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?)
Here’s what’s going on with me right now . . .
Looking Ahead to the New Year
2015 has come and gone . . .
It seems at this time of year, everyone is setting goals, looking ahead, planning for the year, organizing (or getting ready to), exercising, etc. There’s even this new “word of the year” thing going around on Facebook.
I’ll be honest. It’s hard for me to look ahead at the year. While everyone seems to be looking forward to seeing what the new year holds, I’m am sitting here wishing I could just fast forward to January 1, 2017. But since that’s not possible, I am just going to focus on today.
One Day At A Time
read more…
My Least Favorite Day of the Week
There is something about walking into the Infusion Center that I really hate. Seeing that sign, the fish tank and the little waiting area . . . I just dread walking through the door.
The funny thing is, once I’m through the door, my time there is rather enjoyable.
Tracy greets me by name and gives me a fancy wristband to wear.
I sit and wait for a few minutes and am then greeted by my favorite oncology nurse Jayme.
Then I see how much weight I’ve gained. (I’m not enjoying that!)
Next it’s time to get my blood work going and start the infusion.
What a Year . . . So Much to Be Thankful For
What a year!
As I look back over the year, I’ll admit I’m overwhelmed just at the thought of it. It’s been a hard year. One full of severe physical pain (for Tom), surgeries for Tom and I, problems with the kids and parenting (which led to our home being a miserable place to be), a cancer diagnosis, a change in jobs, etc. I’m glad I didn’t know what was coming when the year started or I might have tried to find a rock to hide under. (Well not really, but you know what I mean.)
I know it’s not a surprise to you, since you’ve been reading my blog, I but tend to look at the negative side of things and worry. Fortunately, I can look back at pictures from this past year and remind myself that it’s been full of joy as well. (And that we’ve taken lots of last minute trips out of town. I love that!)
Merry Christmas From Our Family to Yours
It’s Christmas Eve! The girls slept late (which I’m sure will not happen tomorrow morning) and we are enjoying a lazy morning/day around the house. There is a light dusting of snow on the ground which makes everything look beautiful!
Tonight we’ll go to the Christmas Eve service at church and grab some hot chocolate from Starbucks as we drive around and look at Christmas lights.
Merry Christmas from our family to yours. I pray it will be a wonderful couple days as you spend time with family and friends and as you celebrate the birth of our Savior.
What Has Brought You Joy Today?
I’m sitting here in the Infusion Center, waiting for my pre-chemo drugs. My port was stubborn this morning, so instead of starting at 9, we’ll be starting around 11:45 (hopefully). I’ve been able to spend time praying for people as I scroll through prayer needs on my computer. My friend Kim stopped by and we chatted for a bit. And of course, my handsome husband is here and as I speak is getting me lunch from Baja Fresh.
As I chatted with Kim this morning, instead of asking how I was doing today, she asked me what had brought me joy this week. What a great thing to think about as I sit here waiting to be poisoned. It’s so easy to let circumstances rob me of my joy. But that’s really a choice, and honestly, not a good one.
The Difference Between Tired and Fatigue
Well, it’s day 3 of my new meds and I’m feeling pretty good. It’s nice to not feel nauseous or take nausea medicine with this new drug. 🙂 As of now, I don’t feel sick, I am just fatigued. I used to say tired, which is what I would describe from the last meds I was on, but this is different. Right now it feels like work just to sit up on the bed. I’m not complaining. I’ll take this over having my skin hurt all over like this time two weeks ago. It’s just a strange feeling. Even typing is hard work. 🙂 Guess that means this will be a short post!
Last night I was feeling good enough to go to hear the girls sing at church and also to hear our 11 year old’s honor choir concert at school. Yay! I’m so glad I didn’t miss those!
Stitch Fix for Chemo Patients
{This post contains Affiliate links. Thanks for helping me keep this blog online.}
If you have to get poison pumped into you each week, you might as well dress cute and comfy for it, right?
Last month I went on line and was going to reschedule my 8th Stitch Fix, which was set to come in December. (More details from my past fixes can be found here.) I don’t go out of the house much and just wear comfy clothes around the house most of the time. Because of that, I really didn’t need anything new. But instead of canceling, I decided to write a note to my stylist, letting her know I was going through chemo and asking her to select really comfy and soft clothes for this next fix.
I’m so glad I did!
Meet Jennifer
Breast Cancer Patient, Chef Wife and Mom
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