Finally Ready to Share Again - A Long Overdue Update

The Middle Chapters

Over the past few weeks, as I've finally been able to travel a little more and connect with people again, something beautiful and ironic has happened. Person after person has approached me to express their gratitude for how openly I've shared my breast cancer journey. They've told me how meaningful my transparency has been, how it's helped them or someone they love.

The irony? These past couple of months, all I've felt is how silent I've become.

If you're on this list or follow my social media, you've probably noticed the quiet. Where there used to be regular updates and honest shares, there's been... space. And I've felt that silence deeply.

Here's what I've learned about the middle chapters of a cancer journey: sometimes it takes every ounce of energy just to exist in the waiting. How strange that sounds, right? That resting could be so exhausting? But there I was, for about two months, in this strange standstill where things weren't getting worse, but they weren't getting better either. They just... were.

I started so many posts during that time. Began countless newsletters. But I could never quite find the strength to cross the finish line with them. It took everything I had just to be present in that space of patience and healing.

It wasn't until around the 12-week mark that things finally started to shift forward again.Gratitudes

Which brings me to today's good news: my wounds are finally healed. My deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) has cleared, and I'm finally off that medication. The challenges from this latest round are resolving. I'm in physical therapy working to regain full use of my arms, and I can do so much more than I could even a month ago.

In fact, my wounds being healed meant I finally got to go to the lake this weekend with Robie! It was only in the 70s, so we didn't get in the water, and my arms are still rehabbing so Robie did most of the rowing, but honestly – we didn't know if I'd get to the lake this year at all. It was pure bliss. (See picture above for proof!)

Where I’m at now…

I'm also attempting to work full-time again, though I'm about 6-8 weeks behind where I thought I'd be by now. But here's some exciting news – I'm back to recording new episodes of The Grit Show! Today we released "How Mirror Neurons can be a Helpful Friend or Foe," where I dive into the fascinating science behind those "copycat" brain cells that are at the root of empathy and communication. Ever wonder why your mood sets the tone in any interaction? This episode explores how mastering your emotional state can transform those tricky conversations we all face. [Find it wherever you listen to podcasts or use this link: The Grit Show]

Even better? In two weeks, we're publishing the first guest episode I've recorded in about five months. My plate is fuller than I'd like, but it feels incredibly good to be creating again and moving forward.

Plan From Here

I haven't sent an update in far too long, and I'm hoping that as things continue to improve, you'll hear from me more regularly. There's so much that's happened over these past months – multiple chapters, multiple steps. Days I celebrated because I could finally go upstairs in my house. The day I walked around the block without stopping three times. The morning I took a shower completely by myself.

It's been quite a progression, and while I'm not back to my pre-diagnosis level of functioning, I'm hopeful about continuing to move forward.

My plan is to send weekly updates for the next 2-4 weeks to help catch everyone up on where things stand. By the end of that time, I hope to have clarity on whether I can maintain more regular communication going forward and what direction this journey is heading.

I'm still hoping to contain the remainder of this journey to this year – is that even possible? I'm choosing to remain hopeful.

Gratitude Again….

Thank you for your patience during my quiet months. Thank you for the love, the care packages, the messages, and for staying connected even when I couldn't find the words to respond. Your support has carried me through every single day, even the ones where I couldn't acknowledge it properly.

This first email back feels like the hardest one to send, but I'm grateful to be here, grateful to be healing, and grateful to have all of you walking this path alongside me.

I don't think "normal" has a definition anymore, but whatever comes next, I'm ready to share it with you.

With love and gratitude❤️,

Shawna

P.S.

I’ll try to keep the next updates shorter and easier to read, but no less meaningful. Thank you for reading this longer one as I find my voice again.