A couple weeks ago, I traveled to Stanford for a post chemo MRI and short story is, the tumor responded well to treatment but unfortunately, it didn’t shrink enough to conserve my breast like I hoped. I have a lot of mixed feelings about the results but at this point, I have to trust that a mastectomy will guarantee a better outcome than a lumpectomy would’ve given me (much as I hate every damn part of this).

My surgery is currently scheduled for May 10th and I'll be in the hospital overnight. Recovery time is about a month and then I'll start 6 weeks of radiation this summer (final reconstruction to follow down the road after I've recovered from radiation). What a way to celebrate my upcoming wedding anniversary and 40th birthday, eh?

While you’ve already been so supportive as it is, these are some of the ways you can continue to help us during this next phase of my treatment:

- Donate and / or share the GoFundMe. Despite insurance coverage, related expenses continue to rise and every penny helps to ease financial stress.

- Sign up and / or donate to the Meal Train: www.mealtrain.com/r28vkw

- Send a care package from the Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1XXIS31AQWS9Z

- Buy something from my shop so I can still earn income when possible (and reduce my massive inventory): www.TheJoyfulJewelryBox.com

- Pray for my emotional and physical stamina as well as clear margins in both my breast and lymph node(s).

Once again, thank you for cheering me on during this horrific time...your encouragement has kept me afloat more than you realize. I'll be in touch with another update after my surgery.

Love,
Linz