😮...my tumor is GONE!

Hi Friends,

It’s been a while! If you’ve been following along on Instagram (where I share a LOT more frequently via Stories) - you’ll know life has been moving fast since my last email.

Here’s the TLDR:

• Treatment Update: So far, things have been going better than expected.

• New Launch: I’m introducing a paid version of this newsletter, where you’ll get exclusive weekly content—original essays, poetry, musings, and life reflections. I’ll still keep the free version (keep reading for details).

Let’s dive in….

The (not so weekly) update 📰

and the BIG news? My tumor, which was about 2.4 cm in April, is now UNDETECTABLE on the ultrasound! 🎉 After just two chemo infusions, it was no longer palpable, and after 12 infusions, we’ve officially dissolved that thang!

I’m giving credit to all your good vibes and energy (and, of course, the chemo and immunotherapy). Thank you for riding this rollercoaster with me!

Now, that doesn’t mean I’m cancer-free yet. We’ve still got work to do:
4 rounds of Adriamycin ➡️ Surgery ➡️ Radiation ➡️ Immunotherapy.

But this is huge progress, and I’m optimistic we’ll hit our goal: finishing the “really hard” stuff by Christmas and wrapping up treatment by next summer.

Reclaiming October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month 🎗️ 🩷

After all of this time since I last wrote to you, I have been writing - just for a different audience: myself. 

I recognized that I was masking my real emotions when I would sit down and try to get this newsletter out - subconsciously putting a positive spin on what has been some dark days. So, with advice of my therapist, I’ve been sitting with my feelings in the bright days AND dark days by journaling for the first time ever without feeling this perfectionist need to make it MEAN something, to have it be “productive” and oh- how that has been freeing!

But a lot of the topics I’ve been thinking and writing about deserve to be read by others- especially now that it’s October and all things pink and breast cancer are on everyone’s radar with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

If you’re reading this newsletter or even just a human living in modern day society, you’re already aware of breast cancer - you may not be so familiar with how to self exam, the stats, the stages, the ins and outs of treatment - but you’re aware.

Talking with many in the cancer community (who I refer to as my “breasties”), October is a hard month because it puts a spotlight on us - but often with a capitalist agenda. It’s complicated. So much is raised for important research this month - research that I credit to my wonderful results so far by following like the recently developed Keynote 522 regimen. But even more that is “raised” goes directly into corporations pockets through pink washing ampaigns -  truly a “con perpetrated by merchandisers who pink up their profits by donating a paltry 5 to 10% of their product’s purchase price while they pocket the rest. Or, the companies who promote breast cancer awareness but are not transparent about chemicals in their products possibly linked to cancer-causing properties.” (Callie Crossley op-ed)

To make matters worse, companies profit off things we as society really don’t need nor have asked for - making EVERYTHING pink. A cancerous consumerism (pun intended) that not only is less effective than donating directly to organizations actually doing good but also poorly impacts the planet with the waste it creates. Truly the worst double-whammy for a sustainable cancer girly (hi - that’s me!).

So my stance on October?  If pink products are “in” this month and breast cancer consumes the corporate dialogue - instead of hiding (many cancer goers coping mechamisn of choice), I’m choosing to take the spotlight and make something good out of it.

I want to reclaim October.

So….turns out this is not an original thought… “Reclaim October” is a movement (with a social media account - of course) that has reignited my passion to write for you - my dear audience - to share REAL stories and experience within the breast cancer community. 

Introducing: Slayin’ the Cancer Scaries Supporters 🫶

Starting today, I’m offering a paid version of this newsletter! Here’s what you can expect as a subscriber:

🪩 Exclusive weekly content:

• Original essays

• Poetry

• Musings

• Thought-provoking suggestions

I’ll dive deeper into my breast cancer journey and explore what it means to navigate uncertainty and liminal spaces in life. If you’re someone who enjoys thoughtful reflections on being human, you’ll love this.

Why a paid subscription?

• Creative fulfillment: Having a small nudge of accountability will help me stay connected to this newsletter, ensuring I get those thoughts out of my head and onto the page.

• Financial support: With my energy reserves being limited, I’ve paused 1:1 clients in my business to give me space to heal and get treatment, which has taken quite a toll on my bottom line. The paid newsletter will help cover my living costs (and those pesky medical bills that keep showing up).

If a paid subscription isn’t feasible right now, that’s okay! I’ll continue offering a free version of this newsletter, with updates on my treatment and general life musings. But if you want to dive deeper, becoming a paid supporter will give you access to the real, raw stuff.

Want to support me for free?

• Share this newsletter with someone who might enjoy it.

What’s coming up?

• More on pink-washing and what organizations I support & why

• What NOTto say to someone with cancer

• Musings from the waiting room

• And much more…

What do you want to hear about? Reply to this email & let me know 📧

Until next week,

Jess

✨ Follow along on Instagram✨