs. She was also survived by her mother Anita Coon, sister Karen Viebrock, and brother Rick Coon and his wife Rose, and brother in law Andy La Mar, along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in her death by her father Norman Coon, and sister Colleen Kay Coon.
Funeral services will be Wednesday May 27st at 2pm at North Shore Bible Church in Manson with Pastor Craig Rayment. Interment will follow at Fraternal Cemetery in Chelan. Memorials can be made to the Lake Chelan Bach Festival or Chelan Valley Players. The Family would like to give a special thanks to Hazel Conyers and Sam Morrison for their help and caring love for Sharon.

Back to work!

Last Friday both Brett and I came down with a cold. It really hit me. By Saturday I had a temperature of 102. With an antibiotic and some TLC (sleep) the temp broke. I took Mon., Tues., and Wed. off. Tomorrow I'll go back to work. I can usually work through chemo. or a cold, but I can't work when I have both at the same time. Brett and I are both doing much better.

I had just told my doctor that I was amazed I hadn't picked up a cold from the kids in my room. Then zappo! Oh well, at least it was just the common cold.
I'm thankful to be feeling better.

Looking up,

Sheri

A Nasty Cold - Ugg!

On Friday both Brett and I came down with a cold. Today I'm home trying to get rid of it and those dark circles under my eyes. Eight to nine hours of sleep don't seem to be doing it. Sooooo, I'm hoping a little quiet time at home with lots of resting will work. I really want to get better soon because I'm supposed to begin chemo. on the 30th. Just two more chemos to go. That's nice.

I fought the idea of staying home because I'd normally work right through a cold that I knew I had picked up from the kids. However I had to face the fact that my body is trying to fight any cancer too and I need to take care of myself. Reality bites sometimes!

And yes, I'm drinking lots and taking my vitamins.

Continuing to look up,

Sheri

News from the scans

So sometimes things aren't what you think they should be. Not worse nessasarily, just not what you thought. Sheri had a brain MRI today. The five remaining spots are still there, and not growing, but they are different. Fluffier looking, kinda cloudy. Our Doctor wasn't sure what that really meant. It was good that they had not gotten larger, but a little disapointing that they were still there. Sheri's blood continues to be stellar, that has really impresed her Doctor over the past 18 months. So Sheri's Doctor is having other Doctors look at her scans to see what they think. Sometimes you just have to say it is what it is and keep pushing forward. We were hoping for great news to give everyone, but not this time. It's not bad news though either.

We're continuing to look up and pray for the miracle. Thanks for being persistant with us.

Looking up,

Brett and Sheri (We wrote together.)

Have you missed us?

Did you wonder if something was wrong? Nope, just living life. Sheri finished her oral chemo last week on Tuesday. My sister and her family came over for Easter. Mom directed the choir from her wheelchair, she's amazing. Sheri is getting her energy back after chemo. We have an MRI scans next Thursday, we are hoping for stellar results as of the last scan it was almost gone....just a few small spots. So there it is....not much to report. Sheri did really well on this last chemo, no nausea. Two more rounds left. Sheri's crew cut is growing longer each day, expect the wig to come off in the weeks to come. OK we'll update again after we get scan results next Thursday.

Brett (Sheri sitting right here)

Spring Break

We have enjoyed being home for Spring Break. It's nice to simply hang out with the kids. (Daddy's working.) Today we will go spend some time with Grandma La Mar and then try to get some things done around the house.

I'm thankful that I was able to join "the girls" for a walk this morning. I'm so glad that they are consistent about it because I can join in when I have the energy to. It feels great to get out.

Tomorrow we go to Wenatchee for a Herceptin treatment and to see my doctor about the next round of chemo which should begin on Friday. We have 3 more rounds including this one. We're keeping our eyes looking up while hoping and praying for complete healing. Thank you for continuing to pray with us.
Happy Spring Break!

Sheri

A day on the snow....

We decided to go enjoy the last bits of winter this weekend. We took a quick trip to the Methow Valley to do a little ridin' with friends. What great fun! We all got great sun tans (Vitamin D)sitting and talking on the bright white snow. It was a nice relaxing time.

Another week and a half until another oral chemo, so we enjoy having time and energy...three more to go. Don't be surprised if you see the wig go back in storage soon, as Sheri is quickly growing a new crop of hair. Well ,there you go...a quick update.

Looking Up,

Brett and Sheri

Life

Sorry for the break in the action here on the blog. Sheri had her Herseptin treatment last Thursday. We met with her Doctor to follow up after our trip to the U. She recommended that Sheri do two additional rounds of the oral chemo bringing the total to six not four. Sheri has tolerated this chemo fairly well, so it wasn't too unexpected to us. Sheri's hair is peaking through, she has a little buzz cut now. Right now we have a three week break from treatments and are living life. So there you go, nothing too flashy or cool......just life, our life.

Brett (I'm Mr. Mom in the mornings as Sheri heads to school early.....Thanks LCBS Crew for covering me!)

No Gamma Knife for you!....(for now anyway)

Sorry for the Seinfeld "Soup Nazi" line. (the title)....I had to do it! So we met with the Doctors from the Gamma Knife Dept. at the UW. They felt that Sheri's tumors have shrunk back so far, and they were so small that they believe we should hold off on the Gamma Knife treatment. In short because the tumors are so small they think what we are seeing on the MRI's might be residual (dead) tissue, so why treat dead tumors? The only way to tell if they are dead or not is time, which means we wait and do scans every 2-3 months. They want to hold this bullet back until they really need it. We liked the wisdom in all this. It's a bit weird though to prepare yourself for a procedure, then not have it happen. That has happened twice with a mastectomy too. We trust the Doctors, so on we move through this adventure God has us on. We continue to trust Him, and that His hand is on these Doctors. For now Sheri is back on her oral chemo for another three days, then she has a three week break. Thanks for caring.

Brett (Sheri is headed to bed after a long day of travel and Doctors)

Gamma Knife Surgery

I got a call about 10:00 yesterday from my radiologist. He said our doctor in Seattle had an opening the next day and would like to see us. I said ok, we can do it. So today Brett and I are going to the University of Washington hospital to meet and talk with our new doctor before the actual procedure. We'll know more when we get back, like the date and time of the procedure.

Mom is with the kids and my lesson plans are on my desk. Weee! This adventure just continues.

Looking up,
Sheri

Vacation in a Word...Laughter

We laughed and had fun around every corner on vacation. We all enjoyed the rides and each other. We enjoyed meeting friends who happened to be there at the same time too. We enjoyed just getting out and being free. We didn't worry about anything and just enjoyed each moment.
The weather was a sweet taste of what is coming our way. The kids didn't want to leave. Bryce wondered if we could just live there. Isn't that any kids dream?...and some of us adults too.

It is nice to be home though. Today we went to see my doctors. We have our next steps beginning tomorrow with oral chemotherapy. Later I'll receive a call from a doctor at the University of Washington hospital to find out when we go over for the Gammaknife procedure. The procedure should only take one day. I'll probably take one or two days off extra just because they said I'd be pretty tired. (I've just got to keep up with my kinders!) The side effects could be a black eye or two but we can handle that for now. Some good make-up foundation should take care of most of that, or I could just come up with some outlandish, creative story...hmmmm. (We could have some fun with this one!)

We have so much to be thankful for: family, friends, great doctors who work together, a big, caring God and so much more. Brett and I feel so blessed to have such a great supportive team. Thank you for walking along this journey with us. Thank you for praying. I believe God hears each of those prayers.

Looking up,

Sheri

Yep, we made it.

All is well here in mostly sunny California. Bryce and Alyssa didn't really figure out where we were going until the family behind us started talking about the things they were going to do in Disneyland. We held out for 3/4 of the trip here.....I think that's pretty good. We are enjoying our reprieve from what we consider normal. Although Sheri has Doctor appointments Monday after we get back.....Ahhh, we'll jump off that bridge when we get there. For now there are many, many rides to be ridden.....I'm trying to get them to go on the Tower of Terror....no takers so far. See ya on the flip side.

Brett and Sheri

SHHHH.....Can you keep a secret?

OK We have a confession to make. We've been keeping a secret from our children. Two weeks ago we bought tickets to Disneyland, but haven't told Bryce and Alyssa. We leave tomorrow at noon. As of tonight they think we are spending a quiet weekend at home......not so much. I'll pick them up from school tomorrow with Sheri, they are already packed, and we'll head to the airport and fly out of Wenatchee. We're hoping to keep it a secret until we get there....we'll see. Anyway off we go! We are taking a computer so we'll try to upload some fun pictures or videos for you. Looking up.

Brett (Sheri is still packing....shheeeshh)

Scan results good.....the adventure continues

Sheri got here results of her MRI and CT scan today. Her body is still looking clean, with no sign of cancer in her liver or bones or lungs, this is good. The original 12 places the cancer was in her brain are down to 4, and those 4 are 95% smaller then they were, this to is good. Sheri's Doctor recommended we go for Gamma Knife treatment at the U, this we are not sure about. We will be meeting with a Doctor at the first of next month to discuss the details of what this means. The brief snapshot we got from Sheri's Doctor was that it was a week long procedure that would require us to stay in Seattle. It also may require some surgery, how much we are not sure.

Sooooo.......we're not too sure how to feel. We are excited that the tumors have shrunk a bunch, but are anxious about another treatment. Meeting with the other Doctor will help clarify the fuzzy details. The concept we are getting from Sheri's Doctor is that they want to eradicate everything that is tumor so there is nothing left to grow back. We are both on board with that! So good news, and the adventure continues.

Looking up

Brett (Sheri is tired from a long day)

A Day Off

It's always nice to have an extra day off. I love just being home. Ahhhh. It makes me realize how busy we are normally.
This Thursday we have scans and a treatment of Herceptin. We should get the results of the tests we take on the same day this time. I appreciate that. No waiting and we don't have to drive down again for results a day or two later. My doctor and nurses really take good care of us. And yep, we're praying for good results and complete healing as we walk through this.
We are continually thankful for all of the help and support from friends and family.
We'll let you know what happens with the scans.
Looking up.

Sheri

A Busy Week

Sorry for the lack of updates as of late....as with everyone, life is busy. Sheri finished her oral chemo Tuesday. She felt a little under the weather for a few days afterwards. Friday was Byrce's 7th birthday party with his little buddies. Saturday I worked the Home Show in Wenatchee, and that night we did a party with Sheri's side of the family for Bryce. Today was church and catching up at home. At the lumberyard we started a new computer, so learning the ropes on it have been consuming lots of the crews and my time. Life rolls on that's for sure. We go in for scans on February 19th. We are expecting, and praying for good results. We appreciate all the support and prayer. We'll keep you all in the loop as we have new information. Keep looking up

Brett

There's a story in the numbers.......

Sometimes when I'm home looking through four inch thick inventory reports, the kids will ask, "Daddy, what are you doing?" I'm reading these reports I reply. "But it's all numbers Daddy?" I simply say, "if you look hard enough, the numbers tell a story." They look at me funny and go off to play. Business is a strange thing sometimes, almost like detective work. Why did this thing work, and this one next to it didn't? OK, I'll bring it back around for you. Sheri's blood numbers have been stellar throughout her therapy the past year plus. "So?" you may ask. Typically you see a drop in certain blood marker counts during chemo and such, but not with Sheri. The Doctor seems very pleased with her numbers this week. I asked "is that normal for her numbers to look so good?" "No, but since when is Sheri normal!" she said with a big smile. Touche. Her blood numbers are telling us a story, her immune system is fighting hard and doing quite well. This is good. I thought I would share this with you all, it's not as glamorous as a clear scan, but it tells a great story, hopefully one with a happy ending. Looking up.

Brett

Enjoying the Beautiful Sun!!!

I've been asked where I am in the chemo process several times now. We're right in the middle of it. On the 29th we begin another 5 days of oral chemo. I'll also be receiving Herceptin and Zometa the same day. That's what I get normally every 3 weeks.
I have at least 2 more rounds of oral chemo to do after this. The next set of scans will determine how long I will need to stay on this oral chemo. I don't know when these scans will be at this point.
I'm feeling really well and seem to have the nausea under control.
Today we are enjoying the beautiful sunshine! Writing with the sun streaming in the window is such a gift!
We are living regular life, planning Bryce's birthday, homework, work, lumberyard, church, basketball and volleyball. I am also thankful for the extra support from family and friends. We are blessed and spoiled with help to keep it all going while going through therapy. Thank you to everyone! Thank you also for the prayers. I believe God is working through them. Keep it up!

Continuing to look up,

Sheri

Patiently Waiting

Brett and I (ok, especially me) are still waiting for my hair to come in. I'm looking forward to it. It gets cold without hair in the winter! I just throw a hat on occasionally to warm up and then I'm fine. Brett will occasionally mention it's a little "HOT" in the house so then I realize I better turn off the fire place and let things cool off a little...but it feels so good! :)
As you can tell, no hair effects more than just me, so it will be nice when it begins to grow again.

Thank you to everyone who is continuing to pray. Most importantly I'm praying those ugly tumors are disappearing. And while I'm praying, I'm praying big. I figure, if I know God is capable of a miracle, then I'm asking for one. So, thank you for praying and believing with us. This is quite an adventure, but I guess that's what life is, an adventure in learning to trust God more and more each day.

Looking up!

Sheri

Feeling Better

Thankfully doubling the anti nausea medicine and adding an anti heart burn medicine has really helped. I'm so glad that we are all getting back to normal again. I'm working again and the kids like it when mommy is closer. Mommy likes it too!

We are continuing to thank the Lord for each day and pray for a miracle. Thank you for praying with us.

Looking up,

Sheri

Chemo.? Flu? Who's to Know

The past several days I've been trying to figure out how to manage the nausea. It's like being pregnant. The difference is I could work when I was pregnant and puking. Puke and go! You always felt better afterwards. With this, it's puke and sleep it off. It's possible part of this is a flu bug too. It's hard to differentiate.
Tomorrow I go see my doctor and have a normal Herceptin treatment. Hopefully we can figure out some of this.
Well, I'm off to rest.

Looking up,

Sheri