Once again, sorry it has been a while since our last update.  John and I are thrilled that this very likely could be the last time we put together a post, we are excited to wrap up this whole season of our lives.  It is difficult to explain how crazy our life has felt over the past 9 months. A little over a year ago (in June 2018) we were celebrating our ten year wedding anniversary, we went on our first trip away from the kids to Hawaii. It was wonderful and relaxing, we were mentally preparing ourselves for the transition to a family of five. We both knew it would be a challenging year, but we had no idea what the 11th year of marriage would be like or how much our vows to love each other in sickness and in health would be tested. 

After my diagnosis we were scared and overwhelmed. But through each step, we have been amazed at how God has worked through every situation. We have been beyond grateful to the people who have supported us financially, sent us meals or gift cards, helped with our kids and so much more. The generosity of so many of you has been astounding. Even more amazing has been the fact that we know there have been literally hundreds of people praying for us. We cannot thank you all enough.

It's already been almost a month since radiation ended. I still feel the fatigue from it, but it is improving. It's hard to tell what is causing it seeing as over the past month we packed up our whole apartment, attended a few weddings (one that the kids got to be flower girl and ring bearer in), moved into our first house, and then unpacked and baby proofed our new house too. Zeke turned 8 months old and decided now was a good time to learn how to crawl too. After he mastered that he decided to learn how to pull himself to standing to get a better view of things and reach things we don't want him to reach. Overall, I think I'm gradually feeling more and more myself and my hair is growing back too! I'm going to go back to work for the first time this next week, I'm hoping that as my energy gets back to normal I'll be able to start to work a little more often. John is settling into his new role and now that the semester is over he has closed the book on his role as a Resident Director and has been able to focus solely on his new role as Associate Dean of Residence Life. 

From my diagnosis, to Zeke's induction, chemo for months, surgery, and radiation for weeks on end... We are SO happy to report that I am officially finished with my cancer treatments. I am on the other side of everything and can forevermore be labeled as a cancer survivor. Wahoo! I had a follow-up appointment with my oncologist and he said that for someone like me, who had a complete pathological response to my treatments that the chances of the cancer coming back is 3%! THREE PERCENT! I wasn't expecting that number at all, and it is super exciting to hear.

Our hearts go out to others that we know that have been diagnosed with cancer and those that have lost loved ones from cancer.  Although we have been blessed to have this outcome, we know that not everyone has the same experience.  As we move into the next season of life, we carry a different perspective regarding those that are facing the challenges of life with cancer and those that are dealing with the loss that cancer can bring.

I praise God for this journey.  We would never wish it on anyone else, but it has been amazing to see how God has worked through it all.  As we go forward into the next chapter of our lives, we are stronger yet we have learned that this strength has come from our utter weakness and reliance on God.  Thank you to everyone who has supported us in any way throughout this journey.  We have truly felt that we have seen God's hand at work through those around us.  My life and testimony is forever changed through this experience. Our prayer is that through our story, others may find hope and reason to rely on God.  We don't presume that He will always heal, but we do know that He can be by our side in ALL circumstances. 

Psalm 145:6-8 – Men shall speak of the power of Your awesome acts, And I will tell of Your greatness. They shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness And will shout joyfully of Your righteousness. The LORD is gracious and merciful.

When you think of us you can continue to keep us in your prayers:
- for me to remain cancer free!
- for us to transition into a new normal with John's work, being home owners, and life as our kids grow and change
- for our story and testimony to continue to be an encouragement to others that brings them to know and love our great God

Thank you for your support throughout this journey.

Jaynee, John, Ezra, Eliza, & Zeke