Our 2016 ended with the news that even though my tumor was found early (stage 1), I will still require chemotherapy to reduce my risk of recurrence. Many factors weigh into this decision, and I am not entering into this flippantly. My mantra lately has been “temporary discomfort for long-term peace of mind”. The kids go back to school tomorrow, I will go back to my real office, and Ashley’s home office will be a bit more quiet and productive for him. Life is going to keep moving. I feel really good. Everything will be just the same, yet nothing will be just the same. I have a joyful heart, but…

Hello friends. I realize that it has been a while since I’ve posted any updates. There are many reasons for this – my brain being foggy from anesthesia being the main one! I’ll jump right in, and we’ll see how this goes 🙂 Timeline: Nov. 4 – diagnosis Nov. 7 – met with surgeons and decision for double mastectomy and reconstruction made Nov. 14 – surgery at Women’s Hospital Nov. 15 – discharged from hospital Nov. 15 – 21 – a complete blur (my apologies if you spoke to me or visited during this time!) Nov. 22 – follow-up appointment with general surgeon – pathology back from surgery – Grade…

I have breast cancer. The cancer was found by the miracle of a screening MRI – which almost wasn’t ordered – which was scheduled even after my mammogram in September came back clean – I am 37 years old, most people my age haven’t even had a mammogram yet. I’m by no means happy about this, but my heart cannot quit being thankful that this was found now instead of years from now. What we know now is that I have a 1 cm tumor that is grade 1 ductal carcinoma. I also have two very small spots on my other side that can’t be seen on ultrasound to biopsy. My…

“…and be with Grandma Sue as she goes through her cancer journey. Please heal her.” These are words I hear my daughter pray almost every day. I’m fairly certain that I haven’t said the word “journey” to her regarding Mom’s diagnosis, but she has definitely picked it up along the way. I get a little catch in my throat every single time. This journey began when Fall was at its full glory. We start the next phase now as Spring is making everything new and fresh again. That seems somehow appropriate, and somehow disturbingly ironic. Mom will have a right, radical mastectomy on May 5th. This surgery will renew her body…

Luke 12:25 tells us that worrying doesn’t add any time to our lives. Is it “natural” to worry? Yes. But, God is telling us right there not to worry.  When He gives us directions, He also gives us tools. This is for ALL of us – not just for those we look at as perfect Christians or for those who have hit rock bottom. ALL of us can ask HIM in the very moment of need. In this case, when the natural choice is to worry, ask for HIM to take that worry, ask HIM how to change your habit from worrying into living freely.  “Who of you by worrying can…

Breaks. We all need them, yet we rarely are given one, nor do we take them very often. But over the past few weeks, our family has been given the gift of a break. If you’ll recall, February started out roaring for Mama. Symptoms were figured out and treated, and life rebounded, but she was still very tired from the harsh treatments and feeling down for two months. When I laid out the planned course of treatment in my last update a few weeks ago I didn’t realize that we were about to experience a well-timed intervention, so now our plan has changed. Mom’s oncologist is a fellow member of my church…

“The Lord’s lovingkindnesses never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23-24 NASB Today redeemed “chemo day 6” for sure. This whole 4th cycle of Adriamycin & Cytoxan actually has as well. I haven’t sat down to think specifically of the outpouring of prayers my mom and our family has received lately, but if you put 2 and 2 together… The Chemo infusion last Wednesday went very well. She did have to return to the clinic on Thursday for some blood products to give her a boost, but other than that, all was very smooth. She went home (as she insisted) late Thursday afternoon. Appetite has been remarkable, no mouth…