Hello lovelies! I hope you’ve been having a great fall!
Forgive me for my absence as I’ve tried to find the words to write here. I waffled about sharing this news but decided to do so with the hope that my story might help someone else going through a similar time.
This blog has always been a lighthearted place for me to chat with you about home improvement projects and design ideas, and I’ve adored getting to know so many of you wonderful readers and bloggers who share my love of house and home. In the near decade I’ve been blogging, this little slice of the internet has gone from being a fun hobby to an actual way for me to make a small income doing what I love; our kids have gone from elementary school to college, and I’ve shared many of our family shenanigans along with the evolution of our fixer upper through the years.
I know many of you who read here regularly care about me and my little family, so I thought it was time I updated you with what’s been going on in our world. In a nutshell, the first week of September right after Peter and Hannah went back to college, on the day Sean started his senior year of high school, I was diagnosed with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer that has metastasized to my brain and bones.
I know – it’s crazy. Lung cancer was not even remotely on my radar! At 48 I’m a life long non-smoker with no family history of lung cancer. I take care of my health, eat well, workout (occasionally 🙂 ), have annual mammograms, routine dermatological checks, bi-annual dentist appointments. A year ago I could maneuver a 4’x8′ sheet of plywood off the pile, into my cart and then into my car solo (ever tried it? Heave ho!), could carry tons of lumber on my own, move large stones, and yield heavy tools without a thought. I was never a runner or loved the gym but if you asked Mark to describe me from a fitness perspective he would likely say something along the lines of STRONG and HARDY.
I had barely any symptoms besides a persistent small cough, until shortness of breath worked it’s way into my life this summer. Long story short, a mass identified on a CT scan led to two surgical biopsy procedures and the diagnosis of an unfathomable, inoperable, incurable cancer.
The last couple months have been an absolute whirlwind of CT and PET scans, MRIs, blood work, hours upon hours spent in traffic to and from the hospital, ups and downs, sleepless nights, kindness, pain, anxiety, humor, love. We’ve learned many vocabulary terms and had an in-depth education that I wish we never knew. And we found some hope along the way.
THE GOOD NEWS | ALK +
Within a day of my diagnosis gene testing had been done and we found out that my cancer is something called ALK+. This means I have a rare genetic mutation of a gene we all are born with, and this mutation caused the cancer to develop. The reason this is GOOD news is that amazing research has yielded drugs that treat my specific cancer with success. While my cancer will never be cured, the drugs I am on will fight back against it and buy me some time – hopefully many years!
These drugs are known as targeted therapy drugs, and while they are under the umbrella of chemotherapy, unlike traditional chemo that attacks all the cells in a body, these drugs attack just the cancer cells. The drugs are administered in pill form (sometimes referred to as oral chemo); I can take them from home, with visits to the hospital just once a week for check ups. As opposed to traditional chemo or radiation, the drugs I’m on right now are not quite as harsh. So far my side affects have been tolerable and most of them have subsided.
I’ve been on these drugs for eight weeks and my latest round of brain and body scans shows that the cancer is receding!
I was diagnosed at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), a research hospital that is on the cutting edge of new treatments for many cancers, and have since come to find out that this hospital is known as one of the major think tanks for my specific kind of cancer! I am so lucky to live in the Boston area and have access to some of the finest healthcare in the world! I have an amazing cancer team that I’ve gotten to know quite well these last couple of months and have had such incredible care through them.
We’ve also had an unbelievable support around us since the very beginning and Mark, the kids and I are all extremely grateful for that. Our house is clean and there is food in our fridge constantly thanks to so many angels who have taken care of us. We’ve heard from friends we haven’t talked to in years and have prayers being said for us all over the world from Australia to Medjugorje to Lourdes to Ireland and back again to Boston. The love and kindness we have been shown has truly brightened this dark and scary time and has made SUCH a difference to us!
We are optimistic that my targeted therapy drugs will continue to work for a long time to come and when the cancer grows resistant to them we’ll try something else. In the meantime today is a beautiful day – I’m planning to enjoy it and hope you are too!
And don’t worry – this blog is not going to turn into a health journal! It’s time to get back to doing what I love and that includes my compound miter saw and a pile of moulding that is awaiting me in the garage!!
Thanks for coming along for the ride for my home improvement antics and for all the twists and turns life takes. I adore this community and am thankful you’re here!
Lots of love,
Kristin says
Lisa, I’ve been reading your blog forever! I’m so sorry to hear that you’re going through this… add me to list of people praying for you, you’re in my thoughts! Your positivity is amazing ❤️❤️
Lisa says
Thank you so very much Kristin! I appreciate your prayers and your visits here!
Karen says
Lisa,
So sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I gave a friend who has the same diagnosis. She has been on these target drugs for over three years and continues to do incredibly well.
Wishing the same for you. God bless you.
Lisa says
That’s great news about your friend Karen! I wish her continued success with her treatment and hope that I have the same response to my drugs! Thanks for your kind words!
Carol Heartfelt Whimsies says
Lisa—-
I am so sorry for what you and your family are going through. And I’m amazed by your wonderful attitude! I know your journey will bless so many others. Please know that you and your family will be in my prayers.
Lisa says
Carol! You are so sweet – thank you so much for coming over from Instagram to leave me this kind message! I appreciate you so much! XO
Glorianna says
So sorry to hear this! Have always loved your blog. Sending posts thoughts and prayers
Lisa says
Aww that is so sweet Glorianna, thank you!! xx
JOY COOPER says
I am so sorry to hear this, but am also glad that your shared. My prayers and best wishes will be with you in the coming days and I am looking forward to continuing what wonderful things you have to share related to your talents. You go girl!!!
Lisa says
Thank you Joy for spreading your JOY! I appreciate your kind words and your prayers!
Melanie says
Lisa,
I’m so sorry you’ve been going through all this! I’m glad there are some hopeful options for your type of cancer and know with your sweet self and positive disposition, you will fight this! Sending you so much love, support, and prayers. Love you, friend! ????
Lisa says
Melanie thank you so much for both your kind comment here and your friendship through the years via our blogging life! I appreciate you and your support so very much! XO
Kathy says
Been following your blog for a bit and so sorry to hear what you have been going through. Sounds like you have a good support system and a positive attitude, many thoughts and prayers ❤️
Lisa says
Thank you so very much Kathy! I am truly blessed with a wonderful group of friends and family who have made this time of our lives easier – and wonderful blog readers to boot!
Denise says
We make plans then life happens. Sending positive thoughts your way. Boston is the BEST for medical care!
Lisa says
Yes – a reminder we are never fully in control. Thank you for your positive thoughts Denise! I am so grateful to live in the Boston area with my access to amazing healthcare!
Ange says
Lisa,
You are right, what a twist in the road! Thank you for sharing with your readers this part of your journey. I am so sorry to hear this but am thankful for you being near such an amazing healthcare facility and for medication that will give you more years to spend with your family. Praying peace and miraculous healing over you.
Thankful you can get back to doing what you love! You are always a light in the blogging world and I am confident the Lord will use this to shine through you as well. Much love and hugs! Anve
Lisa says
Ange thank you so very much. We’ve known each other for a long time over the internet! I appreciate your kind words and prayers more than I can say. XX
Brie says
May God bless you and your family abundantly as you navigate this difficult path. <3
Lisa says
Thank you so much Brie!
Cassie Bustamante says
Lisa, you know that I have been pulling for you and praying for you, and I read every post you send out via caring bridge…. I am SO hopeful for you with the good news of cancer receding. I wish I could be there to help and clean your house, do your laundry, make you meals, hang out and talk and bring you books. You have always been such a source of inspiration and positivity for me, and I want to be there to pay it all back right now! Just know that I think of you and pray for you and love you and I am glad you shared so more of us can do the same, and in 30 years we can all look back and see how far you’ve come. Much love to you and your family. PLEASE let me know if there is anything I can do aside from praying. I am here for it!
Lisa says
Awww you are the best Cassie! Thank you for all your support and I’m looking forward to that day 30 years down the road too! I appreciate you and your friendship so very much. Xx
Carrie says
Lisa, I am so sorry to hear this! I can’t imagine how difficult this fall has been for you. Thank you for sharing your story with us and I will definitely be thinking about you and your family.
Lisa says
Carrie, thanks so much for coming by for a visit and leaving me this sweet comment. I appreciate it so very much!
Andrea says
Lisa, many prayers for you and your beautiful family. I have always admired your talent, your positive outlook and your kindness toward others. Your light certainly shines bright.
Lisa says
Thank you so much Andrea!! I am so glad to have known you all these years through our blogs and I truly appreciate your kind words.
Rene says
Lisa,
I am so sorry to hear this. I’ve been a follower of your blog for as long as I can remember. You have always been so kind and supportive to me and that has not gone unnoticed. I’m glad you are in good hands in Boston and that you have a strong network of support. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. The grace and positivity you share are truly inspiring. Sending lots of love and hugs, friend.
Love,
René
Lisa says
Rene! Thank you so much for your sweet note. We are very optimistic!! I so appreciate your prayers and your friendship through the years. XO
Stacey says
Lisa, I’m so sorry for what you’re going through. So happy that the drugs are working though! I will have you in my thoughts and prayers. ❤️
Lisa says
Hi Stacey! Thank you so much – yes, we have been thrilled with the results of the drugs and hope they continue to work for a good long time! I appreciate you stopping by for a visit! xx
Marie Richards says
Lisa,
I’m so very sorry to read this and so glad that you are strong and getting better. I just found your blog while googling
DIY projects. This is the first official post I have read and I’m crying. I’m glad you are sharing this on your blog. We never know what may happen day to day and now you have even more people thinking of you and praying for you.
Hugs and prayers,
Marie
Lisa says
Hi Marie, thank you for taking the time to comment on that crazy post! I hope you will come back to visit for more DIY projects and less health drama! I appreciate your kind words and prayers!
Julie S says
Thank you for sharing! My prayers are with you too.
Lisa says
Thank you so much Julie!! xx
Calypso in the Country says
Lisa, I am so sorry to read this. I can’t even imagine what you and your family have been going through these past few months. Your positive attitude is amazing and I’m sure that will help you in so many ways. You must be so hopeful to know that the drugs are working and I hope you continue to make progress with them. Please know that I am praying for you and your family.
Hugs,
Shelley
Lisa says
Thank you so much Shelley. You have been such a wonderful friend through our blogs over the years and I always appreciate your sweet comments. You brighten my day!
Sharon Williams says
Lisa, I enjoy your blog so much and wish you well during your treatments. It’s true that we never know what life will throw at us but I’ve no doubt you’ll handle this with the grace and good humor I’ve come to see in your writing.
Lisa says
Sharon thank you so much for those kind words. I appreciate them so much!
Ese Chinosa says
I’m a new reader to your fantastic blog, I have been brought here by your incredible fireplace renovation. Your writing is a gift – clear to understand, warm and thorough. I am now very inspired and excited to read back through your old posts. I wish you and your family well.
Lisa says
Ese thank you so much for visiting the blog – I’m so glad you found me and I appreciate your kind words so much!
Jill (Howley) Cunningham says
Lisa – you are amazing. I’ve quietly followed your blog for a few years now after Linda O told me about it. You and your family are in my family’s prayers. Your inner and outer strength, plus your positive outlook are going to keep things turning for the best! ????
Lisa says
Hi Jill!!! Thank you so much for stopping by here – so nice to hear from you! I appreciate your prayers and kindness so much and hope you and your family are doing well!
Stacy Connolly says
Lisa, I am saddened to hear the news (I have been wondering where you’ve been) but I am also feeling just a little better than sad to hear your good spirits. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Kaia Faith is beautiful! If you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out – Your neighbor just down the road on Beethoven Ave in Walpole.
Stacy Connolly
508-212-7230
Lisa says
Stacy you have been an amazing encourager through all my home improvement shenanigans and I appreciate you and your visits to the blog so much. Thank you for being a loyal reader here through the years and for all your kindness!
cindy says
Hi Lisa
I have been thinking about you and your family constantly. I am so relieved to hear you are tolerating the medications and things are looking up. I just had lunch with a friend who had basically a death sentence ten years ago and is till going strong. He too has taken experimental drugs all along the way. He is able to play golf and even tennis. We are doing a group Project Design in February (living room refresh) we would love to have you join us if you are up to it. We have all had you in our thoughts.
Lisa says
Cindy thank you so much for your kind thoughts. So glad to hear how well your friend is doing! That is amazing, ten years!! I adore you and would be honored to join you for another Project Design! XOX
Cristina says
Lisa, I’m so sorry to hear about all you’ve been through. And at the same time how wonderful that the medicines are working. You’re a warrior and here you’re shining you light with such positive attitude! ❤️
Lisa says
Cristina thank you so much my friend! I appreciate you and yes I’m so lucky and grateful to have a specific drug to treat my kind of cancer – it’s working well so far! I’ve got lots of woodworking projects to tackle with all the inspiration you’ve given me!!!
Madeline Anderson says
Hi Lisa!
Todd and I are sending you lots of WW class of ‘89 love and strength.
xoxox
Lisa says
Thank you fellow Wolverines Madeline and Todd!!! 🙂
Sandra malcolm says
Just darned for cornice board ideas on the internet and found your page. WOW! Instead found your heart warming write up of your lung cancer.
God is already there. You are rich in the blessing of each new beautiful day with the perfect spirit, zest for life with unyielding love and faith. You are known as amazing now and forever.
In His love,
Sandra
Lisa says
Sandra thank you for your kind and beautiful words!
Toni says
Lisa, I haven’t seen you active in our blogging groups so I came to see if you’d posted anything on your blog. I’m so happy to read of the good news of the receding cancer and tumor. I will continue to pray that these meds do the trick to give you a long long life with your family until a cure can be found. Soak up all the prayers that come your way! xoxo
Lisa says
Toni! Thank you so much for checking in! I’m feeling great and hoping to get back to blogging on a regular basis. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your support and care! XO
Susie Wilcox says
What twists in the road you are facing. May God give you comfort, peace, and restored good health as you travel this road. Add me, from North Carolina, to your list of prayer warriors.
Lisa says
Thank you so very much Susie! I appreciate your kind words and your prayers!!
Cathy says
Love and prayers coming your way. Stay strong!
Lisa says
Thank you Cathy! I appreciate your kindness!
Robin says
Wow Lisa I am blown away by your diagnosis and amazed by your courage and attitude! We are lucky to be living in this day and age where new treatments are always becoming available. I was diagnosed with very early breast cancer and I know they caught so early because of today’s advanced imaging machines. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa says
Robin I hope you are doing well since your own diagnosis. Modern medicine is truly amazing and I am so grateful to live where I do and have access to it. I appreciate your prayers very much!
Christine Reid says
I have never commented on your blog, Lisa, but I always enjoy your posts and the inspiration you provide. Out of so many homestyle bloggers out there to follow, I think I chose you because you actually do your own renovations. I admire that. It is easy to hire people to do the work in your home, but not you! Your firepit project inspired my husband and I to build one of our own .
I am very sorry to hear about your illness, Lisa but am happy that you have found some help to live with it (and for many years I am sure!). I wish you all good things and am looking forward to your future posts!
Lisa says
Hi Christine, thank you for reading the blog and taking a moment to leave this kind comment. I really appreciate it so much. I hope you’re enjoying your fire pit! That’s one of my favorite projects we’ve done through the years!
Catherine MacDonagh says
Lisa, sorry to learn that you are going through this battle. I have confidence that you will meet the challenges with grace and strength. There are so many good things happening with cancer treatments now. A good friend had a scary lung cancer diagnosis some years back and is now 4 years cancer free and doing great. I hope the same for you and will be thinking of you.
Lisa says
Hi Catherine, so nice to hear from you! Thanks for your comment – I’m glad to hear your friend is doing well after 4 years! I am very hopeful I’ll have success like that on my treatment plan! Hope you and your family are well.
Debbie - MountainMama says
Oh Lisa, I am so sorry for what you’ve been going through, how scary for you and your family!!! I’m so glad the drugs are working, and your positive attitude is amazing. Sending you prayers this holiday season, my friend xoxo
Lisa says
Thank you Debbie! I appreciate your kind comments always and especially this one. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas! xx
Barb says
Dear Lisa, I am a true believer in the power of prayer and of Positive Thinking. Sounds like you have it all. Please know that I am adding you to my daily prayer list here in St. Marys, Ohio God Bless you and your family.
Lisa says
Barb that is so kind of you, thank you! I hope my positive thinking works wonders! 🙂