Today, I received the kind of news that makes your heart skip a beat, in the very best way. My surgeon told me that my tumor markers are now down to 18.

Eighteen.

When I began this journey, those markers were at 1100. By the time I underwent histotripsy, they had dropped to around 400. So to hear that number today 18 feels nothing short of miraculous. My surgeon’s words were simple but powerful: “We’re in a wait-and-see place now” Because the results have been that good.

He’ll order an MRI in May, and after I finish my 12 rounds of chemo and then I’ll receive another scan of my lungs, we’ll reassess. But for now, we rest in this moment – this incredible, hope-filled pause.

I truly believe that all of your prayers- from near and far, from friends, family, and even those I’ve never met- have made a huge difference. I’ve felt lifted, surrounded, and strengthened in ways I can’t fully explain. Please know that your love and faith have mattered more than you know.

This has been a slow and steady journey about learning to live in the unknown, finding peace in the process, and trusting that healing doesn’t follow a straight line. That truth remains. Every bit of progress has come from persistence, patience, and faith. There have been ups and downs, detours and surprises, but somehow I’ve been given the strength to keep putting one foot in front of the other. I have tolerated treatments well to this point and I am grateful. Nine down- three to go and hopefully a very long chemo break, ideally forever!

This has become a place of surrender- letting go of needing all the answers and instead focusing on what I can do each day. That mindset has brought me this far. But this leg of the race also calls for a big shift: this Friday, I will officially retire from my job.

After 12 years of helping build a small business and working with people I care about, it’s time to turn my full attention to healing. This is a bittersweet transition, but I know it’s the right one. Now is the time to take care of myself in a new and intentional way, and see where the next six months take me.

I’m continuing all the things that have helped me get to this point. This isn’t the time to slow down. If anything, it’s the time to double down on care, rest, movement, prayer, connection, and hope. We have much to look forward too in the coming weeks a wedding, an epic vacation and time to enjoy the summer stress free.

I’m so grateful for this moment, for this progress, and for each of you who have walked beside me. The marathon continues, but today, I am deeply thankful for the progress that I have made. 

Thank you for continuing to walk this road with me. I will update you all soon, but a quiet period just means I am putting in the work. 

As I reflect on all of this, these words speak directly to my heart in respect and love for Pope Francis who changed the world for the better. 

“Jesus does not react with harsh words, as often we are tempted to do. He responds with a healing word. Always. A healing word. Jesus heals. He draws near to lift us up. This is God’s style: closeness, compassion, and tenderness.” – Pope Francis 

With Peace, Love and Gratitude- Michelle