James and I were married in August of 2015. About 8 months later, he developed some pain in his abdomen, but brushed it off. The pain grew to a point where he caved and went into the ER. After a few days in the hospital, he was diagnosed with appendicitis/ruptured appendix. We were sent to the cancer center to a surgeon who specialized in GI. The surgeon was very rude, so we sought a second opinion. After 5 months of back and forth, James had a colonoscopy, which resulted in a confirmed cancer diagnosis.

He was diagnosed with Stage 3B colon cancer. He underwent chemotherapy, a massive 12-hour radical surgery, and radiation. As of today, he is cancer free, but our journey continues.

Being cancer free didn’t end with a clean bill of health. During his surgery, they took his femoral nerve and all the lymph nodes in his groin, causing him lymphedema in his leg. The treatments caused more damage than the cancer itself. He is left with a damaged small bowel, months of vomiting, obstructions and fistulas. Modern medicine took a lot from him, from us.

We lost our main income, our ability to be spontaneous, to travel. We’ve had to improvise, adapt, and overcome. We have a community of supporters and prayers. James and I have grown not only closer, but stronger. There is nothing he and I can’t do together.

“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

We appreciate every one of you who thinks of us, prays for us, and helps us in times of need. With everything happening, I have recently started making handmade items again. Crafting can be an escape from the world. It helps us through the hard times by keeping us focused on something creative and beautiful.