Eighth and Ninth Week of Treatment -10/9/24

Thought I would post another update since it’s been a couple of weeks.  So many positive things going on recently I am excited to share with you all. 

First starting with the visit my mom and I had with my aunt and cousins, who were visiting from Michigan.  We had such a wonderful time together!  We went on walks, played cards, got them into bingo (maybe a little too much 😊) and ate some good food.  We laughed a ton! This was probably the most I had laughed since my diagnosis, and the time together truly lifted my spirits.  It was so good to see them, and I have the best family!

After the fun filled weekend, I went to my 8th week of treatment, which went smoothly.  My blood work all looked good except my red blood cells, but still approved for treatment.  During the week I seemed to have enough energy to still enjoy the things I love.  The weather in Minnesota has been SO beautiful lately and everyday I make it a point to get out in nature or go for a walk outside.  Something about the fresh air and scenery that fills me with joy.  On these walks, I have been listening to audiobooks that inspire me.  One of those books I talked about previously is called “Radical Remission” by Kelly A. Turner Ph.D.  The book covers 9 key factors that can make a real difference in people with cancer.  The book gives me hope to hear other’s stories and gives me some confidence for the things I am doing daily to get better.  I will say I am learning a lot, especially as it relates to actions to take for myself that I can use some work on.  I mentioned that one of my biggest fears is dying, and this book highlights that a key factor is releasing fear and facing death.  There have been times on my walk where I just cry and cry and cry, as I try to face the reality and come to terms with death.  For me to heal, I need to know what that feels like and to release those suppressed emotions.  While I don’t believe that will be my fate any time soon, in the next few years or even many years to come, we all will face that one day, and we never know when.  For me, if things take an unexpected turn, I want to be able to enjoy my last few days as much as possible, and not be riddled with fear that is preventing me from doing that.  It’s the hardest thing I think I have ever had to do, but it’s needed.

On a positive note, last week my dad came into town, and it’s been so nice being able to spend quality time with him.  We have been going to the dog park a lot, eating good food, and went out to play some bingo again.  Bingo seems to become quite the weekly ritual!  Didn’t win but are due for a win soon!  Also, this week I made some healthy ramen soup and pumpkin banana bread for my dad and I to enjoy.  I am becoming quite the chef in the kitchen!

This past weekend I attended a breast cancer walk with my good friend, Steve, to raise money for the Minnesota Breast Cancer Coalition and attended the Minneapolis Metsquerade Gala with my dad.  We were honored to attend such a beautiful fundraiser, auction and event to raise funds for Metavivor and Metastatic Breast Cancer research to help find a cure.  It was an incredible event.  We got to meet other Thrivers (see attached picture) and caregivers like us, hear many stories, hear from amazing speakers and researchers, and remember those lives that have left us too soon and gained their angel wings.  There was a grand march where they introduced us Thrivers one by one and I walked in with my dad, where they announced my name and then my dad’s voice comes over the intercom as he pre-recorded a beautiful and loving message while I walked down the aisle.  I just started crying, it was super emotional.  Every one of us Thrivers got to experience that, and it was emotional for all of us.  I also ended up wearing a beautiful $1,000 human hair wig that night and danced the night away as they had live music and a dance floor. For anyone that knows me, knows that I love live music, and I WILL be the one dancing no doubt! The gala ended up raising $220,000 for Metstatic Breast Cancer, which was amazing.  It was a wonderful night of tangible action.

It's been a busy but rewarding last few days.  For those that follow me on social media, I am sure you saw my story on CCX Media in honor of breast cancer awareness month.  Thanks to my coworker James and the incredible team at CCX media, I was able to share my story in the hopes that it helps others.  I am linking the news story and video below for those that haven’t seen it yet.  I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to share my story, even as vulnerable as it is!  I want to turn my pain into purpose and help others while I am going through this.  For others to be aware that Metastatic breast cancer can happen to anyone, especially seemingly healthy, younger women.  For people to go to the doctor when something feels off in their bodies and for people to understand the severity of this disease when it’s stage 4.  I mentioned many times, but the lump that started growing in May kept growing, and then one day I went to the doctor in late July.  It had already spread to 9 areas on my bones and too many areas in liver to count.  Don’t be me and wait.  I think back and wish I had heard someone’s story or been aware so that I could have gone to the doctor sooner.  But I can’t go back, and I can’t think like that.  I can only move forward from here and this is why I share my story so much.  While it helps me heal, I know it also can help others. If I could inspire others or save even just one person’s life…

Here is the news story and video: General Mills Employee Shares Cancer Journey To Help Others (ccxmedia.org)

My story could also not have been told without the news crew joining me in my 9th week of treatment this week.  All my blood work looked fine again and went ahead with the treatment.  Being filmed getting treatment was a different but memorable experience.  The crew made it easy to feel comfortable.  I must mention however, how fortunate I was to receive treatment this week.  With the IV Fluid Shortage from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, M. Health Fairview has had to decide every day who to give chemo to and who they need to cancel.  How devastating is that. The shortage is a serious situation affecting the entire country.  I am so grateful to have received treatment as I need it against this aggressive cancer, but I know that not everyone was able to, and I hope that everyone who is in dire need of IV fluids or chemo can get it until we can get back to normal.  Working in supply chain, I know what a serious and stressful situation that must be to get a handle on. 

With my 9th week, I am halfway through chemo!  Time is going by fast.  At the beginning of all this, I wasn’t sure how I was going to handle treatment, how things were going to go, what it would feel like, how fast my hair would fall out, etc. etc.  What a wild ride and rollercoaster these last two months have been.  I would have never pictured my life to turn out this way, but oh my, what blessings have also come my way these last two months.  The outpouring of love and support from so many people, more time spent with my family, more appreciation for life itself.  I have radically changed my diet, how I exercise, working on releasing suppressed emotions, savoring each moment and ultimately feeling pretty good despite having stage 4 cancer.  Of course I have tough days as this is not easy, but it’s the good days that stick out to me most. 

Next week is a big week for me as I have my first follow up PET scan and Brain MRI to determine how my tumors are responding to treatment.  I am very hopeful that I will receive good news considering my blood markers have shown positive results.  I meet back with the Oncologist on the 16th to go over the results and any changes to my treatment plan.  I told myself that WHEN I get good news, I am going to buy myself a new purse and some beautiful pink breast cancer jewelry in honor of breast cancer awareness month.  And I say when not IF.  It’s celebrating the wins when I get them and celebrating with friends or family, not just buying fancy stuff that makes me sound high maintenance 😊.  I can say that because I already have about 10 purses and really don’t need another one! But live it up and enjoy the little things, right?

This coming Saturday is the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, American Cancer Society’s Walk at Mall of America.  I believe I will be joined by about 40 others of my family, friends and coworkers to walk alongside me.  We all will be wearing matching t-shirts as well.  Very much looking forward to seeing everyone and feeling loved as many walk with me in support.  If you feel inclined to donate, please donate to METAvivor - Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness, Research and Support | METAvivor

To end this week, I wanted to extend my thanks and appreciation for the continued support I receive from many of you.  These last two weeks I have received heart warming cards, notes, well wishes, a care package from Pet Supply Chain Leadership team, a care package from my SRM Support Family, a handmade shawl from my coworker, two homemade meals from my coworkers, a Microsoft Teams video message recording from my team and many others who let me know they care daily  Not enough words or the right words to say thank you, just know that every single bit of it means a lot.  I value connection and community, and I must say those cups are being filled immensely.

Love, Stacy