We made it back safe and sound from the cruise, and we had a wonderful time. We left out of Miami and visited Jamaica and Grand Cayman. The kids thought the cruise was fantastic and have both commented about wanting to be back on the boat!

Many of you know me personally and many of you don't know me. For the ones that do know me, you know that my mind works at an amazing speed and it's very hard for me to shut my brain down and just relax. As you can imagine, my brain has been in overload the past few weeks and this trip was so needed. Can I just tell you that God allowed my brain to shut down during that week!!! For 6 wonderful days, I really didn't think about much other than being in the moment. That truly is a miracle. I'm so grateful for that time away and many people made that possible for us. Thank you so much!

Speaking of miracles, I'd like to share some of the miracles God has so graciously given to our family over the past few years. Sometimes, I think we get focused on the "Big" miracle and we forget to see how God works and gives even in the littlest things. My first praise to God is that he gives me peace and comfort that only He can give. My natural body and mind want to just curl up in a ball and hide in the corner & give up but God gives me this indescribable strength to get up each morning and walk through each day knowing that He is in control and that everything will be ok no matter what is to come. God makes it possible for me to smile and laugh each day!

With Jason, it is amazing that he walks, talks, teaches, etc with so much cancer and swelling inside his head. He does it with ease--truly the work of God. Also, throughout the past four years of treatment, Jason's blood counts have always been normal. We have never had to worry about him being able to receive his chemo treatments because of his blood counts being too low. This is another miracle as many of you are aware that blood counts are usually affected  by chemo and make the person more prone to infections and such. These are just a few of God's miracles that He has given us. It's so easy to focus our prayers on getting rid of the cancer all together but I never want to miss all the prayers that God answers each and every day!

Thanks again for all of your love, support and prayers!

We know that a lot of people have been wanting to help us out in some way or another. The following people have graciously offered to coordinate any events that you may wish to get started. Please call one of them to discuss further details.

Jackie Fermoyle, Bullock Creek Middle School Counselor        631-2418  Ext. 1407

Jenny Keister, Bullock Creek Schools Social Worker               631-2418   Ext. 1618

Julie Rinn, Bullock Creek Middle School Teacher                     631-2418   Ext. 1443

Things have been busy lately. Lots going on. I have just one week of school left then I will step out of the program for the time-being. Then, we are headed on a lovely cruise for some quality family time. The kids are absolutely thrilled (and so is their mommy)!

We just wanted to say thank you for all the prayers and encouragement that you all have given us! It means the world to us. Blessings! Jos

Life Changes

After hearing just one sentence, one instantly realizes what's truly important in his/her life. Time is so very precious & limited. And when times like these are upon someone, there's choices to be made. Jason and I are extremely thankful that God has given both of us such love and grace. God is the one that gives us the strength to wake each morning and find hope and peace in the new day. We are making some life changes today so that we may live each day to the fullest and make as many memories with our children, family and friends as possible. Although Jason has thoroughly enjoyed coaching the Creek baseball team, he has decided that it is time for him to step down as head coach. This is not to say that you won't see him out at the field watching or maybe even helping the team out at times.This decision allows for some much needed & desired Daddy, Taylor, and Easton time! I have also decided to step out of my nursing program at this time so that I, too, can be included in that Daddy, Taylor & Easton time! Our hope is that some fabulous memories will be made in the days and weeks to come & that our children will have them to cherish & remember for many years to come.

We do not know what the future holds, but we do know that today is a good day & so it makes for a great day to spend it with family & friends. So if you're wondering whether or not to call or visit, just remember that today is a good day & we'd love to share some laughs & make some more memories!

Please know that Jason, myself, and the kids greatly appreciate your love, support and prayers! May God bless each of you!

PET Scan results

Jason and I just got back home from Duke. He had his PET scan this morning. The results were not what we were hoping for. The scan was what they call "very hot" which means that there is a lot of active cancer cells. When we asked about the size of it, Dr. V said that he estimates it to be the size of a grapefruit. Surgery & radiation are not an option. Jason's treatment now will include taking a low dose of oral chemo daily along with another drug that he will take 7 days on & then 7 days off. He will also have Avastin every three weeks. The doctors anticipate that the side effects will be minimal & may even feel like a respite from the harsh therapy that he's been on for the past year.
I have a really hard time understanding how Jason is walking, talking, teaching, etc with such a large thing in his brain--it makes no sense. Even the Doctors are surprised by his functioning level. They said that he is in the top 1% of their patients in regards to functioning level especially with the size of the tumor and the amount of swelling. So we will choose to focus on the positives of the situation rather than dwell on the negatives. I won't lie--there are a lot of thoughts running through my mind & many of them are not so great, but I also know that we have a God that wraps His loving arms around us and catches every tear. He will be our Strength!

So many months have passed

Where does one begin when we've allowed so much time to pass. Anyway, I will start with Jason. Tomorrow marks Jason's 23rd of 24 treatments for his 12 month treatment plan--he is ready to be finished to say the least. January 6th will be his last treatment. January 18th, he will have a PET scan to see if there are any active cancer cells. Depending on the results of the scan, the Dr. will help us determine the next steps. Jason has been having a MRI every 8 weeks and they continue to remain stable. Our hope and prayer is that the PET scan will show no active cancer cells and that Jason will be able to start a maintenance phase of treatment consisting of just Avastin. He would not have any chemo drugs--this would be such a blessing as those are the drugs that make you feel utterly exhausted. It would be a lie if I said I wasn't worried about what the 18th of January will bring. January has not been such a great month for us the last few years--originally diagnosed on Jan. 19, 2008 and then reoccurance on Jan. 19, 2011. It's quite mind-boggling to think it's been almost 4 years now since his original diagnosis. Praise God!

As for me, I just finished up my first semester of my nursing program. I get a little break for Christmas and will start my 2nd semester on Jan. 9th. It has been very nice having some time off right now and will be difficult to get back in the groove. Time management is essential when working, going to school, taking care of the family! I believe I have mastered my time management skills :) I truly am blessed to walking the path that I am and am humbled by God's grace & peace that He so generously gives me!

Taylor is doing great in 3rd grade. She continues to be active in the arts--she's in the youth honors chorus program at the Midland Center for the Arts, ballet & tap at Gina Beebe Dance Studio, and she just finished up being in the "Gospel According to Scrooge" musical at our church, Messiah Lutheran. She loves to perform and has such an energy about her. She truly amazes me and she loves deeply. I'm so proud to be her mother!

Easton is doing fantastic in 1st grade. It is so neat to listen to him learning to read and seeing his excitement for learning in general. He is the definition of energy I think. He is constantly going. He's in his 3rd year of hockey and I have to say--he's pretty darn good. It's amazing to see him on the ice. Not only is he fast, but he is very intuitive as well. He understands the game and he anticipates his next moves. I'm so proud to be his mother as well!

Merry Christmas to you! May God give you peace this Christmas season. Take time to slow down and truly enjoy & cherish your time with family and friends! Blessings, Joslyn

Jason had his Dr. appt at Duke and his MRI looks even better than last time! The treatment is kicking some major booty right now and we are loving it!