First and foremost, I want to thank all you beautiful people for the immense amount of love and support that you have shown Cody and I over the last 5 months. We truly could not fight this battle without you.
But, the journey isn’t over yet. After 14 rounds of four different types of chemotherapies, multiple scans, ultrasounds, MRI’s, being poked and prodded, we were told the tumor has not responded to treatment. Not only did it not respond, it grew and possibly traveled to my lymph system. This news was devastating to hear. Treatment was tough; I had more down days than good days. I’ve had more side effects than I can count. I’ve lost my hair, brows, lashes... and it didn’t work. Even with this incredible setback, we are moving forward.
We have been accepted to a clinical trial that will require us to travel Los Angeles and receive treatment at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. We are hopeful this innovative immunotherapy will yield positive results! After traveling to LA, I will undergo a double mastectomy surgery in which both breasts will be removed. At 34, I can’t explain the emotions that are involved in this realization that this part of me will be gone forever. After surgery, I will be going through radiation treatments, possibly more chemo, immunotherapy treatments, and reconstruction surgery.
We have a long road ahead and are taking one day at a time.
Cody and I are encouraged by all of you and your incredible support. Thank you for your prayers, contributions, and love. We will continue to fight until I am 100% cancer free!
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13
*******************************************
An opening letter from Cody when we first heard the words, “You have cancer”.
Dear friends and family,
2020 has given us our highest of highs and lowest lows. On September 25th, we pledged our love to each other in front of friends and family! We are so thankful to have been surrounded by such an amazing tribe as we step into a new and unknown chapter in our lives.
Today (and every day going forward), we celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness. There are countless reasons why. For one, we recognize all the brave and strong individuals out there who have battled, or are currently battling this devastating illness. But today, we have more of a reason than ever...
Just days after our wedding, we were dealt some very unfortunate news. Stacie was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer which is a very aggressive form. This news has been a complete shock to us, our friends, family, and loved ones. We are in the very beginning stages of the process, but are slowly gaining a good understanding of how it will all work.
Although breast cancer runs in her family, this is something we could have never prepared for. There is nothing you can say or do to make it immediately better. No words can describe the pain of watching the person you love the most endure such an uncontrollable situation. But, we are staying extremely positive and optimistic. I am so incredibly proud of Stacie for being as strong as she has been thus far. The support and love we have been receiving is unwavering. Our hearts are full, and this is exactly what we need to help us through the unknown.
We will be posting many updates as we take cancer head on. In a couple weeks, chemotherapy will begin, and we ask that you keep Stacie in your thoughts and prayers. We welcome all encouraging messages from everyone. We are trying to answer and respond as quickly as possible, so please forgive us if we do not get back to you right away.
There is no doubt in my mind that we will beat this! Thank you for all your love and support. We love and cherish you all!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
But, the journey isn’t over yet. After 14 rounds of four different types of chemotherapies, multiple scans, ultrasounds, MRI’s, being poked and prodded, we were told the tumor has not responded to treatment. Not only did it not respond, it grew and possibly traveled to my lymph system. This news was devastating to hear. Treatment was tough; I had more down days than good days. I’ve had more side effects than I can count. I’ve lost my hair, brows, lashes... and it didn’t work. Even with this incredible setback, we are moving forward.
We have been accepted to a clinical trial that will require us to travel Los Angeles and receive treatment at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. We are hopeful this innovative immunotherapy will yield positive results! After traveling to LA, I will undergo a double mastectomy surgery in which both breasts will be removed. At 34, I can’t explain the emotions that are involved in this realization that this part of me will be gone forever. After surgery, I will be going through radiation treatments, possibly more chemo, immunotherapy treatments, and reconstruction surgery.
We have a long road ahead and are taking one day at a time.
Cody and I are encouraged by all of you and your incredible support. Thank you for your prayers, contributions, and love. We will continue to fight until I am 100% cancer free!
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13
*******************************************
An opening letter from Cody when we first heard the words, “You have cancer”.
Dear friends and family,
2020 has given us our highest of highs and lowest lows. On September 25th, we pledged our love to each other in front of friends and family! We are so thankful to have been surrounded by such an amazing tribe as we step into a new and unknown chapter in our lives.
Today (and every day going forward), we celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness. There are countless reasons why. For one, we recognize all the brave and strong individuals out there who have battled, or are currently battling this devastating illness. But today, we have more of a reason than ever...
Just days after our wedding, we were dealt some very unfortunate news. Stacie was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer which is a very aggressive form. This news has been a complete shock to us, our friends, family, and loved ones. We are in the very beginning stages of the process, but are slowly gaining a good understanding of how it will all work.
Although breast cancer runs in her family, this is something we could have never prepared for. There is nothing you can say or do to make it immediately better. No words can describe the pain of watching the person you love the most endure such an uncontrollable situation. But, we are staying extremely positive and optimistic. I am so incredibly proud of Stacie for being as strong as she has been thus far. The support and love we have been receiving is unwavering. Our hearts are full, and this is exactly what we need to help us through the unknown.
We will be posting many updates as we take cancer head on. In a couple weeks, chemotherapy will begin, and we ask that you keep Stacie in your thoughts and prayers. We welcome all encouraging messages from everyone. We are trying to answer and respond as quickly as possible, so please forgive us if we do not get back to you right away.
There is no doubt in my mind that we will beat this! Thank you for all your love and support. We love and cherish you all!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""