Many have asked how Jen is doing, so I thought I would post this message to let everyone know she is doing well - and to provide an update.  Since my last update 8-1/2 months ago...

Jen continues to see her oncologist every other month, as well as receiving a monthly shot and taking a daily pill (for the medically induced menopause). We have also had visits with her breast surgeon as well as her reconstructive surgeon.

The breast surgeon has explained to us that Jen's cancer is unlikely to return "locally" (to the breast area) because all the breast tissue has been removed. We continue to watch if the cancer returns "regionally" (lymph nodes). Finally, we monitor any symptoms that might suggest the cancer has returned "generally"; in Jen's case that could mean her cancer could return in her Lung, Liver, Brain, or Bones. There are no diagnostics tests that can detect if the cancer is returning. They don't use terms like "remission" for this type of cancer, and there is no period of time for which Jen will be "cancer-free". So Jen just lives her life and we listen to her body. And we are thankful for each and every day she is healthy!

As expected, Jen has to have a "revision" surgery by her reconstructive surgeon; that surgery will be as an outpatient (no overnight hospital stay) and will occur on Monday 12/7/2020. Jen will recover at home for a few weeks and return to work when school resumes in January 2021.

The support, concern, kindness, and love we have received throughout this journey is overwhelming and a bit humbling. Although 2020 has brought so much pain and suffering to so many, we continue to feel blessed and thankful for all that God has given to us. We look forward to 2021, and we hope it is a year filled with health and thankfulness... and NO surgeries for Jen!

With all that is going on, we also want to share that we will not be sending out Christmas cards this year! So, when you don't receive one from us, it's nothing personal. We will enjoy reading all of the cards you will send, and you can look forward to seeing one from us next year.

We hope your Thanksgiving was healthy, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!