Several people have reached out to me over the past few months and suggested I get in contact with Jennifer Masley, the amazing woman that opened Sip Organic juice bar here in Grand Rapids about 4 years ago.

She developed a passion for plant-based, raw foods and juicing in 2008 while involved in triathlon racing, and operating beach bootcamps in south Florida. In search of real, whole foods and unimpressed by the taste, ingredients, and results of common energy bars, she created the Jenergy Bar — the only snack able to meet her high dietary standards and energy needs and she developed many of her recipes while caring for her husband who faced cancer a few years back.

In a twist of fate, like so many things on this journey, Jenn stopped into the East town Location while I was there and was compelled to say hello to me. Within minutes I could tell she was the amazing woman so many had spoke of and the owner of this amazing juice bar.

Well, today I received a card in the mail from this awesome woman that included a $50 gift certificate to Sip. If you’re looking for an immune boosting shot packed full of organic goodness a smoothie packed full fresh ingredients, stop into Sip in Grand Rapids.

Link to website:
http://www.siporganicjuicebar.com/
#mypersonalpinktime #Siporganicjuicebar

 

 

As I sit here plugged in to my migraine drip awaiting the magic medicine that makes me feel so sick, I am thinking of how lucky I am to have the love and support of so many near and far, and I am also thinking of this amazingly courageous and strong young man who has bravely and successfully been kicking cancers butt most of his life. His name is Gage and I have been following his story for years. I do not think it was a coincidence that I was able to meet and get my first photo with him the day before the round I have been dreading so much. Gage thank you for being a true inspiration to me. I’m going to follow your lead in kicking some cancer butt! You are truly amazing!

 

#mypersonalpinktime #TeamGage

I have been avoiding an update for some time because I have something to say that is very hard for me to admit. However, I am realizing that my thoughts are very normal thoughts and it might be important for me to share, so here goes…. I am generally a pretty positive and optimistic person and my doctors are VERY confident in my treatment, but I have some fear… ok sometimes a lot of fear that my cancer will return someday and threaten my life. I will say that I try not to get down about this or even focus on it every second of every day, but the truth is it is always in the back of my mind and it doesn’t take much to bring it out. So much to the point that I can no longer read stories in the news about cancer, I don’t like it when people tell me stories about others with cancer unless there is a happy ending, and I no longer like watching TV and movies because there are so many cancer references. It seems like the very word “cancer” has consumed every part of my world so I’ve decided that I need to make a change and it starts right now.

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After feeling really good last week it was very hard to get back in the chemo mindset for today but filling my weekend full of fun happy distractions was a huge help. We packed in my sweet girls 3rd birthday party with family and friends, and a trip to the beach. It was amazing.

Now I have my chemo hat on I’m here with my amazing hubby and my photographer Sam from Shutter Sam Photography was here this morning documenting my treatment and oh course making me laugh my butt off. Laughter really is great medicine.

I am ready to check another round off the list. Only two rounds of chemo to go. I can do this!
#mypersonalpinktime

Since I accidentally left the house and went for a very long walk without my scarf last night, I figured it’s time that I post a photo of what I look like post hair loss. I haven’t lost it all as I had thought I would and my doctors and nurses are still adamant that I do not shave it for fear of infection so I have a very sparse buzz cut and I officially look like a cancer patient. I usually wear a scarf when I am away from home, but I will admit it was a bit freeing to walk around without anything on my head… after I got over the initial fear of doing it unintentionally that is.

Here are a few “bald” photos of me with 2 of my biggest supporters.

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I know I haven’t updated in a while, but with all that is going on I needed a little break from the internet. I’m happy to report that I did have a few good things happen over the past few weeks but I have also had some rough days as well. We were really hoping I would feel less sick with this round of chemo due to the 20 percent reduction in chemo however it hit me pretty hard again. Like any other cancer patient, I can now confidently say that Chemo stinks…bad. With that being said, I am remaining optimistic and strong even though I dread treatment far more then the surgeries I’m facing later this year.

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After a long infusion and a nice dinner out with my hubby we returned to our oddly quite and toddler-free house to find three more loving packages. My inspirational heart friend Vicki sent me the affirmation list she read to herself everyday during treatment. We had talked about these affirmations 5 years ago when we-together were sharing her breast cancer journey and she had mentioned them to me the day I was diagnosed, however she said she needed to wait until the right time to share with me. Let me just say… Today was the right day.

After tearing up a bit with Vicki’s card and letter, I opened the sweetest package from a little 4 grader from my hometown and his entire 4th grade class. It started with the sweetest letter of support from his mom. This little forth grader met me only a few times when he was a lot younger through some friends. After hearing I was sick he wanted to make me a card but he thought it would be better if he had his whole class make cards for me. So I came home to a pile of beautiful and hilarious cards of support that are full of fourth grade humor. I cannot help but smile right now.

I recently read a quote about how you never really know how much people love or like you until you get sick. It’s odd to think like this but in so many ways it is true. I know I’ve said this before, but there is nothing fun about cancer, however so much good has and keeps coming from this. I learn more about myself each and every day, I am doing my best to make only positive changes in my life, and most of all I feel love and hope all around me.

‪#‎mypersonalpinktime

Treatment Update:
Yesterday I meet with both Dr. Melnik, my surgical oncologist along with her chemo nurse and Dr. Timek my plastic surgeon after starting my day with infusion. Busy day.

All appointments went pretty well. Dr. Melnik decided to reduce my chemo amounts and now formulate the three types of chemo that I receive every three weeks to my body size rather than protocol because she believes I physically took way too big of a hit with round one. She was confident that this is still very effectively fighting my cancer and shouldn’t add rounds to my treatment course. The good news is that both she and her chemo nurse Marianne believe this will greatly impact how I feel after round two this coming Monday, which does make me dread it far less. I’ll be honest it’s hard to know that although you feel good right now, you’re going to be sick in a few days. It’s like knowing you’re going to get the flu every third Monday, which stinks. But I am feeling far more optimistic about round two after yesterday’s appointments.

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