Update from McKinley 3.1.2026
Hello!
People have asked how I am doing/handling all of this so I wanted to give some small things I’ve found success in that you can try in case you find yourself going through a rough time too.
Staying connected with friends and family! Thank you for being a big part of that!
Every morning I start the day listening to my playlist that has a lot of positive songs that help me when thinking about facing cancer that day, whatever that day may look like-
The whole playlist can be found here◡̈
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6lraYcgCZMJHN3ya5nc6f8?si=0d83c3030d53435f
My 5 top songs are:
Grow- Satsang
I didn’t know my own strength- Whitney Houston
All I know so far- Pink
Carry on- Fun.
Butterfly- Zac Brown Band Ft Dolly Parton- love the nod to the thyroid cancer symbol of a butterfly
Games- My family has been loving hitster
Puzzles-(never thought I would be a puzzle person but it really helps me focus on something and quiet my busy/stressed brain) love the brand Galison
Finding new things to enjoy! I am not drinking right now to promote healing and I LOVE this “substitution” I emailed the company to express my gratitude and they gave me a code if you would like to try
https://us.non.world/?srsltid=AfmBOoon_pqwnvi90-mjNPAjPNibAb70HtvJBtYNKz7vWBO0ZJ85Zd8T
You can use MCKINLEY20 which offers 20% off and is valid until April #5 is my favorite◡̈
Medical update: My first round of cancer detection tests are complete and I had my first appointment with an endocrinologist cancer specialist to review those results. Unfortunately the results were not exactly what I was hoping for and it looks like I will be needing more treatment. I will also be getting a second opinion later in March and I am talking to another hospital before I make any final choices. So we will see what others have to say. Even if treatment might not be exactly how I might want it to be I am trying to stay anchored in gratitude in the fact that this is an extremely treatable cancer.
I was able to get an appointment with my lovely neurologist and based off the test she ran she really thinks that it was the cancer that caused nerve damage that has affected things like my ability to walk balance and sensation. I will continue with PT to help with the symptoms as well as start looking into some other things that may help with nerve healing. If you know of anyone with severe peripheral nerve damage who was able to heal I would love to know what worked for them!
How I’m feeling: Not getting to hear what you want can be disappointing and scary and after my appointment I definitely let myself feel those feelings but right now the reality is that I am still gathering information and the final outcome has not been set in stone which helps. I had two friends in town from NYC leading up to the appointment which was the biggest blessing. We had so much fun together and I am so grateful we got that time together and I got a big distraction! How can you be in a bad mood in Casa Bonita.
Rose – Moments of gratitude:
Many giggles with my mom as we wait for appointments
The best friends supporting me in every moment and all of the check ins mean so much
Estate sales are a fun distraction and there have been some good finds lately
The distractions mentioned at the beginning of the email
Thorn – Challenges:
My house is on the market and has not had a lot of activity if you know of someone looking for a super cute one bed place to live send them the listing
Approaching month 6 of all of this and honestly I am getting really tired of the process of getting referrals, going to Dr appointments, explaining the same things, getting tests, and then waiting for the next round of possible answers
Uncertainty is not a feeling I like but this is giving me many chances to practice sitting with the unknowns.
With Love,