Happy New Year!

Hello all! Well my 3rd round of chemo commenced yesterday. Today is a new day, and it's new years eve! So far, it's been a great day. I was able to meet up with a good friend for coffee. Later on, John's sister and brother-in-law will be joining us for a night of games and pizza. I'm looking forward to 2015 with a renewed sense of hope, and I hope you are too! I wish a safe and happy new years to you all! 

Love and prayers,

Holly

Thanks! and Food!

First of all, I would like to give a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who has donated to my fundraiser! I am beyond touched! Right now, I have enough to pay for 2 rounds of chemo, so please accept my biggest thanks to you!!!

This week is chemo week. I have my next dose tomorrow. So, I have been stocking up on food in preparation for my lack of energy and aversion to cold...well anything. I made a large pot of the soup shown above. It is cheesy cauliflower and kale soup. You roast the veggies, which gives them a nice flavor. Then I put them in the blender to make them a bit smaller. It's delicious, John gave it his seal of approval! I also made a large batch of cheese and spinach enchiladas yesterday. We have enough leftovers for 2 meals. Later I am making lemon noodles that can be paired with chicken or fish. That will be a large batch as well, so plenty to eat this week! :)

I would also like to thank everyone for checking in and keeping such positive spirits. I really don't know how I'd get through this without any of you! Hope you all have a wonderful New Years! 

Love and prayers,

Holly

Fairy Gardens and Fundraisers

I hope everyone is enjoying this time leading up to the holidays. John and I were in GR last week and received this lovely fairy garden from my friends over at SH VNA (visiting nurses association). It was really hard to get a good picture of it, but I assure you, it's beautiful. There are a variety of moss and plants, as well as quartz stones and the bottom is all gravel. John and I had made a fairy garden over the summer, but unfortunately, the cold got to it, and it didn't survive. John and I are taking extra care with this little guy. :)  So, to all of my VNA peeps, thank you so much. We absolutely love our new fairy garden!

Also, in case anyone is interested, my friend Cara has set up a fundraiser to help with the cost of treatment (chemo, scans, etc...) CLICK HERE for the link, if you'd like, but please don't feel obligated. 

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

Love and prayers,
Holly

Preparing for the Holidays

Well, I survived another round of chemo. Technically, this round isn't over yet, but I got past the roughest patch. This means I'm finally up to prepping and enjoying the time that is leading up to the holidays. As most of you know, I've mainly been staying with John and his parents during these past few weeks. This is the tree we put up and decorated. Lately, we've been adding presents underneath. I ordered most of mine online since it's been difficult to be in crowded places. I hope all of you have been enjoying the time leading up to the holidays as well. 

Love and prayers, 

Holly

Enjoying the good times

This past Friday I had a few appointments in the morning. For lunch, John and I treated ourselves to Marie Catribs. I was really excited because John had never been there before, and he LOVED it. In my humble opinion, the best part was dessert. ;)

                  

Sunday, we went to Brush Studio in GR and did these snowmen paintings. It was something that I had always wanted to do. It was super fun and I'd love to go to another class sometime. 

I have another round of chemo starting tomorrow, and it's these times that I'll look back on during the upcoming week(s) after chemo. For about a week and a half after chemo, the side effects are at their worst. My hope is that over time, it will get better...but only time will tell. Please continue to send your prayers and good thoughts. I appreciate every card, every gift, every prayer. I cannot believe how many people have shown their support and love. It encourages me to stay positive through this whole process. 

Love and prayers, 

Holly

Riverbank run

My friend Erica has put together a group for runners who would like to participate in the Riverbank Run in GR, to run in my honor. I am touched beyond words. If you would like more information, here is the FB link. I would like to thank everyone who will be participating in this, you guys amaze and inspire me.

Love and prayers,
Holly

So thankful

I know it's been a while since my last post. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. This year, I got to spend Thanksgiving with both of John's parents and my parents, along with John's sister and her husband. It was absolutely wonderful. I have so many things to be grateful for this year. My family and friends and all of their wonderful support. I'm also grateful for every minute I have been given and the ability to enjoy that time with my friends and family. I encourage you to take a minute of your time to think about the people and things you're grateful for this year.

Love and prayers,
Holly

One step at a time

I'm sorry that I didn't get around to posting anything last week, but my first week after chemo was a little rough. However, this week has been going a little smoother and some of my energy has returned. I appreciate all of the kind thoughts, words, and prayers while I've been going through all of this. I am lucky to have such an amazing support system.

Love and prayers,
Holly

That took the wind out of my sails...

I know this post is a little later than some had hoped, but I needed the weekend to digest things. Last week was difficult. I had a lot of testing and found out that I have colon cancer that has traveled to my lung, bone, and lymph. I start treatment tomorrow. I hope not to have too many side effects to the medications. To be honest, there are times where I still hope to wake up from this nightmare. I appreciate everyone who has reached out. I know it might be frustrating when I don't answer right away, but please understand that this is difficult and I am trying cope as best as I can. Sometimes it's hard for me to re-hash things. I really appreciate all of the kind thoughts and prayers that everyone has sent, especially those who have included John. He's been incredibly supportive, but this has taken a toll on his as well. I've been in Lansing a lot spending time with John and his family. They have been incredibly helpful and our time together helps keep my spirits a bit higher. Think of me tomorrow as I start chemo. I'll update when I can. 

Love and prayers,

Holly

Ask and you shall receive

Throughout this whole process, I have discovered one main thing...I have AMAZING family and friends. I received some news that I am not ready to share just yet, but asked for thoughts and prayers and that's exactly what I got. I can not tell you guys how much it means to hear from you...either via facebook, text, or on here. I appreciate every comment, thought, and prayer. I have another day of testing tomorrow, then will meet with several doctors on Friday to discuss my treatment plan. I'm reaching out yet again to ask you to continue to pray and send good thoughts my way.

Love and prayers,
Holly

Sometimes, I feel like I'm on a roller coaster...

This past Saturday, I got between 5-6 inches cut off of my hair. I did this in anticipation of potentially losing my hair with chemo. However, I think it turned out much better than I had initially thought and if I don't lose my hair, it will be a welcome change. It also takes me like half the time to dry it. :)

I apologize for not posting sooner. Last week was a rough road. Day to day, and sometimes, hour by hour, my emotions go up and down. There are good moments, and not so good moments, but I imagine that is to be expected. What has kept me grounded is knowing that people out there care and are praying and sending good thoughts my way. I've also been sticking close to friends and family right now. They are my net to catch me when I stumble and fall.

I have a lot of testing scheduled this week, so I am asking for thoughts and prayers that the testing goes well and for good results as we move forward. I hope by the end of the week, we'll have a better idea of what's going on and maybe even get a treatment plan in place. However, this has been a slow process, and that was my hope for last week, so we'll see.

Again, I would just like to thank everyone for their kind words, thoughts, and prayers. It all helps and all makes a difference.

Love and prayers,
Holly

I'm sorry, say that again...

3 months ago when I developed a nagging cough, I would have never, EVER, thought one day I'd hear the doctor tell me I have cancer. I'll never forget hearing those words. I had been through testing all week trying to figure out the pneumonia I'd been diagnosed with was so persistent. To be honest, my mood had been sour from the constant wondering. I finally took a few minutes for myself and was at a local bookstore when I got the call. I was devastated. I kept asking the doctor if he was sure. Her persistently told me yes, despite my shock and disbelief. Once I hung up the phone, I dropped everything, fled to my car and cried my eyes out...then cried some more. Here, at 29 years old with a wedding on the horizon. How could this be happening?! I'll probably never know the answer. At this point, the journey is just beginning. I still have moments of disbelief, anger, sadness, hopelessness and worry. However, there is always, ALWAYS hope. These past few days, that is what I've been clinging to. Hope. Strength, Encouragement. and the Power of Positive Thinking. That is what I am asking for now. As I go through testing and treatment, I ask for patience, and God-willing, understanding. There are good days and bad days. Some days I feel like talking, other's are more quiet. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I will update on here as things progress, so feel free to check in for updates or to post positive thoughts and words. I get and read every one, even if I don't always respond. Thanks to everyone who has reached out, it makes this process a little easier knowing their is an army behind you.

Love and Prayers,
Holly