UPDATES and 1 YEAR METACANCERVERSARY

 Wow!  Time sure does fly by and it is about time we updated our blog.

One Year MetaCancerversary… and Living Fully

Today marks one year since I was officially diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.

Saying that out loud still feels surreal in some ways. A year ago, everything shifted. There were more questions than answers, more unknowns than clarity, and a path ahead that I never expected to be walking.

But here I am—one year later - thriving and navigating.

And what I want to share most is this: I am living a good quality of life.

Where Things Stand Right Now

There have been changes in my treatment along the way, as expected. I’m currently not on Kisqali or Ibrance due to side effects that needed to be addressed—particularly eye-related issues and lung toxicities that required attention and time to heal.

There is another medication we may consider in the future, but for now, we are taking a thoughtful approach. With metastatic cancer, there are options—and sometimes the right decision is knowing when to start and when to wait. I just had a Pet Scan two weeks ago and I have NOT had progression to any other areas!! That was incredible news and we are so thankful. 

My pain continues to be well managed with the help of Palliative Care, which has made a meaningful difference in my quality of life.  The pain shifts from a Level 3 to a Level 8 occasionally, but it is well controlled and I don't have to take major pain meds too often. 

And in just a couple of weeks, I’ll be starting with a new oncology team at UNC Rex Wakefield Cancer Center, under the care of Dr. Jay Manikkam. This was not an easy decision - it was reached after much thought and THANK YOU to Rachel Vaughters yet again, who is an amazing friend and my patient advocate. This feels like the right next step—one that brings a fresh perspective and continued support and it will be much closer to home.

How I Feel

Honestly? I feel good. Fatigue is still the biggest challenge, but it's not as bad as it was while on Ibrance. 

Not every day is perfect, and there are still things we are navigating—but overall, I feel positive, steady, and I am enjoying my life. And that is something I don’t take for granted.

What Matters Most

This past year has clarified things in a way nothing else ever could.

What matters most isn’t complicated.

It’s time with Chuck.
It’s my son and sweet daughter in law.
It’s my grandson. And the joy of knowing we have a granddaughter on the way.

It's talking to my family and being with them, being a daughter and a sister. It’s sitting with friends, sharing meals, laughing, and just being together. We recently spent time in Beaufort with friends, and it reminded me how important those simple, beautiful moments really are. 

Those are the things that fill me up. Those are the things I’m holding onto.

Looking Ahead

We’re also planning a trip to Scotland in July—and that feels incredibly special - did you know I am 53% Scottish?  haha!  I feel I MUST GO. 

That’s how I want to keep living - family, friends, traveling and living life to the fullest.

One Year… and Many More

This milestone isn’t just about marking time—it’s about recognizing how far I’ve come, how much I’ve learned, and how deeply I appreciate the life I’m living right now.

Metastatic breast cancer is part of my story—but it is not the whole story. It's the disease I have, not who I am. I am still building, still loving, still creating, still showing up.

I am on disability, but my real estate business continues to boom thanks to Kathy and others and my incredible team. That was a very hard decision, but I am reminded all the time...it was the right one. 

Thank You

To everyone who has checked in, supported me, prayed for me, or simply held me in your thoughts—thank you. You are part of what gives me strength.

And if there’s one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s this:

Life is meant to be lived now. Not later. Not “when things are perfect.” But right here, in the middle of it all.  You only die once...you live EVERY DAY.  And that’s exactly what I’m doing.

With love,

Jill and Chuck

CHILL 





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