An update is long overdue! As we step into Thanksgiving tomorrow, our hearts are filled with gratitude for so many reasons.  

Emmy became critically sick in September.  She was flown from Klamath Falls to Doernbechers yet again and hospitalized for 2 weeks.  Initially we thought we were going there for observation, but she quickly declined and became sicker than we ever imagined.  She was in such excruciating pain it was unbearable to watch our little girl, who rarely complains, cry out in pain and discomfort.  Those weeks were grueling, but on the other end she was given the all clear to go to Disneyland—a trip we had planned prior to diagnosis and postponed repeatedly because of treatment delays.  Talk about two extremes—one day we were in isolation and the next, the happiest place on earth.  It was a gift to have this time as a family—to forget about cancer and be overwhelmed by fun and excitement.  This was a beautiful way to celebrate the completion of consolidation as we got a quick break in between phases of treatment. 

 She’s spent the last several weeks in Interim Maintenance—designed to be a bit of a break between busy cycles. Still in treatment weekly, but we don’t feel like we are living there anymore.  She had been handling treatment well until she spiked a random fever that required a quick admission, thankfully closer to home this time.  The following week, after arriving to treatment she began showing signs of a reaction (hives, wheezing, overall discomfort).  The hives continued to worsen and she was again admitted to the hospital for observation.  The next day we were discharged and while we don’t know for sure what caused the reaction, we suspect that it was the chemo she received the week prior.  Unfortunately, it is a very important frontline treatment that she will need to receive several more times throughout treatment.  There are alternatives, but it would be much less convenient and more painful for Emmy.  As you can imagine. All of this is hard on her, but she handles it with such grace—far more than you would expect of a 5 year old.  Everyday I am impressed by her grit and strength.   While Emmy fights this battle, the boys are always behind her.  They’ve been her biggest supporters, cheering her on every step of the way.  Keeping her energy and spirits up.  So many detours this year, many very hard days.  I can only imagine what it’s like waiting at school expecting your mom to pick you only to be waved down by a grandparent and find out that your sister is admitted to the hospital again—not sure when you’ll see them again.  To say it’s been hard on them would be sugar coating it.  They too have been strong for each other, for us.  Please continue to pray specifically for them.  This season of life is really tough.  They are often the unseen victims of this diagnosis, but their faith is greater.  I can already see the great men that are being shaped through this hard road. 

While we have had good days and bad, we’ve also had some of our best days ever.  So many have come together to love and support our family.  Friends have prayed, meals have been prepared, childcare has been provided, family has surrounded us, organizations have gifted us incredibly experiences and lasting memories.  This last weekend we had the pleasure of bringing the kids to the University of Oregon to see the cheerleaders and watch the Ducks take on USC.  Luke has decided that he wants to play football, Emmy dreams of being a cheerleader, and Cole seems to have found a calling as The Duck.  Regardless of what this kids do 10-15 years from now, it was such a blessing to watch them dream—for them to experience such unbelievable kindness and generosity.  It was the experience of a lifetime and a pocket of joy that has lasted far beyond the end of the weekend.  

Thanks for following our journey, for loving and supporting us daily, and coming along side us.  We are thankful to be spending this holiday under one roof, with all 4 of our children, with perspective that reminds us how different the day could look.  As a parent, cancer used to seem like the worst case scenario.  We’ve come to learn that we are so far from the worst, we are so incredibly blessed, and have so much to be thankful for.  

Happy Thanksgiving!❤️