Jamie Whitmore Sidelined

The Ups and Downs of Pregnancy

2009-11-08T21:05:00.001-08:00

These past few weeks have been full of ups and downs which is probably why it has taken me so long to update. Where should I begin?

I have been asked to speak at several different places about my story which is great. The first was a group of junior high BMX riders. The next was a group of young adults at Capital Christian called Epic Life. That was amazing. I think it was my best one to date. My dad even said, "I lived through it, read all of your blogs, listened to you tell your story numerous times and I never get tired of it!" It really was a pleasure for me to share my testimony and add some humor. I had them laughing and crying at the same time! I really feel this is the direction God is leading me.

Swimming is continuing to go well. My leg is remaining fairly strong with rehab and light weights. I know the elliptical is helping out with this as well. Every once in awhile I lose my balance but mostly I am walking better than expected. The balance thing usually gets me at night when I can't see and I really need to go to the bathroom. I start to sit down and fall forward. I have to laugh because it is pretty funny!

I finally got a call from my oncologist about my MRI from a month and a half ago. He said everything looks good no sign of cancer! That really made my day. I have now cleared three scans and it has been over a year since my second surgery. Things are definitely looking up.

I am having some trouble getting comfortable. The more weight I gain from the twins the more pressure on my tailbone (which is still not healed) when I sit. Lying down is not much better especially on my bad side and I can't lie on my back which leaves only my right. After awhile I feel too much pressure on the kidney making it painful until I move. I am reading a book about things to expect while pregnant but it doesn't really address all the extra things with my disability. I can't complain though because I am still walking and that is a blessing!

The only real disturbing news came from the specialist I see for my pregnancy. They are a little concerned about my cervical opening. Right now it is right at 2.5 which means I will most likely be hospitalized about 2-3 weeks before my scheduled c-section. I go back next week to have it remeasured and if it is any smaller I will have to go into the hospital even sooner. Apparently this is common in pregnancies with multiples and there is no explanation nor is there anything I can do about it. They are still allowing me to swim and rehab my leg but no heavy lifting (I already knew that one!) I am definitely dreading the possibility of ending up back in the hospital. My veins are dried up and I just spent the last year and a half in and out of hospitals. You could say I am pretty sick of them! I was prepared to handle maybe a week after the c-section but 2-3weeks before, maybe more . . . Yikes!

Courtney and my Dad have been hard at work fixing up the boys' room. We are going with a desert camo theme. It looks dope!

Please pray that the twins hang in there safely and don't join us until their time and please pray I don't have to go into the hospital until absolutely necessary!

Jamie

A Child’s Prayer

2009-10-05T18:12:00.001-07:00

There is nothing like a child's prayer. It is so heartfelt and pure.

Last week I went to speak to an Awana kids group at Sierra Bible Church. It is something I have done every year for the past five or six years just before the Xterra USA Championship. There is a bike race and then we gather the kids together so I can talk about racing and how important God has been in my life. I missed last year because I was still in the hospital so it felt good to be back.

I shared what has been going on for the past year and a half and how God's strength has seen me through it all. The children listened closely for 20 minutes then asked question afterwards. In the end three volunteered to stand up and pray for me. Their words were touching and inspiring. I would like to thank Clif Bar for donating Zbars and Twisted Fruit. The kids loved them!

I am now five months along and showing. Walking is still difficult and only going to get harder as I get bigger. The doctors aren't sure if I will end up in a wheelchair or just needing a walker. They encourage me to keep up the strength in my left leg. This isn't as easy as it sounds. I took a few days off of the elliptical and weights and my leg suffered. It is amazing how quickly it goes into atrophy without a nerve and glute muscle. It usually means I have to work that much harder to get back what I lost. I think that is the biggest difference these days when I work out. It isn't about training or putting the mileage in . . . it is about maintaining the mobility of my barely functioning leg. People are always saying I am doing a lot but the reality is if I don't use it I will lose it! And if you have seen me walking you know how difficult and labored it already is!

My tailbone is still healing. After a year I thought it would be fine but I am still having trouble sitting for longer than 45minutes. The memory foam pillow is helping a lot. The doctors aren't sure about the long term effects on my back with how lopsided I am. So far I am trying everything I possibly can to prevent future trouble. We are trying to have an outside gel pack made to put in place of the missing muscle. It would be like a wonder bra but only for one side.

Things have been looking up and I am continually blessed by family and friends who have shown so much support!

Jamie

Keeping It Together

2009-09-28T13:26:00.001-07:00

In these tough times it is easy for our faith to be tested. I feel that way everyday. I wonder how I am going to make ends meet when I can't really work. Because I am so young it is going to be hard to get disability and yet I have to do something. Courtney and I have truly been blessed through the past year and a half with so much support from everyone. We are so grateful!

This past weekend we took a trip to Utah to help me feel better and get away. We went to watch the Xterra USA Championship race. It was exciting and rewarding to see everyone. It was also a little sad because it was another race where I was sitting on the sideline instead of racing. I did get to announce a little which was great but it would be even better if I could make a living at it. I have been trying to contact some folks to see if they will hire me next year but no word yet! I guess I have to be the squeaky wheel and get my foot in the door.

A good friend of ours GL Brown is putting together a fundraiser at the Xterra World Championship। He has been growing his hair long all year and is going to have it cut at the Paul Mitchell Cut-a-thon in opes of getting a lot of donations। Right now he is asking everyone to join his cause and donate one dollar. He wants to get thousands of people involved around the world and make this happen. I should have more info soon if anyone wants to get involved. Right now it is about passing the word along. Thanks GL for the help! If you would like to donate or learn more, please click here.

Every day seems like a struggle but the goal is always the same . . . just get through and maybe tomorrow will be better! I have been praying for God's strength. I know he has a plan for me but sometimes it is hard to completely trust. Lately I have prayed that he helps me with that. I think that is the hardest part for everyone, to stop trying to be in control and trust God. In the end I know he will provide so why am I so worried?

Jamie

It's Boys

2009-09-22T09:18:00.001-07:00

We found out we are having boys! Courtney is very excited and I am still overwhelmed. I am going to be out number unless you count our two female dogs!

Don't gt me wrong I am excited but the stress of paying bills is keep me up at night and not eating much. I pray that everything will work out but I am still worried. With me not working things are really tight and the medical bills seem to keep rolling in. I don't like checking the mail any more. I can't imagine if I didn't have insurance because with it you still pay an arm and a leg!

I guess I will have to pursue coaching a little harder and really sit down to write my book. I need some source of income to help out. I would really love to announce more races as well because it would allow my family to watch the kids while I worked. I know I am not the only one in this position with the way the economy is. I just wish I were still able to work the way I used to! Any ideas out there??

Please continue to keep me in your prayers . . . that everything works out the way it is supposed to!

Wow . . . I'm having BOYS!!!

Jamie

The Simple Things

2009-09-15T21:42:00.001-07:00

When I look back over the course of the last year and a half it is hard to believe what has transpired. There were times when life barely seemed to move. I often think about how much pain I was in and how hard it has been to fight to get back to "normal." No matter how still time seemed to stand, life does go on. I am living proof of that!

It is true that you never look at life in the same way when a traumatic event happens. These days I find myself watching how people move. It could be in a yoga class, riding a bike or running. I think about how simple the movements look and wonder why it is so difficult for me? Do people realize how lucky they are?

This past weekend I drove to Pacific Grove with my Dad to help announce the triathlon. I needed to do something and terry Davis was kind enough to give me the opportunity to work with some awesome people. With Xterra races always starting at 10:30am, I was not used to being ready to go at 6:30 but I managed. I began with Julie Moss, an Ironman legend, at the swim start. She introduced a few of the athletes in each wave and got the spectators pumped up while I informed the athletes of how much time before each start. I also did the count down before the horn! It was so much fun and very busy. We worked really well together!

Once we sent all the waves I migrated over to the bike tower where I worked with Nick Tuttle. We called off names as the bikers lapped around us. I had to climb a ladder to get to the top of the ladder. We weren't sure if I could make it up but some how I managed. Don't ask me how because I am still trying to figure that out! For the elite riders I explained why they were able to draft and not the age groupers along with other tid bits of information. I was starting to find my niche! Towards the end of the race I was at the finish line tower bringing home the athletes after a hard days work.

I also helped with the awards which gave me an opportunity to share my story with a bunch of new people. It was a long day and i enjoyed every minute of it.

The next day for the sprint distance it was pretty much the same thing except I was able to go solo in the bike tower for awhile. I am not going to lie, I was a bit nervous at first but I got comfortable pretty quickly! I had to sit a lot because of being pregnant. I find myself out of breathe and feeling dizzy which the doctor says is normal. It may be normal but I am not used to feeling that way. I like to go, go, go!

As we drove home Sunday afternoon, I knew I had found something I enjoyed. I only hope I get hired to do more races!

As the nausea gets better I am able to do more and more. My swimming is up to 2500-3000 yards 3-4 days a week. I just found out my elliptical trainer should be arriving within the week. Thank you Matrix and Cal Fit for making this happen. The more I use the elliptical machine the stronger my leg gets. Not to mention it is easier to workout on it then it is to walk. I can hardly wait!

I am now 18 weeks along and still barely showing. Most folks at the race didn't even know until I told them. Some thought my stomach was just bloated from the surgery. I had to laugh . . . my stomach has never been this big. According to the doctors every thing is fine and my first two blood tests have come back negative for any problems. It doesn't mean there are none, but it is a good indicator that things are doing well so far. I keep praying the twins are healthy both physically and mentally. That is all I care about.

We are hoping to find out the sex of both by next week so my next update should be informing everyone what we are having. Make sure you check my website!

Tomorrow I head to San Fransisco for a cancer scan. I can only get an MRI and I am praying it comes back negative. Please pray for no cancer!!

Until next time,

Jamie

SHOCKING BUT SURPRISING

2009-08-31T10:16:00.001-07:00

Over the last year and a half I went from being a professional triathlete to fighting cancer and becoming disabled. My life has completely changed. Just when I thought I was adapting pretty well I got hit with more life altering news. The doctors figured out why I have been so nauseous since my last surgery . . . I'm pregnant . . . with TWINS!

You read it correctly I am pregnant with twins and due sometime in late January, early February. When I first got the news I was pretty shocked. Even more shocked when they told me there were two. Both of them went through the surgery with me so they are already proving to be pretty tough.

I am trying to adjust to the idea of this but there is a huge overwhelming feeling lingering over me. By the time I am ready to deliver it will be less than two years that I had three major surgeries, cancer and almost died from a kidney infection. But I take great comfort in knowing this latest news is great news. We were so scared that my kidney was being rejected in the new location and that I might need another surgery. Thank goodness that is not the case!

I am still having a lot of issues with nausea and headaches even though I am already in the second trimester (16 weeks along.) The anti-nausea meds help but some days I can't move from the couch. I am hoping this will not last the entire pregnancy. I have already been through so much. I am already dreading the fact that they have to perform a C-section. I will have to be cut open once again and this time I will be awake and strapped down. This is freaking me out!

I also spend some days wondering, "How am I going to do this?" How am I going to walk in a few more months? I already have poor balance and I don't want to end up in a wheelchair. Thank goodness my physical therapist is making sure I am strong enough in my core and quad so that I don't need the wheelchair. I may need the walker but at least I will still be walking on my own. Then there is the question where so we put them? We need Extreme Home Makeover now more than ever. We only have two bedrooms and one bath. This is going to be interesting. And last but not least our financial situation. I am still paying off medical bills, trying to save enough to make our bathroom more disabled friendly and now we have more medical bills and two little ones coming. It is very stressful for me. I have to constantly remind myself that I am not in control and God will provide. It usually calms me down! Besides at least we are getting a 2 for 1 on the maternity deal!

So that is the latest and greatest news. It is definitely shocking since we didn't expect this. We didn't even think we would be able to conceive on our own which is why we spent a bundle on harvesting eggs. I guess we didn't need them but at least it is better to be safe than sorry. What a surprise! Who said God didn't have a sense of humor?

And my story seems to continue . . . .

Jamie

BACK AT IT!

2009-08-22T12:14:00.001-07:00

I am happy to inform everyone that I have been doing really well lately. I made my way back to the gym where I have been putting in about 2hrs of various things like elliptical trainer for 20-30min, weights for 40min then swimming for about 2500y. It has been great. I almost feel normal again except for the limp!

At first it was hard. My legs were so week form 2 months of lying on the couch. Even swimming felt awkward. But after a week, things started to get better especially with swimming. It feels wonderful to be back in the pool. It had been a year since the last time I was able to swim and with the hot summer the timing couldn't have been better.

My strength is getting better each week and it has only been 3 weeks. It is always the first hurdle you have to get over before things start to come around. I am able to vacuum which is not my favorite thing. This may not seem like much but one month after surgery I could barely push the vacuum across the rug! I had to have my Dad come up and help clean my house. Thanks Dad!

These days I am getting to the gym about 3 days a week and resting the other days. I am hoping to be getting a special elliptical trainer for my home so I can work out more. We also have our endless pool up and running so I have been using that. What a great tool to watch my stroke more closely. One of my athletes will be up next month for a training camp and we will be able to video tape and analyze his stroke. I am very excited to finally be able to do that!

In the meantime I am sorting through about 2 years of paper work and rereading all the cards everyone sent me while I was battling cancer. It is nice to look back and see how far I have come especially when I get frustrated with my situation.

Thank you so much for your continued support and prayers!

Jamie

PS I've already sold one bike. . . 4 to go!

IS THE WORST BEHIND ME?

2009-07-31T16:33:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe it has been almost 8 weeks since my surgery. I am finally feeling better after 6 weeks of nausea and vomiting. I couldn't do much more then lay on the couch and eat chicken noodle soup with saltine crackers. I lost a bunch of weight and became very weak.

At first it was just mild nausea that stopped me from walking but then it turned into not being able to keep anything down. We ended up in the ER to make sure my kidney wasn't shutting down or the cancer had come back. After 9 hours I was finally seen and several tests were run to rule out things. Thankfully nothing serious was wrong so they gave me anti-nausea meds and sent me home.

For the next several weeks it was pretty much the same thing. I didn't move from the couch except to use the restroom and try to go into town to do physical therapy. The meds were slowly kicking in. I stopped all other meds just to make sure it wasn't a drug interaction again. Maybe that is what helped. Either way things started to look up. I was moving around the house more, starting to make my own food and I was sitting up. It is funny how we relish in the small accomplishments!

Last Thursday I had to drive to UCSF to see my urologist, Dr. Stoller for a follow-up and to have the stent in my ureter removed. It was supposed to be a simple 5 minute procedure which turned into 20 minutes because they couldn't find the stent. They had a camera enter through my urethra into my bladder to look for the surgical sight. It was pretty cloudy in there so they flushed it several times. Eventually Dr. Stoller himself had to take a look. He couldn't find the stent either. AT this point the doctors were wondering if the stent was even left in there by the transplant doctors. After another 5 minutes of flushing me with a catheter they decided I must have already passed it out and didn't know it. I was just glad they were out of my bladder.

The drive home was rough. My bladder was severely irritated but every time I tried to go it was just a drip or two. When I finally did have to go it was very painful. I kept drinking fluids hoping to flush my system. It took 12hrs for the pain to subside. In the grand scheme of things that is a short time after everything I have been through. I decided I would rather not have that type of procedure again!

The day after that I had to take our older dog to the vet for a biopsy of a lump on the inside of her front leg. It was a long weekend s we waited for the results to come back. I prayed all weekend it wasn't cancer because I have already had my fill of it. Thankfully Monday the results came back showing a fatty tumor. The vet sent off for a second biopsy because she did not like the amount of cells she saw. Now we are waiting for those results hoping they are the same.

As I begin to feel better I am doing more. I am actually swimming again which is a great feeling. The only problem is that the bottoms don't fit me with a glute missing. I have one pair of boy short bottoms which seem to do the trick. I may end up wearing men's bottoms if they make them small enough. At this point I don't care . . . anything is better than a suit that rides up on one side and I don't even know it because I can't feel it! Besides there are enough things about me that will make people stare more than men's swim suit bottoms!

Now that things are slowly resuming back to normal I should be able to keep everyone better updated. Hopefully the worst is behind me and I truly can move forward!

Thank you to everyone who has been concerned about my well-being and Thank you for all the continued prayers. It is always nice to hear from you!

Jamie

The Long Week

2009-06-19T10:23:00.001-07:00

Monday:

I was scheduled for surgery at 7:30am. I was one of the first patients to arrive but the last to go in for my operation. There was a miscommunication with the anesthesiologist who didn't show up so we had to wait. It was a good thing because one of my best buddies was running late and this allowed him to see me as my "brother."

I had to get an IV in my left leg (the bad one) in order to administer the medicine that knocks you out because the veins in my arms were not suitable. They are extremely messed up from the radiation and the hundreds of IV's that have already been stuck in me.

When I woke up, Courtney was standing over me asking me how I was doing. I was so tired, but happy to see his face. Then two by two my family and friends came in to see me before they had to leave. The surgery took almost eight hours. I kept trying to pull up my gown to show everyone my incisions but they were covered with bandages. I could hear Kacey and my mother-in-law Denise laugh at me because they knew I was proud of my scars!

Eventually I was taken to my room . . . I couldn't believe it, I was back in 13 long. This is the floor that I recovered in the last two surgeries and I was stoked to be back with the 42inch plasma televisions. That is all I was hoping for (next to being able to pee on my own when I woke up.) I slept for the rest of the evening.

Tuesday:

Early in the morning the doctors and interns made their rounds. They came to see how I was doing and let me know the procedure was successful. Dr. Stoller was very happy because the kidney fired up right away. This is a good thing he said. He then informed me that Thursday they would take out the catheter and see how it goes. He advised me to get out of bed and start walking. I looked at him and said "Maybe tomorrow." He looked at me with his eyebrows scrunched together as I explained walking with my walker would require more of my abdominals and I am in too much pain. He then said fine but you need to get up and walk tomorrow. I promised I would and then they all left to continue their rounds. The rest of the day was spent watching T.V. and sleeping. I was in a lot of pain when I tried to move and my stomach was starting to swell. That night I prayed the pain would get better and that I would get out of the hospital soon.

Wednesday:

I got up with Courtney's help but when I tried to walk with the walker the IV in my left wrist was sticking me. I couldn't put pressure on that hand making it difficult to take a step. Finally we called in the nurse and had her remove the IV. It was so much better and I was able to walk a short lap around the hospital floor. About four hours later I walked a full lap and that evening I walked another full lap. It was incredibly painful and hard to walk but I knew it had to be done.

At some point my catheter got a kink in it and my stomach started to become distended. It was becoming increasingly painful. The PCA came in and started to move the bag around until it allowed my bladder to drain. I thought my stomach was going to split open where they super glued my incisions.

Thursday:

The doctors removed my catheter and an hour later I began to pee on my own. It was great . . . no more drain in my back and no more catheter. I felt so free! I decided I wanted to shower, so Courtney helped me clean up. It felt good to finally have water run down my back.

I walked two laps in the morning and in the afternoon. I was hunched over like an old person and I was shuffling my feet but I had to walk. The gas pains were getting worse. My stomach was getting bigger and bigger and I wasn't getting any relief. I knew it was a matter of time but it was so painful. It felt like the gas was pushing on my incisions trying to escape that way instead of the proper way!

Friday:

Still no passing of gas so more walking. Two laps in the morning and two laps in the afternoon. Why wasn't it leaving my body? I could feel it moving all around inside me but it just wasn't escaping. I walked two more laps in the evening and tried to sit for awhile but still nothing. Finally I broke down and took the suppository. It was horrible. Things should not go in only out in that area. It actually helped. I was able to pass a little gas but that was it. I couldn't leave the hospital until I could keep solid food down and have a bowl movement. Great, when was that going to happen?

Saturday:

I continued to walk and explore different parts of the hospital. As I walked with Courtney I told him I didn't think all of this was making me stronger. I felt like I was already strong and that is how I was surviving. Instead, all of this was making me more ornery, stubborn and feisty! He laughed and so did I!

We watched all sorts of movies on cable getting up to walk during commercials. Still no further progress but I was on solid foods! Yeah! Pastor Dan stopped by to say Hi and bring Courtney food from McDonalds. He got me some fires. How delicious when you have been living on chicken broth and cranberry juice for five days.

I finally drank prune juice which was horrible. I do not know how people drink that. I was barely able to get three quarters down. Yikes!

Finally that night I started passing gas and had a bowl movement. "Yes, I get to go home tomorrow!"

Sunday:

In the morning the doctors came in to say they were going to keep me another day. I opened up my eyes and said, "I pooed three times last night, I want to go home." The doctors laughed and said OK we will get your discharge papers.

My stomach was still bloated and it felt like someone punched me in my gut but I wanted to go home. When we left I walked out with my cane. They tried to offer me a wheelchair but I wanted to walk out on my own. I held Courtney's arm and off we went. It was a long and slow walk to the parking garage but I did it. As we left our bill was $160. Thank goodness for my handicap parking pass because we parked for free. Yippee!

Now I am home trying to recover quickly. I am so thankful everything turned out well. I've been praying that it would. God has continued to bless me. The hospital bills are starting to roll in again since it is a new year. Things are becoming increasingly tight once more but I know everything will work out. We will begin selling a bunch of bikes, I am picking up more clients and doing more guest speaking. Now that my final surgery is over I can prepare to launch my coaching site. God is always there watching over me!

Jamie

still here!

2009-06-13T12:18:00.001-07:00

Hello,
Jamie is doing well, we are still here at UCSF and hopeing we get to go home soon. The kidney transplant went like clockwork.As soon as Jamie's bowels fire up she should be on her way home. On a side note, anyone out there in the suspension industry we need some asstance with making a bike brace for Jamie. Thanks Courtney

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THIRD TIMES A CHARM

2009-06-08T01:50:00.000-07:00

(At least I hope so!)

Here we go again. In just a few hours I will be going under the knife for a third time. This surgery is bittersweet. I am very excited to get rid of this drain but worried the new placement of my kidney will not be very comfortable for my active life!

I have been traveling for the past few weeks race announcing and as a guest speaker. The first as I mentioned before was in Michigan and it was a lot of fun. I was then able to visit my uncle in Northern Alabama before heading to Pelham for the Xterra Southest Championship. While I was visiting I was hit with the news about Steve Larsen. At first I thought I wasn't reading my emails correctly. Then I thought someone was playing a really cruel joke. When I realized it was all true I was without words. I sat down on the couch and just looked at my uncle. Steve's passing brought up a lot of emotions about my uncle Ricky who passed away from a massive heart attack right in front of me 10years ago this August. He was the twin brother of the uncle I was visiting. I was very close to him.

I then thought about the first time I ever raced in a mountain bike race. It was a Norba National Championship race and I was in the beginner category. It was only the third time I ever mountain biked. I cried the entire time we prerode the course because it was so muddy and technical. I went on to win the race but vowed not to ride again! (So much for that) I remember watching Steve Larsen race and thinking what an amazing athlete. I followed his career hearing about how the Olympic committee wouldn't put him on the Olympic team because of a mechanical even though he was our best mountain biker. He finished out the season capturing the Norba National Mountain bike title but he hung up his bike not wanting to ever race that sport again. He then picked up road triathlons as his new career. He attacked it with the same passion as every other sport he competed in from Road cycling to cyclocross. It is no wonder I was excited to see him racing Xterra in 2004. It was even better when I found out he had moved back to Davis which was only 20minutes from where I was living. It was a chance for me to get to know him more personally. We even shared the same sponsor.

After I won the Xterra USA Championship in 2004 he walked up and complimented me on my race uniform. I was sporting a white uniform with red and blue stars. I was very patriotic. He lost that race to Conrad by 30seconds but he still captured the USA title. He was proud to be an American and proud to represent his country. I think that is what I admired the most about him!

When I made my way down to Pelham I knew we needed to do something to recognize such a great ambassador to our sport. Before the race start, Conrad said a few things and then we had a moment of silence. If you get the chance please visit www.rememberSteveLarsen.com. He leaves behind a wife and 5 kids and a big legacy!

I ended up having a really great time in Alabama despite the sad news. It was great to still be a part of Xterra. I had so much fun announcing with Kalei. I was even updating my facebook on how the race was unfolding.

I then flew home for a couple days, went to a doctor's appointment then flew to Indiana. I was asked to be a guest speaker for a race in Terre Haute and at a church. I had the pleasure of a wonderful homestay at the race director's in-laws. Paul and Judy were so much fun. Courtney kept saying that Judy and I were two peas in a pod. He couldn't believe how much we resembled each other. We both ended up announcing the race and having a blast. There was only one mic so Courtney did most of the announcing. He kept running around so I couldn't catch him! In the end we were asked to come back next year and I truly hope I get too!

During all of that I was fighting off a cold. I needed to get well so they wouldn't cancel my surgery. I have waited too long for this. Thankfully due to lots of praying I am well enough!

I don't know what life is going to be like after this surgery. I can only hope it is better than right now. Every day that I go to the gym the handicapped parking is right in front of the pool. I've had to watch people swimming every time I park for the last 6 months and I keep telling myself, "One day soon!" It is enough to drive one crazy. But ultimately I know my day will come soon and it will be work the wait. Heck right now I just can't wait until I can stand underneath a shower nozzle and let the water pour all the way down my back. No more standing with my head under as I shampoo and condition it. Then I have to put one arm then the other and then wash my legs all the while trying to avoid getting the whole where my drain comes out wet. It takes forever!

As I go into this next surgery I pray that all goes well. I pray that I can still go to the bathroom on my own and that there is no further damage. I also pray that the doctors can tuck my kidney in far enough that it doesn't really bother me. I will be out for at least 8 hours so most of all I hope I wake up because you never know when it is going to be your time!

Jamie

THE GOOD, THE BAD and THE SMALL THINGS

2009-05-18T21:23:00.001-07:00

It has been awhile since I last updated my website. I pretty much left everyone hanging for four weeks. I apologize for that but things have just been weird. Every time I sat down to type what is going on I just couldn't. I have been through so much and things just seem to be . . . well what they are!

The Good:

After all the drama about moving my bladder it ended up not even being an option because there is just too much scar tissue in the area. My oncologist told the urologists to stay away from that area. Yes God does answer prayers! So what are they going to do now? They are going to auto transplant my kidney. The doctors are going to remove my left kidney and pull it through an incision in my belly then the transplant team will put it back in my right pelvic area. They estimate the surgery to be about 8hrs . . . but I know it may be longer then that. This is a pretty good thing because I will finally get this stupid drain out of my kidney and I will be able to swim and attempt getting back on the bike.

The Bad:

When my kidney is placed back into my pelvic area it will bulge out. I will have discomfort in a crouching position. That means riding a road bike may no longer be an option. My 30min core training may not be possible and flip turns in the pool may not be doable. I know I have to give this a try because losing my kidney at my age could be a problem in the future but will this hinder the quality of life I want to continue to live? The doctors tell me because I am so thin it will be more uncomfortable then the average person. And to top things off I will have to wear a special kidney plate to protect it when I ride off road (and I will mountain bike again!) I guess that means no contact sports ever again!

The Small Things:

With so many challenges that keep coming my way I have to remind myself about the small things. Just 5 months ago my leg couldn't last more then 2 minutes in the elliptical trainer and now I can go for 1hr 30min or more. I could barely walk a 100ft without pain and just the other day I walked one lap of the Xterra Midwest Cup which was 5k. For a year I have only worn a pair of running shoes (the last pair I ever ran in) and thanks to Fleet Feet Sacramento I found a pair of Keens that fit over my AFO and I can actually wear them with nice pants or skirts! And I thought I would wear running shoes for the rest of my life.

As much as we sometimes dwell on the negative or worry about how everything is wrong in this world we forget about the small things. It is so important to look around and realize all that is good and right. Most importantly we have to remember that our time here is temporary. We aren't living to die we are dieing to live!

I celebrated my 33^rd birthday two weeks ago and then my 9 year anniversary with Court. What a joy it was to be able to celebrate after all that I have been through. Then thanks to Ryan DeCook (and his parents) and Craig Evans I have been able to travel to Michigan and Alabama to continue to be a part of Xterra. I was able to announce the Xterra Midwest Cup and I will help out in Alabama. These guys just can't get rid of me!! I continue to cherish the small things in life. What else can I do?

I go into surgery on June 8^th so please pray that it is successful and that I wake up without discomfort.

Jamie

Almost There

2009-04-06T14:16:00.001-07:00

I often think about that last day I ran and the day I rode my bike. I ran for only for 10minutes in Tucson, Arizona. Courtney and a couple friends from the camp were with me. The upper part of my left calf hurt like crazy but I was determined to keep going. By the time we finished I could barely walk without limping let alone stretch. It was at that point I knew something was seriously wrong.

A week later was my last ride on the road bike. For a week my leg was becoming more and more uncomfortable but on this particular day it was too much to handle. I was supposed to go for an easy 1hr spin but 5minutes into the ride I was in agony. I kept thinking it would go away but it only got worse. I started crying and by 15minutes I knew I had to turn around. The entire ride back to my car I could barely turn the pedals. The pain was indescribable.

With the amount of pain I was in for both of those days I couldn't truly enjoy either one. Instead the memory of agony is embedded in my brain. If only my last run could have been on my favorite trail in Sly Park, with rolling single track around a lake. I spent most of my winters on that nine mile loop smelling the fresh cedar and damp air. If only my last ride could have been battling it out in Salmon Falls with Courtney and Cliff in 90degree weather trying to avoid the poison oak. The first time I ever rode that trail I crashed over and over. I walked almost all of the technical, steep descents. Months later I was able to ride everything on that trail. It became my favorite place to ride and drop the hammer on all the guys. It has just the right amount of hill climbs and technical difficulty. There are tight single track sections with rocks all over the trail and a cliff to one side. Every once in a while you run into cows or skunks and a handful of other riders but most of the time I felt like it was my own personal trail and I had it all to myself.

The desire to get back to riding my bike and running is highly driven by these memories. I want to feel the wind blowing in my face and my heart rate sky rocket when I am attempting a difficult section. I want to feel the endorphins from running 10 miles at a steady pace. It is hard to get on an elliptical trainer inside 4-5days a week and not miss what I used to do. I am thankful I can at least workout but the longing to do something more doesn't go away. There is no "fix" from an hour of elliptical or 30minutes on a stationary bike. There is no sun that beats down on my neck as I lift weights. There is nothing that smells like the outdoors. There are only TV monitors and florescent lights while the top 40 plays over the speakers.

Two weeks ago I had a mold of my bad leg made. One week later Kenneth made a prototype brace for me to try out on the bike. Yes, one week. It is in San Francisco waiting for me to pick it up and try it out. I have been waiting for my kidney drain to be removed before I get back on a bike but I don't think I can wait that long. I need to get out on the open road. The sun is shining and the outdoors is calling my name. We have a borrowed tandem, we have the brace . . . Courtney just needs to make some modifications to my pedal and shoe along with some special custom bike shorts and I will be able to attempt a ride on the road.

I have a hard time sleeping these days because of the excitement. I didn't expect all of this to come so soon. I didn't expect so many people to jump at helping me get back on the bike. The possibility is right at the tip of my fingers. If only we could solve this kidney problem right now I would be riding tomorrow.

Two weeks ago Total Body Fitness and Bobby McMullen held a fund raiser for me. It was the premier of Bobby's movie "The Way Bobby Sees It!" The film is about how he rides blind . . . On his own bike off-road with a guide. He is a good friend and inspiration. I look at all that he has accomplished and I know I will be able to overcome similar obstacles. It's the kind of movie that motivates you to get off the couch. This movie has inspired one of my best friends, Kacey to do a triathlon in honor of me. I told her I would get her through this and have started training her. Even though she is incredibly sore and her lungs burn every time she jogs she has that desire and determination. I find it inspiring.

As the racing season approaches I encourage you to enjoy the ride. Take in everything life has to offer. And if you are sitting on a couch doing nothing get out and walk. Smell the fresh air!

Jamie

Taking Charge

2009-03-21T16:38:00.001-07:00

Have you ever imagined what you would do if you were told you had cancer? What would you do if your entire life flipped upside down. Would you grab life by the throat and fight or crawl in a hole and let life pass you by?

Through everything that has happened I know two things are certain, God is in control and I am a fighter. My last cancer scan came back clean. What a huge deal that is. God is listening and he answered the countless prayers. This good news means I get to move forward on fixing the drain coming out of my kidney. I am so close to getting back in the pool I can feel it!

After the good news I scheduled an appointment with the Urologist yesterday (Friday.) Since I was already going to be in San Francisco I went ahead and made an appointment with my Orthotist Ken. He is the guy that made my walking AFO and is going to make my bike and running brace! He is the man that is going to make things possible!

My meeting with Ken was great. He is already working on a brace and has a good idea of what I need. I gave him an old pair of my Mountain biking shoes to work with. He made another cast of my leg for the running brace and brought in a piece of paper with pattern on it. Some had butterflies, one looked like a pair of jeans but the one that popped out was the blue snakeskin. He said he could make my brace with this patter. I was grinning from ear to ear. If you have to wear a brace you might as well make it look dope!!

Afterwards we headed across the street to see Dr. Deng, the Urologist. Walking into the building brings back so many bad memories. Every doctor I have met in this building has given me nothing but bad news. Was today going to be different? I sat down in the waiting room looking out at the view. You could see Kezar stadium. It has a beautiful track and is the finish line for the Jamba Juice fun run. Every year I have entered the race I have walked away with a year supply of free Jamba Juice (one a week.) It is well worth the trip. I ran my fastest 5k in that race finishing third overall (women of course.) Looking out that window reminded me of what it felt like to run. It has been over a year since I have been able to go through that motion. The feeling of freeness. I started thinking about all the trail running I used to do. The smells of the fresh, damp air. I almost started tearing up as I recalled all these memories. Then my Dad walked over an sat down next to me. We were an hour early and hoping we might get in quickly to avoid the Friday traffic leaving San Francisco.

We weren't as lucky as I hoped but we finally got to see the doc. We discussed a few options but without knowing the size of the blockage we couldn't move forward. Dr. Deng was able to fit me in on the X-ray table to get a good look at the problem. They had to stick a catheter in me and fill up my bladder to see how much it could hold. Then they filled my kidney with contrast to see how far it was able to drain. On the X-Ray machine you could see all of my insides. Near my bladder it looked like there were a bunch of little worms or maggots. It turned out to be staples. I didn't realize there were so many staples left inside me. I am surprised I haven't set off any metal detectors!

When they were finished we discussed the next step. I was not prepared to hear what the doctor had to say. She wants to detach my bladder and move it up stretching it towards the ureter. Then they will attach the ureter to the top of the bladder. If this is successful everything will work and life will be great. A small amount of urine may flow back and forth into the kidney but it wouldn't affect me.

Downside is that with only one sacral nerve working and so much scare tissue they could permanently damage my bladder and I will never be able to pee on my own again. There is no reversing any damage. I asked how often she performs this surgery and the percentage of people that aren't able to go to the bathroom afterwards. She said she perform it 5 times a year and about 10% end up catheterizing themselves. That was enough for me to freak out! I do not want to jeopardize my ability to use the bathroom on my own. I am already so lucky I can go and I had a really bad feeling about this. I told her I didn't want this procedure if there was even the slightest possibility that I won't be able to urinate. The doctor jumped on me and said it wasn't the worst thing that could happen to me. She went on to say "if this was the worst thing you think could happen to you then you haven't had anything bad happen to you."

Then I really flipped out. Has this past year not been bad? I was a pro triathlete in the middle of my career forced into retirement, I am paralyzed in my left leg and I have no left glute muscle. I have only one sacral nerve controlling the bladder and I have to have cancer check-ups regularly. I think I have had some pretty bad stuff happen so excuse me if I want to hold onto the ability to urinate on my own!!!

I tried to tell Dr. Deng I didn't want to do this. I told her I would rather try and drop the kidney down and if that doesn't work then just take it out. But the concern of all doctors is not wanting to get rid of the kidney that functions properly. They are worried that if I only have one good kidney and something happens to it then I can only survive on dialysis for 5 years if another kidney doesn't turn up. I tried to tell her that plenty of people would offer up a kidney if I absolutely needed it but if my bladder is damaged they can't do a transplant of that.

I left the building absolutely distraught. What am I going to do. Ultimately for the first time the decision is mine. But I am a little scared of making the wrong choice.

The entire drive home I cried and prayed. I prayed God would guide me to make the right decision and I prayed for the patience to not rush it. This is going to be my choice because I don't want to be mad or blame anyone if things go wrong. What a week this is going to be.

When I informed Courtney he called a friend and asked for some advice. He said to get a bunch of other opinions and make sure I find a doctor who instead of 5 times a year does this procedure 5 times a week. So that is what we are going to do. If you know of any Urologists that are the best in their field please get me the info!!

Please pray that everything works out and that God leads me to the right decision for me. And most of all, whatever happens, please pray that I continue to go to the bathroom on my own.

Jamie

HOW’S IT GONNA BE?

2009-02-23T13:14:00.001-08:00

It was pointed out that this year might be an emotional one. As my body begins to heal there is still a lot of emotional healing. Sometimes I feel like I am on a rollercoaster, I am up then down then up again!

Last weekend we went to see the start of the Tour of California. I was able to see a bunch of sponsors, old friends and meet new people. Every time I turned around I was talking to someone new. It was just like old times. I had a great time seeing so many people for something other then football or basketball. Cannondale surprised me with a ride in the LiquiGas team car. I sat up front while we hopped on course behind one of the team riders. It was so cool! We were going about 30miles an hour even in the turns. I swore someone was going to step out onto the road and get run over by us. The entire time the Team driver was yelling something in Italian at the rider. I assumed it was "Go fast you are too slow . . . Pick it up!" Something like that. I only know Gratzi, Prego and Chow!

After that we hung out with some of the Cannondale folks and I got a chance to meet Ivan Basso. He signed a poster for me but some how in the translation my name was misunderstood as Chrissie. It would be a big deal except I wanted to hang it up near Ned and all the other posters I have. Courtney made a call to see if another poster could be signed with the correct name but I doubt that will happen. In the meantime I just look at it and laugh. That was one of my fears whenever I would sign autographs for people. I didn't want to mess up a name or misspell anything! So much pressure!!

Tuesday a photographer from the Sac Bee (my local newspaper) shot some photos of me working out at the gym and with my PT. I had to laugh because people were already trying to figure out my deal and then I had someone taking pictures. One lady jumped on a trainer next to me so she could be in a picture not even knowing what it was for. Afterwards she asked and I explained but I am not sure if she understood she wasn't in the photo! I ended up on the elliptical for over an hour. My longest cardio workout so far. I was pretty excited. Thursday I had to match that so I added on the stationary bike. I spent about an hour and 10min combined then hit the weights for an hour or so! I feel so much better when I get to workout I just wish I could do more. I remember when 5 minutes fatigued my leg and now I am going strong for an hour plus in only a month. I guess you never really get rid of the drive to excel.

This weekend was great. I was able to catch up with friends. Saturday morning I was out at a local off-road duathlon. Then it was off to see very dear friends of mine since I was a kid. We swapped cancer stories and reminisced over old times. It was so great to see them. I realized how much I have missed out on with all the traveling but was glad I got a chance to catch up. I am hoping I get to visit more and do whatever I can to help out.

Sunday it was off to the gym, church and then my best buddy Kacey's house. I haven't seen her for awhile either. We had a great time getting on line and looking up old friends on face book. I just found out there is going to be a 15year high school reunion for us this September. I think I should have a shirt made before I go explaining what is going on so everyone doesn't ask what happened to me!! Not that I mind sharing, I just don't want to tell the same story over and over in one night!

I have started getting into Face book a little more. Everyone says I need to update it more often and write on their wall or whatever you do on it. So all morning I have been sifting through friend requests and chatting online with people. It was actually pretty cool and highly addicting. I better be careful with that. Everyone I talked to was shocked I was online. They know me so well!

This Wednesday I head back to UCSF for a CT and MRI scan. I will know that day if there is any sign of cancer. If I am clean we move forward with surgery on my blockage and if I have cancer we move forward with chemo. I feel like I have been in a holding patter for so long wondering "How's it gonna be?" I trust that God will continue to give me the strength to get through whatever lies ahead in the upcoming days. I am confident everything will be ok!

Please pray there are no signs of cancer and that the doctors will be able to fix my ureter!

Continuing to be . . .

Jamie

Back To UCSF

2009-02-13T01:17:00.001-08:00

Yes, you read it correctly . . . I was back at the hospital on Wednesday. A few weeks ago I noticed some bloody chunks in my drain and I was having some pain just before in the kidney area. It cleared up and the pain went away the next day so I didn't think to much of it. Then it happened again and cleared up again. After the third time we called my doctor to see what we should do.

While the doctors were setting up an appointment for me to go down to San Francisco I started having crippling pain in my stomach. That started Saturday night when it was so bad it woke me up from a deep sleep. I went to the bathroom but it was only getting worse. I had to kick my dog Rikki off the bath mat so I could lie down. Courtney came in and had me take some Tums then helped me back into bed. I woke up the next morning feeling fine. I was ok the entire day. The next morning (Monday) I was woken up once again by the pain. I took a couple Tums and it seemed to get a little better. All day Tuesday my stomach didn't feel great but I managed to work out in the gym and go to PT. That night the pain came back and with a vengeance. I was on the bathroom floor again crying. Courtney had to help me up and into bed once again.

The next morning Courtney called my doctor to inform him of what was going on. He was concerned so he had me drive to UCSF to get my drain checked. They were worried that even though it seemed to be draining it may be clogged. We had to rush down there to make my appointment. We were driving through a crazy rain storm with accidents left and right but we made it.

Everyone was excited to see how well I was doing. The last time they saw me in early October I was about 100lbs and still walking with a walker. Now I am about 14lbs heavier and walking with a cane. I told the doctors (the ones that deal with my drain) what was going on. They asked if I wanted to be sedated but I said "No." I have been a little needle shy lately. Besides they told me people that live with these types of drains permanently usually don't need sedation.

First they filled up my kidney with fluid to see if it would drain on it's own but it wasn't. It causes a really uncomfortable pain but it was tolerable. Then they pulled out the drain leaving a wire to guide the new one. It was pretty painful and once the drain was out it felt like someone was burning me with a match (or when you pour alcohol on an open wound.) At that moment I wondered if the little needle would have been less painful. Then they shoved a new drain back into my kidney and I decided that is I had to do this again I would totally take the sedation!

I was told that my drain had pulled out so it was good I got in there and had it fixed. The doctor also told me that the physical activity I have been engaged in may be causing the bloody chunks. He doesn't want to tell me to stop doing what I am doing but just to be careful. I guess I can push the limits sometimes.

So far things seem to be better. I have started rowing. Only about 10minutes at a time. My kidney is always sore afterwards so I limit rowing to once or twice a week. I feel like I am going crazy if I don't keep trying new things. Life will be so much better once I get my ureter fixed. I currently have not had any more stomach pains but if I do I think they will be moving up my CT and MRI scans. These days nothing seems to be little. I can't ignore anything that feels wrong. My greatest fear is that I have sarcoma tumors growing in my abdominal area and if I do I want it caught right away. But I try not to think about that.

I watched the new Survivor this evening and it was a little tough. I watch all of these people thrown into the wilderness and so many of them seem to poop out. I think to myself I could do better then that with only one good leg! It kills me to see people give up or start walking while the rest of their team is running. I know when I watch Amazing Race it will have the same affect. Courtney and I applied for that show just before I got sick. I keep working hard so I can get strong then I will reapply for Amazing Race. Hopefully this time we will get picked . . . Even with a bum leg I think we could rock that race!

I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day. I will be spending my watching the Tour of California in downtown Sacramento with Courtney. I will be meeting up with some of my sponsors and hoping I get a glance of some of the pros!

Jamie

PS I went 6 miles in 54minutes in the elliptical machine. That is two minutes faster without even trying!

Still Going

2009-02-02T16:39:00.001-08:00

Yikes . . . I don't know where the time goes! I am trying hard to keep my blog updated so everyone knows how I am doing but I seem to always fall behind.

So much has happened since the last time I wrote to you all. I started going to the gym. At first I was a little reluctant because when I go I see the pool and I see folks swimming and it makes me sad. It has been over six months since I last swam and I long to get back into it. Then there is the treadmill. I should be happy with the fact that at least I can use the elliptical trainer but somehow I am not. I would much rather be out there running. I can't believe how much this has affected me. I never know why so many people complain about running. I would trade places in a heartbeat with anyone that hates it that much!

The first time I went to the gym I hopped on the elliptical machine. Two minutes into it my bad leg was fatigued. I decided to continue on. I wanted to go for 30 minutes but I realized I shouldn't push it. After all it has been awhile since I have done anything other then walk. My leg was pretty sore the next day but it felt good to do something. The next time I lasted 30minutes then 35 and then 45. It is difficult to go fast but I push myself as much as I can alternating speeds and the length of time I go fast. I keep it interesting. Just the other day I was on for 56 minutes and I went 6 miles. I was pretty stoked!

I have been trying to find a commercial grade elliptical machine for home so I can use it everyday. We have been looking but none of the stores carry the ones that the gyms have. I don't like the cheaper ones because you don't get a proper stride on them and they have cheap parts which will fall apart pretty quickly. I contacted a friend who owns some gyms in hopes he will be able to help me and possibly help me get a deal since they are very expensive. I need to get one to keep my sanity and to keep me feeling good!

It is an interesting experience for me to go to the gym because of all the people that can't figure out my story. They try not to stare but they can't help it. I think I would stare at me too! Here I am a young gal going to the gym with a cane, an AFO on my leg/foot and a drain coming out of my back. I really get them when I take my shirt off on the elliptical trainer. It must be pretty gross to see the tube coming out of my back. I should where a shirt that says, "Cancer sucks, it paralyzed me but I am not letting it stop me from carrying on with life!"

We just had the 4^th annual ICTN camp which was a blast once again. It is such a joy to get to see everyone each year and meet knew people. I love sharing advice on racing and racing for God's glory. This year I was able to share what I have gone through and continue to go through face to face. It was a little hard for me to talk about it and I ended up leaving out a lot. I just couldn't explain an entire year in 1 hour! Courtney and I were so blessed by everyone there especially when they raised almost $3,000 for us to help remodel the bathroom. I cried because so many people care and love us. It is a great feeling to have and very humbling. It truly is easier to give then to receive. We have always tried to give and now we are in a position where we need the help . . . We need to receive and we are so incredibly blessed!

The new location of the camp was Tucson, Arizona. It is a beautiful place to train. I have been there several times for other training camps and loved every minute of the great weather during the winter. The fellowship was great and the messages from each of the pastors hit home. The hardest part was watching everyone take off to train. I wanted to be a part of that but instead I headed to the tiny weight room in the hotel. It had a small weight machine with one treadmill, one broken elliptical trainer and a recumbent bike. I walked on the treadmill and tried to run on it holding myself up with my arms. It didn't work very well. I tried the bike but my foot kept slipping off. The next day Courtney duct taped my foot on and it was great! Gotta love duct tape. When the maintenance man came to give us the tape he asked it I was ok with taping my foot in and I laughed. I explained about my disability and then he apologized. We all laughed some more. It was pretty strange if you didn't know about me being a die-hard triathlete!

It took me all week to recover from the trip. And as usual I am way behind on answering emails. I still haven't mailed my Christmas cards/letter and I have two years worth of taxes to do. My main focus these days are coaching and working out. I am determined to work as hard as it takes to get as good as new as possible. This is not an easy task by any means. Sometimes I get discouraged because it is so hard to do things. It is hard to know how fit I was and how great I always felt. Now I get tired easily or my leg gets tired and stops working. I often trip around the house while I am trying to clean. I will say one thing . . . I am doing way more then expected and I continue to get stronger. I remember when I couldn't even push the vacuum cleaner and now I am vacuuming the entire house! I have to remind myself it is about the small things. I can't jump head first anymore, I have to put my feet in then slowly make my way. In the end I will still get to the same place it will just take a little longer.

I am scheduled for my next CT scan and MRI for February 25^th. I wish it were sooner so we can get going on my kidney drain. I am tired of it big time. In the meantime I am praying the scan is clean. I pray that it is cancer free so I can continue to move forward. I don't like taking one step forward just to take 5 steps back. It is time to start making plans for the year and I don't want any more setbacks.

Jamie

Life Goes On

2009-01-08T10:18:00.001-08:00

Wow what a New Year it has already turned out to be. I am getting a lot of inquiries about coaching which is exciting. If you have ever been to one of my Xterra clinics or talked with me you know how much I love to spread the knowledge. I can't wait until I have enough money to build a training camp on our property. It will be absolutely worth coming to but I know it will take awhile. I need a lot of other things first . . . Like my new disable friendly bathroom!

This past weekend a local training and racing company called TBF (www.tbfracing.com) put on a New Years duathlon. They have been doing this for a couple years now and it is free to anyone that wants to participate. This year they took donations to help none other then ME! With over 200 racers they were able to raise almost $3000 which is a blessing because I need a new bathroom ASAP! I had a little fall a few weeks ago that scared me more then it actually hurt me. More people die from slipping in the bathroom then any other accident in the home. That is scary when you think about it! The worst part was that Courtney was in the garage and couldn't hear me screaming for help to get back up. When I think about it I really could have gotten hurt. My guardian angel sure was looking out for me that day.

I am so thankful for my friends at TBF. They have been an awesome support system. I got my start in triathlon with their help. It was back in 1998 I was at the CIM expo and they had a booth. I don't remember why I was there because I surely wasn't running the marathon but I was really interested in doing triathlons. That winter I joined their training group and met lots of neat and fun people that had the same desire. Mark Shaw (one of the owners) became my first tri coach. From there we became great friends and training buddies. Both he and Bill (another owner) have supported and helped my career in multisport. I only hope I can repay them for all of their generosity! I do recommend their training classes if you are looking to get into Triathlons and you should really consider one of their races or all of them! I will be out there this winter announcing the Chanoko Duathlon series and the Real Mountain Bike Tri! I hope to see some of you out there!

A day after the race I got a call from a guy who started Veterans for Sarcoma charity. We have been in and out of contact for the past several months. He too had a sarcoma which you can read about on his website www.veteransforsarcoma.com/donate vfs.aspx He has been wanting to help me out since he has been in a similar situation. He along with many others are on a mission to raise money for Sarcoma research. This is super important since people are continuing to die from this horrible cancer. The biggest scare when you get a sarcoma is if it has spread to your lungs. Being a soft tissue cancer this is the first place it likes to go. I have been blessed thus far with no sign of lesions on my lungs. This is also why I am being closely monitored and why my chemo was going to be so aggressive! He has offered to help me out so I can get the ball running on the bathroom/laundry room. Talk about being blessed. If you get a chance check out his website and help any way you can!

To top things off Courtney will be able to start taking Friday's off to get moving on the bathroom. It will probably start next month which doesn't matter to me at this point. Friends and family have also offered to help with the labor. It really seems like this is going to happen in the near future! I am so excited. It has been difficult trying to do the laundry and trying to be super careful while I try to step in and out of the bathtub for a shower. I can't even begin to describe how hard it is to sit on a toilet that isn't even standard height . . . Which is why I asked for a toilet for Christmas from my in-laws. I am all about practical gifts! They were a little perplexed and then understood my need for a proper toilet (chair height.) Soon there will me no more falling hard onto the toilet seat! YEAH!

Fleet Feet Sports in Sacramento has also been spectacular in raising money and spreading awareness. Pat and Jan (owners) have always been great friends . . . I have been going to the store since my high school running days! Together they raised almost $10k which went directly to medical bills and my increased health insurance. I guess medical insurance is like car insurance . . . If you get really sick the rates go way up. My Dad says no matter what I am still ahead because of how much everything costs! I agree and am not complaining!

Then there is the John Wayne Cancer Foundation who has also been a tremendous support with raising some money, sending gifts and making the "Go Jamie" stickers. I met Greg Graber at Wildflower last year and told him my story. He has been an awesome support! I can't Thank him enough either! Please check out his website (He is married to John Wayne's granddaughter) and help out if you can www.jwcf.org/ Courtney and I still joke about it being the Jamie Whitmore Cancer Foundation because we have the same initials!

I can't forget all of the individual support from all of you out there. We never would have made it through the year without it. Everything from financial support to magazines/books to cards and other gifts. I am so thankful and blessed. It gave me an opportunity not to worry about making the bills and eating to actually getting healthy! My sponsors were also key because they continued to support and pay me and everyone of them continues to stand behind me as I venture into coaching and camps.

So what have I been up to. Starting my coaching business of course. I am walking (still not enjoying it but doing it because I need to!) I am lifting weights which is something and playing Wii fit to help with balance and make yoga fun! I am also continuing to work on cleaning the house and organizing everything I put off while I was racing then when I got sick. Everyone I run into says I am looking great and my super high energy personality is finally back.

I still have moments where I start to think about racing. I get a little emotional until I push it out like you would push out the pain feeling during a race. I think my day to day dealings are like a race. I have to push through my limitations and constantly redirect my thought process. I must say no race has ever been this hard but at least I get outside assistance!

I hope all of you are embracing the New year and everything you have the ability to accomplish!

I almost forgot . . . If you are looking for an opportunity to get away and get some training in check out www.ictrinet.com It is a wonderful camp at the end of this month. I have been a part of for the past 3 years. I will be there again this year to tell my story and give my advice on training for Xterra racing. Courtney will also be there to help out with bike maintenance and riding skills. Please check it out and think about coming. It is also a Christian camp but you do not have to be a Christian to attend! There will be lots of fellowship and some of the most amazing Pastors (one of which has been there for me through all of my experience and was at both surgeries!) I am trying to raise $400 to take a young promising athlete along with us. He is such a hard working young man with a lot of potential. If you know of anyone that can help please let me know. It would be like a sponsorship program!

Until next time

Jamie

DON’T LOOK BACK

2009-01-02T13:45:00.001-08:00

In high school I remember my cross country coach telling me not to look back in a race. He said it was a sign you are fading and if the person behind you see's you look back they will pounce on you! The first time I won the Delta League Cross Country Championship I was in second place for most of the race. With 800m to go I saw the girl look back at me. I was probably about 15-20sec behind her. I knew she was fading so I went for it. I dug deep and picked up the pace and passed her to win the championship.

In all my years of racing I tried not to look back when I was in the lead. I didn't want my competitors to know if I was hurting. I wanted to look back so many times but I knew I shouldn't. I knew I just needed to keep pushing no matter what!

I have been battling cancer, a disability and the loss of my career. It has been painful both physically and emotionally. One minute I was planning for the 2008 season, here I wanted to go, how I wanted to travel and the titles I wanted to take back. Then I was told I had cancer. I remember telling Courtney I would be such a stronger racer after all of this. We were already planning my big comeback in 2009. Then I woke up from surgery #1 and found out I couldn't use my left foot any more. I was deeply saddened but I didn't let it stop me from believing I could still race. People told me I would be better off without my foot but I kept believing.

I remember the day the doctors told me the tumor grew back. I was 4 days into radiation. I simply smiled and said "OK when is my next surgery." I worked so hard to get into the best shape I possibly could. I swam 6 days a week. I lifted two days a week. I was going to physical therapy 3 days a week and I was even on the elliptical trainer. I was already achieving more then most thought but wouldn't say. All my doctors knew not to tell me I would never be able to do something. They knew I would do more then the average person.

My second surgery was a difficult time. I spent 4 weeks on my right side, barely able to walk. The doctors took all of my left glute. Now I was down a nerve and the biggest muscle. I almost died from a kidney infection 1 week after leaving the hospital. I spent the next 2-3months in and out of the hospital trying to figure out why I couldn't keep food down and why I felt so nauseous. The one blessing was no chemo thus far. 2008 was a tough year for me and my family.

Christmas came and was a wonderful time. After all we were celebrating the birth of Jesus. I was a bit (OK a lot) stressed getting ready. Cleaning is not as easy or as fast as it used to be. I was getting frustrated with my drain getting caught on knobs in the kitchen and the vacuum cleaner when I tried to vacuum. I couldn't move large things so I would wait until Courtney came home or my Dad came to visit. Eventually it all worked out. As everyone opened their presents I looked around and wondered how Christmas would have been if I weren't here. All of the smiles on everyone's faces wouldn't have been there. At that moment I realized how lucky I was.

My youngest nephew saved his money and gave me a little candle. It was Jingle Bells scented. He also gave me a letter he wrote to God asking for 4 wishes this year. The first was for the world wishing no one would be hungry. The second was for California wishing there were more wildlife. The third was for me wishing I would get better and not have to go to the hospital anymore. The last was for himself wishing for 100 pieces of Hershey's chocolate. Tears streamed down my face. That letter means a lot to me. I have it framed and sitting on the counter so I can look at it everyday.

I don't want to look back at 2008 and feel sad. I don't want to look back and show a sign of weakness. I am such a stronger person now. I feel so much closer to God and I know my faith is a heck of a lot stronger. I figure life is about trying things you don't think you can do. I know I have a lot of limitations but I am learning not to think about them. I look around my house at all the pictures of my racing and my awards and I realize that life will never be the same. I can't walk without a limp but it won't stop me from trying to run.

Every year I write my goals on a board in the bathroom. I look at them everyday and work my butt off to accomplish them. I finally erased 2008 which said "Reclaim World Championship title, Defend USA and Point Series title and remember to Race for God." It was very emotional erasing those words but I wrote up new ones, "Get healthy, Ride a bike, Remodel bathroom and Race for God!" There is nothing like setting the bar high. You don't know what you can do unless you try. So for 2009 I will be "trying all kinds of things and I won't be looking back. Hello New Year!

I hope all of you had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year. Remember to never stop trying!

Jamie

P.S. Thank you so much to those that have been inquiring about my coaching. I am very excited to start working with new athletes. If you are serious about becoming one of my athletes please email me and title it "Coaching" Let me know what you are looking for and I will let you know how much I charge monthly and what I can do for you!

I'M STILL ALIVE

2008-12-11T13:12:00.001-08:00

Usually no news is good news but that is not the case with me! I wanted to quickly update you guys because you have all been so kind in checking in on me!

After Tahoe I went in to try and have my drains removed but the blockage in my ureter was worse then they thought. Nothing was able to pass through because of all the radiation and abscesses. It is like cement in there. My urologist is hopeful they can figure out something but there is a slight chance I could be stuck with a drain out o m kidney forever! That is when I asked if they could just remove the kidney because I am not living with a drain. The doctors said that as an option but only if they can't fix the problem.

Maui was great but I was sick most of the time. I was able to suck it up and carry on but the mornings were really rough on me. It was great to see all of my friends from around the world. It brought such joy to me during a tough time. I was called up on stage to receive the Xterra Warrior award again. I cried once again and then got a standing ovation. It was a touching moment!

Once we returned home I had to go in for an MRI and CT Scan then it was on to talk to the Chemo doctor. I was told my scans were clean. No signs of another tumor Thank the Lord! The chemo doctor came ino the room and said he had good news. Because my scans were clean and I still wasn't well he was no longer reccomending chemo. As long as my next few scans remain clear I will not have to do chemo but if there is on sign of cancer anywhere I will have to start chemo immediatly. In the midst of all this bad stuff finally something good came along!!!

If my next scan remains clean then I will be able to go in for the surgery on my ureter. I pray that in February everything is clean and I will finally get rid of this kidney drain. It is hard enough to get around and the drain makes it worse. I really can't stand having it!

I was still having problems with nauseau and vomiting but it all stopped once I stopped taking methadone. It turns out that the combination of that and my antibiotics was what was causing my nausuea for so long. It even caused blurred vision.

I then got sick right before Thanksgiving and ended up in the emergency room all night long with Courtney. They could't find anything wrong with my kidney or the JP drain that had just been removed. It turned out to just be the flu . . . at least that is what we think it was. I had a fever for 5 days. My head hurt like crazy. When I put my head on the pillow it felt like it was in an oven!

All of this caused me to go into a depression. I was tired of being sick. Tired of needing help and tired of not being able to walk right. Even though I stated physical therapy again it only reminded me of how bad my leg is. I have no left bum causing all of my pants not to fit not to mention of how bad it looks. I have always been an athlete and took pride in how fit I looked. Now all I see is a really messed up leg.

Courtney got me a pair of walking poles to help me get around outside. When I finally started walking again I cried the whole time. The poles were great but I was just so sad. I have never really like walking or hiking. Why should I when I could run every where. This is my favorite time of the year to run and I can't. It is so frustrating and depressing. It was hard for me just to get out of bed.

I fnally got up a few days ago and decided to quit feeling sorry for myself. I am tired of thinking about all the things I can't do. I can't race but I can coach. I have been coaching ever since I gradated from college. I was a head Cross Country and Track coach for 4 years and I have been coaching several athletes for the past 5 years It is time to take all the knowledge and experieces I have and share them with others. I really do love coaching. So I am launching GutzyTriCoaching. So if you are looking for someone to help you get to the next level of you just need someone to give you a schedule to follow contact me. I mostly like Xterra but I can do Olympic distance, Mountain biking and running! This should keep me busy until I am strong enough to start doing camps. I am also working on the commentating and guest speaking. I already have a few gigs for next year. How fun! I love to talk and share my experiences with others so I think this will be great! If you want to hear a sample of my commentating you can check it out at www.Xterraplanet.com from Maui. I hearId Idid a pretty good job!

So things are looking up for me. I really want to pick up some new athletes to coach so I am going to work hard to find some. If you know of anyone send them my way! And last but not leat, my wetsuit sponsor (Maystorm) is designing a line called GutzyTriGear to help raise money for me. They are starting off with Jerseys and arm warmers. More info will be posted on my website. I am hoping this will take off because I would love nothing more then my own line of clothing! That would be so cool!

The Triathlon world just can't get rid of me! I won't let it! When life hands you lemons you have to make lemonade! Besides I know God has a plan. I know my life is about doing his work. I honestly don't know how anyone could go through what I went through without having faithin God! His strength has pulled me through some really tough times this year. I am so blessed!

Thank you to everyone for your continued prayers and support. Please pray that I get my ureter fixed and don't have to lose my kidney. Please pray that the cancer does not return and plase pray I continue to get stronger.

Jamie

Sorry So Long

2008-11-28T12:31:00.001-08:00

It has been quite a while and you have not heard anything from either one of us. Jamie has not been feeling well and could not stand to look at her computer screen for longer than a few minutes, and I have been super busy with work an unable to update you all. So much has happened to Jamie that I think she needs to tell it. Jamie and I spent the whole nite before Thanksgiving in the E.R. at U.C. Davis but were able to leave and make Thanksgiving dinner, she is currently not feeling well and we hope she just has a cold and will be feeling better soon. So look forward to a update soon even if I need to take dictation and type it myself. I hope all of you out there had a wonderful thanksgiving and were able to be with your loved ones.

courtney

XTERRA WARRIOR

2008-10-09T20:05:00.001-07:00

Vote 4 Jamie

Wow, what a weekend! I was really worried I might not make it to Tahoe for the Xterra USA Championship with all of the infections that kept popping up. But I am happy to say I did and what an amazing weekend it was!

Friday and Saturday, a silent auction was held in my honor to help with the growing medical expenses. There were so many items that were donated by pros, friends and sponsors. Melanie McQuaid walked up with a bag full of items and two baskets of Natures Path goodies, one for Courtney and me and one for the auction. I was so grateful. Several other pros (Conrad, Jenny Smith, Josiah Midaugh, Mike Vine, Seth Wealing, Chris Leigh, Shonny Vanlandingham and so many more) donated things like jersey's, coaching, tires and other stuff. Ned Overend donated a signed jersey and a Specialized bike. Even my old sponsor and good friend Jim Felt got in on the giving by donating a cruiser bike! One guy donated his 29er bike. I can't even begin to name everything that was there and I can't even begin to THANK everyone for their support! I will mention how much I appreciate Janet Soule for putting this all together and for bearing the cold while she collected all the payments throughout the silent auction. She had some help from her hubby and my best bud, Cliff Millemann, Amber Monforte, and Linda Lindsey! Thanks again guys!

Team Unlimited also came up with an awesome T-shirt just for me! On the front it said "J-Dawg Crew" and on the back was "Keep the Faith Tour" with a list of every place I won in the U.S. and abroad. $20 for every shirt sold is being donated to me and you can still order them at

www.xterragear.com You can choose between black or blue!

Seeing everyone wear the T-shirts around brought me to tears. You just never know what people think about you or what kind of a difference you make until a time like this. A time when you need help. I have spent the last nine months fighting cancer, fighting infections and dealing with being disabled. It isn't easy. It isn't easy to realize I won't ever race as a pro and that I need to reinvent myself. I will say one thing, having the love and support from everyone in the Xterra family has made me know I can keep on fighting and that I do make a difference!

Saturday night I was honored with the Xterra Warrior award. It started out with Whit Raymond making us tear up while he talked about me, then a video of my racing over the past few years along with interviews from Conrad, Melanie, Jenny and Shonny Vanlandingham. When Conrad started to speak I lost it completely. All of them said such wonderful things about me, about what I meant to them and to Xterra. It was Melanie who pointed out how as professional athletes we expect to go out on our own terms, not something like this in the middle of our prime! As I continued to watch the video tears kept rolling from my eyes. I couldn't hold them back, I didn't want to. They were tears of sadness and happiness! I was sad at the reality that in that short video was my entire career and happiness that in that short time I made a huge impact on others and I am continuing to do so!

I am pretty sure there was not a dry eye in the room. I hobbled up to the podium to give a little speech. I talked about when I first heard I had cancer and then when I found out I may never walk or run again. I joked about losing my glute muscle (I said I could do things "half assed" now.) I don't remember much else because I was so overwhelmed with emotions but I do remember saying I may never compete in the pro category but don't count me out as a Challenged Athlete!

I really was shocked and had no idea I was receiving this award. My good friend Bryan Medrano was the first to get it for his battle with Huntington's disease and I have sat at world's every year watching each new recipient get this amazing award. I always wanted to earn this award, just not this way!! I want to Thank Team Unlimited for giving me this award, it means so much to me!

As tired as I was, it took me awhile to fall asleep. I was having such a blast seeing all my friends and talking with so many people. I could really feel the love. I could even feel myself getting stronger and more determined to continue to fight.

Sunday morning I rolled out of bed early and eager to see the start of the race! As I walked along the sand with my walker Whit came up to me to ask a few questions on the mic. I told everyone congratulations for qualifying for this race and to remember to race hard, to not give up on the bike and to not walk on the run because I can't do any of that! Once the gun went off I continued to answer questions and give insight on the race. I had so much fun doing that during the swim I made my way to transition to continue to help. I was on a roll. I was joking about some of my friends and giving serious insight on the pros as well as the course itself. Clay, one of the announcers, kept saying "I should sign my check over to you right now." Then I was asked to hold the finish line for the first pro male and female winner! I was honored once again. I stood there, with my Dad holding the other side as my long time friend Mike Vine from Canada finally picked up the win. He has finished second three times before but never taken the victory. He dedicated his win to me and said he kept fighting hard so he could win in my honor. Then when Melanie came in first she came over and hugged me tightly saying it just isn't the same without you. She also said she was out there racing not only for herself but for the both of us. I tell you I just couldn't stop crying! Others, like the first amateur Joshua Olmstead (a good friend) dedicated his race to me. He raced with a sticker "Go Jamie" on the top tube of his bike to remind him not to give up.

The awards podium continued to keep the tears coming with Melanie and Mike and several others saying such nice things about me. Meg (aka peg leg Meg), a below the knee amputee who was the first female challenged athlete to race in Tahoe stood on the podium and said she is afraid of when I come back to racing. I laughed as I wiped my tears. I am excited to have some competition! I have awhile until I will be able to make my way back to racing so I hope Meg is still competing!

I am blown away by this weekend. I never imagined it was going to be as exciting as it was. Being able to help commentate made me feel like I was still part of the race . . . Still part of Xterra. I am not ready to leave the scene. I am passionate about this sport and want to continue to do what I can to stay a part of it! I have been telling people to make sure you email Xterra and tell them how much you enjoyed listening to me and how much you want to hear me at the races. I don't want to take anyone's job I just want to be the "Color Commentator!" So vote for Jamie!!

I needed a few days to recover from the weekend but I am doing fine! I am now walking a mile in the morning and a mile in the evening. It still isn't very fast but at least I am doing it! I enjoy the time in the evening with Courtney because we get to talk about our day! It is something I recommend doing.

Jamie

One Day at a Time

2008-10-02T18:20:00.001-07:00

I have been through a lot these past ten weeks, more then I can ever describe. I know many of you have been checking my website diligently looking for some kind of update. I am so sorry for the delay. It has been difficult for me but now I am doing so much better!

I will start from my kidney infection so you know what has transpired over the past month. . . A few days after I got home from the hospital I started throwing up. I could not keep anything down for two days so they made me come back to the hospital. They hooked me up to an IV and gave me some anti-nausea medicine and ran some tests. I felt better after a couple days and was able to keep food down so they sent me back home thinking the antibiotics I was taking caused the vomiting. Everything seemed fine for a couple days until I started throwing up again. This time was worse because I couldn't even keep fluids down. It was back to the hospital for more tests.

My second trip to the hospital for vomiting was much like the first. They ran a bunch of tests but couldn't find anything wrong with me. Just as they were about to send me home I began getting dizzy and threw up. They decided to run more tests which included a cat scan. After looking at the results from the cat scan they ordered an MRI. The MRI revealed a possible bone infection. They immediately put me on IV antibiotics. I had to do one more test which was an isotope test. They take some blood and add radioactive isotopes to the white blood cells then put it back into my blood stream. If there is an infection the white blood cells go to that area and they can see them!

My results didn't show an infection but all of the doctors still believed there was one. They felt that maybe they detected it so early that the test was inconclusive. I finally made it home last week but I am hooked up to an IV that distributes my antibiotic all day long. It is hooked up to a pick-line in my arm. Oh yeah . . . I still have a JP drain and a kidney drain. I have tubes running out of me from every direction. To make things worse they get tangled up all the time. I have to wear shirts that can slide over the machine that gives me the antibiotics because we can't really unhook it whenever. Every night Courtney has to hook up a new antibiotic bag making sure he doesn't have any air bubbles and also making sure he flushes my line with saline and heparin. He has to wear gloves and clean everything with alcohol swabs. He is a regular nurse! I also have a home care nurse that comes once a week to draw blood and clean my line.

Besides all of that I am feeling pretty good. They have me on an anti-nausea medication called Zophran which is a dissolvable tablet that goes under my tongue twice a day. So far (cross your fingers and pray) it has been helping me! I am happy to say I am keeping my food down and not feeling dizzy! I am walking twice a day, a mile in the morning and half a mile in the evening with my walker. I joke with my family by saying "Who is going to walk me today!" I am almost ready to start physical therapy. In fact I think I will be starting next week. The only depressing thing is that it takes me about 45 minutes to walk a mile and I used to be able to run a 5 minute mile!

I am getting around places like Costco and Wal-Mart by using the motorized carts. It is kind of fun. If I tried to walk it would take me hours to shop. But I do get tired really easy and it can hit me quickly so we have to be careful about how much I can do. Sometimes I get nauseous if I do too much which is why it has taken me so long to get this update. I get sick if I am on the computer too long! I hope they can figure out what is making me sick because it is not fun when you can't keep food down or feeling dizzy typing on the computer!

I still need help getting in and out of bed. I need help getting things to eat. I have not taken a shower since my surgery on July 14^th! I have to wash my hair in the sink and then wash myself with a wash cloth. Thank goodness for action wipes because they have helped me feel fresh and clean with all of their products. And I still need help getting dressed. But I am happy to say I am doing more on my own. Right now it is about taking one day at a time.

It really has been rough. It seems like it is one thing after another. The worst part is that I CANNOT start chemo until I am healthy. All of these tubes have to be out of me and I have to be well before I am cleared to start this aggressive form of chemo for six months. I pray that I don't get sick during the treatments because I have already been sick for so long. I also pray that I am strong enough to deal with it.

I was on the news today . . . Channel 58 and I had a chance to talk about the silent auction in Tahoe this weekend in my honor. I also had a chance to briefly talk bout what I have been going through. It was an honor to be there. Down the road Chris Riva (hopefully) will be doing a bigger segment on my story. Heck, I should be on Oprah talking about my ordeal!

I hope I have gotten you all up to date on things. I am super excited about going to Tahoe this weekend. I am so blessed to have so many people care about me. So many people have put so much into this silent auction. Jenny Smith (a fellow pro and friend) along with Janet Soule (a good friend) have really been working hard, not to mention all the pros and other people that have donated such cool items. I have been crying joyful tears over all the generosity. I hope it has a big turnout because so many have put so much into this. I feel like I should be doing something!

To find out more about the items up for auction go to www.supportjamiewhitmore.org There are a lot of really cool items like an Eli Manning signed jersey donated by Gatorade and a Specialized bike donated by none other then Ned Overend. If it wasn't a silent auction for me I would be going crazy over all this stuff! Just visit the website and you will see! And a huge thanks to Nikola for setting up the website!

Thank you for all of your prayers. Please don't stop I still have a long road ahead and I need them all!

Jamie

The Good, the Bad and the Awsome!

2008-09-11T22:51:00.001-07:00

Yes, it is Courtney (for those of you who don't know me I am Jamie's husband) again.I am tired of writing you with bad news all the time so I though I would sprinkle in some good stuff too. I think I will start off with some good news. The Doctors think Jamie might be coming home this weekend. If she gets to come home it will be great, the dogs miss her alot, and I am going nuts without her around. Now with a little bit of the bad. The Doc's are guessing Jamie has a bone infection, and this would explain all the problems she has been experiencing over the past few weeks. Today they (the nursing staff) installed a pic line into her arm. For those of us who don't speak hospital, this is a semi-permenant line to administer IV fluids over an extended period of time. Bone infections are very serious and require large amounts of antibiotics ( at least 1 month). The medical staff installed this pic line so we (her father and I ) can give her her meds every day.Because of all the Infections Jamie has been dealing with or the past 2 months or so she has not been able to start her chemotherapy. This scares me a little,but if she is not healed the chemo could possibly kill her, so give her the antibiotics baby! So on to the AWSOME. Over the past month or so people have really rallied behind Jamie and done some amazing things. Maverick coffee has made a special blend to benefit J-dog. A few X-terra athletes (some pro) are arangeing a silent auction at the national championship race in Tahoe, and the "trichics" have organized a informal 5k in Santa Rosa and Sacramento on Nov 2nd called run for Jamie (you can check more out on active.com). It's things like this that lets us know how wonderful a world we live in, where fellow athletes can band together and help out one of there fallen sisters and raise her up on their shoulders and carry her to the finish line. We are honored to know each and everyone of you and have you in our lives.

thank you from the bottom of our hearts

In a holding pattern

2008-09-06T23:43:00.001-07:00

Hello,

Yes, it's Courtney e-mailing you all once again. It has been about 2 weeks since we have updated you all, and I apologize.As you may know if I am doing Jamie's blog that thing are not the greatest for Jamie right now.She has been in and out of the hospital 2 times and is still in there, undergoing testing to find out what is wrong with her.After she came home and up dated you all, she was fine for about 2 days and started to get severe nausea and was rushed to UCSF last weekend.She returned home on Sunday and again was fine for a few days and the nausea returned.Jamie was rushed back by her father on Thursday.We are still in a holding pattern and will know more after this weekend. So stay tuned and keep those prayers flyin' high,lord knows she can use them.

thanks Courtney