5 Years

Well, another June 16th has come and gone, and this year's update feels a little different. Other than seeing or hearing the words "no evidence of reoccurrence" I think reaching the five-year mark is the second-best feeling imaginable when it comes to my health.

Earlier this year, I experienced a few changes in my health that raised some concerns. Given my history, it's impossible not to wonder if every unusual symptom could be related to the tumor. While I tried to stay rational, my mind naturally went to the worst-case scenario.

After discussing my symptoms with my doctor and a couple tests, I was sent for an MRI in February as precaution. As always, the days leading up to the scan were filled with a mixture of anxiety, uncertainty, and hope. Even after five years, those feelings don't completely disappear.

The scan itself went smoothly, and I was pleasantly surprised when I received an email from my doctor's office shortly afterward. Seeing that message pop up in my inbox immediately made my stomach drop. Whenever communication comes quicker than expected, my mind tends to assume something must be wrong.

Thankfully, that wasn't the case!

The results showed no concerns and no evidence of recurrence. The symptoms I had been experiencing ultimately turned out to be caused by mononucleosis, which, while certainly unpleasant, was a much easier diagnosis to hear than the alternatives I had imagined.

As always, the relief that followed was overwhelming. It is amazing how quickly months of worry can disappear when you hear the words you've been hoping for. Another clear scan. Another year of good health. Another reminder to be grateful. Another year of seeing Wren grow. Another year of being surrounded by loved ones. There are truly no words to describe it all.

In a way, this year's experience was also a reminder of why I started sharing my story in the first place. One of the biggest lessons this journey has taught me is the importance of advocating for yourself. Even though my symptoms turned out to be unrelated to my meningioma, getting them investigated provided answers, reassurance, and peace of mind. If something doesn't feel right, ask questions, seek answers, and trust yourself. We know our bodies better than anyone else.

With this year marking five years since my surgery, it’s a milestone that feels especially significant. When I was first diagnosed with a Grade 2 meningioma and underwent a complete resection, my neurologist explained that the risk of recurrence would be highest during the first five years. Reaching this point doesn't mean recurrence is completely off the table, and I will continue with regular follow-up care, but it does mean that the likelihood of recurrence decreases moving forward.

For a long time, this five-year mark has felt like an important goalpost in my mind. Since the day of my surgery, it has been the milestone I quietly hoped to reach. While there are never any guarantees, today my most recent scan is clear, and that is all I can ask for. My hope is simple: that every future update continues to begin with the same words, another year and another clear scan.

Looking back over these past five years, I feel incredibly grateful. Grateful for the skilled medical team that cared for me. Grateful for every clear scan. Grateful for the perspective this experience has given me. Most of all, I am grateful for Tanner, Wren, our family, friends, and everyone who has followed along and supported us throughout this journey. We could never thank you enough.

2021 vs 2026