{"id":432,"date":"2026-10-31T11:00:52","date_gmt":"2026-10-31T11:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/?p=432"},"modified":"2026-10-27T02:19:19","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T02:19:19","slug":"the-best-medicine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/?p=432","title":{"rendered":"The Best Medicine"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-theme-palette-13-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0d7852a78d5327f509331a25e4ee89f4\"><strong>[CONTENT WARNING: Parts of this post may be graphic, discuss menstrual periods, excessive bleeding, and female reproductive organs.]<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When I was in high school, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. I remember her a few times during that era saying, \u201cSometimes you can either choose to laugh or cry.\u201d Now that I am going through my own cancer journey, I understand the sentiment better. My cancer journey has been filled with so much pain and grief. It has been filled with fear and uncertainty. There has been frustration and waiting period after waiting period.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, there have been so many moments throughout my cancer journey that we still talk about and laugh about. Though at times they seem few and far between, these moments of joy are so important to hold onto. These moments help us stay positive while in such a dark place and help bring Nick and I closer together.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nick and I both thrive on humor and sarcasm. Nick is a very sarcastic person. When I say he\u2019s sarcastic, I mean, he is the King of Sarcasm! But then he met his match- me! I remember when we were dating, I once commented that I found his sarcasm charming. (Barf! Gross! I know!) His mother even commented to him, \u201cShe must really like you if she finds your sarcasm charming!\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nick and mine\u2019s love story is one of love-at-first-sight. After barely dating for 4 months, Nick proposed to me. The day he proposed, he had a cold. We went out to lunch with his dad and his brother. Then he wanted to take me to the riverfront. The waters had risen with the spring rain, and the scenery was beautiful. He led me to a bridge that had the perfect view of the riverfront- maybe perfect enough for a proposal.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Little did I know that he had something in his pocket. While standing on the bridge, I told him, \u201cOkay, we should probably head home. You\u2019re sick and you\u2019ve been out enough today.\u201d He tried to convince me to stay and enjoy the view a while longer. We bantered back and forth. In order to lure him back to the car, I took off running. Perfect proposal ruined!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"940\" height=\"788\" src=\"https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blog-post-23-additional-image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-434\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.1929322847513022;width:394px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blog-post-23-additional-image.png 940w, https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blog-post-23-additional-image-300x251.png 300w, https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blog-post-23-additional-image-768x644.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cStop running!\u201d Nick huffed as he followed me back to the car. \u201cYou can\u2019t tell me what to do!\u201d I retaliated. \u201cYou\u2019re not my husband!\u201d Nick replied, \u201cOkay, fine then!\u201d He then got on his knee right there in the parking lot! If our proposal story doesn\u2019t say anything about our relationship, I don\u2019t know what will. We still to this day banter and bicker. It\u2019s all fun and games. We love to laugh and tease.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When I got my cancer diagnosis, suddenly, things got more serious. There was so much uncertainty. There were so many doctor\u2019s visits. There was so much pain. There were so many procedures, scans, and surgeries. It was easy for us to spiral into despair. It sometimes still is easy to fall into negativity.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To lift our spirits, and hopefully yours, I thought I\u2019d share some moments during this cancer journey that spark laughter and joy for us.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>I started a blog!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We have a couple of friends, Joice and Ryan (names changed for privacy). We met at church and started hanging out a year later. We still laugh about how long it took us to start hanging out, but once we did, we became very close. Within the last year or so, they felt God calling them into campus student ministry at a university. They quit their jobs, packed up, and moved three hours away. We miss them dearly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every once in a blue moon, they come back to visit. On one such occasion, they took us out to dinner. During our time together, we obviously told them what was going on with the cancer- we gave them the latest update and treatment plan.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During our conversation, Joice asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s something positive that has been going on for you guys?\u201d We both thought for a moment. After a bit of thinking, I stated excitedly, \u201cI started a blog!\u201d We paused for a moment, then I elaborated, \u201cIt\u2019s about the cancer.\u201d We all burst into laughter! Joice meant, \u201cwhat was something positive <em>other<\/em> than the cancer.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, once we started my cancer journey, cancer consumed our lives. It was part of every conversation for us. It was part of every moment. Joice\u2019s question was a difficult one for us because our lives revolved around my cancer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, a year later, cancer still permeates most aspects of our lives. However, we have branched out and found a means of joy and fun. We have been hanging out with friends more and playing Dungeons and Dragons. We craft together and spend time outside with our crazy dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I am obviously still writing about my cancer. Though the blog is about cancer, it is still a source of joy for me. It has been an outlet and a way for me to process my own emotions. I have also heard from a few friends who read my blog that they find encouragement from my thoughts and words. Knowing I can encourage someone else through the things I have learned brings me joy and encourages me to keep writing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>You smell like blood\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-theme-palette-13-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-dc4b253552650223bd621fdfb1a5f903\"><strong>(Content warning- This story contains descriptions of menstrual periods and blood. If you are squeamish, maybe skip this one&#8230;) <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In April of 2023, I had the worst menstrual period of my life. I started my period like normal. Then, a couple of days later, I had a blood clot that went through my pants and onto the couch. I ran to the bathroom, only to have more blood clots come out. From that point on, I bled like crazy. I really should have gone to the emergency room, but I wasn\u2019t sure if I met criteria to go. I was on my period. What was the emergency room going to do?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a week, I continued to bleed heavily. My poor husband was sent to the store to get adult diapers and baby wipes. It was embarrassing for both of us. I was extremely nauseous and weak. My cramps were terrible. I felt so miserable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After my period from hell ended, I went back to my OB-GYN. \u201cIt\u2019s normal,\u201d he said. \u201cYou just had a heavy period.\u201d He then sent me home with a prescription for Letrozole to help me get pregnant, and that was that. However, I soon started to feel like my period maybe wasn\u2019t \u201cnormal\u201d because every period I had after was just as bad as the first.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On one such occasion, I felt so gross from bleeding. After I got up in the morning, I got into the bathtub and ran a hot bath. I hoped the hot water would soothe my cramps. I stayed until the water turned a dark pink or red color. I then drained the water, stood up, and took an actual shower. I technically bathed twice that morning.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By the evening, I felt just as disgusting as the bleeding continued. I decided to take another bath. I did the same thing I did that morning. I stayed in the bath until the water turned red. Then I stood up and showered. That was my fourth time bathing in one day.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When I got out of the shower, I said to Nick, \u201cI bathed four times today, and I still feel gross!\u201d Now, we all laugh and make fun of men when it comes to women\u2019s hormones. We see it in movies and on TV. And often, at least in my experience, we see men living up to this expectation of not knowing how to handle women when they are hormonal. With this in mind, I give my husband some grace. After I said \u201cI still feel gross,\u201d he said to me, \u201cYeah, you still smell like blood.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In an instant, I burst into tears! That was maybe not the best response he could have had. You could see the look on his face as poor Nick had a \u201cput your foot in your mouth\u201d moment! At the time, I was very upset. Looking back now, we laugh about it. I still give him a hard time for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time! And I think he maybe learned his lesson about what not to say to his hormonal wife!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Just joking- is it too soon?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the dark place we are in, Nick and I continue to banter and tease each other. It is our love language. Very early on in my cancer journey, I started playing the \u201ccancer card.\u201d Nick would ask me to do something. Instead of complying with his request, I\u2019d respond, \u201cI have cancer.\u201d It was my card to get out of things I didn\u2019t want to do and to enable my laziness.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Soon after I started playing my \u201ccancer card,\u201d Nick started playing his own card. He\u2019d ask me to do something, and I\u2019d respond, \u201cI have cancer.\u201d Then came Nick\u2019s card- \u201cWell, my wife has cancer.\u201d To this, I\u2019d respond, \u201cWell, my husband\u2019s wife has cancer!\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We go back and forth like this often. It is honestly a daily occurrence for us. We started making those jokes outside of our home. Nick then asked one day, \u201cIs it too soon to be making those jokes?\u201d He was worried other people would be uncomfortable or they wouldn\u2019t understand our humor. \u201cMaybe\u2026\u201d I responded.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"940\" height=\"788\" src=\"https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blog-post-23-additional-image-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-435\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.1929322847513022;width:376px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blog-post-23-additional-image-2.png 940w, https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blog-post-23-additional-image-2-300x251.png 300w, https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blog-post-23-additional-image-2-768x644.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I apologize to anyone we\u2019ve made uncomfortable by joking about my cancer. Cancer is not something to joke about. However, making light of a difficult situation can help someone get through it. We can\u2019t be sad all of the time! Nick and I find joy in our silly bantering and bickering. \u201cSometimes you can either choose to laugh or cry.\u201d We choose to laugh!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>You\u2019re doing it wrong!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, remember what I said about Nick learning his lesson about what not to say to his hormonal wife? I lied\u2026.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I am so, so thankful that we caught my cancer early. I did not have to do any chemo. However, the cancer still needs to be treated. The doctor put me on progesterone therapy. I started taking a very strong synthetic form of progesterone called Megetrol. I also had an IUD inserted that would emit more progesterone to target the cancer directly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Progesterone is a hormone produced in your body when you get pregnant. It helps the baby implant and keeps it safe in the uterus. The oncologist told me we were basically going to trick my body into thinking I am pregnant without actually being pregnant. Side effects of all of this progesterone include weight gain, increased hunger, and moodiness. Hm\u2026 Sounds a lot like pregnancy symptoms.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One night, I was cooking a box of macaroni and cheese for dinner. When we make mac and cheese, we add salt to the water to help it boil. We also add olive oil to help keep the noodles from sticking. Once the water is boiling, we then add the noodles and let them cook until tender. We then drain the noodles.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"940\" height=\"788\" src=\"https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blog-post-23-additional-image-2-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-436\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.1929322847513022;width:365px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blog-post-23-additional-image-2-1.png 940w, https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blog-post-23-additional-image-2-1-300x251.png 300w, https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blog-post-23-additional-image-2-1-768x644.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Now, on the next steps, Nick and I disagree and do things differently. When he makes mac and cheese, he puts the noodles back into the pot. He then adds the butter, milk, and cheese powder. He says the heat from the noodles helps the butter melt. When I make mac and cheese, I let the noodles drain. Then I put the butter, milk, and cheese powder in the pot and stir until the butter melts and everything combines into a nice sauce. Then I add the noodles back in and stir.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The outcome is still the same. Either way, you get a pot of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese! This particular evening, I was the one cooking dinner. Apparently, for the first time in our marriage, Nick took note of the way I cooked the mac and cheese. He didn\u2019t realize we did it differently. \u201cWhy are you cooking it like that?\u201d He asked me. I once again burst into tears!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Poor Nick can\u2019t say anything to me while I\u2019m hormonal, apparently! What seemed like an innocent question to him felt like an attack and judgement to my hormonal brain. Again, at that moment, I was very upset. Looking back, we laugh about it now. I chuckle every time I make macaroni and cheese.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Lysol to the Rescue!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One day, I had a follow up appointment with the oncologist. Nick and I went up the elevator and meandered through the strange hallways until we reached the oncology-gynecology office. I checked in, and we had a seat.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Soon after I was checked in, Nick and I noticed a lady sitting only a few seats away from us. She was clearly sick and had the nastiest cough. It was loud, and very wet sounding. Nick and I were both uncomfortable. I kept thinking to myself, \u201cOh my gosh, this lady is going to get me sick!\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I happened to glance at the receptionist window. We both exchanged a look. I saw the terror in her eyes. She was thinking the same thing I was. This woman was going to contaminate everyone and get everyone sick!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"940\" height=\"788\" src=\"https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blog-post-23-additional-image-2-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-437\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.1929322847513022;width:377px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blog-post-23-additional-image-2-2.png 940w, https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blog-post-23-additional-image-2-2-300x251.png 300w, https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blog-post-23-additional-image-2-2-768x644.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>After what seemed like an eternity, the woman\u2019s name was called, and she went back with the nurse. \u201cOh, thank God,\u201d I thought to myself. Nick and I both sighed a sigh of relief. Then, suddenly, the receptionist quickly came through the office door with a can of Lysol! She quickly began spraying down the seats and the side tables and coffee tables. Everything had to be disinfected!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was quite a humorous scene, but I am also so thankful for this receptionist and her diligence at keeping the oncologist&#8217;s office a safe environment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Eating Starbucks and anesthesia for breakfast. Then Stake n Shake for lunch!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I remember when I was a kid, I had my tonsils removed. The nurses let me have popsicles after my surgery, and I could have as many as I wanted!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In high school, I had my bottom wisdom teeth removed. Then in college, I had my upper wisdom teeth also removed. After both procedures, my mom took me to Wendy\u2019s, with gauze pads still in my mouth, to get me a chocolate Frosty.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have had plenty of surgeries and procedures in my life that required anesthesia. I have never had an issue after having anesthesia. I have never thrown up or gotten sick.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I had my first D&amp;C in April of 2025. This was before we knew that I had cancer. The purpose of this procedure was to reset my uterine lining so we could manage my periods with medication. After the procedure, Nick stopped at Stake N Shake and got lunch for us (and ice cream of course!).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I had my second D&amp;C in July of 2025. The oncologist shaved down my uterine lining and inserted an IUD. On the way home, Nick stopped and got McDonalds for us for lunch (and ice cream! Who doesn\u2019t deserve ice cream after surgery?). Sometimes greasy foods are comforting, especially after something stressful like surgery.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My third D&amp;C took place in November of 2025, two days before Thanksgiving. It was fall. Pumpkin Spice Season was in full swing. Before surgery, you are told not to have anything to eat or drink after midnight. That includes coffee. To me, coffee is the nectar of life! Thankfully, the hospital is big enough that they have a Starbucks on campus! I asked Nick to get me coffee and breakfast from Starbucks for after I came out of recovery.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After I woke up from the anesthesia and felt well enough, I was returned to my room for more rest and to see Nick. Once I got back to the room, my nurse greeted me. She got me some graham crackers and ice water. She then started to go over the discharge procedures. Among the instructions, I was told to only eat bland food and to avoid greasy foods.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"940\" height=\"788\" src=\"https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blog-post-23-additional-image-2-3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-438\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.1929322847513022;width:397px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blog-post-23-additional-image-2-3.png 940w, https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blog-post-23-additional-image-2-3-300x251.png 300w, https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blog-post-23-additional-image-2-3-768x644.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Then, in came my husband to save the day, with my pumpkin spice latte and greasy breakfast sandwich from Starbucks! The nurse looked less than pleased. Little did she know that a friend was going to Doordash lunch for us for when we got home. I was going to have Stake N Shake waiting for me at my doorstep.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I sat in my hospital bed and gown, eating my greasy sandwich and enjoying my pumpkin spice latte in blissful defiance!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Stuck on the Toilet\u2026&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to leave the hospital after a D&amp;C, they usually have you urinate. Especially given the&nbsp; nature of a D&amp;C, they want to make sure that everything is okay and that there are no blockages or anything down there. Given that this was my third D&amp;C, I knew the routine. And having just enjoyed a pumpkin spice latte, urinating would be no problem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My nurse escorted me to the bathroom. After the other two D&amp;Cs, my nurses usually just walked by me as I walked down the hallway to make sure I am stable and to keep me from falling. I am usually a bit wobbly after anesthesia, as anyone is. The nurse I had this time around was a bit more protective. She held onto my arm and did not let me walk by myself.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In previous experiences, once I got to the bathroom, the nurse let me go in on my own and take care of myself. Of course, there was that magic string if I needed help. My clingy nurse this time walked me into the bathroom and sat me down on the toilet.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She instructed me, \u201cOnce you are ready to stand up, pull the string and I will come get you. We just don\u2019t want you to fall when going to wash your hands.\u201d I was a little annoyed because I knew I could do all of that on my own, but I am a relentless rule follower.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I did my thing. Then I pulled the string. Okay. Now I just have to wait. I waited. And I waited. And waited. And waited. Maybe I didn\u2019t pull the string right. I pulled again. I waited some more. Maybe if I pull from a different angle. Still nothing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I was instructed to wait for her to come get me, so I felt trapped. I followed instructions, and no one came to help me. After what felt like an eternity of just sitting on the toilet, the nurse finally knocked on the door. \u201cAre you okay in there?\u201d she asked. \u201cI pulled the string,\u201d I replied. \u201cYOU DID?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She burst through the door. She pulled the string, then poked her head out in the hallway. Apparently there was supposed to be an alarm or flashing light of some sort. Nothing happened.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOh, you poor thing, and you followed directions!\u201d Apparently the alarm was broken, and I got to be the lucky person to find out. The nurse helped me up and helped me to the sink to wash my hands. She then helped me back to my room and back into the bed. On our way back, she made sure everyone knew the alarm in the bathroom was broken and needed to be fixed!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I could tell she felt terrible that I had to wait so long for help. I am thankful for the hard work and good job that she did taking care of me and meeting my needs. And now we have a good story to look back on and laugh!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>My husband\u2019s still got it!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having an IUD is very uncomfortable. A few weeks ago from when this is being written, I started to notice a pinching feeling down there. It was hard to sit. It was hard to walk. I called the oncologist\u2019s office a couple of days later. They recommended I get an ultrasound to make sure everything was okay.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A couple of weeks later, the pinching slowed down, but on a Saturday night, I started having severe cramping. Then I went to the bathroom and found that I was having heavy bleeding and large blood clots. Being on progesterone, I was surprised to be bleeding so much. I have not bled that much since before getting my cancer diagnosis.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the pinching had gotten better, I wondered if I didn\u2019t need to get the ultrasound afterall. When the bleeding started, I got pretty worried. Nick almost took me to the emergency room. Okay. Maybe I needed to have the ultrasound afterall.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nick went with me to my appointment. I had to make sure not to urinate 1 hour before my appointment and drink lots of water. Poor Nick got to hear me complain for an hour about how bad I had to pee! They were going to do a transabdominal ultrasound, then a transvaginal.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the transabdominal, I needed a full bladder, hence me having to pee really bad. A full bladder pushes the bowels out of the way to give a clearer picture of the uterus. A device called a transducer is waved over the abdomen and is used to take pictures of the uterus and ovaries inside. The transvaginal is a little more awkward.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The transvaginal ultrasound is done after the transabdominal, so they finally allow you to pee! Once the bladder is empty, a transducer shaped like a \u201cwand\u201d (or maybe something else if you know what I mean\u2026) is inserted into the vagina. It gives clearer and closer images of the uterus and ovaries. But it is not comfortable in the slightest.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We checked in for my appointment and waited for my name to be called. After a little while, a short, young looking nurse called my name. Nick walked up with me. \u201cIs it okay if he comes too?\u201d I asked. \u201cUm, I think so,\u201d she answered. Usually the person that gets me from the waiting room is the one who performs the ultrasound. I was a little nervous because she looked so young. She asked me to confirm my name and birthdate, then led us to the room.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When we got to the room, an older, more experienced looking nurse was sitting by the ultrasound machine waiting. \u201cI confirmed the name and birthdate,\u201d the younger nurse said. It was then that I saw on her nametag the word \u201cSTUDENT.\u201d I felt relief knowing she would not be doing my ultrasound. I have nothing against students, but I\u2019ve had enough ultrasounds now to know that if the sonographer is more experienced, the ultrasound is less awkward and uncomfortable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The sonographer completed my transabdominal ultrasound, then let me use the bathroom and get ready for the next round. Nick held my hand while she inserted the wand inside me. Transvaginal ultrasounds are never a pleasant experience. His curiosity about the images on the screen and asking questions was a good distraction from my discomfort. After a few uncomfortable minutes, it was all over.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Nick and I walked out of the hospital, Nick mentioned, \u201cSo, that student nurse was staring at me.\u201d \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d I asked. \u201cShe was staring at me, like a certain someone else did when she was interested in me. He gave me a snarky smile. He was referring to when we met and I couldn\u2019t take my eyes off of him! The nurse was looking at him the same way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apparently, Nick caught this student nurse looking at him. When they made eye contact, she would quickly dart her eyes away. Nevermind the fact that he was there with his wife, all the while his wife had a wand in her vagina! The whole thing was not at all awkward! Nick wisely decided to say something to me after the appointment, and not during.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWell, she can have you!\u201d I teased. Apparently my husband\u2019s still got it! Given the nature of my appointment, the whole thing was awkward and is now the butt of all of our jokes!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These stories we like to tell and reminisce about again and again. In the trenches of cancer, it is important to hold onto the funny moments or the things that bring you joy. You have to laugh about the nurse staring at your husband, or about getting left on the toilet for eons! As my mom said during her cancer journey, \u201cSometimes you can either choose to laugh or cry.\u201d Nick and I choose to laugh.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We are hopeful that at the end of this cancer journey, we will experience more joy by building our family. Once the cancer is gone, I will be seeing a fertility specialist to continue my fertility journey. We\u2019d love your continued support in this fight and on this journey. In most states, insurance companies are not required to cover fertility treatment. Our next part of our journey will have to be paid for out of pocket! A round of IVF for example can cost $15,000 to $20,000! Thankfully, my sweet sister-in-law started a GoFundMe campaign for us to help with medical bills and fertility treatments. Follow me on social media and check out future blog posts as I share my story. Breast cancer seems to get all the attention in the media. But not all cancer is pink! My aim is to share my story and bring awareness beyond the pink ribbon.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/gofundme-qr-code-3-819x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.7998219574409806;width:329px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/gofundme-qr-code-3-819x1024.png 819w, https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/gofundme-qr-code-3-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/gofundme-qr-code-3-768x960.png 768w, https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/gofundme-qr-code-3.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[CONTENT WARNING: Parts of this post may be graphic, discuss menstrual periods, excessive bleeding, and female reproductive organs.]&nbsp; When I was in high school, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. I remember her a few times during that era saying, \u201cSometimes you can either choose to laugh or cry.\u201d Now that I am going&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":433,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5,8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-432","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cancer-journey","category-grief"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/432","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=432"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/432\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":447,"href":"https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/432\/revisions\/447"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/433"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=432"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=432"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thepeachribbonclub.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=432"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}