Michelle Houde Michelle Houde

Welcome to our CaringBridge site. We've created it to keep friends and family updated.

For those of you not aware (and we apologize if this is the first you are hearing); I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in December. I underwent a lumpectomy and lymph node removal in early January and prognosis is good for full recovery. The BRCA Genetic test was negative, which is good to know considering my maternal grandmother had breast cancer later in her life. The treatment plan is for preventative measures; "insurance policy" is a good way to look at plan. Chemotherapy started today and will take place in Crystal Lake at North Shore Oncology in the Advocate Center under care of Dr. Chunduri.  Super close! It includes 4 rounds of chemotherapy; once every 3 weeks and will finish on March 30th. Take a month off and then 7 weeks 5 days a of radiation which will be at Good Shephard Hospital under care of Dr. Ruffer.  


This has been quite the year and God is in control of all things. God is taking me on a new journey in this 49th year of mine.  I am learning to surrender and trust as I move forward.  I am even more aware of the importance of relationships, friendship and living life with people you care about. I pray that we as a family can move closer to each other and to Christ during this time.  I feel so fortunate to have a wonderfully supportive family, many praying friends and people who care so much for me and my family. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.

Love and hugs,

Michelle 

So many of you have asked how you can help and meals can be helpful and I will work on that calendar, but as most of you might already know I have some simple eaters at my home.  Mike does travel a lot, so meals and gift cards are helpful.  PLEASE don't feel obligated and this is one of my lessons to learn to receive, so much easier to give! We have already been blessed from our TKD family and several others, so thank you from the bottom of our stomachs! 
I am listing some favorite places:
Pizza is a favorite for all - Domino's, 


Rosati's , Georgio's, That's Amore, Half - Time and Nick's(Crystal Lake Local)
Fast Food for Mike and Jared with Spotlight - Taco Bell, Subway, Ckick Fil A, Culvers
Easy Take Out Choices - Panera, Noodle's, Portillo's 
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! 
Our address if you want to mail them: 6010 Chestnut Ct. Crystal Lake, IL 60014 if need to text me 815-994-6278