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

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.....

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...

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

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.....

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!

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!

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