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Cancer Journal #8- Ride The Lightning

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Lightning strikes are a powerful and a natural phenomenon that occur frequently during summer storms. These flashes of light, are a reminder of the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the weather. Likewise, Life can be unpredictable similar to the weather. As a result of those unpredictable changes in life, we have a choice to “Ride the Lightning” or weather the storm in other ways. Read on to learn more about my personal “lightning” experience with cancer and how our own personal health OR life challenges can alter our trajectory.

Summer Storm Season

One of the instant visuals of a summer storm is lightning. Lightning releases electricity in the form of a bright flash of light. Lightning strikes are fast, moving at the literal speed of light! When lightning occurs, the atmosphere is trying to correct an imbalance within. If you see lightning, it’s time to take cover.

Lightning strikes are extremely powerful. The energy potential of lightning is 5 times greater than the heat of the sun! The impact of a single strike can be devastating.

We recently experienced a powerful storm on the evening of July 8th. Lightning tripped an electrical breaker and luckily only our internet connection was lost. We ended up having to replace our modem and had our internet restored 24 hours later.

Shortly afterwards of a lightning flash, one might hear the impactful sound, of Thunder. Roar… Boom! Sometimes the noise of thunder resonates through the windows of the house and the rattle of the thunderstorm is heard…the physical audible power and strength of the upcoming storm ahead.

Thunder is the sound lightning creates… the air has been superheated and expanding, creating a compression wave of sound, Thunder.

Both of these natural phenomena are part of the summer storm cycle that we are privy to each summer season… dynamic and unpredictable.

“Ride The Lightning”

I had a conversation with a good friend recently, and in that moment, he described life recently… “I’m just riding the lightning”. I laughed at that statement, but understood the meaning behind it… Finding those “electrifying” moments or events in daily life and simply working through them, building resilience.

After a bit of thought, following that conversation, “Ride The Lightning”, might be a good description of my journey with Cancer after treatment and moving towards cancer survivorship.

Life after cancer has become a journey of resilience and adaptability. Just as lightning can be both beautiful and destructive, so too can the challenges of cancer recovery.

Life After Cancer… Lightning Strikes

The last five months after completing cancer treatment, has not been a straight line moving forward into full recovery. The “thunderstorm” has lingered overhead.

The visible Zig Zag lines of lightning ⚡️… has definitely marked my cancer journey. Some days I can only zig. Other days I can zig zag. Cancer fatigue and heat have not been friends with me this summer.

Lightning streaks across the sky, creating a powerful show from the heavens. They say lightning never strikes twice, but in this instance it has… Menopause resurgence. Let me explain a bit further.

Estrogen slowly declines during natural menopause. Under normal conditions, when women go through menopause, estrogen levels drop from about 100-200 units to less than 25 units. In that natural process, body systems slowly adapt and women continue to monitor these ongoing changes and adapt as best as they can. I had already been through that adjustment, of Menopause, prior to my cancer diagnosis.

After my active treatment was completed, one of the medications I needed, was an Estrogen suppressant. These are commonly called AI’s or Aromatase Inhibitors. Since my breast cancer was strongly estrogen positive, one of the ways this cancer reoccurrence is managed is through estrogen suppressant medication. Most women on AI’s take these for 5 years, some must take them for 10 years.

After being on this new medication for only a few days, I quickly realized I was in a tornado of sorts. The goal of these AI’s are to drop your estrogen levels towards 0. This medication has been brutally unforgiving… My lightning in the storm.

The estrogen suppressant medication immediately caused a literal wreck of several of my body systems like “lightning” hitting a target. Boom! I was extremely surprised how quick and swift how my body systems reacted virtually overnight.

Like a powerful lightning storm, this AI medicine was creating havoc within multiple body systems simultaneously.

Those of you who have experienced breast cancer or have taken estrogen suppressant medications, can understand this analogy!

I have read that close to 40-50 percent of women choose not to finish their estrogen suppressant medication cycle due to the amount of side effects experienced from these medications. This form of “lightning menopause” is definitely different from a normal cycle of menopause.

Menopause is not something women go through and get over. This is a true life phase. Over time, the side effects may lessen in nature, but the body has changed forever without the estrogen… your bones, joints, muscles, skin, hair… just to name a few all have changed.

Riding out the Storm

After a few days on the new AI medication, I felt like I was walking into the eye of a hurricane. My body was dramatically different. I tried to adjust to these radical changes, by Zigzagging with the lightning, but the results for me have been quite mixed. Some days are better than others. Impactful Side effects like (sleep disturbances, heat intolerance, fatigue, joint/bone pain, brain fog/forgetfulness, and hot flashes) have been associated with these types of medications. I’ve personally experienced most of these symptoms.

Finding A New Normal After the Storm

The intense Menopausal Lightning strike had hit hard. I had to adjust to a “new daily normal” after active cancer treatment.

I soon had a lightning realization that it was virtually impossible to get back to the way things “used to be” prior to cancer right now. I’m still experiencing the Zig and Zag of the lightning. It is not a straight line to completion.

Ultimately, things will always be different as a result of my Cancer diagnosis and treatment. AND I knew my life would change as a result of ongoing scans, bloodwork, changes in eating habits, rest requirements, slower mornings, needing weight management, etc.

Cancer recovery is a lifelong process. Cancer recovery doesn’t end after active treatment and it can look very different for each individual based on their experience with cancer.

Cancer itself is the perfect storm, often no warning signs are present. It takes the body time to adjust and heal from the trauma like any huge health event. The lasting impact of cancer lingers on like a tornado or hurricane touchdown in a small community. The impact is felt for years to come in every single aspect of life.

Help Arrives During the Storm

My medical team has served as the umbrella ☂️ for the storm. That same group of professionals has helped me navigate the havoc, dealing with each new “lightning” problem. I’m deeply thankful for their guidance during this difficult transition. My medical team has truly dedicated themselves daily to cancer care, recovery and survivorship, I feel blessed to be in their care.

As a result, I’ve been able to find ways to manage ongoing side effects through the aid of supplements, acupuncture, and a change in my AI, estrogen suppressant medication.

A Storm Watch

It’s always good to know when a storm is approaching, especially if it is going to be severe in nature. Local weather channels will often call for a storm watch prior to the outbreak of a storm. This allows people time to prepare! No one enjoys Power outages from downed trees, or lightning strikes. Storm flooding can be devastating, and costly. Seeking shelter is a must during a storm.

A few people have said to me recently, “I thought you were good now since cancer treatment is over”. The long, but short answer is NO. Recovery takes time, it is not immediate for everyone experiencing cancer. I’ve faced a few challenges personally.

Storm Warning Issued

Once a storm warning has been announced, it’s time to bunker down and await the arrival of the storm. Likewise for me, the lingering impact of cancer fatigue, combined with high humidity and temperatures, and other side effects, has slowed my recovery progress dramatically.

Along with the those factors and the impact of Lightning Menopause has been my biggest obstacles in recent months… like a fallen tree during a storm. Simply delayed recovery.

Sleep disturbances have been more frequent than I like to admit. Sleep is one of the cornerstones of maintaining a healthy balance in life.

Managing Weather Impact Days

Our local weather forecasters love to use the term Weather Impact Day on the 7 day forecast. This terminology gives everyone a heads up about the coming weather for that impactful day. You can plan your activities accordingly and adjust to hopefully avoid any bad weather around that Weather Impact Day.

Here’s a quick tidbit about the importance of Estrogen and how the body uses it. As estrogen is depleted out of the body, during natural menopause, several key areas of the body are changing and not necessarily in a healthy way…. Cardiovascular, muscular, cognitive, and pelvic just to name a few. The body quietly recalibrates itself as estrogen slow declines in natural menopause, BUT in a “Lightning Menopause” scenario, this process is brutally quick. The AI medication drops your estrogen levels to near 0.

Why is this Important for all women, not just those on AI’s???? Estrogen keeps your blood vessels flexible, cholesterol particles small, and blood pressure lower. As the menopausal process begins, the loss of estrogen can lead to more increased health risks! More women die of heart disease in later life (after menopause) than cancer. This is a definite storm warning for us all!

Should we just stand by and await our fate, as estrogen slowly drains away? I think not, we should prepare for severe weather storm. Meet the Weather Impact Day with a full concept of what is happening!

Also, it is critical that we note changes in how we feel, being mindful of what is going into our bodies as far as diet, remembering that sleep is restorative, and movement is key! Seek the advice of medical professionals if you are having difficulty weathering the storm.

Don’t hesitate to contact another medical professional if you feel you are not being heard. Yes, I once had a medical professional to tell me to not to ask any more questions about Menopause. I have since moved on to find a new provider.

I do realize that it is difficult to explain the Cancer Storm unless you have been in it and sometimes people grow weary of the Storm, seeking the sunshine and brighter days instead. My message today is for all women, not necessarily those who are experiencing cancer. Menopause is a life phase and the body systems change dramatically and can impact your health moving forward. That’s the storm warning, we all need to understand and comprehend.

Hope inside the Storm

After all the chaos of the last 5 months, I find there’s hope, in the storm. Rain offers a chance for nature to hit the reset button. I have found that to be the case for me as well.

Rain… brings restoration to the earth and the physical body, allowing time to heal and rest. I have found that rest is a MUST during the midst of a stormy day. Retreating into the safety of a shelter, getting out of the elements of a harsh storm with thunder, lightning, wind and heavy rains offers a refuge.

Rain… also brings the opportunity for growth. Without needed rainwater, plants and flowers can’t grow and thrive.

Which brings me to another thought, storms do come to an end. Thankfully, severe thunderstorms don’t last forever!!! Blue skies eventually return!!!

Advocacy, blogging, breast cancer, Cancer, Cancer Experience, Cancer Journey, Cancer lifestyle, cancer recovery, challenges, finding inspiration, grace, Hardware Store Life, Healthy eating, hope, journey in life, Life experiences, Life In Wilkes, Personal Self-Care, Resilence, retreat, seasons of life, southern living, Transitions in Life, Wellness, women’s health

Cancer Journal #7- The Transformative Power of Grace and Making Lemonade

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In my previous career, I was a Middle School Educator. Often times Middle School scheduling created groups of students who pretty much stayed together for most of the day. After all of that togetherness, day after day… and months … sometimes the tensions between students would become apparent.

One specific group that I taught in my last few years of teaching, it was evident they were wearing on each other’s nerves.

So, one afternoon, we had a quick conversation or a “pep talk” about offering each other Grace and showing a bit more patience with each other. I quickly moved onto the lesson for that day and didn’t think much about it.

I had no idea that the talk about Grace had really stuck with them until a few days later.

This same group of students was beginning to line up in the hallway. Our destination was the lunchroom. A sweet middle school girl quickly raised her hand as we were beginning our departure down the hallway.

I stopped the group to see what she needed. She then said, “I need some help with Grace this afternoon. I’ve tried to get these two boys to quit goofing around and they aren’t listening. Can you take over please Mrs. Searcy? I used up all my Grace that I have left”.

Grace: Finding beauty in the ordinary days

I was stunned. The Grace conversation had stuck with that group of impressionable young middle schoolers. Everyone giggled at the two mischievous boys who were now in my charge, quickly falling into line like they should. They totally understood what giving each other Grace meant, and had been actively practicing it.

That’s where I find myself recently in recovery mode of my Cancer Journey, Practicing Grace. I have come to realize that Cancer recovery isn’t linear, each day is uniquely different. Patience is key.

Blue Sky Day

Thinking about Grace in this context of cancer recovery offers me the opportunity to begin again after the rougher health days. Grace isn’t perfection. Grace is the gateway…to allow the moments of peace to flow when times are tough, when I’m feeling exhausted, and noting the same aches and pains everyday. Grace has given me the quiet power to move through my Cancer recovery.

Grace…tempered with dignity and compassion. Grace… A new level of understanding and empathy as an individual…as others face a new Cancer Diagnosis or currently going through treatment. I totally get it, we all need a bit of Grace to make it through.

In a field of pink and yellow… spot the red… over 2 million people will be diagnosed with cancer this year.

Grace … allowing patience with my healing. Grace…always teaching me what cancer recovery is like.

What I have learned???

1. Cancer surgery and treatments take a tremendous toll on the body. The interconnectedness of body systems is truly revealing in the face of cancer.

2. Each person’s path with cancer is different, one common thread… the drained exhaustion/fatigue. This feeling exists for all cancer survivors even after a good nights rest.

Finding Light

3. Cancer recovery has been a roller coaster ride of sorts over the last 6 months with physical symptoms that don’t seem to easily disappear. Cancer wrecks your immune system and disrupts your body chemistry. I’ve literally been playing “wack a mole” since my cancer diagnosis. Here’s a quick rundown of my last few months…

  1. Initial mammogram results showed additional testing needed… at the same time I was diagnosed with a Bone spur on my shoulder in November 2025
  2. Official Cancer diagnosis in early December 2025
  3. Unreal Hot flashes… Since my breast cancer was estrogen positive, I needed to discontinue my medication that had kept the hot flashes at bay for the last several years. These hot flashes have intensified to the point where my sleep is continuously disrupted significantly…(see Menopause paragraph below) November 2025.
  4. Kidney stones December 2025
  5. Cancer Surgery and recovery January-February 2026
  6. My first battle with Covid- February 2026
  7. Radiation- March 2026
  8. Began Estrogen Suppression meds for 5 years-March 2026
  9. Side effects noted from new medication (bone and joint pain) making me feel like I’m experiencing the flu all the time, fatigue, hot flashes that intensified even more 😬. March 2026
  10. Bone Spur on heel April 2026
  11. Began the process of working with the Cancer Integrative Medicine to find alternatives for restoration of sleep, hot flashes etc hopeful to find relief of side effects from new medication- April 2026
  12. UTI due to lack of estrogen from new meds, Bacterial infection… working with my care team currently to navigate this new issue known as GSM. April 2026
  13. Fatigue… Cancer wipes out your energy. Even after Cancer Treatment, the fatigue lingers. Cancer treatment destroys the cancer cells but in the process it can harm good cells. Cells are rebuilding themselves and the energy reserves wanes during that rebuilding process, even with good restorative sleep. I have found that fatigue can onset suddenly or it can be a daily problem. (Ongoing)
Family history of cancer is important to know, the more you know about your family medical history, the better care you can receive from your medical provider, especially if you have family members with a cancer history

I’m sharing these things with y’all NOT to try to create sympathy, but to bring a bit of awareness of how integrated our body systems are. My cancer diagnosis/recovery has amplified some of these issues.

The most common cancers that are diagnosed: breast, colon, prostate, lung. Screenings are crucial for all

Cancer Recovery is an ongoing process. As previously mentioned, Cancer can create a literal physical break down of body systems… ultimately impacting how you feel, think, and react.

If you know people who are currently experiencing cancer, in the recovery phase, or living life beyond cancer, extend Grace.

Just asking them something like “How are you feeling today” or “I’m here, I’m listening” can go a long way.

Life is truly distinctly different after Cancer. The physical body is different. As a result, the changes I’m making after Cancer are life altering. My Dietary changes have been significant, with a key focus on good protein, fiber, and less sugar. I’m also trying to be mindful of daily movement, even if it just moving inside doing daily chores on the days that fatigue hits hard.

Grocery shopping is forever changed! Shopping the outside perimeter of the grocery store is common practice for me now.

Breast Cancer recovery is messy as most cancer recovery tends to be. Menopause for most women occurs naturally. In that natural menopause state, your body slowly has time to adjust the amount of estrogen that is decreasing in your body systems.

When diagnosed at an early, localized stage of breast cancer… before spreading, the 5-year relative survival rate is 98-99%.

But with estrogen suppression medication, (which is often used to help prevent a reoccurrence after an estrogen positive tumor), menopause crashes hard in your body systems.

This crash is happening immediately without that natural process of losing estrogen slowly. With the sudden crash, it wreaks havoc in all sorts of ways upon the body systems. The typical side effects of Menopause, hit more like a boulder crashing… and is much more intense.

Allowing Grace to live within me helps me not only in cancer recovery, but gives me the opportunity to make adjustments as needed, doing what I can physically do from day to day after experiencing such a crash.

How fitting… Women’s Health Week May 10-16, beginning on a day we celebrate Mother’s Day!

Scrolling on Pinterest the other day I came across a term that describes my cancer journey perfectly…Lemonading. What happens when life hands you lemons???? You make Lemonade! Using that theory, you have 🍋 lemons… find the positivity, and make the lemonade!

It is estimated that men and women who have experienced hormone based cancers or treatment therapies are 25-50% more likely to discontinue treatment based on the difficulty of side effects these cause.

Lemonading in my daily life has allowed me to reflect and re-evaluate what is really important and my goals are shifting and changing to some degree.

Life Lemonading Lately:

1. My day tends to start a bit more slowly. This allows time to ease into the day instead of worrying about a specific time oriented schedule.

Slow mornings help me conserve energy

2. Spring has arrived… gardening has been a great restorative practice for me.

Gardening provides a great opportunity for movement and in Blue Zones research, a great longevity practice

3. Working less hours at the hardware store… I’m thankful that we have an AMAZING staff who are there each day! This has allowed me the time to flex my schedule around how I’m feeling, allowing myself time to rest and recover.

4. I’m working towards finding solutions to the side effects of estrogen suppression meds… body aches, fatigue, intense hot flashes, by using resources from the Integrative Cancer Center in Winston Salem.

5. I now have a greater focus on restorative sleep. During our sleep cycle, our body repairs and rejuvenates itself. It’s a necessity and I’m definitely trying to adapt to a new sleep schedule and recognizing my body signals to create a more restful atmosphere for myself. Acupuncture has been a huge help in restoring my sleep and managing symptoms.

6. Continuing to explore creative outlets… it really does not matter what you do, but do something you enjoy!!! Solving puzzles,playing board games, writing, creating art, photography, gardening, pottery, or even cooking (testing new healthy recipes). Maintaining my creative outlets has helped me to stay connected with others and adds to my overall wellbeing.

Pottery is one of my favorite creative outlets

7. Giving back to the Cancer Community… I recently participated in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. My team was able to raise over $2,100 to help cancer patients.

Relay For Life funds not only cancer research, but provides needed support to cancer patients

Lemonading through this cancer recovery process has become a new normal for me. A definite transformative process.. centering around the power of Grace. This simple yet profound concept can guide us through the toughest days, fostering empathy and understanding.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, followed by skin cancer in second place

I’ll leave y’all today with the chorus of one of my favorite new songs Ride, Ride, Ride by Luke Bryan and George Birge which fits life perfectly right now.

“Ride, ride, ride,
When the clouds rollin’ in ’til the sun’s back again

Grace and Lemonading Life brings the sun closer to me during hard recovery days

And you’ll find, find, find
That what you’re made of is barbed wire tough,

Stare down the storm, you bring on the rain

Life will throw you off boy, but saddle up anyway
And ride, ride, ride
Ride, ride, ride”.

Worth the Ride…
Advocacy, blogging, breast cancer, Cancer, family, Hardware Store Life, Home, January, journey in life, Life experiences, Personal Self-Care, seasons of life, women’s health

My Cancer Journal- Part 1

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Normal Existence, Turned Upside Down…

In Early November in 2025, I went to Winston Salem for my usual 3D imaging mammogram. For those of you who are regular readers of my blog, several years ago I had written a blog post entitled, “Waiting” after finding a lump in my right breast. I went regularly every 6 months for scans for a couple of years solid until the radiological team had enough data evidence to show that the micro cysts were stable enough to move me back on a yearly mammogram routine. So, my “worry” had subsided somewhat because everything was fairly normal… well, for me that is.

Waiting

Fast forward to November of 2025… I was stunned when I opened up my mammogram results online to see the radiology report read very differently from what I “normally” see… the words “Architectural distortion of the left breast” looming large in my mind. The verbiage was just very different from my “usual” mammogram summary. I was worried.

I Just Knew…

I was asked to have a repeat mammogram exam and ultrasound follow up as soon as possible. The medical team was quick to proceed with this and thankfully, it happened quickly.

I knew the protocol already, the results are given to me of the day of the new mammogram/ultrasound findings. I would know before I went home from my appointment, which is a small blessing in disguise. This time the results discussion was different. The radiologist who read my new mammogram and ultrasound results, came in to speak to me in person. After he began to go over my results, I knew then it was cancer even though he never used the words cancer directly to me as he began to discuss next steps… MRI and Biopsy.

My next few weeks were filled with upcoming appointments in between daily life and work. “The Big C” was looming large in all things… my diet was changing a bit more to defeat my new enemy, The Grinch.

This “large” manual has been a wonderful resource for me over the last few months… and will continue to be as I move into next steps after surgery recovery

Choosing To Focus On Essentials…

I have a few good friends who have been through cancer treatment in the last few years and I was aware of how intentionally they had switched up their dietary habits to combat the cancer itself AND aid in healing. I wanted to start small, so I began to push away sugar, starches, pasta, and breads in my diet. Ugh… the holidays were fast approaching and those holiday goodies were absolutely everywhere… it was a battle worth fighting for and during the holiday season, it was a must do.

I’ve added mushroom coffee into my daily lineup, the benefits of different types of mushrooms are tremendous for cancer patients

Choices made. I decided to focus on eating a variety of Whole Foods… a more intentional emphasis on fresh fruits, vegetables and a nice portion of protein on my plate. I’ve left the processed foods off my plate all together. The health benefits of a Whole Foods diet would definitely be a greater advantage to me.

What I have learned … Cancer cells thrive in a glucose rich environment and in my case as well, having an estrogen positive cancer… maintaining a healthy weight will be a beneficial outcome in my Cancer Journey. Breast Cancer, by its true definition, is the uncontrolled growth and division of cells in breast tissue, which can typically lead to the formation of a tumor. Knowing all of these factors, I didn’t want cancer to thrive within me. A healthy approach to eating and food should hopefully make a remarkable difference as I continue to confront this disease head on for years to come, not just a temporary fix.

Bowl full of fresh fruit for breakfast, full of blueberries, blackberries, oranges, apples, and often strawberries

One Day At A Time…

Looking back on those weeks, it’s all a big blur. The biopsy confirmed what I already knew internally, it was Cancer. Specifically, Invasive Ductal Cancer, a very common form of Breast Cancer, now a real part of my daily existence. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer. When I heard those statistics, I was stunned and a bit surprised.

According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Breast Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide, with over 1.84 million new cases of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma occurring in 2022. The US has estimated last year, in 2025, that 316,950 women were diagnosed with Breast Cancer. What do all these numbers tell us? Early detection and regular screening is imperative for all women across the globe. I should also mention that being proactive with our health concerns as women should be top of mind. If you are unhappy with the answers you are getting, advocate for yourself and find other solutions when it comes to your health.

This sweet gift, a pink cross is never far from my sight. Thank you Ruth 💕

The last few months have been a blessing and very humbling for me. So many people walk the cancer journey unbeknownst to others in their greater community without vocalizing their needs. I have talked with several people who have personally experienced cancer that I had no idea that they had cancer before. These “silent soldiers” who have defeated cancer under their own terms making strides towards full recovery. These cancer survivors have offered tremendous support, and encouragement as well as my friends and family.

Meeting My Medical Team…

More appointments followed in early December and I met my surgeon and my medical oncology doctor, with whom I feel very lucky to have in my corner. Their constant positivity was not only contagious but they also indicated that the cancer findings were fixable. A “road map” for my cancer journey was in progress for my recovery and I felt very grateful to have them navigating the way. My new medical team has created positive connections with me, for which I’m thankful, as they have addressed all my concerns and questions. As a result, I feel highly confident in their ability to provide the best and upmost care and support for my recovery.

But, still looming large in my mind…was the upcoming holiday season. It was only a matter of a few weeks before Christmas and I couldn’t let Cancer ruin my holiday. My doctors had quickly begun to map out the next steps on my “road map to recovery” and finally, it was becoming more clear to me and my family how the process would take place. I felt good about my prognosis. I also felt lucky… my yearly mammogram screening had caught the cancer early!!

The Grinch That Didn’t Steal My Christmas

Beginning the Next Chapter…

The New Year rang in and I waited patiently for my surgery date. As you read this today, I have turned a page on a new chapter in this journey . My surgery to remove the cancer was completed. Healing is now in progress, and my pathology results are really good. I’m so thankful! My margins are clear, no signs of cancer in my lymph nodes, and The Grinch, (my cancer tumor) size 14mm , has been extracted!

A 14mm bolt and dime for size reference

The Road Map Continues…

I will soon follow up with my surgeon and medical oncologist and once surgery healing has been completed, next steps will be laid out on the “road map”. Radiation is anticipated, in early February. One step at a time in the cancer process.

On the journey I have noted… Cancer changes your mindset, how you move, how you react to food, and how you will respond to your overall health needs. Rest, I have learned, is important in my day to day life. Literally taking each day, one day at a time. Cancer is a life changing experience and my health will never be the same again without the thoughts of cancer.

Advocacy and Connections…

Connection: The energy that exists between people when they feel valued, seen, heard… when they can give and receive feedback without judgement and derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.

I’m going to take a moment to connect back to the daily life of a business owner. Each day brings the opportunity to make connections with existing customers or creating connections with a new customer. A constant flow of communication can be achieved in several ways by utilizing such tools as social media networks, sending emails, answering phone calls, OR the direct interaction with a customer. However these connections are made, a base network can be made or created. When those connections are positive interactions and those become the norm, successful relationships thrive. A definite goal of any business owner or entrepreneur… or any highly valued professional.

My personal health over the last 6 months has brought me to a new place where I will continue to highly value and creating those positive connections with any medical professionals that I encounter. Even though my surgery was successful, Cancer will always be in my radar for years to come.

Creating positive connections and relationships is the Standard of Care that we all should have. I don’t consider it to be the Gold Standard, but the Basic Standard of Care.

As you are reading this, you may think back upon an encounter where you may have felt the same way at some point… disconnected from your medical provider… were they truly listening to your symptoms??? Did you feel valued as a patient or even was your time valued???? I have felt “disconnected” from doctors that I have met in my past and it was not a wonderful experience.

My Cancer health journey has made me realize that I’m the Gold Standard for my personal self-care and advocacy. What I have learned from those past disconnected experiences…Advocacy is self-care. Personal Self-care is important…Make time for your personal medical, physical and mental health and overall wellbeing. Seek out and find those providers who are “connected” with your health needs and who will help you achieve your health goals. Self -care is taking time to take action and meeting those mandatory health screenings.

This routine mammogram screening in November of 2025 definitely has impacted my cancer recovery. If I had initially cancelled my appointment, or even rescheduled it, my cancer treatment could have possibly look very different.

Personal Self-care is my goal moving forward, along with Advocating for my healing and overall wellbeing. I’m trying to allow myself the grace to live one day at a time and the opportunity to rest when I need it as part of that self-care routine.

Whether Cancer is present in your daily walk, or not, we all need to advocate for ourselves in all situations. Take care of yourself 💕.

Find Time for the Quiet Moments

Dedication Note…

This blog post is dedicated to my Family and Friends who have been by my side from Day ONE of my diagnosis.

To my fellow cancer journey friends and survivors, we are in this together, forever. Thank you for your strength, endless support and endurance.

Richard has been a rock of strength, courage, love, and support to me… following me to each doctor appointment as well as my parents and sister. Benjamin has surrounded me with love and hope for healing from the very beginning. I’m truly blessed with wonderful family.

Friends, you may never know how much I appreciate your love, presence, and kindness with each passing day.

Lastly, to you my loyal followers and readers, I would not want to make this Cancer journey alone without your prayers. The power of prayer and your kind words of encouragement have given me hope as I have begun to navigate this new way of living as a reality in 2026. Thank you 💕