An Update, A Pause, and a Whole Lot of Gratitude

An Update, A Pause, and a Whole Lot of Gratitude

For those who have been keeping track, I wanted to share where things stand. It has been a fast-moving couple of weeks, and at times it feels like I’ve been on a conveyor belt of appointments.

It started with a screening mammogram, which led to a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. From there, things moved quickly — another ultrasound to guide a procedure, followed immediately by an ultrasound-guided needle biopsy, and then a post-biopsy diagnostic mammogram to confirm clip placement.

That first area came back benign, which was a relief.

Shortly after, I received a call that another area had been identified — one that can only be seen on the mammogram — and that a different type of biopsy would be needed. I met with the surgeon (and I need to correct myself — he is a general surgeon, not an oncologist). If anything needs to be removed, he would be the one to handle that. I have not met with an oncologist, and at this point, there is no appointment scheduled with one.

So, we move forward.

Next week, I have a stereotactic biopsy scheduled for this second spot. I will see the results in MyChart as soon as they are available, and then I will have a follow-up call on Friday to go over everything in detail and discuss next steps.

At this point, by Tuesday evening, I will have had:

• 1 screening mammogram
• 1 diagnostic mammogram
• 2 ultrasounds
• 1 ultrasound-guided biopsy
• 1 post-biopsy diagnostic mammogram
• 1 stereotactic biopsy
• and most likely 1 post-stereotactic diagnostic mammogram to confirm placement

So… seven to eight radiology tests in about fifteen days. Not exactly how I planned to spend March, but here we are.

The important part is this: there are two separate areas. One has already been biopsied and confirmed benign. The second is still being evaluated. Step by step, we are working through it.

And in the middle of all of this — life is also moving forward in the most meaningful ways.

We are continuing to move right along in the adoption process for my 11-year-old foster daughter, and on that front, life truly could not be better.

At the same time, I am completing my Paralegal Certification — which, for most people, is where that path ends.

However, I have also been approved to continue into a separate, more advanced track. I will be earning an Advanced Paralegal Certification, which is a standalone, more in-depth program focused on specialized areas of law. That program will carry me through to graduation in August.

In addition to that, I continue to serve as a notary public and remain active in ministry. I am working full-time, going to school full-time, raising an 11-year-old, and recently signed up again to serve as a volunteer election judge.

And through it all, 406 Back the Blue continues to grow every single day, just as it has for the past six years — continuing to show consistent support for law enforcement, armed services, and first responders.

So while there is a temporary “glitch” on the medical side, the truth is that life, as a whole, is full, steady, and incredibly rich and beautiful. For that, I am deeply thankful.

I also want to say this — the messages, the prayers, the support, the kindness… it has meant more than I can properly put into words. Every single person who has reached out, checked in, or simply held space for me — I see you, and I am grateful.

And for those who may no longer be part of my day-to-day life but may still come across this — I wish you well. Truly. There are chapters that close quietly, without conflict, just time and distance doing what they do. I’ve made peace with that. I’m thankful for the moments we shared, for the roles you once played, and for the memories that remain.

Some stories are not meant to continue forever, but that does not take away from what they once were.

I will always hope that you are happy, healthy, and finding your way toward everything you’ve wanted.

As for me, I have learned how to recognize when something has come to its natural end — and to let it rest there, with respect and without reaching back. There is peace in that.

So for now, we keep moving forward. One appointment at a time. One answered question at a time. One day at a time.

I will share more when I know more.