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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!!!

A new journey begins, blogging, breast cancer, Cancer, change, finding inspiration, Hardware Store Life, Home, journey in life, Life experiences, Natural World, Personal Self-Care, seasons of life

Cancer Journal #3… A Unique Path to Healing

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“Surrender your path, don’t worry about your timing or speed. Walk with joy.”

Have you been following the Walk of Peace by the Monks? I actually didn’t know about this event until they were walking through Georgia several weeks ago. Richard was talking about this unique event one night a dinner. My interest was peaked and I began following their journey from that point forward. It has been an amazing experience to watch them walk this path, enduring all types of weather conditions from Texas to Washington DC, their final destination.

Walk for Peace… a journey rooted in kindness, creating awareness of inner peace, and mindfulness

My path to healing from this cancer feels like a similar journey. I may not be literally walking 2,300 miles, but I’m still moving forward, one day at a time with a specific goal in mind, my return to good health.

“Sometimes the path isn’t always easy”

What I have learned thus far is each person’s path to healing from cancer is uniquely different. Breast Cancer isn’t a “cookie cutter” disease.

Even though you may have had the same type of breast cancer as someone you know, the details are unique to you… such as… the size of the tumor, whether cancer was present in lymph nodes, estrogen positive tumor, was the tumor fast growing… and I could go on… but you get the gist. It’s a lot!

“Comparison is the thief of Joy”… so true!!! Your cancer plan of treatment will be unique to your cancer diagnosis and it’s difficult to compare it with anyone else’s journey. Similarities are common, but your path is uniquely shaped by your cancer and your mindset.

These were my surgery socks… the nurses loved them. Thanks Barb 💕

I lost a friend to cancer this past week. She had a different diagnosis from me, and her battle with breast cancer was inspiring. Laura was a true warrior. Laura always had a kick this cancer attitude. When she started her chemotherapy treatment, she wore bright, colorful socks to “sock it to cancer”. She was a tremendous advocate to me when I began having concerns and questions about my micro-cysts in 2020. I felt better after talking to her as I began the navigating the path forward.

“Be bold enough to choose your own path and strong enough to follow it.”

I was upset to learn recently that Laura had relapsed, and her time was growing short. As word of her passing came to light, I was deeply saddened. Laura led with a warm beaming smile always, and her beautiful soul matched her life.

I was also trying to wrap my mind on potential future cancer relapses, and how to move forward. For sure, the ONE thing that all cancer patients experience, in their journey that isn’t unique… the fear of reoccurrence. Will it happen to me? That reality of cancer is often hard. Yet, I wanted to recognize Laura’s fight. I felt led to carry on Laura’s colorful sock tradition, one day at a time.

Sock it to Breast Cancer… an easy way to show support to a family member or anyone you might know who is fighting cancer , a daily reminder to say a prayer for them as you get dressed each day.

I’m currently at a in-between stage… recovering from surgery and waiting for completion of healing before next steps happen. My surgery went well, no cancer in lymph nodes, all margins were clear after the cancer tumor was removed. I have met again with my medical oncologist and we are discussing medications moving forward AND, I’m currently waiting to begin radiation. I have an appointment this week to meet yet another doctor, my radiation oncologist.

Several people have approached me saying how much they appreciated my cancer blog posts and my bold choice to write about it. My decision to write about my cancer journey is not based on gaining support of others but the opposite, as a way to offer support to those who might need it… if Cancer finds them or a family member. Navigating the Cancer pathway isn’t always easy.

Just like a snow covered road, you need a good navigator and 4×4! Thankful for my family, friends and medical professionals who are helping me navigate this cancer.

AND I have questions… lots of them!!! The internet and social media is a total vacuum of information, some good, some information probably not very useful… luckily, I have amazing doctors who can advise and guide me and who take TIME to answer my questions in compassionate manner.

The path back to Wilkes from Winston Salem is often a reminder of the beauty of our home. Thankful for the Mountains that welcome us back home each trip. A small blessing in my cancer journey.

After cancer surgery, it might be easy to assume, the cancer is gone! Get your life back to normal, and just eat what you want! But, surgery completion is just a starting point on my cancer journey. Often Breast cancer patients will need either radiation or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy can capture any remaining microscopic cancer cells that are present unseen by the human eye. Chemotherapy is a much more invasive to the body systems, for those who have a higher stage or risk of cancer returning.

My Oncotype score was on the lower end, so Chemotherapy was not needed! Thankful 💕

As I have been in this “in-between stage”, I have intentionally chosen to focus on what my body now has become accustomed to, eating more Whole Foods… Maximizing my potential for success in this fight. Why did I choose this??? Less processed foods and added chemicals in my diet is a good thing to reduce any future cancer risk and this will help me maintain a healthier lifestyle overall. We will all benefit from this simple shopping adjustment in my family.

In my “internet vacuum of research”, reading my manual from the Cancer Center, talking with other cancer survivors, and I have even participated in discussions with a cancer dietitian! I have learned that what you eat is just as important as exercise, and any medications you may take. All of these factors work together to defeat the cancer. Maximize!

Hydration is key… the choice to drink Lemon water all day, not only for Cancer recovery, but I also had a kidney stone flair in the midst of my cancer diagnosis. That was not fun!!!

With this Whole Foods approach, I’m concentrating on eating healthy proteins 90grams… limiting sugars 25g, using fruit as a natural source of sugars that my body needs, fiber 25g(beans, whole grains, natural fruits/vegetables) and of course hydration is key!!

We switched milk brands prior to my cancer diagnosis, glad we did that! I can grab protein in this milk!!! And you can make a great homemade hot chocolate with this milk brand too!
Protein Hot Chocolate 2 servings: 2 cups Fairlife milk, 2 T cocoa, 2T Monk fruit, dash of vanilla, 1/4 c chocolate chips, and cinnamon for extra cancer fighting power. Warm milk over low heat, add cocoa, monk fruit, stir well. Once well incorporated, add chocolate chips to melt, dash of vanilla flavoring, and dash of cinnamon. Stir well until chocolate is dissolved and milk is warm. Enjoy!

In my mind, being intentional about what I put on my plate each day or even what I’m snacking on can make a world of difference in my recovery. So, what IF I decided to go back to “my old normal” routines, ways of eating, could that spur a cancer reoccurrence?? Maybe, maybe not… but why take that risk? Healthier habits can help my body in other areas as I move into the next portion of my path, Radiation and Estrogen suppression medications.

My mom found this low sugar, high protein yogurt for me over Thanksgiving… I absolutely love this brand!!! Tried a few others but this one is my favorite.. Aldi brand by the way

When two trees are joined together like this one pictured below, it’s called inosculation. The trees themselves… trunks, roots and branches physically morph into one. The location of the where they connect can be different. My photo capture shows them morphing at the base. Inosculation happens when the friction between two trees causes the outer bark of each tree to scrape off at the point of contact… creating an opening to connect together .

This is where I’m at on my cancer journey. My old life is merging into one with my cancer, the friction, sharing it as one. Merged together forever, creating a new path.

Inosculation at the base… marriage of two trees… Creating a Union of the Path
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 💕