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!

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!

Final Chemo Treatment!

Yesterday Jamie had her final chemo treatment!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.