The New Face of November

Today as I decide to put pen to paper about the new version of my family, I find November has a new meaning for us. I suppose I should start at the beginning. In September of 2018 Brent started feeling uncomfortable after meals. Very shortly after that almost everytime he ate he was in pain. By December he lost 60 pounds. After a few doctors visits for what we thought was acid reflux, an endoscopy was requested. On January 2nd 2019, we received the news that it was cancer. I think about that day often. We very quickly went from sadness to reactive mode. Within minutes we discussed telling our boys. We instantly agreed we would tell them. From that moment on I knew we needed support. We informed our village and continue to feel their love and kindness on a daily basis ♥

Later in January Brent was diagnosed with Stage IV stomach cancer.  We were informed that adenocarcinoma is a very aggressive form of cancer and considered inoperable at later stages of stomach cancer. They found a tumor in his omentum that spread to his stomach, abdominal lining, esophagus and some lymph nodes. Brent's oncologist referred him to UC Health where he started a clinical trial for immunotherapy on February 14th. 

Once we had a plan in place to begin his fight, I focused on our mental health. Our supportive healthcare has been amazing. They provided us with so many resources. Our boys now attend Kids Alive, a camp for kids who have parents battling or have survived cancer. I love that they have an outlet outside of our circle to work through their own emotions. I attend a caregiver support group, which has provided me a whole new outlook.

So many people use the words 'our new normal' when discussing life after a cancer diagnosis. Instead, I have decided our journey is a new version of us. I call it Casa Huppert 2.0. While this journey is not easy it has taught me so much. 

I have seen how much good there is in people. Countless messages of love, support, good vibes and prayers are so helpful. All the kind gestures from providing us dinners to accompanying Brent to treatments make our lives so much easier. We were able to go on a dream vacation thanks to my work family, along with Brent's mom and so many others in our village. We will never forget our adventures in Barcelona and London!

My husband is amazing and he is truly our miracle. His positivity is absolutely contagious. He never complains and takes it all in stride. I see him in a whole new light and I appreciate him in entirely new ways. The immunotherapy trial had outstanding results and he was told there was very little cancer left in his body. Unfortunately, he had a tiny bit of regression over the summer and has started a new regimen of chemo. His last scans reflected stability so his new regimen is working 🙏.  These past few weeks have been difficult. He is so tired and I know it's frustrating for him. 

Our tomorrow's are not promised. I find myself repeating that over and over. It reminds me to focus on every single precious moment. To keep our days full of positive thoughts and to focus on our faith. I find comfort praying Brent's grandmother's rosary. It reminds me how many angels we have watching over us. God is good!

My hope in beginning this blog was to keep our village informed. Now that I have started, I realize it is so much more. Writing these thoughts down is therapeutic. The fact that I decided to take action today seems fortuitous. Not only is Brent's birthday in November, it's also Stomach Cancer Awareness month. 

We appreciate everyone's support. At this time all we need are prayers or positive thoughts. If we are ever in need of anything else I will start posting it in this blog.