I have dreaded making some of these posts over the last 7 months. The whole process can be exhausting. It's emotional and it's often unfathomable to believe we're in a situation where we even have to make these posts.

Yesterday afternoon Katelyn's doctor's office called and (sorry for the cliff hanger), but they said Katelyn had a full path-cr. Her body is cancer free. We have thought about and Katelyn has fought for this day for 7 months or to be exact - 203 days. We feel like we get a fresh start... another shot at this life. We won't take this for granted. We're going live more than we ever have. We are going to put this journey behind us, but it will always remind us how precious life is.

I undoubtedly married an incredibly tough Woman. A fighter that wouldn't throw in the towel.

We teach our little boys about perseverance daily, and how they have to work hard to win. They know that they can't achieve their goals by giving up. I can't think of a better example and testament to that, than being able to see their mother overcome her battle with cancer.  

To all of our supporters  - Thank you. This journey would have been a whole lot harder if it wasn't for you. The meals, help with babysitting, the gift cards to restaurants that saved us time on cooking a meal, and most importantly - the supportive words of encouragement have been so helpful. We have met so many people that have traveled this same road, and there's a bond you share with those families that is simply indescribable.

We have to remember that triple negative breast cancer has a tendency to come back.. It's the harsh reality of this cancer, but it's not going to stop how we live. Katelyn has greatly reduced her risk of reoccurrence by having the double mastectomy. She will continue a low sugar/ healthy diet and daily workouts.  As a continued precaution Katelyn is likely to still go through with radiation, but because of her full response she will qualify for a trial that reduces the treatment from 6 weeks to 3. 

I hope that you never find yourself traveling this road. It's confusing, dark and morbid. If I could ask one more thing from every person that reads this- it's that you keep on giving like so many given to us. I have a restored faith in humanity. We have seen that complete strangers have been here for us more than those that we considered our closest friends. I don't say that in an antagonistic way, but in a way that can offer you perspective to how much a helping hand can help someone in need- even a complete stranger.  I know that we won't be able to scroll past a caring bridge or go fund me page again without offering some type of support.

Help someone in need today, I know that we will. You may change their life in a way that you didn't know was possible.  

128 days ago I asked you to fight with us, and you did. Today we are going to celebrate that fight and this victory.  Celebrate with us. 

With all the love and gratitude, 

Josh 

#Pezzstrong

p.s. - When was your last mammogram?