Fall 2009: Jake and Nancy learned that Nancy's breast cancer was stage four. Winter 2013: They are still fighting. This is a gathering place to follow their story, offer support, love and prayers... to be by their side.



Monday, March 31, 2014

Overdue update

Dear Family and Friends,
Sorry it has been so long since I've posted anything, all is well.

I had a follow up brain scan today and, thankfully, it was clear.  We expected it to be fine as I haven't had any symptoms, but still it was comforting to get those results.  Chemo continues to go very well, seems like we've hit the jackpot with this one.  My tumor markers are nearly back to normal and the side effects are very doable, at times I almost forget I'm on chemo.

In other news, I am officially retiring from work.  I'm taking a medical retirement, something I probably should have done long ago, but I have been so fortunate to have a job that I truly love, it has been difficult to let go.  I will miss the people so much...UW Medicine has been incredibly gracious to both Jake and I with our need to take time off work.  One of the most extraordinary things is that my coworkers donated sick leave to me, which is humbling beyond words.  Jake and I went to a work-related dinner the other night (he was celebrating his 10-year anniversary with UW Medicine and I was celebrating my 5 year) and it struck us both about how lucky we are that our employer feels like family.

Lots of people have asked what I'll do now that I'm retired.  Mostly, I'm focused on my health (chemo and all that goes along with it is a lot of work), but hopefully I'll continue to feel well enough to pursue some additional interests like volunteering.  I'd like to do a little gardening this summer and, of course, the bulldogs are always game for attention.  Mostly I just want to spend quality time with Jake, friends and family.  I feel very lucky to be feeling so well after 2013 was such a bumpy year.

Final bit of good news.  My sis-in-law, Molly, submitted our story to a foundation that grants "wishes" to cancer patients and we were fortunate enough to be selected.  The organization is granting us a vow renewal ceremony, something Jake and I always dreamed about doing.  It will be a small gathering, but we are beyond excited about it.