Update from McKinley 1.26.2026
Hello!
Sorry for the delay in getting this update out! To be honest, I had a draft to send early in the month that talked about how excited I was for the new year and to have a big break from hospitals and medical appointments for a while. However that is not how 2026 started for our family.
We were supposed to leave on a road trip while I had a break from appointments to connect with friends and family in a few different cities. My mom had terrible abdominal pain, which landed us in urgent care the morning we were supposed to leave and the ER that night. While in the ER they found an infection in her intestines as well as a concerning mass. The ER doctors told us cancer was a real concern, and the most likely possibility which made for an incredibly difficult few days. It was a rough week until she had surgery. Her surgeon was fantastic and does not believe the softball size mass is cancer. Final pathology will be back in the next week or so.
Medical Update
Medically, I improve every day. I still feel odd sensations in my neck where I had the surgery, but it is no longer pai,n just my body adjusting.
We were finally able to start getting some answers on the neurological symptoms I am experiencing. I met with the neurologist on Friday and the appointment went very well. She took my concerns seriously and initial tests did show that there is definitely something awry. She ordered a lot of blood work and a nerve test. It feels great to now be moving on a path to find answers. Her initial assessment is that this is somehow related to the cancer; we just need to figure out how and rule out some other things.
I am officially a month away from when I’ll have more cancer testing and follow-up appointments that will provide clearer direction for what comes next, treatment-wise.
How I am feeling
Everyday is a different day with challenges to face and gratitude to be had. Thank you for being a part of my support system it is truly what has felt like a lighthouse when the waters are rough and sunshine when the moments are calm
Rose – Moments of gratitude:
My moms wonderful DR and medical team
The wonderful nurse who sat with me the first night when I couldn’t sleep
Quality time with family and friends during the holidays
Friends coming to visit Colorado and quality time spent together
My Surgeon for giving me immediate answers to a lymph node on my left side that I was feeling anxious about
Chris Bianchi (Wonderful Denver 9 news weatherman) has been there with some fun and personalized encouragement that puts a smile on the faces of my family and the healthcare workers
Friends stepping in to take me to appointments while my mom can't
Thorn – Challenges:
Being on the waiting list for tests and appointments
Missing friends I wasn’t able to see on the road trip! Will be rescheduled as soon as possible, and visitors are welcome at the Hamilton household anytime◡̈
My mom never wants to eat sushi again after that infection:( I might have to find a new place for birthday dinners.
Wishing you all a lovely 2026!
With gratitude,