I knew that this day would come, I just didn’t know it would come this soon.
Progression
I found out a few weeks ago, that my cancer has progressed which means it has spread.
It caught me totally off guard and shocked me beyond belief. I went in for my scheduled routine scan, and when I received the results I couldn’t believe it. The cancer in my bones continues to be stable (yay!), but my liver which has been unremarkable for almost 2 years has lesions or cancerous tumors in it. I had zero symptoms I wasn’t yellow, or in any pain so the news came as a total shock.
The last few weeks have been a whirlwind- trying to enjoy what was left of the summer, while figuring out my next course of treatment. I started a new chemotherapy this past Saturday. It, like my last chemotherapy, is in pill form that I take at home. Instead of taking 1 pill per day, I’m taking 8 pills split into two doses of 4 pills. The side effects of this pill are scary but I’m hoping that I’ll be one of the lucky ones that has minimal side effects.
I’m also exploring other treatments and seeking second opinions abroad which is overwhelming at times.
So what can you do?
Again, please don’t discuss it with or in front of my kids. They know what is going on, but what they know is age appropriate for them.
Please treat me the same. I’ll always have cancer as long as I’m living but I love to do lots of other things too. Please don’t pity me.
I don’t want to talk about or focus on my shitty situation. You can totally ask how I am and my answer will be dependent on if I’m wanting to talk about it.
Come hang out with me! Right now I feel pretty good, but depending on the side effects, I might want visitors at my house instead of going out. Come snuggle on the couch, watch Netflix and I’ll even make you a coffee! Or you can bring me Starbucks (which I’ll never turn down)
Send me your good vibes, say a prayer whatever. I might not be super religious but I do believe that everything everyone has thrown out into the world since I shared my initial diagnosis has made a difference.
And while I want your good vibes etc, I can do without people sending me their opinion about what I should be doing. I have a wonderful medical team, I’m getting a great second opinion and I believe that what I’m doing now is the path I should be at at this time. Telling me about the therapy your Great Aunt Thelma had years ago, that didn’t work and she ended up dying isn’t anything I’m interested in hearing.
That being said, this morning I’m going in for a procedure. Please say a prayer, send good vibes, healing vibes etc for everything to go smoothly and for me to recover well.
Most of all, like my buddy Ellen DeGeneres says at the end of each of her shows, “Be Kind To One Another”. Because you just never know what someone else is dealing with.
Love you, my friend. You are an incredible woman, and your strength and positivity is a lesson for us all. You are always in my prayers. xo
Sending positive vibes, healing thoughts and blessings your way!❤️❤️❤️
Proud of you…I’m proud of your inspiration attitude and compassion! Girl, you are a fighter! You’re in my heart and prayers. No pity, strength, power and love <3
You are in my thoughts. Stay strong!
Thank you for being so open and honest about your journey. You’re an inspiration to me. Sending love and light your way.
Praying for you as you go for this procedure today and also praying for you as you continue to wrap your head around all of this and make decisions on what you are doing treatment wise going forward.
Your strength, & attitude have been an encouragement and inspiration to me and I’m sure to many many others! Thank you for the vulnerability you show as you share your story with us all.
You are such an amazing and strong woman! You have such positivity! Thinking of you always! XO – Eli
Lots of love
Love and kind thoughts to you!
Sending you so much love, Renee! You are an inspiration and a STRONG woman! xoxo
Beautifully said. I think it’s so good you’re seeking second opinions. My dad, like you, is living with bone cancer. From his diagnosis of his prostate cancer spreading, he always said “the doctors can only do so much for me, I have to do the rest”. You are. I hope the new treatment doesn’t cause too much disruption in your life, you have lots of traveling to do still! Hope today’s procedure went well, sending all the positive vibes!
I’m so sorry you have to deal with this, but I wish you all the best! Sending all the good vibes your way!!
You are inspiration for us. Stay strong and blessed. Life sometimes becomes very hard but there is always comforts after this.