Smile

Merry Christmas......

2011-12-25T22:18:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from the La Mar's. This Christmas is special in many ways. First, it is our first Christmas without Sheri. Christmas was always her favorite holiday. She would decorate the house, and have the Christmas music playing as soon as she could. Christmas day was always a fun and exciting time of a big breakfast together, reading the story of the birth of Jesus, and of course, presents for the kids. I knew when Sheri passed, that I needed to change things up for Christmas. I chose to take us to Hawaii. Not to run away, but to make it different. Today was a very full day. We opened no gifts today. No Tree. No music. We did read the story of Jesus birth. Today we went snorkeling with fish and turtles, took a nap, and went to the top of Mount Haleakala at 10,000' and watched the sunset.
We took time to reflect, respect, honor, and reminisce about Christmas past.....laughing, crying, and missing where we have been. We also took time to live life, which is exactly what Sheri would have wanted us to do. That is the most honoring thing we can do.
Today we looked back on the events that have shaped us into who we are, we enjoyed today and lived it fully, and we pulled up our boots....looked the future square in the eye, and took a step forward, knowing God wants good for us....
Thank you all for all the love, support, prayers, and grace.

Merry Christmas
Looking up!

Brett, Alyssa, and Bryce

Thankful......

2011-11-22T17:48:00.000-08:00

I thought I should post, since I have not in a while. Thanksgiving is here, so in that vain, I thought I should write where we are, and what I am thankful for.

First, I am thankful for Jesus, and what He did on the cross! I am thankful for His grace, because I have needed every measure of it I could get the last several months, and I will continue to pray for my quota everyday....

I am thankful for two wonderful, healthy children. Who miss their mother, but have learned to navigate life with a single dad at the helm. I am thankful for their grace with me as well.

I am thankful for a supportive bunch of friends and a loving supportive family.....who have loved me. Bryce, and Alyssa in our grief, and now in our healing.

I am thankful for 21 years. 21 years that I was blessed to have known Sheri. My life is forever changed by her. Her grace for me was overflowing. Her love for me until the end. I will forever love her, and I will never forget her and what she meant to me. I look forward to our reunion in heaven some day.

I am thankful that God wants good for me and my kids....looking into the future with hope and curiosity as to what that might bring....knowing that He has my back. He has brought us this far...I will trust Him with my future.

Alyssa and Bryce are doing well in school. They are looking forward to basketball and skiing this winter. At Christmas we are all three headed to Hawaii. It is a place Sheri always wanted all of us to go, so we are going. Thanks again for all of your prayers and support....and grace too! As we make our way into the future, and our new life as a family, we will need those prayers and grace to draw upon.

Looking Up,
Brett, Alyssa, Bryce

The comfort of a schedule.....

2011-09-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

Well....summer is over. School started for the kids last week, and they are excited to be back. I think for all of us the comfort of having a schedule is nice. We kept ourselves busy this summer with lots of trips up lake to the cabin in Lucerne, days at Slidewaters with friends, time at Mill Bay Resort, and a fun trip to Silverwood to boot. Our house suffered from lack of cleaning and is just now getting back in shape from us being gone so much. It was good to stay busy...Sheri would have wanted it that way.

How are we doing? I get that question a lot. You tell me..... Do we miss Sheri?....of course. The minute by minute pain has subsided to an ache now. I miss her gentle spirit, her loving companionship, our talks in the morning and at night, the notes she would leave me on my desk at work. I miss her touch, her laying next to me in bed, her cooking (this is big for the kids!). I miss sharing my life with her....this is what I miss most of all. It makes me sad to know she won't get to see our children grow to be adults. To see them graduate, or get married, or have kids of their own some day. That we won't get to cruise the San Juans after we retire like we thought we would do. That we won't build that house that we wanted to up on our property where her garden is. All this adds to the ache. How are we doing? You tell me.

At the end of this month, I start a class on grief down in Wenatchee. I'm looking forward to learning some new things to help me in my journey.

The other day I watched the movie "UP" with the kids. I hadn't seen it in a couple of years...since right after mom passed away. When I saw it the first time, I thought of mom and dad...it made me sad. I must have forgotten how sad it made me, because it was like I watched it again for the first time....this time it was about Sheri and I. How can a cartoon stir so much emotion? The scene that hit me most was when he opened up her adventure book and saw all the pictures she had put in there of their lives together and she wrote to him this: Thanks for the great adventure! Now go out and have a new one.

Sheri and I had those same conversations. She would tell me these things through the tears of bad news from the doctors....times when it became hard to look up. We would flash our eyes to a future that might no include her. I don't like to look there for very long...it hurt too much, and I didn't like what I saw. Now........ I live there. I know God has something good out there for Alyssa, Bryce, and I. We are on a new adventure, on an unknown road...no gps, no map......no co pilot.

One of the books I read this summer said this about where I am in my journey: It is as if we are chasing the sunset, running as fast as we can to make it stay. Yet, as hard as we run, it is still setting and getting darker. The fastest way to the light, is to stop and turn around and walk through the darkness behind us to the sunrise waiting on the other side.

How am I doing? I've stopped running......I'm turning around......I'm starting a new adventure......wish me luck.

Looking "UP"

Brett

Happy Birthday Babe.....

2011-08-24T06:38:00.000-07:00

Today would have been Sheri's 43rd birthday. (That is tough to write). One of our favorite places to go while we were dating and first married was the top of Stormy Mountain. I'm headed up there today with three red roses...the same as I gave her after our first date...and the same that Alyssa, Bryce and I laid on her casket. I would like to write that this all is getting easier...at times it is....and others, like today...not so much. I knew this would be a tough day. Yes I still ask why, especially on days like today. But my job right now is to be a good dad, move forward every day, and keep looking up.....that is what she would have wanted me to do.....so I do.

We had the opportunity to learn from, and support each other through some pretty tough times. Whenever we got bad news, we would cry, talk it out....then tell each other to suck it up. Today is one of those days.....and I know what she would say.

See you on top of Stormy Babe....Happy Birthday. I Love You!

Keep Looking up!

Brett

I'm still here.....

2011-08-02T17:41:00.000-07:00

Well summer is in full swing! Aubrey is doing a great job with Bryce and Alyssa. Lots of time at Slidewaters and the beach down at Mill Bay. I've been up to Lucerne (one of Sheri and my favorite places) a lot...13 days....a little part of me meets her up there every time I go. It has been two months since Sheri passed. Every morning is still hard, every night is harder. It is not an easy thing, but I'm getting through. I know there is something good out there for me and Bryce and Alyssa...we just have to wade through this really muddy section. It might take a while.

Thanks all for caring, and continuing to keep us in your prayers...we feel them. We are off to Silverwood in Idaho for a few days.....

Keep Looking Up

Brett

A dozen roses up lake.....

2011-06-30T14:19:00.000-07:00

A week ago the kids and I embarked on a trip up lake...it was a trip Sheri and I had planned for all of us to go on back in January. We stayed at the cabin we have in Lucerne (with Kevin and Mary Amsden), we stayed for seven days. The trip up was super rough... the roughest I've seen it...but we made it in safe and mostly sound (Bryce was worried he told me later...he asked why after he prayed it seemed to get worse...I said we made it didn't we?...he smiled and said Ya we did!....sometimes life is like that). The day after we got there we set off for Stehekin (the 17th). I had brought along a dozen long stem white roses (the symbol for purity). We placed one rose at each of our favorite spots: The cabin in Lucerne, the landing boat docks in Stehekin at our favorite boat slip, the "Be Still" cross (I added a picture and daisies there), Nick Glenn's cabin, the Bakery, Upper and Lower Rainbow Falls (we picnicked at the upper falls the day I asked her to marry me), The Ranch, and High Bridge. If you are counting that's nine. We then set off down lake for Domke Falls. Alyssa, Bryce and I each set a rose in the water off the back of the boat by the falls.

On June 20th it would have been our 19th Anniversary. 21 years ago Sheri's family invited me (we had just started dating) to join them at the Stehekin Valley Ranch for a fun weekend....we all had a blast and ate very well. Sheri's family came up to Lucernce to joint Alyssa, Bryce and I...and we all went up to the Ranch for dinner on the 20th...along with a few friends. The food was great as always (Sheri and I had planned to spend our anniversary at the Ranch...so I did).

It dawned on me that it has been 21 years since I have been up lake with out her. It is still one of my (and our) favorite places to go....so we're going to the cabin again this weekend for more R and R... and fishing, and swimming, and hiking, and playing with friends, (and healing). There's a little part of me that feels a little closer to her up there...maybe because my mind is clearer. I hope to go back up a lot this year and in the future...maybe even once by myself.

Anyway, I know a lot of you have followed our journey, prayed for us, celebrated our triumphs, and mourned Sheri's passing. I thought about stopping this blog all together. After some thought I've decided that this blog has been a blessing to many, and especially to Sheri and I. I will try to blog every now and then to keep you posted on how Alyssa, Bryce and I are getting along on our new journey. I continue to thank God for the time I was blessed to spend with Sheri, and look forward to seeing her again some day....until then we will keep looking up.

Brett

Sheri's garden.....

2011-06-13T05:56:00.000-07:00

This weekend we embarked on an ambitious project. For four years Sheri and I have owned a piece of property overlooking Manson in a development called Winesap Ridge, Sheri loved it there. She continued to dream of us building our family home on the property, and us living out our days there. She had the plans for the house in her basket by her favorite chair, and she would pull them out and ask me questions. I would do my best to explain the drawings. Then I'd draw mocked up pictures to help her "see" what it all would look like and she'd have me explain them to her....I think she just liked to make me talk with my hands and use big gestures to help illustrate things.

One of the projects we had hoped to take on this year was a garden at the entry of our property, by the old willow tree she so dearly loved, the one I've written about many times here. I put the idea out there to see where it might go after Sheri passed....she gave it wings! Thanks to all who gave plants, time, and love to this garden....it is far beyond anything we had ever dreamed of! I know she is smiling down on it....when was she not smiling? Feel free to go up and enjoy it....

Looking up,

Brett, Bryce, and Alyssa

>>> Before we started <<<

>>> After a good mow and trim <<<

>>> After all the work!!! <<<

A great tribute to a great woman....

2011-06-08T15:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who attended Sheri's service yesterday...it was increadible! I am very blessed to have spent the past 21 years of my life with her by my side. Thank you as well for all the plant and flowers. We are working on trying to get Sheri's garden together at our property....I'll keep you all informed.

Looking up,

Brett

Sheri Sue La Mar (Gardner)

2011-06-01T15:25:00.000-07:00

Sheri Sue La Mar (Gardner), 42 of Manson, victoriously crossed the finish line into the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ the morning of May 31st, 2011. She lived this life with grace, poise, humility, bravery, courage, joy, and with a beautiful smile on her face that lit up a room, and a giving heart and spirit for others. She had a gift for lifting the spirits of those around her like no other, even through difficult times in life. She was born to Roger and Sue Gardner in Tacoma on August 24th 1968. After a brief time in Bellingham, her family soon moved to the Methow valley where she attended school at Pateros and the Methow Valley Christian Academy, graduating from Pateros High School in 1987. She attended Northwest College (University) in Kirkland where she attained her degree in Elementary Education in 1992. During college, Sheri was an RA for her dormitory, helping many young girls navigate life’s many issues. In 1990 her family moved their home to Manson, where she met her future best friend and husband, Brett La Mar. The two were married on June 20th, 1992. Sheri and Brett moved home to Manson that summer from Kirkland to assist in running the family business, Lake Chelan Building Supply, due to an illness with Brett’s mother. Sheri began to substitute teach in the area schools, and attained a long term substitute job in the Lake Chelan school district before becoming a full time first grade and kindergarten teacher at Manson Elementary in 1993, where she taught until April of this year. Nearly 400 students came through her classroom over her 19 years of teaching, dubbed by her as “Mrs. La Mar’s Super Stars.” She taught each child that life has no limits, and encouraged them to strive for their dreams and aspirations, treating life’s issues as obstacles that can be overcome, not roadblocks. If God finds pleasure watching us do what we were created for, He definitely found pleasure in watching Sheri teach, she was amazing with children. Sheri and Brett where also involved in the youth ministry program at North Shore Bible Church for nearly ten years, where Sheri also taught Sunday school. In 1999, after many years of trying, Sheri and Brett were blessed with a child of their own, Alyssa Rose La Mar. Just over two years later they were blessed again with Bryce Edward La Mar. Their children brought joy, laughter, pride, and adventure into their lives. As a family they enjoy the beauty that only the Lake Chelan area can offer by boating, swimming, camping, driving in the mountains, and snowmobiling and skiing in the winters. The La Mar’s especially enjoy visiting Stehekin and Lucerne in upper Lake Chelan, making frequent trips each year. In 2007 Sheri was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. She faced her battle with extreme courage and determination, and a strength which only comes through Jesus, and a relationship with Him.
Sheri is survived by her husband Brett of the home, as well as her two beautiful children Alyssa (11) and Bryce (9), also of the home. Her parents, Roger and Sue Gardner of Entiat, as well as her brother Bret and his wife Barb Gardner, their children, Kyrie and Kayden also of Entiat, and her grandmother Ruth Erlandsen of Brewster.
Services will be held on Tuesday June 7th at 3:30 pm at North Shore Bible Church in Manson, Wa., with a reception to follow. The family would like to plant a garden in Sheri's memory, so if you would bring potted plants that they could plant in her garden. Her favorite colors were pink and white.

My best friend......

2011-05-31T18:06:00.000-07:00

Today I got to hold the hand of my best friend as she crossed the finish line into the arms of our Savior Jesus Christ.....please take good care of her. I thank Him for the 21 years I have known her (married 19 on June 20th), and been blessed to love, cherish, and share my life with her. The last three and a half years taught us to know that nothing is for sure in life....please don't let life pass you by...enjoy it! Many people marveled at her inner strength....she would be the first to tell you that it was not her strength you see, but Jesus. Sheri would not force Jesus down your throat, it was not her way. She chose to live her faith every day. She would want you to know her Jesus....she is with Him now.....teaching, singing, walking, organizing.....and maybe even going to Stehekin. You should know I would not trade where we've been for anything, I would do it all again for her.

I will post details of Sheri's service in the next few days.

As always....looking up!

Brett

pray....

2011-05-30T10:27:00.001-07:00

pray....

Brett

Time for an update.......

2011-05-11T20:05:00.000-07:00

The original intent of this blog was to keep people informed, and to squelch the rumor mill...

You must know that we are continuing to look up, and trust God. Many of you have asked where we go from here, that's a good question, with unclear answers. Sheri's continues to fight, she finished with chemo three weeks ago, and is focused on getting well, and she's taking the rest of the school year off to do so. Every person's story is different, so trying to predict where this path leads seems irresponsible, and unproductive. Many times on here we have asked you all to look up with us....we are asking you to continue....don't look down. We've known this was a long race, for three and a half years we've battled....we are in a definite uphill section of the race. Sheri is choosing to focus on getting well, as do we all with her.....choosing to look at the jagged rocks below does us no good. We are well aware of the enemy we fight against. Many times before Sheri has defied the odds, bucked the trend, and walked proudly across the lines drawn in the sand before her. If you support her, you will continue to look up with her.

Pray for her strength, and stability. Each day we lay our situation at His feet, knowing He is God, and we are not.

Have faith and look up, even when it's hard to, and asking you to as well.

Brett and Sheri

Well....it's been an interesting week.....

2011-04-22T20:49:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the blank space here for a while. This past week was an interesting one, to say the least. Sheri has been having off and on headaches for the past few weeks. It seems to coincide with the timing of her chemo. This week the same thing happened. Her doctor had dropped one of the chemos we had thought was causing the problem. Needless to say Monday, four days after chemo, we woke up, read the bible, had coffee and toast....a normal day. Sheri started to get a headache so she decided to take a hot bath, that seems to help for a bit. A bit later she was washing her hands in the bathroom when she called out to me that she was feeling funny. I found her half way to the floor with no strength in her legs. I had her sit down...when she began to have a seizure. It lasted about five seconds. I got her to bed and immediately called her doctors. I had Sheri's Mom pick up some anti seizure medicine at the pharmacy that the doctors prescribed. She slept a while, so I went to work, her Mom with her. A few hours later she had another seizure, this one lasted a minute or so....so we called 911.....time to go to the hospital. We traveled to Wenatchee with the lights off, as Sheri was doing better. We spent the next day in the hospital doing scans and talking to doctors. The scans came back clear, no swelling, and things looked stable. So the conclusion? Once again the chemo reacted with a few of the Gamma Knife treated spots in her brain to press and give her headaches and the seizures. She is now on anti seizure meds, and steroids to avoid a recurrence, and is no longer on chemo. Each day she is doing much better. Today she went for a massage and shopped for flowers for our yard with her Mom. Yesterday she walked a half mile on the treadmill. They put her through the ringer that's for sure.

We are continuing to look up and trust God, our Healer. One good thing is the scans showed none of the things the doctors were worried about...which is good. Thanks for the concern and support.

Looking up, and getting well!

Brett and Sheri

Sheri's Willow Tree.......

2011-04-04T17:02:00.000-07:00

Everyone loves a good story...I like telling them...it's a good combination! This is the story of Sheri's Willow Tree:

About four years ago we bought a piece of property just above the town of Manson, in a development call Winesap Ridge. I took Sheri up there several years before, when it first came on the market, and she fell in love with it. As fate would have it, we could not afford it at the time, it was just out of reach for us....so the dream died, or did it? A few years passed and we were able to sell a home we had built. We happened to know the family who had bought the lot we fell in love with, so I contacted them to see what their plans were....they wanted to sell! So alas the dream of our Winesap property did come true after all, just a few years later then we thought. What drew us to the property in the first place was the amazing view, and all the trees....all kinds of trees. Firs, and pines, maple, apple, cherry, poplar, alder....and one mammoth willow tree, right at the entrance to the property. This was Sheri's favorite tree of all. Sheri envisioned a swing or a bench under her mighty flowing branched where you could whittle away a hot summer day in her shade, reading a good book with a glass of iced tea. We bought the lot just a few months before Sheri began her battle against cancer. Our plan is to build a home there for our family, but life and the economy have not allowed that to happen in our timing. Meanwhile Sheri's willow stood tall and proud at the entrance, waiting for us to join her.

The past few years have been tough on the willow tree. Many wind storms have ravished her once strong branches, ripping them from her one gale at a time. Finally this past fall, one last storm tore her final large branch from her massive trunk...her former glory was no more...or was it? We called in a professional tree trimmer to prune her back to almost nothing...not sure if she was coming back, or would be sent to the firewood pile. All winter she has stood, branch less and bare....until this spring. Hundreds of new sprouting limbs cover her trunk, with fresh budding leaves, already draping to the ground like glory days of old. Is she back? Time will tell. If this tree is anything like the owner that loves her, it's tough to keep her down for long. Maybe Sheri and her tree are more alike then we know.

Looking up,

Brett

Back in the saddle.....

2011-03-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

We are back from the quick trip to Seattle. Sheri's doctors we very please with how she was doing. The scans showed that the spots are looking slightly smaller or are stable. This is good so soon after treatment. They tell us the full effect of the treatment is at about 8-10 weeks, and it's only been 3 1/2 weeks. They are continuing to taper her off the steroids, and told us we didn't need to come back for 6-8 weeks. So good news....thanks for the prayers.

Thanks for all the support!

Brett and Sheri

Headed back to Seattle...

2011-03-16T20:05:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, Thursday, we head back to Seattle for a follow up MRI from the Gamma Knife treatment about a month ago. This scan will let the doctors know how well the treatment went. This last week was a tough one. Sheri is coming off a very heavy dose of steroids, which mess with her energy levels, both high and low. Throw in chemo, and the side effects from the Gamma Knife (tired mostly), and they all converged at once last week. She is doing far better this week. She only has a few days of steroids left...right now it's an 1/8 of what she was on, so we are looking forward to being off them! Meanwhile Sheri is still teaching every day except for scans and chemo....she's a warrior! Last week was Jenny Montes' funeral. Sheri had Jenny in her class, and had met with her a few times during her battle with cancer. We all pray for comfort for the Montes family, they are good people.

Pray for good results from Sheri's scans. We know God is in control, and that He is a God that heals.

Looking up

Brett and Sheri

A quick up-date

2011-02-25T06:06:00.000-08:00

The Gamma Knife procedure went well. My reaction has been good. Currently I'm on a lot of steroids. So if you want to pray specifically, please pray for all swelling to be gone as a reaction to the treatment. Also, some good news was that the tumors in my back bones and liver are disappearing!!!!! Thank you Jesus! That means as tumors go away, my back is building up inside and I need to be careful...no skiing for me. Please pray for strong healthy bones.

We NEVER give up, God is faithful to heal and answer prayers. Thank you for praying with us.

Looking up!

Sheri & Brett

Better Scans.....

2011-02-18T20:25:00.000-08:00

Thursday we ran over to the UW for some follow up scans to see where we go from here. Today Sheri's doctor called with the results. "I actually have some good news for you this time." he told Sheri. The two larger spots they were worried about were swelling from the gamma knife treatment, not growing. Also the areas in her bones and liver have gotten better... so we are making good progress. There are a few very small spots the doctor would like to hit with Gamma Knife to knock them in their tracks. So, Tuesday we head back over for Gamma Knife. So a bit of a mixed bag...but all in all we're moving forward. The doctors have had great success with the Gamma Knife...it's been over two years since our first treatment. God is good, and we thank Him for the healing He gives. Sheri and her folks are taking a weekend retreat up at Sun Mountain for a little spiritual teaching. The kids and I are headed snowmobiling, skiing, and to church, which should be interesting.
Pray for Sheri...for Tuesdays treatment, and this weekends spiritual journey. Thanks again for all the support and prayers.

Brett and Sheri

What a Weekend!

2011-02-13T19:48:00.001-08:00

I had a conference for my business that started this past Wednesday. Sheri and the kids came over that night to be with me as we were receiving an award...I wanted them there with me. My Dad flew up too. Sheri woke up Thursday morning with a splitting headache. After laying down for a few hours, it seemed to get better. Then Friday morning the same thing happened, so we called Sheri's doctor in Wenatchee. She suggested that we go to the UW medical center. We had to enter via the Emergency Room to be admitted. We spend nearly 4 four hours in the waiting room before we got in. They ran a CT scan and an MRI that night. A few of the spots in her head had swollen, causing the headaches. The doctors had told us that there was a possibility after Gamma Knife, that there may be some swelling. They have her on steroids now to reduce the swelling...no headache today! The road from here is a bit cloudy. They would like to do another scan to see what is tumor, and what is swelling from the Gamma Knife. Then formulate a plan. Though the doctor said we are running out of options, we know God never is.

We continue to look for Gods healing touch on Sheri, please pray that with us. We will keep you all up to date as we get news. She is feeling much better. We went to church this morning, worked in the yard ( it was 52 here today!) and she plans to work tomorrow. She's a trooper!

Looking up,

Brett and Sheri

Happy Birthday Bryce!

2011-02-06T08:06:00.000-08:00

Nine years ago a new blessing came into our lives. Bryce! We have been blessed ever since. He has kept us on our toes. We are very proud of him.

Last week we did chemo on Thursday again, and returned for a Nulasta shot the next day. (Thanks for the ride Kevin!) I rested yesterday, but wasn't as wiped out or exhausted as the last time I had chemo. Praise the Lord!

Today we are going to the ski hill to celebrate Bryce's birthday. Diana is helping me since I had no idea of how I'd be feeling today. (Thanks Diana & Brad!) My plan is to go up, enjoy and then come home for a nap so I can work tomorrow. We are so blessed to have such good friends.

On the 16th we have an MRI planned at the U.W. We're continuing to pray for a miracle. Thanks for praying with us.

Looking up,

Brett & Sheri

Waiting over.....

2011-01-27T21:37:00.000-08:00

Sorry to keep everyone waiting on the results of Sheri's second spinal....it was clear! For the second time. God is good. We think they forgot to call us. We figured they'd call right away if it were not clear, so I guess it was worth the wait. We went out to Wapato Point Cellars for dinner to celebrate...Sheri had a steak, her first one in over three months...she loved it. She is only supposed to have 6oz of red meat a month on the new diet. We feel blessed to have this test behind us! Next Thursday is another round of chemo. We imagine we will have more scans coming in the near future. We'll update you as we get closer. For now we are enjoying this little victory....pray for more. Thanks for all the support and prayers....they do work.

Looking up....fighting on...

Brett (and Sheri)

Catching Up

2011-01-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

We've been through our second chemo round. I responded much better! No more riggers! Chemo is on Thursday again, that means I can work on Friday because the steroids are still racing through my body at that time. Then we run down to Wenatchee for a Nulasta shot on Friday afternoon (Thanks Cherie!). That keeps my white blood cell count up. By Saturday I crash for the day. I think I slept most of Saturday and all night too. Sunday Brett and I took the kids to the ski hill for lessons after sleeping in. We figured I could sit with friends in the lodge or stay home. We choose the lodge, however I was ready for a nap at home that afternoon.

Last week we went to the UW for a spinal tap. it came out clear! Yeah! Brett and I were very happy. Today we have to go over for another one to confirm the clear diagnosis. I guess it only comes out correct 50% of the time. Personally I was very happy with first test! When this one comes out clear then there should not be any cancer cells in my spinal fluid.

Yep! We're still looking up and counting on God for a BIG miracle. Pray for clear results of the UW test today...we'll know more early next week. I have Brett's head cold too, so pray I get over it quickly. Thanks for all your prayers and support!

Sheri

How's it going?

2011-01-03T06:08:00.000-08:00

How's it going? Well, great now! I had a little reaction to the first chemo. Dec. 21st. It gave me the Rigors. Basically, I froze and shook uncontrollably for about 30 minutes. They got it all under control. That shouldn't happen again since they are going to give me the chemo after Benadryl and steroids, that should stop any negative reaction. The next day I was given a Nulasta shot, it builds up my white blood cell count. Ok, that can make your legs sore for a few days!
The good news is I'm back to normal now and so thankful. I even still have my hair at this point! I thought I'd be going back to school bald (with my wig of course!)
We go in for chemo on the 11th again this month.

Over all we loved Christmas Break. Family time, and time with friends was precious. The most exciting thing was watching the kids learn to ski. Brett and I are so proud of them! They zip up the rope tows and down the hill over and over. As of yesterday they are both using the Palma too.

We had lots of fun in the midst of everything. This journey continues to strengthen our faith in a God who heals...sometimes it takes a little time. Thanks for praying with us.
God bless!

Looking up,
Sheri

Another Opportunity to Look Up

2010-12-21T08:49:00.000-08:00

It's 8:30am, Tuesday and I'm sitting in the chemo chair again. We weren't expecting to spend vacation like this, but plans changed. Today we had hoped to take the kids skiing, oh well.
Yesterday we came in to get my scan results. "How were the scans?" I asked. "Not good" Dr. Malhi said. My liver and bones had to many spots to count. Bummer! She asked us to be down at the clinic the next morning to begin a six month chemo treatment. It should be a strong treatment and hopefully effective. I will probably lose my hair in 10 days and then it will begin to grow again in the summer.

Sheri

To say we had not expected to be back here is an understatement. Both of us felt we were doing all we could to keep this thing at bay. We know that God is bigger then cancer...we believe He heals. It is a strain to look up some times. We are praying for the doctors wisdom, and comfort for Sheri during the new chemo, and strength for the both of us. Being bald again sounds kind of cold...Sheri will dust off her wigs, and me, my hats. We are still a tad overwhelmed, disappointed, bummed...insert your own adjective here. We will push forward and keep our eyes looking up.
We wish all of you a Merry Christmas, remember the reason for the season.

Brett

Knee deep in waiting and Christmas......

2010-12-10T05:58:00.001-08:00

So many people are asking how Sheri is doing...Well as I am writing this she is out walking with her buddies before school. Today they are walking up Summit hill, which if you've ever driven up Summit hill you know what I'm talking about! On Monday's and Wednesday's they walk up Totem Pole Road. Both hills are quite steep, and long....so her energy is good. She is teaching full time, and we are in the throws of Christmas parties, concerts, gift buying, more concerts, more parties, more gift buying....oh ya and her new diet and home therapy....and the kids are playing basketball too. Maybe I should ask you to pray for my energy! All in all she is doing well, and feeling good. We go for a PET scan on the 18th, and get the results on the 20th. This scan will update us below the neck. Last time they found a spot on her hip bone. We are hoping all is clear...that would be a nice Christmas present indeed! So now you know what I want for Christmas, the cat is out of the bag.

After the new year we are going to head back over to the UW for a MRI...neck up. Sheri had the Gamma Knife treatment almost six weeks ago...so that scan will update us there. Meanwhile we plan to enjoy winter by skiing, snowmobiling, sledding, and watching the kids play basketball, and in a whirlwind of concerts.

The new diet is interesting. No sugar period. Not just the white stuff in the bowl...nothing in her food either. Ever read the labels on food...try and find something without sugar in it....good luck. Here's a hint, it's in the vegetable section of the produce isle, and it's usually green in color. We can have some meat, like turkey, chicken, and fish (all organic of course). We are juicing several times a day....the juicing part is kind of fun...the clean up sucks...I was never good at that part. The idea is to balance her diet with carbs and protein to slow the natural absorption of sugar into her body....cancer loves sugar, so we are starving it! Choke on that you little #%@#*&!

So there's a glimpse of our new path. We are positive God has lead us in this direction. We are continuing our conventional treatment, and supplementing it with our alternative treatment. Each is a leg of the stool, both are important to Sheri's healing. If you get a chance, and are curious about where we went in California, here is their web site: www.oasisofhope.com

Thanks again for all the prayers and support! We will update you as to the results of the PET after the 20th. Enjoy Christmas...take time to reflect on the good things in life. Focus on where you want to go...not on the problems in life...if you stare at them too long you'll drive into the ditch! Remember why we celebrate this season....hint: it's not about the dude in the red suit, it's about the Dude in the manger and what He did to change this world, and our lives.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours....remember to look up!

Brett, Sheri, Bryce, and Alyssa

Thank you!!!

2010-11-23T05:54:00.000-08:00

Last night we had the honor of going to the chili feed fund raiser for going to California. The last time I looked at a thermometer it was 12 degrees with very icy roads. That didn't deter people. I couldn't believe how many people still came out. I feel very blessed and loved.

The most frequently asked question was "How was California?" Awesome! was the answer. We learned so much. The trip was best described by educationally putting a fire hose in your mouth and turning it on. I'm so thankful Brett was with me. I couldn't do this by myself. Honestly, I couldn't. It took both of us gaining understanding and me doing the therapy to get it down. Brett has become an expert green juice maker. I am taking my new supplements. Brett gets them all lined out for me. It was pretty amazing how they are able to tailor supplements to my body's needs. I am off sugar...and feeling so much better! We also found out I was pre diabetic. It's all 100% curable with diet. Sweet! That just inspires me all the more to stay away from sugar. Balancing food is also new for me. I have to make sure I balance my carbs with proteins. You're probably thinking, oh my gosh!, what can she eat? You better not loose any weight! I've actually gained a couple of pounds and Brett actually has lost...the perfect combination. I've been eating and feeling very satisfied and full. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to go to the Oasis of Hope. I knew God would make it obvious when we should go...and he did.

Oh, I have to tell you that a man stopped by the Oasis when we were there. He was diagnosed 36 years prior with stage IV cancer. I hope to go back to encourage others like that 36 years later too. :)

Thank you all for coming last night. Thank you for your hugs, unconditional love and support. We are so blessed to live in such a valley. I appreciate all of you!

Well, I'm heading off to teach my Kinders this morning. They are pretty amazing.
God bless!

Looking up,

Sheri

Last day in Cally.........

2010-11-18T20:20:00.000-08:00

Well....it has been an experience. A new leg in our journey has begun. Sheri and I are excited and thankful for the future, for healing, and for God bringing us here. That being said, we are ready to go home too, and see our kids and friends! Probably the most difficult part has been focusing so intensly on cancer for so many days in a row. We didn't realize how nice it is sometimes to be distracted by everyday life. It has been great for both of us to focus on getting better. We still have a lot to learn....especially about our food...I won't bore you with details....but I never knew food could be so complicated! But it all makes common sence, so we push forward and learn. We found a clinic in Seattle to help us with some follow up treatments, so we don't have to fly back down here every 2 months, though they want to see us back in a year. You can tell the way the nurses and Doctors talk with Sheri that they have a confidence that she can get better....it's all doable they say. We agree! Thanks Oasis team, and thanks be to God for calling you to do what you do here.

Looking up!
Brett

Wow, tomorrow will be our last day at the Oasis of Hope. It has been extremely helpful. Yes, I'm off of sugar...and learning how to balance any carbs with protein. We're at the beginning of the learning curve and excited to learn more.

When we first arrived the hardest part was concentrating on ME. I'm much more comfortable focusing on others...that's fun. Then we really got into the therapy on Monday. By Wednesday I was sure therapy made teaching Kindergarten full time like a slow walk in the park. Therapy is work! What we've learned makes me feel better physically. Considering I already felt good, this should only help.

I'm missing our kids, home, friends, family, school, class, church and whole community! Can't wait to get back to our beautiful valley.

I am continuing to ask God for healing. I have always believed that He expects us to do all we can and leave the rest to Him. That is what we are doing. Sometimes God expects us to pick up a hammer and get to work. That's where we are. We have hammers in our hands ready to do our best as we come home. Having said this, I know He works through the prayers of His people, so we continue to pray with faith that He heals.

We'll be home Saturday!

Looking up!
Sheri

Clarity......and peace....

2010-11-16T09:29:00.000-08:00

Well we are a few days into Sheri's treatments here in California at the Oasis of Hope clinic. There is a lot to learn and absorb! It's all doable that's the good part. Sheri continues to feel great and has lots of energy. The staff and doctors here are very encouraging and full of hope!

We had a great time with the kids at Disneyland. They flew in Friday night to meet us here. They did great on the plane by themselves. Uncle Bret took them to the Seattle airport, and we "caught" them down here...I'm sure it's an experience they will remember for a long time. Now they are back home with Grandma Gardner....doing the school thing. We fly out Saturday, and look forward to being home...though we see it might be snowing when we get there. We are liking the 70+ temperatures here.

God continues to assure us of his hand on us. It has been encouraging to both of us to be down here. Yesterday a man spoke here. He told his story of coming to the Oasis of Hope 36 years ago after the Mayo clinic gave him 6 weeks to live. Very powerful stuff....similar to my Mom's story. We know God can work through the Oasis of Hope and provide healing for Sheri....we trust him in that. We also have our part in this journey...which will begin when we get home, and for years to come.

Thanks for all the prayers and support....we feel it from here!

Looking up!

Brett and Sheri

A Couple of Country Bumpkins

2010-11-11T23:06:00.000-08:00

Did you know they have four lanes on a regular road going one way for miles and it's not a highway? Real freeways have at least seven going one way! I counted tonight. And just to keep up with traffic it's 75 mph! Malls must be measured in acres here! Yes, I know I'm not in Kansas any more.

We had a splendid day. I now understand why this therapy is alternative and also so good for me. It should truely compliment everything my doctors are doing conventionally. Basically, it detoxes my system and helps my body heal better. We have much more to learn, but I believe we are in the right place. They are very supportive to both Brett and I. They also have a strong Christian base, believing that God is in control holding us throughout the journey. We agree. He's the ultimate healer.

We're back to the clinic tomorrow and then to meet the kids. I can't wait to see them! I miss them so much already and it's only been a couple of days!!

Thanks for the faith and prayers.

Looking up,
Sheri

We Made It!

2010-11-11T08:08:00.000-08:00

After school Brett and I flew down to California. The flights were peaceful and smooth. We arrived about 11:30p.m. to a beautiful apartment that we will spend a couple of days at until the kids get here. Thank you Dean & Kaki! We woke up to magnificent sunshine and are about to begin our new adventure at the Oasis of Hope.
Driving down here is an experience, even with a Tom Tom. We are starting out early for our appointment so we have plenty of time.
We are thankful for the restful time this morning.
Well, here we go!! We know God is holding us in all your prayers. God bless.

Looking up,
Sheri & Brett

We're Off

2010-11-10T05:51:00.000-08:00

Today Brett and I will leave right after work for the Oaisis of Hope Clinic. It's hard to explain how we are feeling. We are hopeful, yet I understand this will be very life changing. So my question is just how... We know it's the right thing to do. God made that VERY clear. So off we go! We're packed and ready for a new adventure in life.

The kids are packed and ready to join us on Friday evening. We will do Disneyland with them on Sat. and Sun. We are looking forward to the family time down there. We want the kids to feel a part of the whole situation in a positive light.

Currently I'm feeling great. I've been teaching full time, even the day after Gamma Knife surgery. I have great doctors and nurses. I'm just getting over a cough...it's almost gone!

Please pray for safe travels and healing.

Looking up,

Sheri

Gamma Knife.....

2010-11-05T07:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went over to Seattle and did another Gamma Knife treatment. Sheri's doctor over there was very thorough in attacking the spots. The good news was, after looking at all her previous scans, there is only one new spot. Originally he thought there were many new ones. However, several of her old spots, some almost two years old now, grew a little which concerned him. The largest spot is the size of a pencil eraser...about 3/8" across....the rest are all very small...about 1/8"....so the doctors are trying to stop this very early. All in all it went well.

A few of Sheri's friends are starting to call her Wonder Woman. While waiting for her treatment she was doing her report cards for her Kindergarten class....which amazed the doctors. "You must love your job?" he said. "Ya think?" I quipped (I can be a bit of a smart %&# at times). We think it helps her to keep pushing onward. Today she is back at work.

Sooooo....we were asking God for a sign as to when to go to the Alternative Clinic in California. God spoke very clearly with these last scan results. OK God we got the message, we are going. We leave next week on Wednesday night for the Oasis of Hope. We'll be there a week and a half, coming home the following Saturday. They give us the weekend off....sooooo...we decided to fly the kids down and hit Disneyland for a few days. They are very excited. She and I are excited about the hospital too. Thank you Charltons and Moreheads for helping us with places to stay! We will undoubtedly need help with food and stuff when we return....so we may need to tap any of the "let me know how I can help" offers out there.

All in all we are doing better mentally....a plan always seems to help with that. Pray the Gamma Knife does it's job, and pray as we head south to the Oasis of Hope. We are looking up and moving forward.

Brett and Sheri (Aylssa and Bryce)

The Night After the News

2010-11-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

When we arrived home I was having a hard time looking up. I'm far from perfect ya know. In the middle of the night when I was still feeling devastated, a song popped into my head that I don't think we've sung in forever. It was like I could hear "Sheri, sing this." The song was perfect for the situation. It provided peace and I must have sung it in my sleep 5 or 6 times in my sleep. I knew I wasn't singing alone. The song was I've Got a River of Life Flowing Out of Me. Wow, what a powerful song and where did it come from when I was feeling so down? You guessed it! God never leaves us or forsakes us. He holds and comforts us when we hurt. Then the sun comes up. It took me a day and a half, but I'm out of the funk and ready to fight! He is also providing for our every need. We are very blessed.
Thank you to everyone who is and has supported us through this trek of life. It means a lot.

Here are the words to the song: I've Got a River of Life Flowing Out of Me
I've got a river of life flowing out of me,
makes the lame to walk and the blind to see,
opens prison doors, sets the captives free,
I've got a river of life flowing out of me.

Spring up O' well within my soul.
Spring up O' well and make me whole.
Spring up O' well and give to me, that life abundantly.

We're looking up and still praying for complete healing. Thanks for praying with us! Another request would be to please pray for our travel for our trip to the Oasis of Hope in CA. We'll be leaving the 10th of November. Thanks! (more on that later)

Looking up again,
Sheri

Not good news.....

2010-10-26T19:33:00.000-07:00

Well there's no good way to put it.....Sheri's scans were not good. The scan shows close to twenty new spots in her head. We are headed back over Friday for another scan to clarify if some of the older spots are cancer or scar tissue. Then next Friday we go back in for Gamma Knife. The doctor is not super confident it will work. We remember he wasn't ultra confident it would work the first time either. It's been a whirlwind of a day. We are trying to figure out if we can squeeze in a trip to California to the Alternative Clinic. It is very expensive and we'll be gone for a week and a half. Help us pray for wisdom: for us about California, and for the Doctors and how to proceed.

If ever Sheri needed your prayers it is now. We are straining to keep looking up, but it is tough...we are not going to kid anyone here.

We do know that He is God, and He is bigger then cancer. We are asking Him for healing.

Brett and Sheri

Tuesday scan....

2010-10-24T17:47:00.001-07:00

Tuesday Sheri and I travel over to the UW for a scheduled scan. She has this one every three to four months. The last one three months ago was good...we are praying for the same. It is always an anxious time to go over for these, but we know God is in control. Pray with us for good results.

Sheri's energy has been good, considering she's working full time in a kindergarten class with 23 kids....I wouldn't last 10 minutes in there without needing a nap! She is tolerating the new chemo very well. Her blood numbers are still very good. We are about a quarter of the way through this one.

Personally we are finishing the kids fall schedule. Bryce has one more little man football game left. Alyssa is very much looking forward to basketball this winter. We have two more Coug games to hit to wrap up the season....sure hope they get a W in there somewhere.

Thanks for the support....keep looking up.

Brett and Sheri

The Chase

2010-10-12T21:04:00.000-07:00

We are looking forward to participating in the Chelan Chase Breast Cancer walk again this weekend. We will be walking with family and friends. Please come and join with us. It should be lots of fun. If you haven't registered, be there about 9:00 a.m. to register and the race begins at 10:00.
Bryce is hoping to run the whole way. I'm thinking he will easily beat us to the finish.

Thursday I'll be going down to chemo. again. I have tolerated the chemo. well so far. I only had to take an anti nausea once in the last two weeks. Once again, I have so much to be thankful for.

We are persistently and continually asking God for healing. Thank you for continuing to pray with us.

God bless!

Looking up,
Sheri

A Weekend at Home

2010-10-03T21:29:00.000-07:00

This weekend we relaxed at home and got some projects done too. Both the kids went to play with their friends at different times, so it was nice to spend some one on time one with each of them.

Next week should be full of school, work, piano lessons, football and the Coug game on Saturday in Pullman. I have the week off of chemo. Ahhh. I haven't had to take any anti nausea medicine this week. That's fantastic in my book.

Please keep praying with us for God's healing as we thank Him for all He is doing and has done.
God bless!

Looking up,

Sheri

A week in....

2010-09-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

One week down on the new chemo.....so far so good. Sheri kept any nausea at bay, and her energy was great. She walked several days with her buddies and a couple with me, plus working full time. Our friend Darcy is taking Sheri down today. I committed to helping coach Bryce's little man football team, so I'm staying back with the kids. Once November is here I will be able to take her myself. This weekend we have another little man football game, then we plan to spend our last night for this year down at our trailer at Mill Bay Resort....the kids love it down there. It's like having a cabin on the lake, only a mile away from home. Lots of great times down there, my Mom loved it too. We did family birthdays and special dinners all summer long.

Anyway, marching onward...pray the chemo has minimal effects, and maximum results! We are still considering going to California to the Alternative clinic....but things just aren't quite falling into place....we'll keep praying.

Looking up!

Brett and Sheri

New normal.....for now

2010-09-24T06:12:00.000-07:00

Sheri started her new chemo yesterday. They are hoping the side effects are minimal....we are too. They say she might get a little tired afterwards, and maybe a little nausea too. Her hair should be ok, though it might thin a little later on. They are worried her blood counts might drop as well. We remind them that Sheri has not had to have a blood booster shot yet...in almost three years of treatment. That is unheard of. Please pray for the chemo to do it's job on the spot in her hip bone, but that it leaves her blood alone. She takes this chemo in Wenatchee once a week...two weeks on, one week off. The doc says we'll probably be doing this for six months.

Meanwhile Sheri went walking with her buddies this morning at 6am (tired hu?). She is a trooper, full of fight! She loves her new class this year and talks about them all with a twinkle in her eye. She truly loves her job. She and I plan to head to Stehekin one last time this year....just us. The kids will be with Sheri's folks. We plan to leave right after Bryce's little man football game....I'm helping coach...it's fun and frustrating all at the same time. They are learning some good life lessons about pushing forward, even when it's tough and hard, and the other guy is bigger then you. I told Bryce that his Mommy is a good example of tough. I think he gets it.

Pray for Sheri's strength, and mine too! Looking up, and moving forward.

Brett and Sheri

New News

2010-09-17T05:48:00.000-07:00

Next Thursday I will begin a new chemo. It's a lot stronger than what I have been on. There are side effects like nausea, but I have medicine for that. They also say I may get tired, but then I'll be in bed early. This will last about six months.

We are continuing to pray for healing. I refuse to give up praying. We serve a BIG God who is capable of miracles. I believe He has already done many. Please keep praying for us. We're going to face this one day at a time.

I'm off for my morning walk now. God bless ya all!

Looking up,
Sheri

Waiting...and waiting

2010-09-13T19:27:00.000-07:00

We still haven't heard what chemo or change will happen yet. So while we wait, we're living life to its fullest. Bryce's first Football Jamboree on Saturday and then to the Coug game in Pullman. (They won! As Brett says, it wasn't pretty, but it was a win.). We stayed downtown Spokane, then had brunch at Doug and Amy's house the next day. The kids played as the adults relaxed and enjoyed catching up. (Thanks guys!) Today we were back to school and work. It's a great life!

We're still looking up and continue to pray for healing. Thanks for praying with us.
God bless,

Sheri

Still waiting......

2010-09-03T20:54:00.000-07:00

We met with Sheri's doctor Thursday afternoon. The scan showed the spot was there on her pelvis...it's the same spot that's been there for almost three years...it's just a bit brighter now. Three years ago there were many spots on this scan...now there is this one small one. The doctor is formulating a plan....but we don't know what it is yet...she's cunsulting with lots of other doctors...so we wait. She has pulled radiation off the table for now as it might hinder Sheri's bone marrow in the future. We're hoping to learn more on Tuesday.

We are looking into visiting a clinic in California called the Oasis of Hope. It is similar to the one my Mom went to 18 years ago in Mexico. We would be there a week, and come home to two months of additional treatment. It is mostly food based, boosting the bodies own immune system. We figure it's worth a shot....It worked for Mom to 17 years (we would do this along side our current treatment up here). For now we wait and ask God to give the doctors wisdom and guidance...and to help us decide what to do about California.

Looking Up!

Brett and Sheri

More of the Journey

2010-08-30T19:39:00.000-07:00

After my bone scan on Friday, we began packing for a trip up lake on Saturday afternoon. (We left after an important birthday party for Bryce's friends.) We stayed at Lucerne in a friend's cabin (Thanks Kevin and Mary!). Mom and dad came up in their boat too. It was fun to spend time together as a family. This morning we hit the Stehekin Bakery one more time. Yummmmmy! You just can't make a bad choice up there! Robbie runs an amazing bakery.

This week promises to be eventful. Tomorrow I go back to full time work. (I'm so excited!) The kids begin school on Thursday and I get the results from my doctor on Thursday late afternoon (about 4:00p.m.) We'll blog the results of our on-going adventure.

Please pray for wisdom for the doctors. We are continuing to pray for complete healing. Yep, I'm like that persistent two year old who just won't give up asking. Thanks for asking God for the same with us.

Looking up,

Sheri

P.E.T. Results

2010-08-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

Today we received our results. They were mostly good. There is one spot in my pelvis that my doctor is, and has been watching closely. There is a possibility she may want a bone scan later on. She is taking up my case with the tumor board again. (That's simply an opportunity for all the oncologists to get together for additional input on their patients.) She didn't seem overly concerned. She said if we need to, we can hit it with radiation.
The great news is that my main organs are looking clear. Obviously, there are no hard, fast rules or absolutes medically. The absolute we count on and depend on is God. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He cares for His children. It's good to be one of them. We thank Him for the work that had been done in my body and pray for continued healing. Thank you for praying with us.

Looking up,

Sheri

P.E.T. scan today....

2010-08-14T05:30:00.000-07:00

Sheri and I are off to a PET scan this morning. Her doctor has her do one of these every three to four months. They are only on Saturdays down in Wenatchee, so we are hopping in the mustang and heading south...it's 5:30am as I write this. I know you are saying, Brett is up that early?....yes, yes I am. This scan is for the neck down, and has been clear for quite a while, so we are praying for more of the same here....please pray with us. We'll post the results late Thursday after her appointment. Off to the big city (it's big to us country folk!)

Looking up.

Brett and Sheri

Live from Silverwood

2010-08-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

We are taking the kids to Silverwood for the first time today. They have been anticipating this day all summer.

This morning I woke up seeing a little better in my left eye! It's still a little blurry, but the blurry spot isn't as big.

Last week felt like a whirl wind. Being on steroids with an impromptu trip to the UW was just a little stressful. Although, the test results were awesome! P.T.L.! It finally hit me the night after we returned. I just fell into tears that evening because I didn't get the muffins made for our trip. Muffins! Really? Brett smiled, understanding what was going on. "I think someone is coming off steroids and has had a big week." After a big hug, I was fine and getting back to normal.

Now we are on our family vacation. We're experiencing Silverwood today and tomorrow and heading to Camano Island on Friday. Brett is going to sneek in a day of work on Thursday.

Thank you for continuing thank God for our healing thus far and pray for continued healing. I believe consistency and persistance is important.

Looking up!

Sheri

A look into the world of a cancer survivor.......

2010-07-21T15:24:00.000-07:00

All is well! Sheri's visit to the UW was very positive. Her scans looked very good. The two bigger spots her Doctor was watching are both smaller, and the other few are holding very small in size. He doesn't want to see her for three months....in our world that's a long time. The eye Doctor she saw said she had some blood in her eye that is blurring her vision...it should clear up in a week or so....nothing to worry about.

Sorry to sound the alarm....but now you get a breif glimps into our world. Even something small like blurry vision can set off a storms of scans and Doctor appointments. Thanks for following us in our journey, and being willing to help when asked...we are truely blessed. I guess it's best to be cautious, we're glad Sheri has such great Doctors.

Brett, Sheri, Alyssa, Bryce

Pray please......

2010-07-20T18:22:00.000-07:00

Soooo...Sheri has been having some fuzzy vision in her left eye. Nothing big or major...just a little blurry. She has had 20/20 vision her whole life...so it raised a flag. We called her Doctor in Wenatchee and at the UW. They want her at the U tomorrow morning for a MRI. We had one scheduled for August, but they wanted to do it now. What does it mean? Not real sure. It could be swelling from the treated areas they hit a few months ago. She'll be seeing an eye Doctor as well...she may just be getting older...both her parents use glasses. The best we can do is pray. Unfortunately I can't go, we are short handed at the yard this week, and we have an event for contractors tomorrow as well, and Alyssa and I are playing for an event tomorrow night....so Sheri's Mom Sue is riding shotgun in my place...and to boot it's Sue's birthday tomorrow. Happy B day Mom in law. Pray for good things and good scans. We'll let you know what's up as soon as we know.

Looking up!
Brett

Mini Prayer Request- The Big Toe

2010-07-13T09:26:00.000-07:00

My big left toe is doing a little better this morning, but the last couple of days it looked like a little balloon on the end of my foot. Doctor's orders are to wait a week to begin my second chemo and stay off of it. So I'm enjoying summer for a couple of days with my foot up. I expect it to get better by next Monday...that's my hope! The kids are a great help at picking up, doing dishes and bringing me laundry. They rock! I'm very proud of them.
We have spent quite a bit of time swimming. At grandma & grandpa's, the kids live in the pool. At home we run down to the pool or lake at Mill Bay. We love summer.

My next MRI is Aug. 6th, which is also my dad's birthday! The doctor expects the spots to be bigger due to normal inflammation and then to go down. However, I don't fit the normal expectations so often that it leaves it very open. That's what happens when I know God is answering prayers.

We are praying for good scans and continued complete healing. All things are possible for those who love God! We are also thanking Him for the healing He has given us thus far. Please continue to pray with us.

Looking up!

Sheri

A Happy Anniversary & Father's Day

2010-06-21T19:50:00.000-07:00

Sunday the family woke up, threw our little suit cases in the car and buzzed over the mountain to the Mariner's Game. The soggy trip led us to a closed roof at the statium. We all had fun. The M's even won. It made the perfect anniverary, 18 years, this year. Brett enjoyed father's day too. I have to say I'm so thankful to have such a caring and devoted husband. He has been an incredible blessing to me in many ways.

We spent the night and headed home today. As we crested the mountains, we saw the first bit of blue skies. Yeah! There it is! We're heading home.

We are thankful for great family time.

I don't have any appointments until next month. The break is much appreciated. Thank you for continuing to pray for complete healing. I know God is capable.

Looking up,

Sheri

Good News

2010-06-04T06:42:00.000-07:00

We returned home yesterday after a MRI and visit to my doctor in Seattle. He was all smiles. Four of the spots appeared slightly smaller and one of them we couldn't see. At this point he actually expected them to be bigger. So that a big thanks God! The next day we went to see another oncologist just to see what else may be out there for us. Dr. Rockhill recommended this and my doctor here was all for it. The new oncologist was very complimentary of the care I've received here and said she would have done the same things. We agreed with her. We love our doctor here. She told us of many up coming trials and put my name on the list. Believe it or not, I'm too healthy right now to qualify for anything. That's a good thing in my mind. She was amazed at how well I have tolerated all of the treatments. That's a God thing. What can I say? Prayer works!
Thanks for praying! Keep up the great work prayer warriors. Your support means a lot.

Looking up!

Sheri

Follow up scans today

2010-06-02T07:12:00.000-07:00

Sheri and I are headed over the hill into the rain today for a follow up MRI at the UW. This marks 1 month since her treatment.

Tomorrow we are meeting with a doctor at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. We're not sure what to expect, but Sheri's doctor at the UW suggested we get another opinion. I guess it doesn't hurt. We continue to ask for God's healing...and thank Him for the healing he has brought.

School is out next week for Sheri and the kids. They are looking forward to lazy days by the pool at Mill Bay, boat rides up lake, camping up the Methow, and a trip to Silverwood (we've never been..and we can take our trailer to stay in to keep the cost in check, there's a recession you know).

Pray for God's peace (especially for me!), and healing. Thank you again for all the support!

Looking up (most of the time...hey I never said I was perfect!).

Brett

Tuesday...

2010-05-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

Hopefully the bandages will be coming off this Tuesday from last weeks surgery. I will get to see my surgeon at that point and see how things are healing up.

I'm feeling well. I get tired occasionally and Brett has more energy than I do. However he is quick to say go grab your chair, then he keeps on going. He knows I can go so far and then it's time to rest. What ever isn't done will be there to finish later. The kids are a great help. Helping out is good for them too.

Well, we're off to church. Then it's to great grandma's birthday! She's an amazing woman.

Looking up and thankful for today,

Sheri

The Gallbladder detour...

2010-05-21T07:40:00.000-07:00

Sooooo...at 2 in the morning Sheri felt a pain in her tummy. I said it's just the flu. At 6am she was throwing up...I said it's just the flu. At noon she was really complaining that it really, really hurt....I said it's just the flu, ride it out. At 2pm the whole family was on it's way to Wenatchee. Sheri's doctor said I think it's your Gallbladder....I said it's just the flu...maybe bad pizza. The doctor was right. 24 hours later she is minus one Gallbladder, and feel much better. I was incorrect in my diagnosis, strike one for Dr. Brett. They were able to do the less invasive surgery, so her recovery will be pretty quick. For your info this is totally unrelated to what else is going on with Sheri...just really bad luck, and two big gall stones. She is tough as always, and looking up.....are you? Hope so! Thanks again for all the support and prayer, we truely feel it!

Brett (and Sheri)

Stehekin Bound!

2010-05-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

A Hoy! We're off to Stehekin for the weekend. We went to Sheri's doctor in Wenatchee for her monthly appointment. Her blood numbers were super good today....more so then usual. I asked the doc if that was normal...she just looked at me and smiled and said, "Sheri is not normal." True.
This weekend is the one year mark of my Moms passing. So we thought what better to do to keep our minds clear then head to Stehekin....everything is clearer there. My Dad and Sister and her family are headed up too. The bummer is the bakery isn't open until next weekend....a good reason to go back.
We are praying that the gamma knife treatment is doing it's job (no real results for a few months), and for peace on this journey God has us on, and His continued healing. This week is tough though thinking of Mom. We miss her.

Looking up,

Brett and Sheri

Loving Being Home

2010-05-08T07:53:00.001-07:00

Home again, home again jiggity, jig, jig! It's nice to be home. I slept a little better last night.

The Gamma Knife surgery went well as far as we can tell. We won't get results for a month or two when we do another MRI on my head. For now my doctor is off on a well deserved vacation to Greece.

God continues to answer prayers though! I had one of my friends tell me they prayed that screwing on the frame to my head wouldn't hurt as much this time. And guess what? It didn't hurt as much as it did last time. I mentioned it didn't hurt as much to my doctor and he said, "maybe you just knew what to expect this time." That's possible, but I believe God had something to do with it too.

Yesterday, the day after gamma knife, I just did a little, then hit the tired wall in the afternoon. I was in bed by 7:00pm. Today we plan on going to the pancake breakfast and then to the parade. That has been our tradition for years as a family. Then we plan to rest the remainder of the day.

We are so thankful for God's provision. He continues to show us that we are in his hands and arms time and time again. I'll have to look back and see if I blogged the "little chapel" story, if not I will. It's just another example of how God shows us He is caring for us.

We continue to thank God for the miracles He is providing and has provided. We also continue to ask for complete healing. We look to Him for guidance and peace. He is our Hope.

We are looking up & wrapped in love.

Sheri & Brett

Over the Mountain and Through the Woods

2010-05-05T17:50:00.001-07:00

After waiting for the time to go to Harbor View and having it change 3 times. At the last minute, we are going over the mountain tonight and will be there at 6:30 a.m. We should be done about 2:00p.m. I only know that because that was our appointment time an hour ago. We are hoping to be able to come home afterwards...we'll see what the doc. says.

Upward and onward! Thank you for praying. We're loading the car now. God bless ya' all!

Looking up,

Sheri & Brett

Putting our hiking boots back on...

2010-04-28T06:47:00.000-07:00

Well, we have another hill to climb, so lace up your hiking boots. One of the spots is obviously bigger and three others are very suspicious according to my doctor. Therefore I'll be going in for Gamma Knife surgery again next week on April 6th. He says not to worry because we still have options.

We are still praying for healing. I told Brett I still feel like a two year old just tugging on the robe of Jesus saying will you heal me now? How about now? I just keep tugging. Now? When Lord?
I know He is fully capable, omnipotent and loving. We just get to trust Him and rest in Him. We know He is ultimately in control.

The mountains in our lives are but bumps for God. He can handle them and us. We're praying and praying and doing our best.

Looking up!

Sheri

2010-04-26T12:32:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow Brett and I will be going over the mountain to visit my doctor and have a MRI. We are going over and back the same day so it will be a quick day. We are continuing to pray for good scans. Please continue to pray for this with us.

Have a beautiful week.

Looking up,

Sheri

Catching up

2010-04-05T12:49:00.000-07:00

Well, since we last wrote, my doctor's nurse called and wanted to see us in one month instead of two. She said the radiologist saw a couple of suspicious spots. That's all the information she gave me at the time. The next morning she called again to inform me that they were the same spots Dr. Rockhill had seen. My doctor and the radiologist just wanted to error on the side of being cautious... I could have used that information the night before! I knew there is a 90% chance of it just being Adema and 10% chance it was actually trying to grow. However, there was no new growth any where else. That's good news. So, we go back over on the 27th for another scan.

We are thanking God for the miracle that He is doing in my life and pray for continued grace and healing. He is a good God.

Over Spring Break we had fun with my family putting new decking on mom and dad's deck. It was great to spend the family time with the entire family. The rest of the time we spent at Brett's dad's house putting it back together. I'm on my way over now to get some more done on it. It has been fun to see the changes. Let's hope he likes them!

Thank you for continuing to pray!
Looking up,

Sheri

Sometimes it's no news......

2010-03-23T20:22:00.000-07:00

We are getting used to the up and down anticipation of going in for scans, waiting for results, and moving forward. Sheri's PET body scan was good this past week. Today we ventured over the mountain to the UW (Go Cougs!) for a MRI brain scan. The last three have been great, showing shrinking, or out right disappearing of the tumors. Today's scan was different. The Doctor told us nine months ago when we got to this point we might see some slight edema (swelling) around some of the tumors....which we did. It makes the tumors look slightly larger....but he's 90% sure it's scare tissue....but....He wants us back in two months to be sure. It's not bad news, it's not good news, it's we are waiting for the next scan news (no news). He predicted we might see this nine months ago, so here we are. Once again God is telling us to "Be still and know I am God." Please pray for good results in two months and Sheri's continued healing, we'll keep looking Up. Thanks for following us in our journey.

Brett and Sheri

Good News

2010-03-15T21:46:00.000-07:00

Round one of scans are done. Yeah! They look good. Now we are on to round two. That will be a MRI at the University of Washington on Tues., the 23rd of this month.

I've been on a double chemo since late July or early August. I have three weeks off one of my chemos to let my hands and feet heal completely. Ahhhh, that will feel good. Then I'll go back to one chemo constantly and the other one I'll take one week on and one week off. I guess they are getting really good results with others under this treatment. My doctor also let us know they have discovered another new drug that is very promising for Her 2+ patients. We were glad to hear that!

We are very thankful for the answer to prayer. Ok, let me be more specific. We are thankful that He specifically gave us good scans. Thank you Lord!

Thanks for praying with us!

Looking up,

Sheri

Not sick!

2010-03-14T17:55:00.001-07:00

Normally we go down for a PET scan on Saturday later in the morning. Occasionally I get sick on the way down because I'm not allowed to eat 6 hours before the scan...that means no morning coffee and a bite to eat! This Saturday I got the earliest appointment available and did just fine! Yeah! I was so thankful all day.
Tomorrow we get results.
Thanks for praying. You all must be, because I feel totally at peace.

Keep looking up!

Sheri

Zona Fun!

2010-03-08T12:25:00.000-08:00

Saturday night we returned from a fun filled week in Arizona visiting dad. We hit the pool, the zoo, the flea market, and more. The boys enjoyed golfing...especially Bryce. He chipped in a shot that rolled onto the green and into the hole. It amazed Brett and dad. He was pretty proud.

I'm feeling well. I just have to be careful with my hands and feet. They tend to crack very easily. However, it is all manageable. I'm very thankful for that.

This Saturday I go in for a PET scan and next Friday we go to the UW for a MRI. We're looking for and hoping for continued great results. Please pray with us for this. Thanks!

Looking up!

Sheri

Doc. appointments, Birthday time and the Bowl Game

2010-02-07T19:36:00.001-08:00

It's been a busy week, but a fun one. Thursday Brett and I drove to Wenatchee to get birthday presents for Bryce, go to my monthly appointment to see my doctor and get a Zeloda treatment for my bones. We purposely left a little early to stop at Hooked on Toys, check!- presents bought! That's off the list, now on to the clinic. We arrived to find my doctor had a call early that morning and her dad was in the hospital in India. We don't know how he is, but we said we'd pray for him. They were able to write down our questions and she will possibly be back next week. I'm hoping to be off Xyloda by March...maybe sooner??? My hands and feet are peeling and dry, but it's all manageable. God gives me the grace to walk through it. Honestly, I have so much to be thankful for.

Friday we had a friend birthday party for Bryce. Mom, dad and Brett all helped. Yeah family! The boys were great! We had little boy food for after school snacks, little smokies, cheese & crackers, Doritos and apple slices. Then we went up to play basketball. Those boys ran for 45 minutes straight! I had fun shooting baskets with them too. (However, I paid for being on my feet that long exercising. Ouch! Hot feet!) Then it was back to the house for cake, presents and more games. The next night we did a family party. It was fun.

Today we had friends over for the Super Bowl. It's good to get together with great friends. And boy did we eat! Yum!

The other day Brett was talking to Pastor Paul Palumbo. He asked how I was and Brett said "great. We just aren't sure how to pray sometimes, do we thank God for the healing we have or continue to pray for a miracle?" He had a good answer, he said "both". So, we are thanking God for the healing he has provided and pray for a continual miracle of healing.

Looking up and rejoicing in the day God has given us today!
Thank you for praying with us.

Sheri

Gaps

2010-01-11T08:42:00.000-08:00

Gaps are good. Embrace them! There really is no new news to report. Sheri is doing great right now. We are knee deep in winter sports with the kids, and just the regular stuff of school, work, and snowmobile club. Gaps in doctor appointment, scans, reports and the like mean the doctors feel good about where we are. We are thankful. We plan to head to Arizona for a week at the end of February to see my Dad. When we get back we have another set of scans. Those results will set the stage for where we head from here, thus the gap. So pray on warriors! Thank you all again for your support and interest.....may God bring us many LONG gaps! Amen.

Brett

Slippers
The other day I needed a new pair of slippers after having my toe worked on. (It's healing up well.) So Brett took me to JCPenny's. I found every conceivable pair of slippers that were big white and puffy or sleek and shinny. I was hoping for something that didn't bring such attention to my feet. Then a sales person came over to put a pair of tan slippers with a sole away that she had found sitting on the counter. As she came by, I asked to look at them. They fit! They were the last pair in the store. The sales lady repeatedly said she just couldn't believe that worked out so perfectly. I just said "God knows what we need before we do and He provides just at the right time." Thanks Lord! I've worn those slippers everywhere...even church.

Looking up and thankful for the gaps,

Sheri

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2009-12-27T12:43:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2009-12-12T17:47:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-07T21:12:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-11-26T09:17:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-16T12:45:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-12T11:57:00.000-08:00

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....

2009-10-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-06T21:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-24T07:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

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.....

2009-09-11T23:30:00.001-07:00

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....

2009-09-07T11:52:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-31T21:18:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-17T19:11:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-08-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-02T22:06:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

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.......

2009-07-27T13:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-11T06:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-06T07:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-01T18:25:00.001-07:00

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...

2009-06-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-16T15:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-12T06:41:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-06-06T09:42:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-06-02T22:07:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-05-29T06:33:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-05-24T14:58:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-17T12:19:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-06T16:45:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-04-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-23T19:23:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-04-16T19:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-01T08:42:00.000-07:00

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