Our Story

November 2010 was a turning point for our family.

We were a young family, I was 32 weeks pregnant with our second boy and my husband was working hard at his doctoral program.

Scott hadn’t been feeling well for awhile. We couldn’t tell if it was the stress of graduate school, parenting a 3-year-old, or going from a family of three to four in just a few weeks. He had developed a lump on his chest and went in for a CT-Scan.

I vividly remember that Monday afternoon.

He had his scan in the morning and we had just put E down for a nap. The nurse called and said she had the results from the scan. Long story short: she said, “Don’t google anything. It looks like lymphoma and the oncology department will be calling to set up an appointment asap.”

He hung up the phone and we were in shock. We called family and friends to let them know the news. Then we began the repeated doctor appointments, referrals, second opinions all over the next few weeks. Finally, we were given a diagnosis: Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

His first infusion was Christmas week. We spent the next few weeks/months in a fog. So much was happening and yet there was so much still unknown.

After our second son was born, I remember crying myself to sleep filled to the brim with anxiety because, at that moment, I was physically the strongest person in my house–ME, a woman who had only given labor a few days earlier and still very much in need of my own recovery. What in the world would I do if something happened and we all needed to get out of the house quickly? Worry and anxiety consumed me, but thankfully we didn’t have any emergencies.

During Scott’s treatment, we would go together and get pedicures. It was something we could do together that was pampering, relaxing and took us to a different place mentally. Plus, I could bring the baby!

I am so happy to report that Scott is now healthy and will celebrate 8 years in remission in April of 2019.

Scott and I recognized the importance of self-care during this difficult time and prioritized it by making sure we scheduled it in. Those pampering experiences became the driving reason behind my desire to work with the Cancer Connection, Inc. to offer individuals going through cancer treatment or their caregivers some time for self-care.

It brings me so much joy to work with cancer patients and their caregivers each month. We have a shared experience and can relate to each other’s struggles and joys in such a unique way. It truly means so much to me and I would be honored to take care of you.

To schedule your oncology facial, please reach out to Cancer Connection, Inc. to apply for the program. Once you have confirmation, please schedule your appointment here! (Select Cancer Connection Facial under Oncology Esthetics)