Still Me with a Side of Cancer

Right now, the priority is simple: 

Finalize the plan and beat the absolute shit out of this thing. And remember the Plan is the Plan is the Plan! Surgery - Chemo - Radiation - Immuno Therapy

While I wait for the final schedule and dates (because Dana-Farber’s timeline is apparently powered by molasses), I’ve had to figure out how to communicate my gratitude for all the love and support I’ve received. It’s really important that everyone knows I’m still me and that I don’t want to be treated differently. (Oh, and just so we’re all on the same page: let’s assume Dana-Farber will call Wednesday at 6:01 PM. Try to refrain from asking until then.)

So, yes, at first, I was completely defeated. It was a gut punch, and I needed time to process. I’m human, after all. But let’s be honest—if I’m sick of me after all these years, how are you not? I refuse to drown you in my drama while I’m still living my life. I want to be me, and I need you to be you.

As you all know, I don’t stay down for long. I’m back, I’m here, and I’m ready to fight.

So, here’s your not-so-subtle reminder:

• I’ll share my medical facts as they come—just the essentials, no fluff (okay, maybe a little fluff because, let’s face it, it’s me).
• The deep, dramatic rabbit-hole thoughts? Those can wait for another day—or forever, honestly.
• My emotions and venting—aka getting the shit off my chest? That’s for anyone who’s interested.
• If you’re not interested? No judgment here. Seriously.
• Got questions? Ask away—I’m all ears and ready to tell you why your question is the best I’ve ever heard.

To My Pilates Tribe: This is not your cue to go soft on me. If you even think about giving me that pitying look—you know the one—I’ll make sure your next workout reflects my wrath. Consider yourselves warned.

And let’s make one thing perfectly clear: I’m still me. Treat me the same. Laugh with me, complain with me, and don’t hold back. (Special shout-out to my long-lost Chinese friend—you know who you are.) And for the love of all things sugary, let me eat as much sugar as I want. Do not listen to Chip when he tells you to take it away. Unless, of course, you’re planning to bring me flowers.

The Business Cards: Unexpectedly Brilliant

I know not everyone reads this blog (rude). I haven’t even posted a straightforward, no-holding-back, “here’s what I need” blog yet. Most of you just want the medical facts, but how was I supposed to walk back into teaching a class and running into so many of you without making it clear what I needed? I’ve had a week to come to terms with this; many of you only had a day.

Enter the creation of  “THE CANCER VIP ALL ACCESS PASS”. But of course my printer decided to join the resistance, and I was running late to class. Panic ensued. All that work, and now I couldn’t even communicate what I needed so I could enjoy kicking everyone’s butts in Pilates. Then it hit me: this is 2025, not 1999. I texted it to everyone. Problem solved.

Friday was my first day out and about, and the news had spread. I dictated my story and set the tone. I didn’t want to lose that control. WOW. Whether you felt it or not, I did. It was so wonderful to be with everyone. The laughs and banter were just what I needed. Cheryl, of all people, stepped up with comedic relief so good, I wasn’t sure it was really her. (If you want to know how Cheryl became the leader of the pack following my requests, you’ll have to ask her. It’s a solid story.)

Now, I’ve been handing out these little gems via text since Friday, and my heart has been filled with so much love and laughter. Turns out, my business cards are an absolute hit—way better than I imagined. They’ve been the perfect way to streamline my interactions. Before anyone visits or stops by, I make sure to send it their way, and honestly, everyone has been amazing about following the “rules.” It’s like a magical golden ticket to navigate this crazy time with humor and grace.

Also, bonus points for me—because I’ve clearly impressed all of you with my new mad skills. Who knew I’d be this good at making cancer communication trendy? (Some might call it genius. Some might just call it me.)

But About the Sugar…

Only 48 hours from the first card drop and the sugar situation is getting out of control. You all know I love it— JENNIFER's PUMPKIN MUFFINS!!!!, the cookies, the candy, the treats— my head says yes, and my stomach says no, no, no. Thanks to the lovely little hernia that makes getting food down a challenge, I can barely take two bites of anything, let alone dive into the beautiful sugar buffet I requested.

So, let’s pause on the sugar, which will make Chip very happy (someone alert him to this rare win). I’ll soon know who didn’t read this far because they’ll still bring me sugar—and yes, I’ll absolutely laugh at their expense. There are plenty of ways to keep me smiling without the overload. Fresh eggs, for example, might just secure your spot on my favorites list. (I won’t name names, because I know how very rare and precious this truly is.  Thank you Renee!)  Whoops.

And if you still haven’t had the luxury of receiving your own pass - Here it is!

YOU ARE the True Inner Circle

Challenge: Comment below with your favorite song—just one for now. This will show me who’s paying attention, who’s reading to the end, and who’s ready to ride this roller coaster with me (side note: I hate roller coasters). These are the people I can sit with for a peaceful moment. You know who you are.