First, please forgive me for not updating in months...no excuse; just let other stuff get in the way.
Jamie is all done with cancer treatment--she finished radiation about 3 weeks ago!
Her hair is growing back (and looks beautiful).
She is still pretty tired--I think the last 11 months have taken a toll on her body--but she is feeling better all the time, and had a fantastic attitude.
I am so proud of how she has walked through this, and continued to work and do all she does to keep our household running.
As a family, we are doing great--kids growing and having fun, enjoying the holidays, and looking forward to the new year.
In November Jamie and I went to a "Weekend to Remember" conference, and had an amazing experience. It brought us closer than we had been for a while.
I'll try to write more soon, but want to say thank you to everyone for all the love and support you have shown us over the past year. We are blessed with an amazing family and hundreds of friends.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
Looking good!
I'm sorry I haven't updated sooner.
Jamie had a second surgery a couple weeks ago, and the results were great. The surgeon said the edges on the five pieces of tissue he removed all looked clean.
Jamie had a second surgery a couple weeks ago, and the results were great. The surgeon said the edges on the five pieces of tissue he removed all looked clean.
That means that he believes he got all the cancer cells out.
Jamie will start radiation in a couple weeks; that's the last part of the treatment. So the end is very close, and Jamie is really excited.
She is back at work and doing great, although she is pretty tired and her feet hurt pretty badly when she gets home.
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Surgery went well
Jamie's surgery went well today. Dr. Skinner had to dig a little deeper, taking some tissue from the muscle of her chest wall, so she was in some more pain afterward than she was last time.
But she came home tonight and had a good evening. She is sleeping.
We go back next week to get the pathology report, and to talk about the next step, 5 weeks of radiation.
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement!
But she came home tonight and had a good evening. She is sleeping.
We go back next week to get the pathology report, and to talk about the next step, 5 weeks of radiation.
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Surgery Update
Please forgive me for not updating recently.
Jamie is doing well. She had surgery two weeks ago, and it looked good. Dr. Skinner, Jamie's surgeon, was pleased that the original tumor had shrunk significantly due to the chemo.
Dr. Skinner also removed a section of tissue containing lymph nodes from under Jamie's left arm. Tests showed that cancer cells were in only 2 of the 9 lymph nodes; which is a good sign.
Jamie has been recovering well. But the tests after the surgery showed that there were some cancer cells at the edge of some of the tissue they removed from her breast. So we are going in for a second surgery today to remove some more tissue, and hopefully removing any remaining cancer cells.
Jamie has a great attitude. She bounced back quickly after the surgery and is ready to get this one done. And her hair is growing back--really fast!
My mother is in town helping us out, and has been great.
Kids are ready to start school tomorrow.
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement!
Jamie is doing well. She had surgery two weeks ago, and it looked good. Dr. Skinner, Jamie's surgeon, was pleased that the original tumor had shrunk significantly due to the chemo.
Dr. Skinner also removed a section of tissue containing lymph nodes from under Jamie's left arm. Tests showed that cancer cells were in only 2 of the 9 lymph nodes; which is a good sign.
Jamie has been recovering well. But the tests after the surgery showed that there were some cancer cells at the edge of some of the tissue they removed from her breast. So we are going in for a second surgery today to remove some more tissue, and hopefully removing any remaining cancer cells.
Jamie has a great attitude. She bounced back quickly after the surgery and is ready to get this one done. And her hair is growing back--really fast!
My mother is in town helping us out, and has been great.
Kids are ready to start school tomorrow.
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement!
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
A Big Day
Last week Jamie had a mammogram; she was told that the tumor had shrunk significantly.
On Monday she had an MRI.
Today we meet with Jamie's oncologist and her surgeon, to get results of the MRI, and discuss what's next, as far as type of surgery (mastectomy or lumpectomy), and surgery date.
Jamie is really excited that the chemo is over. I am so proud of how she walked through it; it's been a difficult 6 months but she has shown amazing strength and determination.
Jamie is feeling pretty good, but has been dealing with neuropathy, which causes pain in her hands and feet. Hopefully that will subside as she gets further away from the chemo.
Her hair is starting to grow back, and we are excited as we move closer to the end of this healing journey.
Thank you to everyone who has given food and helped us out; it means a lot to have so many people supporting and encouraging us!
On Monday she had an MRI.
Today we meet with Jamie's oncologist and her surgeon, to get results of the MRI, and discuss what's next, as far as type of surgery (mastectomy or lumpectomy), and surgery date.
Jamie is really excited that the chemo is over. I am so proud of how she walked through it; it's been a difficult 6 months but she has shown amazing strength and determination.
Jamie is feeling pretty good, but has been dealing with neuropathy, which causes pain in her hands and feet. Hopefully that will subside as she gets further away from the chemo.
Her hair is starting to grow back, and we are excited as we move closer to the end of this healing journey.
Thank you to everyone who has given food and helped us out; it means a lot to have so many people supporting and encouraging us!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Good news!
Jamie had a mammogram today; the radiologist told her the tumor in her breast has shrunk significantly!
We went out to dinner to celebrate tonight; Jamie is really excited.
She has a couple appointments over the next week; then we'll make decisions about surgery.
Stay tuned!
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Final Chemo Treatment!
Yesterday Jamie had her final chemo treatment!
Some recent highlights...
Ashley got her drivers license and is now able to help even more as we try to get everyone to work, daycare, summer camp, etc.
Thanks to some gift cards we've received, Jamie and I have been able to have a couple dates lately--wonderful time with just the two of us!
We had a great Fourth of July, watching the Loggerodeo parade in Sedro-Woolley and then having family and friends over for a cookout.
Tomorrow marks one year that we've been in Washington! It has been a crazy, exciting, scary year, but we have all grown closer as a family, and I think we've all seen God work in our lives in big ways.
It has been a big mountain to climb--16 treatments over 24 weeks; almost half a year. She has been very strong through it all--continuing to work at the bank, taking care of the house and the kids; I am amazed at her strength and determination.
She now gets a four-week break before having surgery. In the next couple weeks she will have tests and meet with doctors to determine exactly what type of surgery she will have.
My mother is coming out here from Virginia in August to help out for a few weeks after Jamie's surgery.
The kids have come through this well; they are helping out and loving their mom.
One of my favorite moments came at dinner a few weeks ago.
We were talking about the great commandment, loving God and loving people. Cash, showing compassion for Jamie's illness, said, "We should love Mommy almost as much as God and Jesus because she's bald."
Some recent highlights...
Ashley got her drivers license and is now able to help even more as we try to get everyone to work, daycare, summer camp, etc.
Thanks to some gift cards we've received, Jamie and I have been able to have a couple dates lately--wonderful time with just the two of us!
We had a great Fourth of July, watching the Loggerodeo parade in Sedro-Woolley and then having family and friends over for a cookout.
Tomorrow marks one year that we've been in Washington! It has been a crazy, exciting, scary year, but we have all grown closer as a family, and I think we've all seen God work in our lives in big ways.
Thank you for all the prayers and support, and for the great meals many of you have provided!
Friday, June 29, 2012
End of June update
I'm sorry it's been so long since I wrote.
Jamie is doing really well. She is 2/3 of the way through this second phase of chemo. 4 more treatments, then 4 weeks off, then surgery, then radiation.
This phase has been much easier. Jamie is working full days, and although she is usually tired, her attitude has been great.
We have been staying busy and having fun.
We could still use help with food--it's tough for us to cook on weeknights.
Thank you for your encouragement and prayers!
Jamie is doing really well. She is 2/3 of the way through this second phase of chemo. 4 more treatments, then 4 weeks off, then surgery, then radiation.
This phase has been much easier. Jamie is working full days, and although she is usually tired, her attitude has been great.
We have been staying busy and having fun.
We could still use help with food--it's tough for us to cook on weeknights.
Thank you for your encouragement and prayers!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Doing well
Jamie is two treatments into the current phase of treatment and is doing well. She had her second treatment last Friday and had a pretty good day. She was really tired, but had a good weekend.
Her appetite is really good, and I think that has helped her keep her strength up. She as been working every day has been in a really good frame of mind most days.
I am so proud of her.
Her appetite is really good, and I think that has helped her keep her strength up. She as been working every day has been in a really good frame of mind most days.
I am so proud of her.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
a good weekend
Jamie had her first treatment of this second round of chemo Friday.
She did really well--had taken a drug to help her relax and slept much of the afternoon and evening.
She seemed to feel OK on Saturday; didn't do much, but had a good appetite and and a pretty good day.
Today I took the kids to church, Jamie stayed home and rested.
She wasn't feeling as well today, a little nauseated and very tired. But she ate well again, and did better as the day went on.
Some friends made a Costco shopping trip for us and completely stocked our freezer, pantry--the whole kitchen. It was an incredibly generous gift.
A family from church brought us a wonderful meal for dinner; so we ate well!
I think Jamie's going to take it easy tomorrow, then go back to work Tuesday.
I'm so proud of how well she is walking through this.
She did really well--had taken a drug to help her relax and slept much of the afternoon and evening.
She seemed to feel OK on Saturday; didn't do much, but had a good appetite and and a pretty good day.
Today I took the kids to church, Jamie stayed home and rested.
She wasn't feeling as well today, a little nauseated and very tired. But she ate well again, and did better as the day went on.
Some friends made a Costco shopping trip for us and completely stocked our freezer, pantry--the whole kitchen. It was an incredibly generous gift.
A family from church brought us a wonderful meal for dinner; so we ate well!
I think Jamie's going to take it easy tomorrow, then go back to work Tuesday.
I'm so proud of how well she is walking through this.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Round Two
Jamie finished the first phase of chemo three weeks ago. Tomorrow she begins phase two. For this part, she'll go every week for 12 weeks.
Jamie did really well with the 8-week first phase, but was feeling really worn out by the end, and really anxious about doing more chemo.
This phase is supposed to be milder than the first, so we're hopeful that it won't knock her down too much.
Jamie has been really strong through all of this.
Please pray that her stress and anxiety will be minimal and that she will have some peace tonight and tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
First Round Finished
Last week was Spring Break; my parents were here from Virginia and took care of the boys for us. It was great spending time with them, and having some extra help here. In addition to caring for the boys, Mom helped Jamie stay on top of laundry.
We had a wonderful Easter with all of our parents here, as well as other family. Jamie was feeling good and led much of the cooking and serving.
Today Jamie finished her first round of chemo (4 treatments over the past 8 weeks). Each treatment has been more difficult. Jamie struggled the last two weeks--feeling very weak and tired, not able to eat much.
She was not feeling well at all today going into the treatment, but pushed through and had a good day.
Our friend Bonnie took her to the cancer center and encouraged her throughout the day. We were also grateful for a visit from Marie De Haan. Marie is a cancer survivor who lives nearby. She has written a wonderful book called Cancer is a Funny Thing.
Jamie read Marie's book early in her fight with cancer and was greatly encouraged. I am reading it now.
(You can get Marie's book here. The Kindle version is on sale at Amazon for $4.95--get it now!)
Marie sat with Bonnie, Jamie and me for a couple hours, it was a great time of conversation and laughter. When it was time to go, Jamie couldn't believe how fast the time had gone.
She was pretty tired tonight but was doing OK. She has been so strong through this! Our friend Kris brought us a great dinner.
She now gets about a 3 week break before starting the next round of chemo, which will be weekly for 12 weeks.
Thank you to everyone for your prayers and support!
We had a wonderful Easter with all of our parents here, as well as other family. Jamie was feeling good and led much of the cooking and serving.
Today Jamie finished her first round of chemo (4 treatments over the past 8 weeks). Each treatment has been more difficult. Jamie struggled the last two weeks--feeling very weak and tired, not able to eat much.
She was not feeling well at all today going into the treatment, but pushed through and had a good day.
Our friend Bonnie took her to the cancer center and encouraged her throughout the day. We were also grateful for a visit from Marie De Haan. Marie is a cancer survivor who lives nearby. She has written a wonderful book called Cancer is a Funny Thing.
Jamie read Marie's book early in her fight with cancer and was greatly encouraged. I am reading it now.
(You can get Marie's book here. The Kindle version is on sale at Amazon for $4.95--get it now!)
Marie sat with Bonnie, Jamie and me for a couple hours, it was a great time of conversation and laughter. When it was time to go, Jamie couldn't believe how fast the time had gone.
She was pretty tired tonight but was doing OK. She has been so strong through this! Our friend Kris brought us a great dinner.
She now gets about a 3 week break before starting the next round of chemo, which will be weekly for 12 weeks.
Thank you to everyone for your prayers and support!
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Third treatment done!
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| Painting by Linde Husk |
Sorry it's been a while since we've written; just very busy!
I think Jamie is doing great--she was sick for a little bit last week, but bounced back really well.
Last weekend we had some family and friends come help us--we cleaned up the house, organized the shed, got some bookshelves and unpacked all our books. It was a hard, but fun and productive day.
This past Wednesday Jame had her third chemo treatment (of four, for the first part of chemo). She has been really tired--stayed in bed most of Thursday and Friday. Got up for a while this morning and ate a little; even did some laundry (thanks Honey!)
I can't imagine what it feels like. Jamie is a really strong person, it's obvious the chemo just saps her strength and energy. Hopefully the medicine is killing the cancer cells.
My parents got into town Thursday night; they're here for almost 2 weeks. Yesterday Ashley flew to VA for spring break; visiting friends and her father and family there.
We've been reading some kids books about dealing with cancer with the boys, they seem to be doing OK. They are thrilled to have their VA grandparents here.
I think overall we are doing well. Jamie had a great attitude--she just keeps living life.
Monday, March 19, 2012
No more hair
It was a very up and down weekend. Saturday we had the Bingo Night/Fundraiser that Jamie's sister Linde and friend Beth organized. It was a fantastic night--lots of people, good food, great prizes. The energy was great; everyone had a fun time.
Jamie was feeling pretty worn out, but I think it was encouraging to see so many people there to love and support her.
It was a good weekend, but she was really tired and not feeling great.
On Sunday night she said she was losing a lot of hair and wanted Ashley and me to go ahead and cut it off.
Ashley and I worked together to get it done. Jamie was pretty upset, it was the first time I've seen her cry since we started this journey. It was probably good for her and Ashley to have a good cry together.
I think she looks absolutely beautiful. Her eyes are one of her best features, and they stand out even more now.
This morning she came out of our room with a scarf on her head. Cash climbed up on her lap, looked into her eyes and said, "Mommy, you look beautiful." It was precious!
Jamie has been incredibly strong through this--and we are now halfway done the first part of chemo. She will have two more treatments, then switch to a different drug and schedule.
Thank you to everyone for your support and encouragement!
Jamie was feeling pretty worn out, but I think it was encouraging to see so many people there to love and support her.
It was a good weekend, but she was really tired and not feeling great.
On Sunday night she said she was losing a lot of hair and wanted Ashley and me to go ahead and cut it off.
Ashley and I worked together to get it done. Jamie was pretty upset, it was the first time I've seen her cry since we started this journey. It was probably good for her and Ashley to have a good cry together.
I think she looks absolutely beautiful. Her eyes are one of her best features, and they stand out even more now.
This morning she came out of our room with a scarf on her head. Cash climbed up on her lap, looked into her eyes and said, "Mommy, you look beautiful." It was precious!
Jamie has been incredibly strong through this--and we are now halfway done the first part of chemo. She will have two more treatments, then switch to a different drug and schedule.
Thank you to everyone for your support and encouragement!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Second Chemo Treatment
Jamie had her second treatment yesterday and did really well. She was pretty tired today; stayed in bed most of the day, but ate a little and seemed to be in a pretty good mood.
We picked up a wig she had ordered; it looks really cute.
We anticipate that she will start losing her hair pretty soon; but she has a good attitude about it. I'm hoping she let's me shave it once it starts coming out.
We are all doing pretty well. Ashley is busy playing on two soccer teams and managing the boys soccer team at school.
The boys started T-ball this week and had a blast.
We are excited about the Bingo Night Fundraiser Saturday night!
Thanks to everyone who is helping out!
We picked up a wig she had ordered; it looks really cute.
We anticipate that she will start losing her hair pretty soon; but she has a good attitude about it. I'm hoping she let's me shave it once it starts coming out.
We are all doing pretty well. Ashley is busy playing on two soccer teams and managing the boys soccer team at school.
The boys started T-ball this week and had a blast.
We are excited about the Bingo Night Fundraiser Saturday night!
Thanks to everyone who is helping out!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
One Week Till Bingo Fundraiser!
Pretty In Pink/Lucky in
Green
Bingo Night Fundraiser for
Cullop Family
Saturday, March 17th
6:30 PM
St. Patrick's Day!
Big Lake Elementary School
16802 Lake View Blvd.
Mt. Vernon, WA 98274
All donations will go directly to the
Cullop family, to support them through Jamie’s fight against Breast Cancer.
The night’s
festivities will include Bingo and raffles for fantastic donated prizes
including:
- A Logos Bible Study Library (retails for $265)
- Amazing artwork by some great local artists
- Mary Kay Gift Basket
- $40 Olive Garden gift card
- Gift card to the Catwalk Salon in Bellingham (good for one hair cut)
- 2 $25 gift cards to The Music Shoppe in Burlington
- A Seahawks Snuggie
- Woods Coffee Gift Cards
- And many more!
Come dressed in Pink for Breast Cancer
awareness or
Green for Luck (for Jamie, her family, and
even for you!)
For more details, contact Beth Vaith
360- 420-5628
Good Week
I am amazed at my wife's strength. She felt pretty bad for the first two days after her treatment, but was doing better on the weekend.
I had hoped she could work some half days this past week. She went to work every day (including today--Saturday) and worked full days, except when she had to leave early for doctor appointments.
I think she's pretty tired, but she's doing great. Her white blood cell count was down this week, so the doc put her on antibiotics to get it up. We need it to come up for her to do her second chemo treatment Wednesday.
Thanks to those who have helped with food and rides for the kids.
We could use help with meals in the weeks ahead. The boys start T-ball Monday; so between them and Ashley we'll have sports and/or physical therapy 5-6 days a week.
Jamie has her second treatment this coming week, and I want her to be able to take it easy in the evenings--so meals would be greatly appreciated.
Please join us for the Bingo/Raffle Fundraiser next Saturday, March 17. I'll post a flyer in a separate post.
Thank you for all your prayers and support!
I had hoped she could work some half days this past week. She went to work every day (including today--Saturday) and worked full days, except when she had to leave early for doctor appointments.
I think she's pretty tired, but she's doing great. Her white blood cell count was down this week, so the doc put her on antibiotics to get it up. We need it to come up for her to do her second chemo treatment Wednesday.
Thanks to those who have helped with food and rides for the kids.
We could use help with meals in the weeks ahead. The boys start T-ball Monday; so between them and Ashley we'll have sports and/or physical therapy 5-6 days a week.
Jamie has her second treatment this coming week, and I want her to be able to take it easy in the evenings--so meals would be greatly appreciated.
Please join us for the Bingo/Raffle Fundraiser next Saturday, March 17. I'll post a flyer in a separate post.
Thank you for all your prayers and support!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Hi all,
I just really want to take the time to thank you all for so much prayer and support. It means a lot to have so many people out there cheering me on and praying on my behalf. There was a time I was really questioning why I have to go through this, and though I'm still not excited about having to do everything it is going to take, I do know that our God is good, and He will bring me through to the other side in victory, glorifying Him and my hope is just that I can help others going through a cancer battle themselves.
I have to say, Marie De Haan's book, Cancer is a Funny Thing, has helped me a lot! She really does bring a humerous side to the terrible disease! I loved it, and it kept me giggling the entire way through! It's a great read even if you are not battling, you will I'm sure some day know someone that is.
That is the hardest part of learning about my cancer. The number of people that I have run in to that have battled or are battling currently is overwhelming. What in the world are we doing to ourselves? I really believe that the smarter we become as a society the more damage we do to our food systems and abilities to fight off disease. I certainly don't have the answers, but the only explanation I can give for my own cancer is lack of nutrition (and I thought we ate well), hormone filled drugs and food, and/or environment.
Anyway enough of the gloom....I am not quite 100% yet, but compared to Wednesday evening, Thursday evening, and Friday, I feel much better yesterday and today. I have an appetite again, not a big one, but I at least have a desire to eat. I'm up all day (mostly reading, it's been nice to relax), and sleeping pretty good for the most part.
Until next time.......
Oh and by the way....Happy Birthday to the Best Mother-In-Law I could ever ask for! I love you Helen! Wishing you the best Birthday yet!
I just really want to take the time to thank you all for so much prayer and support. It means a lot to have so many people out there cheering me on and praying on my behalf. There was a time I was really questioning why I have to go through this, and though I'm still not excited about having to do everything it is going to take, I do know that our God is good, and He will bring me through to the other side in victory, glorifying Him and my hope is just that I can help others going through a cancer battle themselves.
I have to say, Marie De Haan's book, Cancer is a Funny Thing, has helped me a lot! She really does bring a humerous side to the terrible disease! I loved it, and it kept me giggling the entire way through! It's a great read even if you are not battling, you will I'm sure some day know someone that is.
That is the hardest part of learning about my cancer. The number of people that I have run in to that have battled or are battling currently is overwhelming. What in the world are we doing to ourselves? I really believe that the smarter we become as a society the more damage we do to our food systems and abilities to fight off disease. I certainly don't have the answers, but the only explanation I can give for my own cancer is lack of nutrition (and I thought we ate well), hormone filled drugs and food, and/or environment.
Anyway enough of the gloom....I am not quite 100% yet, but compared to Wednesday evening, Thursday evening, and Friday, I feel much better yesterday and today. I have an appetite again, not a big one, but I at least have a desire to eat. I'm up all day (mostly reading, it's been nice to relax), and sleeping pretty good for the most part.
Until next time.......
Oh and by the way....Happy Birthday to the Best Mother-In-Law I could ever ask for! I love you Helen! Wishing you the best Birthday yet!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Better appetite!
Jamie seems to be doing better today. She got up and was hungry--ate some cream of wheat and some fruit.
She got out of bed and did a couple things; she looks much better.
She is back in bed resting; still pretty weak I think; but I'm really glad she was able to eat.
Hopefully yesterday was the low point and she'll keep improving over the next few days.
She got out of bed and did a couple things; she looks much better.
She is back in bed resting; still pretty weak I think; but I'm really glad she was able to eat.
Hopefully yesterday was the low point and she'll keep improving over the next few days.
Saturday morning update
It's been three days since Jamie's first chemo treatment. She breezed through the treatment Wednesday, but has been increasingly tired and nauseated since.
She stayed in bed most of Friday and wasn't able to eat much--food is not at all appealing to her right now.
We're trying different foods and drinks; hopefully she'll start feeling better in the next day or two.
I've come down with a cold, so I'm trying to stay away from Jamie and be careful.
If you're interested in some ways you can help, please check out Meal Train.
Thanks!
She stayed in bed most of Friday and wasn't able to eat much--food is not at all appealing to her right now.
We're trying different foods and drinks; hopefully she'll start feeling better in the next day or two.
I've come down with a cold, so I'm trying to stay away from Jamie and be careful.
If you're interested in some ways you can help, please check out Meal Train.
Thanks!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
First Chemo Treatment
I think yesterday went well--Jamie had a great attitude all day. She had labs in the morning, then went into the "infusion room" for her treatment.
The IV was put into her port (a small receptor that was surgically implanted in her upper chest last week); then she was given fluids for hydration, then some pre-meds to fight nausea, then two different chemo drugs.
The whole process took about 3 hours--we talked, watched part of a movie (127--really good), ate lunch, visited with other patients, and looked at a wig/hat/scarf catalog.
Jamie's dad came by to visit and offer support.
The staff at the cancer center is wonderful--made a scary/uncertain experience much better.
Jamie was feeling pretty good during the process. She started feeling really tired and nauseous in the evening, but had ginger gum and some anti-nausea medicine to help.
Our friend Beth and her son Alex brought us a wonderful dinner. Unfortunately, Jamie wasn't feeling like eating (but the boys and I loved it. Cash ate more fish than I did!)
Jamie seemed to sleep OK--she's still sleeping as I write this. We'll try to get another update out soon.
Thank you for all the prayers and encouragement!
The IV was put into her port (a small receptor that was surgically implanted in her upper chest last week); then she was given fluids for hydration, then some pre-meds to fight nausea, then two different chemo drugs.
The whole process took about 3 hours--we talked, watched part of a movie (127--really good), ate lunch, visited with other patients, and looked at a wig/hat/scarf catalog.
Jamie's dad came by to visit and offer support.
The staff at the cancer center is wonderful--made a scary/uncertain experience much better.
Jamie was feeling pretty good during the process. She started feeling really tired and nauseous in the evening, but had ginger gum and some anti-nausea medicine to help.
Our friend Beth and her son Alex brought us a wonderful dinner. Unfortunately, Jamie wasn't feeling like eating (but the boys and I loved it. Cash ate more fish than I did!)
Jamie seemed to sleep OK--she's still sleeping as I write this. We'll try to get another update out soon.
Thank you for all the prayers and encouragement!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Starting Chemo
Jamie starts chemo tomorrow (Wednesday). She seems to be doing well--not talking a lot about it. She is very strong and I think she is ready to move forward into this.
Jamie recently finished reading Cancer is a Funny Thing by Marie De Haan. Jamie's friend Bonnie gave it to her, and Jamie loved it. It sounds like Marie's cancer was very similar to Jamie's, and she shares openly about her journey.
It turns out Marie lives here in Skagit Valley--on the same street as Jamie's sister Linde and her family. And, Marie's best friend is the daughter of the couple that we rent our house from. Small world.
I emailed Marie last week and asked her to reach out to Jamie. She replied that same night and emailed Jamie. Hopefully they will connect soon.
Please pray for Jamie that she will have peace and strength tomorrow, that the side effects of chemo would be minimal, and that the chemo would be greatly effective at killing the cancer.
Thank you for your love and encouragement!
Jamie recently finished reading Cancer is a Funny Thing by Marie De Haan. Jamie's friend Bonnie gave it to her, and Jamie loved it. It sounds like Marie's cancer was very similar to Jamie's, and she shares openly about her journey.
It turns out Marie lives here in Skagit Valley--on the same street as Jamie's sister Linde and her family. And, Marie's best friend is the daughter of the couple that we rent our house from. Small world.
I emailed Marie last week and asked her to reach out to Jamie. She replied that same night and emailed Jamie. Hopefully they will connect soon.
Please pray for Jamie that she will have peace and strength tomorrow, that the side effects of chemo would be minimal, and that the chemo would be greatly effective at killing the cancer.
Thank you for your love and encouragement!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Update--Feb. 21
Quick update--Jamie was scheduled to start chemo tomorrow--Wednesday, Feb. 22; but that has been postponed. She is considering a couple options with chemo medication and will start next Wednesday, Feb. 29.
We are doing well--had a good weekend, and nice family dinner tonight. Jamie got her hair cut really short last week and looks beautiful (I've always loved her hair shorter, it shows off her gorgeous face!)
Beth and Heather have started a meal train for us--a way to share needs with people who want to help. You can check it out here.
Thanks for all your prayers and support!
We are doing well--had a good weekend, and nice family dinner tonight. Jamie got her hair cut really short last week and looks beautiful (I've always loved her hair shorter, it shows off her gorgeous face!)
Beth and Heather have started a meal train for us--a way to share needs with people who want to help. You can check it out here.
Thanks for all your prayers and support!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Some good news
Yesterday on the way home from work, I received some good news. The MRI/biopsy they did last week to test the other lumps that were found came back negative for cancer. This means that I am still a candidate for preservation vs. removal. I still haven't made a decision yet, but at least there are choices. I will decide once I see how I respond to chemotherapy.
Thanks once again for all your prayers and support.
Please keep the prayers coming, I would really like to be able to work as much as possible during chemotherapy.
We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family both near and far.
Love and thanks to you all,
Jamie
Thanks once again for all your prayers and support.
Please keep the prayers coming, I would really like to be able to work as much as possible during chemotherapy.
We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family both near and far.
Love and thanks to you all,
Jamie
Monday, February 13, 2012
Ways you can help
Hello Friends,
Thank you for your prayers and support. The next six months are going to be challenging. Jamie will have 20 weeks of chemo (starting Feb. 22), followed by surgery and then radiation. We are grateful for all who have offered to help.
Heather Lee is going to coordinate volunteers (with help from Beth Vaith). You can reach Heather at 360-766-6374 (home), 360-421-7626 (cell) and lee3jh@wavecable.com.
Here are some ways you can help:
Food
With Jamie going through chemo and Todd working, it will be helpful to have prepared meals anytime. We have a chest freezer, so meals can be frozen and will last for a while.
We are trying to eat natural and organic when possible, especially in these areas:
Low-fat, low-sugar foods
Organic fruits, vegetables, eggs and dairy
Grass-fed, hormone-free meats
If time is difficult for you—gift cards to grocery stores would be a great way to help.
Transportation
With Ashley playing soccer and the boys playing T-ball, we could use help with transportation.
If you are willing to help, please give Heather your contact info, and days/times that you are available. We will try to set up transportation ahead of time, but it will also be nice to have people we can call on short notice.
Housecleaning
Time will be a premium for all of us, so if anyone wants to help occasionally with basic housecleaning, lawn care, etc; we would be grateful. Just let Heather know, and she’ll find a time that works for you and for us.
Please call or email Heather if you'd like to help out in one of these areas, or if you have something else in mind.
Thank you so much for your love and support!
Todd, Jamie, Ashley, Brady and Cash
Thank you for your prayers and support. The next six months are going to be challenging. Jamie will have 20 weeks of chemo (starting Feb. 22), followed by surgery and then radiation. We are grateful for all who have offered to help.
Heather Lee is going to coordinate volunteers (with help from Beth Vaith). You can reach Heather at 360-766-6374 (home), 360-421-7626 (cell) and lee3jh@wavecable.com.
Here are some ways you can help:
Food
With Jamie going through chemo and Todd working, it will be helpful to have prepared meals anytime. We have a chest freezer, so meals can be frozen and will last for a while.
We are trying to eat natural and organic when possible, especially in these areas:
Low-fat, low-sugar foods
Organic fruits, vegetables, eggs and dairy
Grass-fed, hormone-free meats
If time is difficult for you—gift cards to grocery stores would be a great way to help.
Transportation
With Ashley playing soccer and the boys playing T-ball, we could use help with transportation.
If you are willing to help, please give Heather your contact info, and days/times that you are available. We will try to set up transportation ahead of time, but it will also be nice to have people we can call on short notice.
Housecleaning
Time will be a premium for all of us, so if anyone wants to help occasionally with basic housecleaning, lawn care, etc; we would be grateful. Just let Heather know, and she’ll find a time that works for you and for us.
Please call or email Heather if you'd like to help out in one of these areas, or if you have something else in mind.
Thank you so much for your love and support!
Todd, Jamie, Ashley, Brady and Cash
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Moving forward
Yesterday we met with Dr. Jafari, Jamie's oncologist.
He did not yet have results from Monday's biopsy, but that doesn't really affect the course we are laying out from here.
Jamie will start chemo, probably Feb. 22. The first round will be the more challenging of the two; she'll have treatment every other week for 8 weeks. Dr. Jafari said she will likely be pretty worn out and not feeling great for about five days after each treatment. He is hopeful that she can continue to work some during that time.
So the plan is for her to have treatment on Wednesday, rest completely Thursday through Sunday, and try to ease back into some short days at work during the week.
After that she will switch drugs and go every week for 12 weeks. Dr. Jafari said the recovery from those treatments is much shorter/easier.
That's a total of 20 weeks of chemo. After a 3-week recovery period, Jamie will have surgery--either a mastectomy or lumpectomy, depending on the biopsy results from Monday, and the success of the chemo.
After the surgery Jamie will likely have radiation treatments, but we are told that is the least difficult of the things she is facing.
We got some good news, in that Jamie does not carry a BRCA gene--a gene that could increase the likelihood of Ashley getting breast cancer one day.
Next week Jamie will get a port put in her chest, that's how the chemo drugs will go into her system.
From my perspective, Jamie seemed to be in very good spirits yesterday. I think having things more clearly laid out is good for her. She is a strong person, and will face the challenge head on.
I was not feeling well yesterday, so Jamie took over with the kids and let me go to bed early (Thanks, Honey!)
Thank you for all your prayers, encouragement and support!
He did not yet have results from Monday's biopsy, but that doesn't really affect the course we are laying out from here.
Jamie will start chemo, probably Feb. 22. The first round will be the more challenging of the two; she'll have treatment every other week for 8 weeks. Dr. Jafari said she will likely be pretty worn out and not feeling great for about five days after each treatment. He is hopeful that she can continue to work some during that time.
So the plan is for her to have treatment on Wednesday, rest completely Thursday through Sunday, and try to ease back into some short days at work during the week.
After that she will switch drugs and go every week for 12 weeks. Dr. Jafari said the recovery from those treatments is much shorter/easier.
That's a total of 20 weeks of chemo. After a 3-week recovery period, Jamie will have surgery--either a mastectomy or lumpectomy, depending on the biopsy results from Monday, and the success of the chemo.
After the surgery Jamie will likely have radiation treatments, but we are told that is the least difficult of the things she is facing.
We got some good news, in that Jamie does not carry a BRCA gene--a gene that could increase the likelihood of Ashley getting breast cancer one day.
Next week Jamie will get a port put in her chest, that's how the chemo drugs will go into her system.
From my perspective, Jamie seemed to be in very good spirits yesterday. I think having things more clearly laid out is good for her. She is a strong person, and will face the challenge head on.
I was not feeling well yesterday, so Jamie took over with the kids and let me go to bed early (Thanks, Honey!)
Thank you for all your prayers, encouragement and support!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
So, to make a long story short, my MRI guided biopsy yesterday was awful, but it thankfully is behind me.
I was supposed to have a double biopsy guided by MRI, which the first one went fine, but the second one I ended up feeling a lot of even after they gave me numbing meds.
Needless to say, I proceeded to get nauseous because of the pain, and when I told them I was nauseous, they decided that I was close to passing out, so they made me sniff smelling salts.....I wasn't passing out, I was nauseous from pain....they stripped my warm blanket, put cold wet wash cloths on, and continued the procedure. By the time they were finished and cleaning my wound, I felt like a human ice cube, was frozen to the bone and still in wet gowns. Finally I was able to get dressed, and I didn't warm up until I got home and curled up in front of the fire.
I hope that I don't have to ever repeat that again!
So, for those of you that don't know, I was really anxious about this appointment, so my surgeon prescribed me ativan (apparently it makes you not really care about what is going on, and totally relieves the anxiety). Well, I decided not to take it for several reasons, but the biggest one was just that I felt God was telling me I have not been letting Him take care of me through this whole mess.
So where was he?
I've decided the reason I didn't take the ativan was because if I had, I would have gotten off that MRI bed and knocked a couple of people out, so He must have been protecting them from my wrath caused by pain and nausea. : )
I was supposed to have a double biopsy guided by MRI, which the first one went fine, but the second one I ended up feeling a lot of even after they gave me numbing meds.
Needless to say, I proceeded to get nauseous because of the pain, and when I told them I was nauseous, they decided that I was close to passing out, so they made me sniff smelling salts.....I wasn't passing out, I was nauseous from pain....they stripped my warm blanket, put cold wet wash cloths on, and continued the procedure. By the time they were finished and cleaning my wound, I felt like a human ice cube, was frozen to the bone and still in wet gowns. Finally I was able to get dressed, and I didn't warm up until I got home and curled up in front of the fire.
I hope that I don't have to ever repeat that again!
So, for those of you that don't know, I was really anxious about this appointment, so my surgeon prescribed me ativan (apparently it makes you not really care about what is going on, and totally relieves the anxiety). Well, I decided not to take it for several reasons, but the biggest one was just that I felt God was telling me I have not been letting Him take care of me through this whole mess.
So where was he?
I've decided the reason I didn't take the ativan was because if I had, I would have gotten off that MRI bed and knocked a couple of people out, so He must have been protecting them from my wrath caused by pain and nausea. : )
Monday, January 30, 2012
Decisions, decisions
We met with Dr. Jafari, Jamie's oncologist today. Not really any major news--just a lot of questions and answers about details.
The bottom line at this point is that Jamie needs to make a decision--whether to have a mastectomy followed by chemo and then radiation,
-or-
do chemo first, then surgery (either a mastectomy or lumpectomy, depending on several factors), then radiation.
So for now, we need to do some thinking and praying.
We have two appointments tomorrow, with the surgeon and the radiation oncologist, basically more information gathering.
We are doing ok, Jamie is pretty anxious right now--please pray for peace, that she could make a decision that feels right for her and be able to move forward in that decision.
The bottom line at this point is that Jamie needs to make a decision--whether to have a mastectomy followed by chemo and then radiation,
-or-
do chemo first, then surgery (either a mastectomy or lumpectomy, depending on several factors), then radiation.
So for now, we need to do some thinking and praying.
We have two appointments tomorrow, with the surgeon and the radiation oncologist, basically more information gathering.
We are doing ok, Jamie is pretty anxious right now--please pray for peace, that she could make a decision that feels right for her and be able to move forward in that decision.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
long week
It was a long week for Jamie--tests and consultations every day. I was out of town for work; fortunately, Jamie's sister Linde was on vacation and was able to accompany Jamie to her appointments. Jamie said it was a great blessing having Linde by her side.
I felt much better about having to be away, knowing Linde was there, as were Linde's husband Chad, and Jamie's mom Vicki, who both helped out with Jamie and the kids throughout the week.
Jamie is pretty emotionally worn out after this week. We have two more meetings next week--Monday with Dr. Jafari, the oncologist, and Tuesday with Dr. Kantorowitz, the radiation oncologist.
After those two meetings, we will hopefully have more details about the next steps.
I am reading a great book called Stand By Her: A Breast Cancer Guide for Men. It gives great ideas about how to love and support your wife in this situation.
One of the things it talks about is how to organize family and friends and ask for help. So that is something I will be doing soon.
It also talks about helping guard Jamie's time and communication. There are times she really wants to talk with people, and others when she doesn't. We really appreciate all the support and prayers and emails.
Please feel free to email Jamie or me, but please understand if she doesn't reply right away.
Thank you for your prayers--keep them up!
I felt much better about having to be away, knowing Linde was there, as were Linde's husband Chad, and Jamie's mom Vicki, who both helped out with Jamie and the kids throughout the week.
Jamie is pretty emotionally worn out after this week. We have two more meetings next week--Monday with Dr. Jafari, the oncologist, and Tuesday with Dr. Kantorowitz, the radiation oncologist.
After those two meetings, we will hopefully have more details about the next steps.
I am reading a great book called Stand By Her: A Breast Cancer Guide for Men. It gives great ideas about how to love and support your wife in this situation.
One of the things it talks about is how to organize family and friends and ask for help. So that is something I will be doing soon.
It also talks about helping guard Jamie's time and communication. There are times she really wants to talk with people, and others when she doesn't. We really appreciate all the support and prayers and emails.
Please feel free to email Jamie or me, but please understand if she doesn't reply right away.
Thank you for your prayers--keep them up!
 |
| Linde painted this for Jamie and hung it in our room. Thanks, Linde! |
Monday, January 23, 2012
The bone scan today was a breeze compared to the MRI the other day, except for the fact that I couldn't talk, couldn't move and I had both my sister and my mother in the room with me.
How does one not laugh or giggle at the two of them teasing the tech about being the Wizard of Oz (he went behind a curtain to operated the computer).
So I got there quite early this morning, they checked me in, and the tech (Tony) came and got me, told me he was going to shoot radioactive material in my system, and I could go have breakfast. I said wait a minute, I'm eating now. I was so confused. What the schedulers failed to tell me was that I had to have a shot to flush this material through me, and I had to come back 3 hours later for the actual scan. It was quite frustrating, but while I was waiting around, my sister came home with me and we hung pictures in the house, including the one she painted for me.
It is named "Promise." You can see a picture of it on my facebook page.
I could really use some prayers for sleep (I awake in the middle of each night and cannot fall back asleep due to all the anxiety about what we have to face next).
Thanks again for all your prayers, words of encouragement, and support.
How does one not laugh or giggle at the two of them teasing the tech about being the Wizard of Oz (he went behind a curtain to operated the computer).
So I got there quite early this morning, they checked me in, and the tech (Tony) came and got me, told me he was going to shoot radioactive material in my system, and I could go have breakfast. I said wait a minute, I'm eating now. I was so confused. What the schedulers failed to tell me was that I had to have a shot to flush this material through me, and I had to come back 3 hours later for the actual scan. It was quite frustrating, but while I was waiting around, my sister came home with me and we hung pictures in the house, including the one she painted for me.
It is named "Promise." You can see a picture of it on my facebook page.
I could really use some prayers for sleep (I awake in the middle of each night and cannot fall back asleep due to all the anxiety about what we have to face next).
Thanks again for all your prayers, words of encouragement, and support.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
I just wanted to thank all of you who have sent well-wishes and prayers. This is extremely overwhelming and I need to apologize and ask for forgiveness ahead of time for not responding to everyone individually. It just seems like too much for me right now.
It is easier for me just to carry on as if nothing is going on, otherwise I turn every possible scenario through my head.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
MRI and upcoming schedule
Jamie had the MRI this morning. She said it was uncomfortable, but she did great. I don't know if I could lie still for that long. No results yet; that will come next week.
Here is Jamie's schedule for the next week and a half. Once all these appointments are done, we'll move forward with treatment.
Here is Jamie's schedule for the next week and a half. Once all these appointments are done, we'll move forward with treatment.
Monday 23rd 8:45 Bone Scan
10:40 Labs
Tuesday 24th 9:15 appointment with surgeon (Dr. Skinner)
Wednesday 25th 11:45 Lymph node biopsy
Thursday 26th 6:45 CT
Monday 30th 2:10 appointment with oncologist (Dr. Jafari)
Tuesday 31st 1:30 appointment with radiologist (Dr. Kantorowitz)
Thank you for all your notes and calls of encouragement!
next up--MRI today
Later this morning Jamie has an MRI--I believe the main purpose is to look at the tissue in her breast around the tumor and see if there is anything else that they need to know about.
I'll be going with Jamie, and so will Lyle, her father.
Please pray that nothing else of concern would show up, and that Jamie is able to relax and be positive.
Thanks for all our prayers and support!
I'll be going with Jamie, and so will Lyle, her father.
Please pray that nothing else of concern would show up, and that Jamie is able to relax and be positive.
Thanks for all our prayers and support!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Initial diagnosis
Last week Jamie had a biopsy and we received the news that it was positive. Today we met with Dr. Jafari, Jamie's oncologist. He was encouraging in that Jamie's cancer is NOT Her2--a more aggressive form of breast cancer.
He described Jamie's cancer as Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, which is the most common type of breast cancer.
Jamie's cancer is stage 3 (out of 4 stages--1 being smaller and less concerning, 4 being larger and more concerning.)
Jamie will have a biopsy on her lymph nodes in the next few days; Dr. Jafari believes that her lymph nodes are "probably involved."
Jamie still has several appointments--an MRI tomorrow, an appt. with Dr. Skinner, the surgeon next week, a cat-scan, the lymph-node biopsy, and insertion of a port for chemo.
After all the appointments and tests we will meet with the team of doctors to make decisions about treatment; but for now, it looks like the course of treatment will probably involve:
1. Chemo in two parts:
part 1 is weekly for 12 weeks
part 2--every other week for 8 weeks
2. Surgery--either a lumpectomy or a mastectomy, still to be determined.
3. Radiation--focused on the spot where the tumor is.
If we get all the appointments taken care of soon, Jamie could start chemo in about two weeks.
So this is where we are. Jamie hasn't said much today, I guess we're still taking it all in and processing.
This blog will be a place where we can update family and friends, and each of us (Jamie, Ashley, and me) can write about what we are going through and how we are feeling.
Feel free to leave comments, and thank you for your prayers, encouragements, questions, and support!
He described Jamie's cancer as Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, which is the most common type of breast cancer.
Jamie's cancer is stage 3 (out of 4 stages--1 being smaller and less concerning, 4 being larger and more concerning.)
Jamie will have a biopsy on her lymph nodes in the next few days; Dr. Jafari believes that her lymph nodes are "probably involved."
Jamie still has several appointments--an MRI tomorrow, an appt. with Dr. Skinner, the surgeon next week, a cat-scan, the lymph-node biopsy, and insertion of a port for chemo.
After all the appointments and tests we will meet with the team of doctors to make decisions about treatment; but for now, it looks like the course of treatment will probably involve:
1. Chemo in two parts:
part 1 is weekly for 12 weeks
part 2--every other week for 8 weeks
2. Surgery--either a lumpectomy or a mastectomy, still to be determined.
3. Radiation--focused on the spot where the tumor is.
If we get all the appointments taken care of soon, Jamie could start chemo in about two weeks.
So this is where we are. Jamie hasn't said much today, I guess we're still taking it all in and processing.
This blog will be a place where we can update family and friends, and each of us (Jamie, Ashley, and me) can write about what we are going through and how we are feeling.
Feel free to leave comments, and thank you for your prayers, encouragements, questions, and support!
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