Anything And Everything Is Possible...

As a recent cancer survivor, my journey has strengthened my faith in God and my love for others. It has turned what seemed impossible into the possible for me, every step of the way.

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I’m finally starting to feel better, thanks to an oldie but goodie drug called CellCept. After ten years of fighting, my cancer is stable on a treatment that isn’t as brutal on my body, and for the first time in years I’m feeling real relief from my neuro symptoms.

The Savior continues to hold me up as I figure out who I am in this new season of healing. When life has been heavy for so long, who do you become afterward? I’m still learning, and I’ll keep sharing my journey as I go. ❤️

Thank you for every prayer, every kind word, every meal, every bit of support. They’ve all been answers to my own quiet pleas to the Lord. My one hope is to pay it forward!

And if your life feels bleak right now, hold on. Relief does come… eventually.

[myelomacancermomblog]

It’s treatment day … yet again 🥱

Have you ever found yourself sitting in silence, only to feel slightly uncomfortable? For me, it brings me face to face with the trauma I’ve carried, especially from this past year. But I’m learning that the only way to truly share the miracles in my story is to also acknowledge the heartbreak that came before them. Without tragedy, there can be no miracle.

Healing from my health trauma or any kind of trauma, has meant allowing myself to sit with it again and again, until the pain begins to soften and lose its hold. Through it all, my relationship with Jesus Christ has brought comfort, peace, and a quiet kind of strength I never knew I had.

And if you’re someone who’s learning to sit through your own pain or trauma … I see you. Be gentle with yourself. Don’t give up. One day, you’ll look back and realize you made it through, and you’ll be okay. 💜

Thank you all so much for the birthday wishes. It truly means a lot to be thought of. Your love and kindness remind me just how blessed I am. 🥹

[myelomacancermomblog]

…and poof, just like that, it’s like it never happened.

Hair has always been a big deal to me, so it feels so good to have it again.

Best part? Jackson looked at me and said, “You look like yourself, Mommy.”

#meshintegrationsystem

[myelomacancermomblog]

I’ve gone back and forth about whether to share this as to not jinx the outcome, but someone close to me (and you know who you are 😉) reminded me that our journeys, no matter the twists and turns, are meant to help others. And lately, I feel like the world needs more reminders to connect and to hold on to hope.

Last week I met with my neurologist, and together we decided to move forward with a medication that suppresses the immune system and in my case, my T-cells. My hope (always clinging to that word!) is that it will help calm the neurological “flares” caused by multiple myeloma and give me another chance at a steadier, better quality of life.

What really stayed with me, though, happened after the appointment. I got into my car, set my phone down, and when I picked it back up my scripture app had somehow opened. These words were highlighted on the screen:

“And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage.”

Tears filled my eyes. I call these moments my “spiritual nuggets” or little reminders that God is aware of me. I’ve always known that believing in God doesn’t protect me (or anyone) from calamity, but it does mean He is with us every step of the way. I don’t always understand tragedy, even in my own life, but I trust there is purpose in everything.

A quote I heard recently has been echoing in my heart: “Keep humble, stay hopeful, keep going.”

I’m so grateful for my faith in Jesus Christ and in God. Without them, I’d have neither humility nor hope. And if you find yourself in a hard place, please remember… God is always there. He’s ready and willing the moment you are.

❤️❤️❤️

[myelomacancermomblog]

I’m at treatment today and thought about something I haven’t talked much about…

I haven’t shared much about my paraneoplastic syndrome… Mostly because no one knows what that even is 😅

About eight years ago when I was completely off cancer treatment, I began declining neurologically. At first it was gradual, but over the course of two years, things ramped up quickly. I started experiencing:

• Nerve and muscle pain in my hands

• Right leg weakness

• Breathing difficulties

• Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)

• Blood pressure swings/tachycardia

• Random fevers

• Tongue tremors and weakness

• Double vision

It all sent me to the Mayo in Rochester where I spent a month going through just about every test you can imagine: CTs, PET scans, MRIs from head to toe, EMGs, nerve conduction studies, spinal tap, skin, muscle, and fat pad biopsies, sweat test (brutal), autonomic testing, respiratory testing, and endless labs. I saw specialists in oncology, neurology, immunology, rheumatology, cardiology, and physical medicine.

A lot of the tests did come back abnormal and yes, I did have multiple myeloma, but my tumor burden was low, it was not enough to explain my symptoms. Nothing led to a definitive… yet.

Finally, a sharp rheumatologist at Mayo Clinic mentioned he’d seen similar neurological issues in other blood cancer patients. Something clicked. My team back in Dallas agreed, and I restarted treatment. I began improving. We adjusted treatment again and even more relief. But after five years of this, I was exhausted and needed a break.

Then came a stem cell transplant, which I hoped would be the answer.

But it didn’t work. That was devastating.

I’m now back on treatment, and while it’s helping, I still don’t have full relief. After years of searching, we finally have a name: T-cell–mediated, antibody-negative paraneoplastic neurological syndrome. (Yes — it’s a lot.)

What does that mean?

Basically, my immune system, while trying to fight the cancer, started mistakenly attacking my nervous system. Because I don’t have the usual autoantibodies doctors look for, it was incredibly hard to diagnose. But my neurologist and hematologist agree it is most likely my T-cells that are doing the damage — especially to my motor, autonomic, and cranial nerves.

Next month, we’re starting a new neurologic treatment alongside my cancer care, and I’m really hoping and praying 🙏 it works.

I truly appreciate your continued prayers! And if sharing this helps even one other person going through something similar, it’s a win. I really believe this condition is often missed or overlooked in cancer patients.

Thanks for sticking with me through this long journey ❤️

[myelomacancermomblog]

Twelve years ago, Jason and I were sealed for eternity in the San Diego temple. The idea of “forever” can sound a bit overwhelming to some and honestly, it did to me back then too. But even with uncertainty, we believed in something bigger than ourselves. We believed in Jesus Christ, in His power to strengthen and sustain us, and in His promises of eternal families.

I’m just now getting around to writing about it, even though our anniversary was back in May. And with a lot of distractions, it turns out, we both completely forgot this year! We realized it about two weeks too late and had a good laugh. No guilt, just realization that we’re both exactly on the same page with a lot going on this year.

We celebrated with a simple lunch date on a day I felt pretty good. Nothing fancy, but it turned out to be exactly what we needed, time to reconnect and talk about what we still hope for in the future.

It hasn’t been easy, because 9 out of these past 12 years have been kinda hard due to the cancer stuff. But our foundation in our Savior, in each other, and in eternal goals has kept us going. That perspective helps us stay focused on what matters most right now. I’m grateful for that, for him, and for the quiet strength we’ve found in sticking it out together. Here’s to many more years for him, I mean for us… to annoy each other. 😉

[myelomacancermomblog]

I wanted to share a little update on myself and our little family.

First, thank you all for the unconditional love and support you’ve shown me throughout this journey. It’s meant more than words can ever express.

Lately, I’ve been cautiously optimistic. While my transplant didn’t bring the “miracle” we had all hoped and prayed for, I’ve found hope and healing in my current treatment, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.

This journey has reminded me that miracles don’t always come in the form of a perfect outcome. Sometimes, the miracle is in the process… Through the growth, the lessons, and the quiet strength God gives us when we need it most. I’ve had to surrender a lot… Spiritually, emotionally, and physically. But in every step, my Savior has been faithful, shaping me into a stronger, more grounded version of myself.

Life doesn’t always unfold the way we imagined, but lately, I’ve been able to do more with my little family… Making memories, soaking in the joy of ordinary moments, and truly living.

Honestly, I couldn’t ask for more than that.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. And thank you to my God and Savior for never letting go. 💛

[myelomacancermomblog]

I’m at treatment today, my 6th infusion since transplant. I’m now six weeks back into this, and I’m now just finally starting to see some real progress. It’s slow, but it’s happening 🙏

This journey has tested me in every way. Some days are so hard. But today, I feel hopeful. I was able to see Jackson play basketball and workout for the first time in over 3 months!

If you’re going through something heavy… Please keep going. Even the tiniest steps forward matter.

Thank you to everyone who’s lifted me up with love, prayers, and support. I couldn’t do this without you 🥹

[myelomacancermomblog]

These past few months have been incredibly hard on both Jackson and me. I haven’t always been able to show up physically in the way I’ve wanted to, and I know that’s been tough on him too. But through it all, we’ve now somehow found our rhythm. We’ve shared extremely unquiet moments of laughter, and have spent a lot of down time together that’s undoubtedly helped us grow closer. I mean, we now even almost have the same haircut!

It’s reminded me that being a mom isn’t always about doing everything perfectly, it’s about showing up with love, even when you’re running on empty.

I truly believe that the Lord steps in and strengthens us where we fall short. He fills the gaps with grace, and somehow, that’s been enough.

Happy Mother’s Day, to every mom finding her way, even in the hard seasons!

[myelomacancermomblog]

It’s hard to know where to begin, so I’ll just say it simply: the transplant was unsuccessful.

I needed to be in a better headspace before I could share that with you all, because I know how many prayers were offered, how much support was given, and how much hope was felt. I was right there with you, believing this would be the answer, or at least bring a long stretch of healing.

Today, I begin cancer treatment again. It’s especially hard because my body hasn’t fully healed from the transplant yet. But I know what I have to do, and I’ll do it, one day at a time.

I will continue to be faithful. I will stand steady. I will be courageous. I will not yield when the hard days come. I believe God has a plan for me, just as He does for each of us.

This is still a work in progress. I won’t pretend the past few weeks haven’t been full of devastation, but even in that, I will keep trusting and keep moving forward.

To everyone who has prayed, loved, supported, and hoped with me: thank you. From the deepest place in my heart…Thank you 💗

[myelomacancermomblog]

The 100-Day Journey Begins

Well, now you will see me without hair 🧑‍🦲

Today Wednesday marks Day +1, the beginning of a 100-day stem cell transplant process. That’s exactly how they phrase it—+1, +2, etc., counting each day forward as I move through treatment and recovery.

Everything starts with a high dose of chemotherapy called melphalan, which will be infused through a PICC line—a small catheter in my arm that delivers medication directly into my bloodstream. Its job is to wipe out my bone marrow, eliminating every single blood cell, both cancerous and healthy. Over the next few days, my blood counts will drop to zero, leaving me vulnerable but ready for the next step.

On Day +3, through that same PICC line, I’ll receive my new baby stem cells (approx 10 bags) kicking off the slow process of rebuilding a brand-new immune system. It won’t be easy. A few days after the transplant, the real side effects will begin—hair loss (I’ve already taken care of that 😉), nausea, vomiting, and extreme fatigue. But I plan to push through, staying as active as possible through the POWER physical therapy program. After all, I can’t be shown up—I am a therapist myself!

Once my blood counts begin too recover, I’ll be discharged to 24-hour care, where my amazing sister Stacey and Jason will take over for the next month. And then, after 100 days, I’ll finally be cleared to re-enter life again.

This is where I pray it will all be worth it. That the cancer will be obliterated. That the neurological deficits I’ve been battling will be gone. That this journey, as grueling as it will be, will lead to healing.

Thank you for walking alongside me through this. Your love and support mean everything. Here we go. 💙

[myelomacancermomblog]

Strength in Letting Go

Today, I lost my hair. But I didn’t lose myself.

I knew this day was coming, and yet, nothing fully prepares you for looking in the mirror and seeing a stranger staring back. It’s a reminder of the battle I’m fighting, the storm I’m walking through. But in that reflection, I also see something else—resilience, love, and the unwavering grace of God carrying me through.

This journey has tested me in ways I never imagined, yet it has also revealed the incredible power of the human heart and the depth of God’s mercy. I thought I had learned all there was to learn about strength, but life—and faith—keep teaching me. One of the greatest lessons? I am not alone.

Today, I didn’t shave my head alone—my boys stood with me in solidarity, turning a difficult moment into one of profound love and unity. And beyond them, so many of you have shown up for me, lifting me up when I’ve felt weak, reminding me that true beauty, true strength, isn’t about what’s on the outside—it’s about the love we give, the kindness we receive, and the courage to keep going.

God is with me in this storm, and He has shown Himself through each of you. Thank you to everyone who has selflessly walked this path with me. Your love carries me. He carries me. And I will keep fighting.

[myelomacancermomblog]

Strength in Letting Go

Today, I lost my hair. But I didn’t lose myself.

I knew this day was coming, and yet, nothing fully prepares you for looking in the mirror and seeing a stranger staring back. It’s a reminder of the battle I’m fighting, the storm I’m walking through. But in that reflection, I also see something else—resilience, love, and the unwavering grace of God carrying me through.

This journey has tested me in ways I never imagined, yet it has also revealed the incredible power of the human heart and the depth of God’s mercy. I thought I had learned all there was to learn about strength, but life—and faith—keep teaching me. One of the greatest lessons? I am not alone.

Today, I didn’t shave my head alone—my boys stood with me in solidarity, turning a difficult moment into one of profound love and unity. And beyond them, so many of you have shown up for me, lifting me up when I’ve felt weak, reminding me that true beauty, true strength, isn’t about what’s on the outside—it’s about the love we give, the kindness we receive, and the courage to keep going.

God is with me in this storm, and He has shown Himself through each of you. Thank you to everyone who has selflessly walked this path with me. Your love carries me. He carries me. And I will keep fighting.

[myelomacancermomblog]

It’s been a while since I’ve shared an update about treatment and everything going on. And there are changes on the horizon for me. But definitely after Tuesday’s cancer treatment I felt like writing something more personal with how I’ve been feeling lately. Maybe it’s because writing has been therapeutic for me, or maybe it’s in the hope that it helps someone else who needs it.

Lately, I’ve found myself feeling a deep empathy for anyone facing chronic illness, depression, or any battle that feels never-ending. These struggles can wear down your spirit, and there are moments of isolation and loneliness where the road ahead feels impossible.

I used to hope my journey would look triumphant — that I’d conquer this beast that’s turned my life upside down. I imagined an inspiring story with a neat, victorious ending. But over time, my prayers have shifted.

I no longer pray to conquer; I pray to endure. No matter what that looks like.

If you’re fighting a long, hard battle, I want you to know you’re not alone. I see you. I feel for you. And I hope you’ll keep on enduring, fighting to feel joy, even when it feels impossible 💕

[myelomacancermomblog]

This Easter I find myself reflecting on the profound impact Jesus Christ has had on my life. It's through His love and teachings that I've experienced a remarkable transformation in my perspective and actions. Through him I’ve learned to love more deeply, forgive more readily, and cultivate patience as a virtue. Jesus's resurrection symbolizes hope and redemption for me. It's a reminder that through Him, we can overcome our struggles and find joy in His love.

His love has brought light into my life, guiding me on a path of faith, hope, and joy despite my circumstances. I hope he has done that for you. And if he hasn’t yet, never be afraid to get on your knees and ask for it. That’s how it began for me and I know it can for you!

[myelomacancermomblog]

[myelomacancermomblog]

March is Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month! Having personally struggled with this blood cancer for 7 years, I'm passionate about shedding light on its challenges. Join me in spreading awareness, encouraging us survivors and fostering hope for a cure.

#MyelomaAwareness"