I’m sorry you found my blog.

HA! What a funny thing to say on a blog!! But seriously, if you landed here, you either know me, or know someone that has cancer. That’s why I’m sorry!

Cancer.

I hate that word.

I remember sitting in the oncologist’s office in my early 20’s listening to the Dr. tell me that while it was not likely I would get Ocular Melanoma like my Mom, 3 out of 4 people would be diagnosed with some sort of cancer in their life. Since all of my Grandparents and my Mom have died of some type of cancer, I knew my day would come. I just never thought my diagnosis would be the day after my 41st birthday and as a mother of a 10, 7 and 6 year old.

Fast forward 4 years (October 2019) and the cancer has returned in other bones. So here we are, ready to fight again…and looking to be on some sort of treatment for the rest of my life.

This blog is my journey as I fight to leave cancer behind and move on in my life.

I should probably back up and introduce myself . . . my name is Jennifer. I’m a Christ follower, married to an amazing man (who happens to be a chef turned Co-CEO of a restaurant), have 3 beautiful daughters and I’ve been diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer which originally spread to my sternum, but has now spread to quite a few other bones and one of my lungs as well.

I know it can be confusing when you stumble upon a new blog, so let me help you get started.

I have a blog to keep track of my thoughts and to let friends and family know what’s going on.
You can get to know our family or read my personal testimony here.
As I’ve been going through different procedures, I’ve written down what it was like. You can find a list of those over in the side bar (or down at the bottom if you are on a mobile device).
Click here to receive an email when I publish new posts.
And finally, if you noticed above that I’m married to a chef and think that must be the MOST AMAZING THING EVER, click here and browse through my blog about what it’s really like to be married to a chef. (I love blogging. Can you tell?)

Jennifer

Here’s what’s going on with me right now . . .

Almost 3 Weeks off of Chemo

Jul 31, 2021 | Blog | 12 Comments

Not much new to report….

I got my pain pump refilled on Tuesday. I woke up in a lot of pain Thursday. I’m not sure if that’s related.

I’m sleeping a lot. Some days I’m only awake 3 hours.

What I’ve been up to

Jul 22, 2021 | Blog | 13 Comments

Sleeping.

That’s it.

I think I was awake for about 3 hours yesterday, the day before, and so far today. I am about to nap again….

#BeTheHope Walk

Jul 17, 2021 | Blog | 11 Comments

We did it. We walked 1.8 miles this morning to raise money for Valley Girls and Guys!

Not only did we raise money but we went over our goal by over $1,000. That’s crazy! Thank you so much to everyone who walked with us and who donated. I am so thankful for all of you!

26th Anniversary

Jul 16, 2021 | Blog | 8 Comments

I slept in as late as I could and rested all day to save my energy to go out to dinner with Tom to celebrate our 26th wedding anniversary last night!!

We enjoyed eating outside at Le Grande Bistro Americain. It was 90 minutes of great food and talking. Then he wheeled me around the marina for a little bit. We had a great time.

Favorite Memories

Jul 12, 2021 | Blog | 36 Comments

At my Mom’s memorial service, I remember thinking how much she would have being there! My cheeks hurt from smiling that night as much as they did on our wedding day. There were so many great stories and memories shared about her. She would have loved to hear them!

So since I won’t be at my own memorial service whenever that is, can I ask a favor? Would you share your favorite memory you have of us together? It doesn’t have to be long, just a quick sentence or two. And if you have a photo, that would be fun to see as well!

Starting Hospice

Jul 11, 2021 | Blog | 27 Comments

Tom and I met with the Hospice intake nurse today. It went well and she answered the few questions we had, went over medications and is going to be putting in an order for me to have oxygen at home. I’m hoping that will help a little.

Catching up and moving forward

Jul 10, 2021 | Blog | 4 Comments

I sleep and 36 hours straight. I haven’t sleep well in long time and I guess my body finally made up for it, or part of it. I’m still tired. So crazy.

Tomorrow at 9:30am we have a meeting with a nurse from Providence hospice and then we plan to head to church for the second service.

I will be glad when the first meeting is over and we have more details. I don’t have any questions, but I’m sure there are many things we don’t know about it.

I’ll write more when I know more….