On November 24, 2021 we launched this CaringBridge site with the intention to update along the way. We wanted to have a single source to let those who wanted to keep track of her battle know how she was doing. The first entry was called, “The beginning…” It made sense to title this one, “… the end” as we are soon bringing active treatment to a close and claim victory over this disease. 

We never expected to receive the unbelievable outpouring of love and support. Now, sixteen months later we can write the final entry of this chapter of her inspiring battle against breast cancer. We are so humbled and grateful.

We say the “end of this chapter” because the fight against cancer, we have learned, will long continue. Jen will have ongoing surveillance visits, take medications, and continue to recuperate from the many ways Cancer has taken a toll on her body. However, it is important to celebrate the milestones, to take a moment to reflect on the journey so far and to mark an appropriate end to the need for updates. 

Admittedly, it has been a long time since our last entry. During the past few months the trips to Texas continued, but we had shifted into a routine; one that consisted of visits to Texas every three weeks, monitoring of her clinical trial and squeezing in our kids’ sports and family activities between trips. 

On March 15, 2023 she received her final chemotherapy infusion! The tears of joy shed in those moments after the final drips of medicine entered her body, reflected the months long campaign of constant battle against the disease. They captured the unyielding faith and constant hope that she would reach the end of her treatment cycle. It certainly wasn’t easy and some of her doctors along the way didn’t think she would complete the clinical trial. But those of you who know her well, know that she isn’t too fond of the word “no”. She pressed on, and continued to battle through each and every side effect. She prayed hard. We prayed hard. And she made it - she completed the clinical trial. 

Maybe it’s fitting that this chapter of the journey will end the week of Easter. Perhaps, it’s fitting the diagnosis was discovered as our Church was talking about and celebrating the “journey of faith”. It’s our firm conviction that God has touched every single aspect of this journey. 

There are moments and things that have happened along the way that defy coincidence, they defy logic and only served as a constant reminder that He had her in His loving grasp and was guiding her through this storm. 

We are a private family, we value it. We were, until this diagnosis, private about our faith. When we made the decision to share her story, we were also making the decision to share our faith. The two are interlocked. 

Isaiah 40:31 serves as the constant guiding verse and says: 

 “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”. 

There is so much hope and inspiration in this verse. I’ve witnessed it, Jen has lived it. 

As this chapter of her story ends and thus concludes our Caring Bridge entries, there is no way to adequately express our heartfelt thanks. This community has rallied around our family time and time again. The only way we have been able to process the love and support we have received has been to pay it forward. We are continuing to strive to do that. 

While this chapter ends, the journey will continue. A great friend and respected colleague once said, as her family member celebrated remission: your body can be free OF cancer, but you’re never free FROM cancer. 

She will have one more surgery and we expect the doctors to declare her remission in the coming weeks; we will celebrate that well. As we celebrate, we are respectfully and painfully aware of those who do not have an end of treatment in sight.

Cancer is hard - nothing about it is easy. 

I’m in awe of my wife’s strength, her faith and her perseverance. I’m thankful she chose me and I’m thankful she has let me tag along this journey with her. Most of all, I’m thankful she’s still here to smile, to brighten my day and the day of anyone she meets. 

Much love to all! 

#TeamDrJenny