I had another scare last month regarding my diagnosis. They found a tiny mass in my small intestines. My gastro specialist was concerned that it could be something other than scar tissue. My procedure, tests and scans came back that it’s just mild scar tissue from my surgeries which should go away with time!  I’m in physical therapy to help work out all of my pain that is being caused by my extensive scar tissue. 

I’m happy to say that my incisions are FINALLY fully closed and I am on the mend. It’s been a very annoying recovery period for myself. If you know me, you know that I like being as independent as I can be. I’m still on bending & lifting restrictions  so my wonderful boyfriend is still doing the majority of the tasks around our house and doing a wonderful job taking care of me. This is the first week I’ve even been able to take my dog Maverick out on a leash! 

I think the biggest issue I’m dealing with right now is the pain that I’m still in. Mentally I feel back to normal but my body is sure not. I’m trying to remind myself that my new normal may never look like it used to. And that’s okay. I am having to remind myself to be patient with myself on a daily basis! 

I just want to give a huge thank you and shout out to all of the wonderful people who have been by my side non-stop through it all. God, my parents, McKenzie, my ride or die besties: Megan, Kelsey, and Taylor are the reasons I have gotten through these past couple of months somehow with a smile on my face! They have been there for me every step of the way and I’m so grateful! I’d also like to thank every family member, friend, and acquaintance who reached out and who continuously prayed for me. You all are so kind and I’m forever grateful to have you all in my life. I’m released to return to work in June and I’m excited to be able to soon close this chapter of my life. 

God and the power of modern medicine are so good! I won’t sit here and say that I’m lucky. There is nothing lucky about getting diagnosed with cancer. But I will say that I am so thankful and blessed that it was not worse than what it was. I will continue to pray and thank God that I’m NED and pray that I will continue to be cured. I will be watched closely for the next 10 years by my oncologists with monthly blood tests and several PET scans a year for the first year or so. Once I keep getting good news I’ll be able to get my scans down to once a year and then hopefully none at all! 

Once again if you’ve made it this far and continued to keep up with my journey, THANK YOU! I’m forever grateful for you love and support. 

With all of my love,

Billie Hope Jones