We Are Back to Battling Cancer

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In November, we received some dreadful news found, a lymph node in Jace's chest was enlarged. After many tests, the doctors told us that the lymph node was positive for thymoma. We had been keeping the news a little on the DL since we did not want to freak anyone (or ourselves) out until we were sure. Well, the time came and we had to tell everyone the news, "Jace's cancer is back." To say the least our Christmas was great, but we had a looming cloud in the future. Jace had to begin proton radiation therapy in January. So I would be starting my new job while Jace began his radiation, ironic huh? Later on, we found out this would happen on the exact same day.

It has now been one week since Jace started radiation and we have so much hope that he will win this battle. But I would be lying if I said that everything has been positive thoughts. I am pretty sure I have been through some of the stages of grief in the past couple of months, sometimes the anger stage sets in but then I am reminded of the struggles we have had in the past and I am reminded of how lucky we are. So I leave you all with this quote from MD Anderson Hospital, "cancer can take away a lot of things, but never hope."

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It's been a whole year!

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A few weeks ago I thought to myself, it's been a while since you have written anything. I wonder how long....(a few days later) Oh my it's been a whole year!!! 

Well, lots of things have happened in the past year and for some reason I haven't even thought about sharing them. Well, here is the last year summed up.

Well, we have to start with food! Jace had lots of time to try many different recipes and these short ribs were just one of the many incredible meals he made. Many of these meals were only eaten by me since Jace was still getting rehabilitation (he was very weak and was unable to eat until about March). But no worries soon after that he enjoyed some incredible meals. 

Soon after we found out Jace's sister was having a baby boy. We were ecstatic to know that soon a new member of the family would be here, oh wait and the member would not be a furry one!!!! 

After about three months of grueling work and lots of crying moments. I finished my dissertation and I successfully defended it. This picture does not do justice to the excitement I felt when I knew I had finally done it (of course with the help and support of my loving husband and my fabulous family). My parents and sister's never ending support throughout the many years of schooling and their last push during Jace's hospital stay paid off (Thanks Mami for telling me to keep going even when I thought I couldn't!).

Jemez Mountains, New Mexico

Jace's recovery continued to amaze us and after finishing my internship year. Our little family went to  New Mexico where we had a great time camping in the Jemez Mountains. Sorry for the Stewie picture, it was too cute not to post it.

I had to take some time off from work so Jace and I had a few road trips to New Mexico. Here we went on an adventure to Goose Lake, New Mexico. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited.

Here I am at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. It is so amazing! Everyone should visit this place.

Our new nephew, Finn, was born. It was so exciting! Who thought such a little person would bring so much joy to the Arbuckle Family. 

And guess what happened at the end of the year! I finally graduated. It has been about a month since this happened and I often times cannot believe I am truly done with school.

So what happened with all of your this past year?

P.S. For those of you wondering about our journey in terms of Jace's health, I will soon share the latest news!