For a few weeks now, I’ve been looking forward to providing y’all with an update today, the six month anniversary of my amputation surgery. I was excited to share how hard I’ve been working in physical therapy and at the gym, strategically building back my strength and learning how to navigate the world with my new prosthetic leg. I was thrilled to let you know that in just a few short months I’ve re-learned to walk, drive, swim, and exercise. And that each day I’ve been methodically reclaiming my life in both small and enormous ways.
While all of these accomplishments deserve to be celebrated, a setback has cast a bit of a shadow over today’s milestone. Last week during one of my routine scans, the doctors found a pea sized mass in my right calf, just below the knee, and above my recent amputation. Based on its characteristics, the doctors theorized that it was probably nothing to worry about and said we could continue to monitor it. Trusting my gut, I pushed for a biopsy. And a few days ago, my doctors and I were shocked to discover that the small mass in my leg is in fact the same cancer. There is some question as to whether or not it was there last summer, but either way, it requires action.
My heart is heavy to have to share this news, but so many of you have been fighting right along with me, and I wanted to keep you in the loop. The very good news is that this tumor is extremely small and appears to be slow growing, nothing like the tumor that I battled in 2020. I will likely have a simple surgery to remove the mass in the coming weeks and then have to recover before I can resume using my prosthesis.
Yes, this is crappy news. But if there’s anything I learned last year, it’s that I’m way stronger than I ever imagined. I’m absolutely determined to beat this cruel disease. I know deep down in my core that there is so much more kindness I need to share with the world. And so, my fight begins again. I will keep you posted in the coming weeks and Doug and I would appreciate your continued prayers and good energy.
Oh, and if you need proof that I’m primed and ready for this fight, please enjoy a recent video from the gym. Brighter days are ahead, my friends! Much love to you all in the meantime.