Receiving Treatments and doing well

Sorry the updates have been slow in the past month, but it has been busy for mom.  She asked me to write a few things today and let everyone know that she is doing really well.

She started chemotherapy treatments about 3 weeks ago.  She has two doctors that are administering chemotherapy.  She receives a natural chemo every week that has very minimal side effects and is used often in Europe.  On Fridays, she goes to her Oncologist and receives traditional medical chemotherapy as well.  Those treatments usually last 1-2 hours and so far she has tolerated them really well.  She tends to get a little flu-like for 24-36 hours, but after that she feels pretty good.  She was also able to cut back on some of her pain medication this week, which all of us (including doctors) took as a big positive.  Her regimen will be 3 weeks of chemo and then gets 1 week off.  This week is her week off and her and Dad are thinking about going to Mexico for a day or two which would be a nice break from all the doctors appointments she usually has every week.

This week she even felt good enough to go see a movie with some of the grandkids, Beverly Hills Chihuahua.  All of us know how much she loves her little dog "Chimi" and the grandkids insisted that they needed to see it with her!:)  She and Tarah were also able to fit in a temple trip as well which always is a great comfort to her.

Her spirits are good and she is still appreciative of all the fasts and prayers that have happened on her behalf and she hopes they will continue.  She knows how well they work!  Her faith as well as all of the family's  is strong. We love our Mom and Grandma and are thankful for all of our wonderful days with her.  Love you mom, glad things are going well!

Mindee

Now my blood is thinner than water

Sept. 13-Jamie's update
First of all can I say, how great it is to be home! My experience at Johns Hopkins was absolutely
wonderful, (under the circumstances) but we all know the truth to the statement,"There's no
place like home." My blood's been thinned out sufficiently so that the clot can be dissolved, so now I just have to be very careful and not cut myself. Todd and Ashley were wonderful hosts, the doctors and staff at the hospital were so great and gracious in their care of me. Kent and I feel like we learned alot and have more direction as to our course of action for the future. I want you all to know that I felt of your love and prayers on my behalf continually! I truly know the power of fasting and prayer and what a great source of strength it is. We know in the church when groups begin to exercise collective faith, the outpourings of the powers of heaven are incredible and many lives are blessed. We all find it much easier to exercise our faith, when our faith is sustained by the faith of others. I can't tell you how much that means to me, and how much it humbles me! So don't forget me! I am relying on all your faith and prayers continuously! I know that much can be accomplished as we work together under the direction of the Savior. Thank you again for your love and concern, you are all very special to me!
Love, Jamie

Mom is coming home, pictures from Baltimore

Mom was released from the hospital yesterday and will be flying home today.  She will get in late tonight.  They will not be making the trip to New York, instead she will be meeting with doctors here that were recommended by Johns Hopkins.

These pictures are some from Moms trip back there.  Dr. Cameron is shown in the top photo. He came in on her last day full of optimism and told her to "Keep in touch kiddo."   The other is her team of doctors while she was there.  

Aunt Candi made the trip with them from Arizona and Aunt Julie joined them from Chicago for a few days!  They are a great support and fun for mom to have around, she loves her sisters! Aren't they beauties!:)

"The Divine Physician" Statue of Christ at Johns Hopkins

Pictures with Mom, Dad, Ashley and kids in front of the Christus at Johns Hopkins.  Ashley says she and mom go out for lots of walks to this statue everyday.  We all know how much Mom loves the Savior and it is beautiful source of great peace and comfort.

Update from Baltimore

Jamie was admitted to the hospital at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore on Friday night.  Dr. Cameron, after running tests,  found a pulmonary blood clot and admitted her to dissolve it.  They are hoping she will released from the hospital on Wednesday.   Dr. Cameron confirmed the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer as adenocarcinoma and currently they are waiting for the oncologists for their opinion on treatment plans.

Jamie's spirits are high and she is feeling good, and has even gained some weight while she has been in the hospital back there!  When she gets out the hospital, they plan to travel to New York to meet with one more doctor.  They will then return home to Arizona, to begin her treatment plan.  Thanks to everyone for all of your support and please keep praying for her, she definitely feels those prayers and all the love!

We all love you mom and can't wait for you to return!

Update

The biopsy in Arizona on the 28th went well and they were able to get what they wanted.  They confirmed the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer as the most common form, but not a lot of other details were given.

Jamie and Kent are currently in Baltimore getting a second opinion from Dr. Cameron at John Hopkins.  They met with him today and he is currently running more tests, they are hoping to hear some news today, but if not, we will know something by Monday.

Pictures with Mom, Candi and Kelley

Mom was glad to have her sisters Candi and Kelley come and support her during her biopsy!  While they were here, they went to get pedicures and here are pictures of their beautiful feet!  And of course some pictures of them together.:)

Recent Photos with Mom

Our beautiful mom!

She is all decked out in her lounge wear, and she is READY TO FIGHT!:)

Mom and her grandkids, they love her!

All of us girls at the temple with mom, this was a special day.

Ashley's last family get together before heading back to Baltimore.  Thanks for all of the pictures Ashley, we would capture so many less memories without your camera!

Jamie's Thoughts

I want to thank everyone for all the phone calls,cards and personal visits on my behalf. I know many of you are fasting and praying on my behalf and I want you to know how much I need and appreciate your faith. Kent and I are exploring many other options for us to look into as we journey along this "Trail of Faith." I have truly felt all of your love, faith, strength and support, very literally! I have had some special experiences as I travel on this journey, and through this trial of my faith I have come to rely on the basic truths of the gospel and the sure knowledge I have that my Savior lives and that He is my advocate with the Father. One of the most imortant things I have learned to date is to have faith in my Father and that He will direct me for good. In the D&C 6:36 it says "Look unto me in every thought, doubt not, fear not." I have a testimony that this principle is true, so please, as you include me in your prayers think positive thoughts and know that the Lord will take care of me according to His Will. I love you all. Jamie

Update to all of our faithful friends and family

Aug 13th-Jamie receives potential diagnosis of pancreatic cancer after a brief hospital stay where she underwent a biopsy of the pancreas. The results, unfortunately were inconclusive and is scheduled for a second one August 28th where they will biopsy the liver. The Doctors are fairly certain that it is malignant but are unsure as to how far it has progressed. We will have more information after the August 28th results.

Jamie, Kent and Family will be flying to Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland on September 3rd for a second opinion. Johns Hopkins is a teaching school and are up on the latest cutting edge technology. Jamie was fortunate to get an appointment with John Cameron who is a leading US specialist on pancreatic cancer. Luckily, she will stay in comfort with Ashley and Todd who live there.

Some Pictures