As most of you know, on July 24 I underwent a 16 hour surgery to remove part of my liver and tumor. I’m happy to share that I’m doing well. Recovery has been slow and gentle—exactly what my body needs right now. Each day, I feel a little stronger and a little more like myself. I have a long way to go but I am hopeful for the future where I can find my new normal.

Tuesday, I had my follow-up appointment with my surgeon, and the news could not be better. He is confident that he removed enough of my liver to take the entire tumor along with clear margins. I am grateful that he was willing to take a chance on me and preform such a long complicated procedure. My bloodwork is returning to normal, and the biggest celebration of the day is that my cancer marker (CEA) is now 1.5, which is within the normal range. This is remarkable, especially considering all my body has been through in the last few weeks and I still have inflammation from the surgery itself.

For now, my plan is to continue resting over the next few weeks. I’ll have a follow-up CT scan on Friday, August 29, and then meet with my oncologists on September 5 to see how my lungs are doing and determine next steps. We remain deeply grateful and blessed, and I cannot thank you enough for your positive thoughts,prayers, love, and encouragement.

While I’ve been home recovering, we’ve started a little side project—a chicken coop. Monday, our new feathered friends arrived, and this is a whole new adventure for us, especially for me. This is not in my comfort zone I am learning a lot as I go. I have been begging Dave for years and he was right, we did not have the time but now it is the perfect time. Since the quality of food is so important—particularly when healing—having fresh eggs from hens we care for ourselves feels like a wonderful step. Eggs are the only animal protein I eat, so knowing our chickens are eating well, living healthy lives, and producing nutritious food means a lot to me.

Interestingly, chickens have a long history of being connected to healing, and I’ve already learned that the simple act of caring for them is good for the soul. Below is a picture of our new girls(all the names mean something). We’re excited to share this journey with you alongside the health updates.

Thank you again for every prayer, every kind word, and every bit of love sent our way. You have truly lifted us through this season. I will have an update after my next scan and we appreciate everything you can send my way!

With peace, love and gratitude, Michelle