Hey Besties! ✨💗

I have decided to “rebrand” my blog calling it “We’re Still Blooming.”

I made a video a few weeks ago, about a dahlia that got bent while growing, it looked like it was going to die but it still bloomed! I correlated it to my new life, the life that so many people have but most people dont see. As a chronic illness bestie, we’re a little fucked up, but we’re👏 still 👏blooming👏.

This little profane joke has inevitably meant so much more to me than I could have imagined. Around every corner that little phrase keeps echoing. With a deep breath, lets say it together, we’re👏 still 👏blooming👏.

We are still growing, learning, adapting, experiencing and so much more! We still have things to look forward to, life to experience, goals to work for - a life to live! None of us — cancer or not — knows what life will look like, but it shouldn’t end just because of a diagnosis.

With this I want to encourage you to empower yourself by finding moments that remind you that you are still blooming 🌼. Find ways to forge forward even if your life looks a little or a lot differently now. Find times to sit in nature - in whatever form your body limits you. Learn a new skill, go outside, stretch, find time for you. I’ve said it before, but the small moments are truly the most important in life, especially at this point with an incurable cancer diagnosis. You need to live NOW, and there are always small ways to find joy - sitting by a sunny window - an excellent cup of coffee. Bestie I promise - there is something. Even just listening to an audiobook in headphones.

That being said - now I will continue to post moments where I feel like I am still blooming; still beautiful, strong, present. I bought myself a painting easel. In college I took a painting class, and it was magical and so challenging. In my life there have been many moments when I have thought “wow, this would be a great painting” so Im doing it! Follow along to see how it goes! I signed up for a local 6-week pottery course. It starts in September - Im thrilled! I never would have spent the money on such a thing before.

I also want to acknowledge my privilege. I am still able to work, and I have the means to pay for these activities. I know not everyone has this access, and it breaks my heart that so many are limited by circumstance. But at the end of the day, most of my joy still comes from simple things: a cup of coffee in my favorite mug and cuddles with my dogs.

Feel free to share the moments that you have felt you are still blooming!

Cancer Update

I am one week into my third cycle of Kisqali (21 days on, 7 days off). I received my Lupron shot last Friday (least favorite med).
Coming up:

• Next labs – August 21 - today! To check my phosphate levels.

• EKG – August 29

• PET scan – September 15

• Oncology - October 3

• Zometa - October 10

Thank you for being here. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, a fellow thriver, a supporter, or just someone curious—your presence means everything.

OK, love you bye! ✨💗.
— Your Metastatic Bestie