Another story not in the book

from our cancer journey

September 15. 2012: Jeff and me.

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When Jeff and I married in 2012, I purchased LIVESTRONG bracelets as a gift for our guests at the wedding. It was our way to support Jeff and raise awareness and funds for cancer. I placed one on my wrist and continued to wear it. I never took it off. It was a reminder to not take a single day for granted. 

I didn’t think I would be giving bracelets to my children to wear. Yet in 2022 when Jeff was diagnosed with recurrent testicular cancer, I handed one each to Brindsley and Delaney. Their sadness turned to happiness as they slipped the bright yellow bracelets on their wrists. Yellow is a great color. I needed something to keep us united. At that moment, this was the best I could come up with. 

After Jeff’s last chemotherapy treatment in May 2022, I was in the bathroom getting ready for the morning, brushing my teeth, fixing my hair, and putting in my contacts. I hope he doesn’t need any more chemotherapy treatments. Please be zero cancer cells.

My bracelet—still looking good after being worn for ten years—broke in half when I moved to close the cabinet door.

It fell to the ground by my feet. I was stunned — shocked that it split in half before my eyes with no warning. I just shut the cabinet door. I looked down at the floor with tears in my eyes. 

I believed it was a sign. Jeff was going to be okay. The chemotherapy did the job and we could finally move on. I picked up the bracelet.

Happiness and sadness fueled the tears. ​​I was sad to throw it away but glad to find a new one in the closet. I was happy. I believed it was the Lord telling me Jeff’s cancer was truly gone. I felt tremendous peace.

I took a deep breath and let out a long exhale. I believed in my bones Jeff was going to be okay.

We made it. The chemotherapy worked.  

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If you want a copy of A REAL BALLBUSTER: Untangling Testicular Cancer Together, you can order on Amazon (links below, it’s GLOBAL!) or fill out the form below for a signed copy for those in the USA.

Thank you for reading and being here,

Julie

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