Update from McKinley 2.8.2026
2.8.2026
Hello!
Can you believe we made it to February?! The countdown is on until the end of the month, when I’ll have more answers!!
Let’s start on a wonderful note: my mom’s pathology came back, and it is official-the mass was NOT cancer. I am so happy for her and our family, and I am eagerly waiting for the day I get to email y’all that I, too, am cancer-free.
This was also a sad week. I am sending so much love to those who had the pleasure of knowing Jan Pettegrew and especially her family. My grandma’s best friend Jan (“Gigi”) really stepped up as a grandma figure when my grandma died, and Gigi passed away this week. I want to share a few of my favorite things about her for those who didn’t know her. Gigi was one of the most dependable and loving people to exist. She never missed a birthday or special event for those she loved. I cherish all the lunches I got to have with her, my mom, and my godmother when I would come home from college. She gave the best hugs, always with the sweetest little kiss on the cheek. When you looked in her eyes you could see a twinkle that just really showed how much she cared for you. Everyone who loved Gigi felt so special to her, she truly had a way of bringing a joyful calm and lovely attitude to everything she attended. She was someone who never spoke badly about anyone and carried herself with so much grace and understanding. Whether we were going to breakfast, lunch, or tea at the Brown Palace, I could always count on a good time and a lot of laughs. I will miss Jan very, very much, but I know she is with my grandma and the rest of their friends now, enjoying those laughs together again.
Yesterday was also a big day—I officially moved out of my townhouse, and I’ll be putting it on the market soon. Living with family during this time is exactly what I need to keep moving forward and stay on track with my health goals. If you know anyone looking for a super cute one-bedroom place in Denver, let me know—I’d love to show them my home.
Medical update: Things are pretty much status quo from my last update. Some tests are slowly starting to trickle in, but they haven’t revealed anything major yet.
How I’m feeling: I’m feeling better and so much more like myself. My balance and walking are really improving, which allowed me to attend two Galentine’s parties. It felt so good to get out and about, reconnect with people I hadn’t seen in a while, and even make some new friends.
Rose – Moments of gratitude:
Friends coming to help me move, they did a fantastic job packing all my beloved items.
The wonderful news that my mom’s mass is not cancer.
Friends coming to visit before my next big wave of tests, which will be such a gift and exactly what I need to keep my mind busy.
My parents love and support in every single moment of this difficult time.
Thorn – Challenges:
Moving-although it’s the right choice, I’m grieving leaving behind a home I truly loved.
Losing a dear loved one; I will miss my lunches with Jan so much.
The uncertainty of what the next six months will look like. Some days feeling especially emotional and hard to navigate.
The number of boxes in my parents’ basement waiting for me to figure out what to do with them.
I am truly so thankful for each and every one of you who are supporting my family on this journey. We love you.