Family and friends, it’s hard to believe, but it’s been 115 days since I first announced my cancer diagnosis. The past five months have been the most difficult of my life, filled with many challenges and dark moments. But they’ve also been marked with some very bright spots thanks to all of you. The love and encouragement I’ve received from near and far has been overwhelming and gotten me through these very tough times.
Today I’ve got a bittersweet update to share.
First the bitter part. Just about two weeks ago, a skilled team of surgeons at The James Cancer Hospital amputated my right leg below my knee to fully remove the Myxoid Liposarcoma tumor from my body. I’ve known for months that this was the likely outcome of my treatment plan, but it has not made the adjustment any easier. I’ve had to mourn the loss of my limb, my mobility, and my independence. The days following the surgery have been heavy and painful, but I’m getting through them, one at a time, thanks largely in part to my family. As time has passed, I’ve learned how to move around, how to be way more patient, how to remain hopeful despite daunting challenges, and reconfirmed that a positive attitude is a powerful tool in overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles. In the coming weeks I’ll be fitted with a prosthetic limb and learn how to walk and live my life in a new way. While I’m angry at cancer for taking part of my body, it has not vanquished my spirit or changed who I am at my core. I’m determined to rebuild my life and love it even more than I did before.
And now for the sweet part. Thanks to that very difficult surgery, today I was officially declared cancer free. This long, scary journey has come to a close. While it’s caused much sacrifice, pain, and heartache, I am very proud to be a cancer survivor. I’m determined to embrace my second chance at life, and to chart a path forward rooted in kindness and focused on making a deeply positive impact on the people and world around me.
I will forever be grateful to the doctors, nurses, social workers, and therapists at The James for saving my life and guiding me through this difficult time. They, and our network of friends and allies in Columbus really stepped up to support me through this complicated journey. Doug and I are excited to return home to Austin in early December but will always consider Columbus a home away from home. We look forward to returning soon for happier occasions.
Finally, I want to publicly acknowledge my husband, Doug, who knocked it out of the park in getting me through this nightmare. He took on so much responsibility to keep me safe, happy, and healthy. He helped me navigate all the hard parts, sat with me through the setbacks, brightened the darkest of days, dried many, many tears, and kept hope alive at every turn. He is an incredible human being, and I’m so damn lucky to call him my husband and best friend.
Thanks to all of you for traveling along with me during this difficult life detour. Please keep the prayers and positive vibes coming as I continue to heal and get my life back in order. I hope all of you are doing well, and that I’ll have the chance to see many of you in 2021. Brighter days are most certainly just around the corner for all of us!