A message from Sheena:

I realized I've done a pretty poor job of keeping everyone updated lately. Life has been a whirlwind, and most days I'm just trying to keep everyone afloat, including myself. Some days I feel like I'm succeeding and other days... not so much. ❤️ 😬

For those who have been praying for Buster and asking how he's doing, thank you. It means the most!

As I said in a previous update, Buster’s doctors recently made the decision to reduce part of his chemotherapy regimen. Instead of receiving three very aggressive chemotherapy drugs, he's now receiving two. The hope was to give his body a chance to recover, allow his blood work to return to a safer range, and honestly, just let him breathe a little.

The full-strength chemotherapy was incredibly him. He developed neuropathy in his hands and feet that he's still left with. Every other week he'd receive treatment, and for about ten days afterward he'd spend most of his time in bed, exhausted and without any appetite. Just as he'd begin to feel a little more like himself, painful mouth ulcers would make eating and talking almost impossible (we’d call him the ventriloquist because he would have to talk through closed teeth). By the time the next treatment came, those sores often hadn't even healed, so it felt like he never truly had a chance to recover before starting all over again.

Since reducing chemo the side effects have been much more manageable. In fact, today he's outside repairing our deck because, he still works harder than most. I’ve told him to just stop, but that's just who he is, wanting to provide and prepare for us in anyway he can, while he can Last night he was telling me it helps his mind to be able to do more physical things more recently.

Some tough news is that over the last few appointments, his cancer markers have been doubling with each visit. That could mean the chemotherapy is becoming less effective (praying not!), so his oncologist scheduled an earlier than planned scan on the 21st to see what's happening.

Then, on the 23rd, we'll be traveling to Fairfax, Virginia, for a consultation about a clinical trial. There are many qualifications to meet for each trial, so we're praying he will be a candidate and that this might be the door God is opening for us. We know chemotherapy can only work for so long, and we're trusting the Lord to guide every next step.

As many of you know, this journey has also brought a financial burden with treatments, travel, and everyday expenses on our no income family. Buster, after all this time, received his first disability check a couple of weeks ago, but it’s only about half of what his income was. Your prayers and contributions have carried us more than you can all know (also probably more than we even know!) For those who have asked how they can help, our Give Send Go is still available if you feel led but please never feel obligated. The resources have dwindled yet the financial need is still very much there. We are grateful for every prayer, every share, every message, and every act of kindness. ❤️

I have tried to find ways to lower our bills as much as possible, lowering car insurance premiums, hardship programs for credit cards, snap allotment, turning off streaming devices, homeschooling the girls this fall as opposed to private school, but the debt and bills still remain. If we can pay off some bigger bills, it’s one less thing we have to worry about as monthly bills. I’d hate for our credit card score to take a hit, I was so dang proud of those things. 😉 🤪

We continue to believe that God is writing a story we can't fully see yet. I cry…a lot. Last night the two younger girls came to my room crying with an idea that came to their minds. They asked me if Dad goes to heaven who will read “Railroad Toad” to them. It something Lucy had thought of on her own while lying in bed. and asked Lydia. Not knowing that answer, they came to me with it. I said that I would read it to them but they said, crying, “you do the voices sooo bad!” 😂 ❤️ 😭 So many things I wish I could shield their hearts from feeling, but I don’t think it’s a bad thing to feel the things our souls shouldn’t know anything about. It helps us to lean harder into the spiritual eternal side. Into the arm of Jesus. It can push us to live our lives with more of the Spirit and less of ourselves. It can, it’s our choice though. It can push us to hope, especially on the hard days.

Thank you to every single person who has prayed, sent a message, checked in, brought a meal, or simply carried our family before the Lord when we didn't have the words ourselves.

We have felt your love in immeasurable ways.

🌟💔 Every day feels like a gift, but lately, that feeling has been tinged with worry and uncertainty. Today marks another chapter in our friend’s lives—a chapter no one ever wants to write, really. Buster's health journey has taken some dark turns, and they find themselves facing one of life's harshest tests.

The diagnosis hit hard: first blood clots, then pancreatic cancer, and possibly liver cancer... The list goes on. But amidst this storm, there's a glimmer of hope—and that's you, their community. Your support is not just financial; it's emotional armor and proof that they’re never alone in tough times.

Buster works tirelessly despite his health battles, all while Sheena stays at home to take care of their six amazing kids. Like so many of us, they live paycheck to paycheck, always one step ahead of the next crisis. Buster's treatment isn't just costly; it comes with a high price tag that they simply can't afford— especially with no short-term disability insurance in sight.

🏥 Chemotherapy is their path forward, but each session feels like another hurdle on an already treacherous course. Driving to UVA for treatments is another added expense. They're trusting God through this tough time, clinging to the hope that one day soon, Buster will be able to rest easy and they can start piecing together a new normal for their family.

But here’s where you come in: your kindness could make all the difference. Your donation isn’t just money; it's prayers answered, love extended. Every dollar counts towards making this grueling fight feel less daunting—from paying for treatments to keeping food on the table when times get tough.

We believe in miracles and we believe in community strength. If you can find it in your heart to donate anything at all, whether big or small, you'll be helping us keep Buster fighting strong against every curveball life throws his way. Your support is more than monetary; it’s an affirmation of hope—that sometimes the light comes from places we least expect and that no matter how tough things get, love and resilience can carry us through any storm.

If you or someone you know has been touched by a similar journey, please share their story to keep this light shining bright for Buster & Sheena. 🌟💖 Your words of support mean the world—share your thoughts below if you can relate!