05/24/2026
Cancer Journey Update š©·
Yesterday marked 6 weeks since my breast cancer diagnosis, and on Tuesday, May 26th, I will be having a double mastectomy followed by DIEP flap reconstruction one week later.
Iāve been incredibly blessed during this season in so many ways. Iāve been showered with love through beautiful cards, nourishing meals, thoughtful gifts, cheery flowers, words of affirmation, lawn care, shop support and so much prayer! Itās been such a soothing balm to my soul as Iāve processed having cancer and everything that comes with that.
As I wrap up this final weekend before a forced season of rest, Iāve found myself feeling such a wide range of emotions. If Iām not careful, I start to compare myself with other moms who are doing fun things with their kids this summer. Those thoughts can quickly make me feel as though Iām failing my kids. Isnāt it so true that comparison is a thief of joy? So instead, I remind myself that this summer my kids are learning to have more compassion and take more responsibility- things that will greatly benefit them in life- and my hope is that they look at this season of teamwork as one that brought our family closer together rather than one of burden and hardship.
When I was competing in Next Level Baker, I found myself thrown back into the basement after a bake that didnāt go well. I was overwhelmed and exhausted and had no idea what I was going to make. The platform descended and on it was everything I needed to make macarons! Macarons in the basement was a WILD idea, but in that moment with encouragement from I decided that no matter what happened I was going to give it my all and just do the very best I could do regardless of my circumstances (the basement š). What happened was that I had so much fun- like the most fun I had the entire competition- even before I even knew the macarons were going to turn out! It was this beautiful reminder to me that joy is not circumstantial. Joy is a choice. Now, as I find myself in a basement of life, I once again I remind myself that I! Choose! Joy! š©·
