On this day, 5 years ago, I was blindsided by news that would forever alter my life. I don’t think people really grasp what it means to have your life completely altered in every way possible. Being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 27 was me being blindsided for the first time in a significant, life-altering way. Blindside number two (as if one wasn’t enough) was being diagnosed with Leukemia just 389 days after finishing chemotherapy for my breast cancer. Choosing to be aggressive with my treatment for breast cancer was ultimately what caused me to get Leukemia. Fun Fact: Therapy-related Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia occurs in an estimated .01-.02% of people treated for breast cancer. In other words, it is extremely rare.
On this day, 5 years ago, the weather was much like today’s weather in central Minnesota, a refreshing 50-some degrees. I had an appointment with a new oncologist at a new clinic to establish care after we had just moved back to Minnesota. I was in remission from breast cancer and really only needed to establish care to manage my care moving forward. I had some mild concerns about the symptoms I was currently having, and I was really thinking it was because I was anemic. Labs were requested, per my request.
On this day, 5 years ago, the weather was 50-some degrees, and I was on my way home from my appointment, my window down, music playing, the sun shining. I was 10 minutes from home, and my phone started ringing. I don’t remember why I chose to answer, but I did. I was surprised when the caller identified themselves as Dr. So and So, whom I had just seen. She said, “your labs showed an extremely elevated white blood cell count, which indicates a problem with your bone marrow. You need to go to the emergency room right away. I’ll call and let them know you are coming.” I am immediately back into survival mode.
On this day, 5 years ago, the weather was 50-some degrees, and I was on my way home from my appointment, my window now closed tightly, my music now silent, the sun now covered by dense clouds. I call Josh and tell him word-for-word what the doctor just told me, because I couldn’t form any thoughts of my own. I drove the rest of the way home scared to death, thoughts spiraling out of control, spiraling down, down to darkness.
When I get home, I am hyper-focused, consumed by what I was just told. I packed a quick “overnight” bag (thinking it would maybe be an overnight thing), not even taking the time I SHOULD have to say goodbye to my kids, and left immediately with Josh to the ER. What I thought would “maybe” be an overnight thing turned into a 30-day thing.
On this day, March 8, 2026, I am 5 years post-diagnosis. On this day, I am not just surviving anymore. I am thriving. Recent labwork has indicated I am the picture of health.
I’ve decided that as I approach this anniversary with disdain, being five years out calls for celebrating and calls for a new era to begin. I’m calling this new phase my “Growth Era.” This will involve:
Growing my relationship with Christ
Strengthening my marriage
Raising my children to be disciples
Cultivating my love for gardening
Focusing on personal growth by stepping out of my comfort zone and taking risks
I feel like my life has finally begun.
GOD IS GOOD! 🙌
I have some big news to share! Lately, I’ve found a new passion for creating digital designs, and after a lot of prayer, I felt God nudging me to take a leap of faith.
I am officially opening my Etsy shop, Faithful Fighter! 🛡️✨ My goal is to create designs that inspire and encourage others to keep fighting the good fight.
I’d be so honored if you took a peek at what I’ve been working on!
🔗 Check it out here: faithfulfighter.etsy.com
Surviving Cancer 
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