Comfort Through Cancer
I Rang The Bell… Again!
I officially finished my second round of radiation, and boy am I thankful it’s over!
That means a total of 52 days (30 of those also included my mouth) my poor neck endured a very harsh burn. So harsh that I ended with 3rd degree burns and open wounds on my neck.
I was powering through it all like a champ!
I didn’t take a single pain pill.
I didn’t take any meds for nerve pain.
I was showing up to all the activities: church, cheer, band, etc.
I was doing pick up and drop off every day they were with me for my girls.
(Now, last time around I was recovering from a MAJOR surgery, doing IV chemo and developing more tumors that put me in the hospital. So, if you are reading this and currently undergoing treatment for cancer, struggling to get out of bed and can’t drive yourself - that was me a few months ago. There is absolutely no shame in asking for help or even requiring it for a bit. Just wanted to make sure you knew I am in the middle of a very messy healing journey. Never compare your beginning to someone else’s middle or end. We are all just doing our best!)
Okay, back to the post radiation events…
And then, it just hit me like a ton of bricks!
BAM - my body was trying to detox the radiation; it seemed to send it all over the place.
I was incredibly exhausted.
My neck had an open wound with 3rd degree burns.
I had sores and scabs on my hands.
My neck became very stiff… again.
My shoulders hunched forward because it hurt to stand straight.
Everything tastes metallic again.. If I can taste it at all.
I have sores in my mouth.
My back and neck began peeling.
And, for a few days I got light headed very easily.
Thankfully, we moved back in with my parents in May. So, having my incredible parents in the same home is a beautiful blessing. I haven’t “had” to ask for help much over the summer, but the week after radiation was rough!
It got a lot worse than this, but I’ll spare you the gross pictures…
I’m not currently working, and instead of wasting (on rent) what little money I get from generous family, friends or affiliate orders… I wanted to use that money to pay for things like insurance, extra treatments at Restore that insurance doesn’t cover and to eventually save up and build a house on the land my parents bought to save for me.
So much of the spring season I can’t remember unless I look back at pictures, my blog posts or talk to my mom about specific circumstances.. I was in sooooo much pain, on a ton of pain meds and truly fighting for my life.
I think about how far I have come and to be honest I’m really just grateful.
Although, I’ve had a rough week and it certainly won’t be the last (kids get sick, health issues will likely pop up here and there, unexpected expenses arise, etc.) I think about the poor woman sitting in the hospital bed on January 14th moments after learning she had cancer and I just want to hug her.
She (me) was terrified.
I was terrified.
Here I felt like an invincible warrior, and I was facing one of my toughest battles yet.
I didn’t feel prepared and I certainly felt a sense of desperation to cling to any glimmer of hope that would give me just another day to tell my story, another day to attend a field trip, another day to make school lunches, another day to restore what Satan had tried to take from me…
But, how could I do any of that if I wasn’t around.
So, I did what I was told (surgery, chemo, radiation, meds, etc.) and over time began to research a little on my own here and there.
I certainly don’t have all the answers, but now that I’m slowly coming out of the other side I can look back with a ton of pride and say - I walked through a raging fire and I’m still standing.
Every now and then people ask me for ideas of gifts for loved ones going through cancer or if I have suggestions for specific things that helped me.
While my specific cancer is fairly rare for someone my age, cancer does affect more people every single day. It’s really terrifying to think of how many people are impacted.
When I was a child my grandfather got cancer and at the time it seemed like the enemy was attacking our family and bloodline (I won’t get into it, but we had 3 deaths in one summer). It was like one tragedy after another. This was unheard of back then!
Fast forward to 2025 and I almost feel immune to some of the horrors that happen in the world today. Not because I don’t truly care or have compassion and desire change, but because it seems to happen faster and more often.
The reason I can still wake up every day full of hope is because of what Romans 8:18 tells us, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
So, while I can’t provide any magical cure, make any promises or give you a guarantee…
I can share some of the items that brought me a lot of comfort in hopes that the right person will stumble upon this information when they need it.
So, in order to help you out - I started an AMAZON store front and added all of these items to a list just for you! That way, if you (heaven forbid) ever find yourself in my shoes, have a loved one going through it or know someone you want to bless with some happy mail - here are a bunch of items that truly brought me comfort through cancer.
*The full list of items is in my Amazon Affiliate Shop, but I didn’t think you guys needed every single item... So, today I’m sharing 10 of them with you. Plus, a BONUS item at the end!
The very first thing I want to encourage every person read is Radical Remission by Dr. Kelly A. Turner. I have been given so many books throughout this season and all of them have been a blessing. BUT- this book came at the exact moment I began to question and wonder if there was anything I was missing or could possibly add to what I was already doing. I’m incredibly grateful to Dr. Blaylock for gifting me with this encouraging book.
God is the ultimate healer! However, we still need resources, medical support, and therapies for our physical body. Learning to trust your own intuition and taking radical ownership of your healing is a good place to start!
The next item is for anyone going through Radiation. Let me just say… radiation is very rough on the skin. Yes, it’s working on the inside but it will leave the outside weathered and burned. My radiologist suggested the brand derma vitality and it proved to be very comforting to me. You can get the gift set for someone or simply add in the unscented bigger bottle to a gift basket. I used them both!
Part of my cancer journey required the removal of half of my tongue, a feeding tube and a liquid diet for a few months. It was rough. While, I am grateful for Boost and the medical grade nutrition fed through my feeding tube….. It kept me alive…. I am not a fan of it and was incredibly eager to begin drinking other protein shakes and then on to soft food.
Some of my very favorite protein shakes came from The Social Nutrition in Smyrna, TN. My girl Harley owns it and is a true gem! I would not turn down a gift card if you sent me one, haha!
A few of the other brands I keep on hand to grab & go are the Fairlife Chocolate protein shakes. They can be found in my amazon shop, at Costco and Sams.
I was also really grateful to find that some of the Bolthouse protein shakes in the refrigerator section of stores like Publix, Kroger, and Target have a huge amount of calories. Some of the Protein Plus drinks have 340 or so. That’s HUGE when you are trying to simply maintain weight and to stop losing it. I especially love their Vanilla Chai.
One of the easiest ways to stay healthy is through Hydration. I know it sounds silly, but it’s the honest truth! Not only do we need water to survive… It helps us flush out toxins, prevent infections, boost energy, improve cognitive function, improve skin health, reduce muscle cramps, and the list just keeps going. So, if you struggle to drink water (like me) and need an extra boost in your Hydration game I started drinking Hydration packets months ago when I was hospitalized for dehydration. You should see the variety I have tried and the research I’ve done on each of them.. It’s a lot!
I found a brand that is manufactured in the US, has ZERO sugar and incredibly clean ingredients. Plus, it tastes delicious!!! So, of course I had to become an affiliate ASAP!! They have 2 flavors: Grapefruit and Tropical Punch. They are both delicious, but the tropical one is definitely my favorite. You can grab some at my MAKE Wellness website.
I also started using a blender bottle again because it makes drinking them on the go or even mixing it at home super simple. And- it’s dishwasher safe!
Something I was not prepared for was the amount of skin irritation I would have as a result of chemo, radiation and all the meds. I have never struggled with eczema or had children with skin issues so Aquaphor isn’t something I kept on hand.. Until now.
I literally keep the aquaphor lip repair and mini healing ointment in my purse at all times. I use it numerous times throughout the day on my knuckles, places on my neck, around my mouth when I was recovering from all the excessive saliva (thanks radiation).
Of course I keep the big bottle in my room and apply it on the areas that seem to be the most aggravated at night so it can help recover while I sleep.
Whether you’re going through radiation or not, this intense healing cream is perfect for chapped skin, extra moisturizer through winter, to support skin issues, scar healing, tattoo healing and so much more. We will definitely be keeping it on hand moving forward.
Another simple pleasure to truly romanticize your morning or bedtime routine are eye masks. Especially during such a tough season of harsh cancer treatments these eye masks are a fun way to feel special, relaxed and refreshed. The girls LOVE doing these with me! They’d make great gift too!
A great way to stay hydrated and get some additional health benefits is from drinking tea. I’m not going to give medical advice, but there is a lot of research out there that suggests different herbs and teas are very helpful in your healing journey. I have so many different kinds of teas it would take all day for me to list them for you, but whether you are ordering for yourself or a friend I’ve included a few gift set options in my Amazon Shop so you can try a variety of teas and determine what flavors are your favorite. Add in some local honey and you’ve got yourself a relaxing beverage to enjoy before bed.
Something that has always been true about my personality is that I love fashion. No one can deny it. Yes, I’m a tomboy in many ways, but my momma always said I was a “prissy tomboy.” She is right! So, while I wanted to be incredibly comfortable while sitting for hours on end during an infusion, and avoid tight clothing while all my scars were recovering from surgery… I still wanted to look cute!
So, I ordered a few of these matching sets and I’m officially obsessed! The material is incredibly soft, the colors are beautiful and they are very reasonably priced. I liked them so much I ordered a few more colors in each of these sets. Whether you’re dealing with cancer or not - these are officially a staple in my wardrobe.
Plus, it’s apparently trendy! It kinds of cracks me up becauseI feel certain my nana wore some of these exact same outfits. Too bad she isn’t around anymore to twin with me!
You can find these items in my Amazon Shop Here.
Are you obsessed with smells like me? I really believe when you walk into a room the way it smells can evoke emotion.
If it smells like tobacco and leather it reminds me of my grandaddy. When I smell coffee I always think of my nana. The smell of oil, grease from a car or certain soaps remind me of my dad. Sunscreen, salty air and chlorine remind me of my mom. Certain smells can transport us back in time or evoke emotion in us that can be good or bad.
I want to feel peace and comfort in my home. So, I LOVE finding things that are not only non-toxic but actually really good for you! That’s one of the many reasons I have used essential oils for years! I’m not an expert, but I have learned which oils I love to combine in the diffuser to create a beautiful and comforting aroma.
A few of my favorite combos include:
Citrus Bliss, Lavender and Guaiacwood
Peppermint & Wild Orange
Breathe, On Guard, & Wild Orange
Madagascar Vanilla, Citrus Bliss and Shinrin-Yoku
I also love these oils diffused on their own:
Adaptiv
Malama
Passion
Serenity
Vanilla Chai
If you are new to essential oils OR you want to give these a try I have a referral link that will give you a FREE membership for your first year! That’ll save you $35!!! I’m not an affiliate with Doterra, but an incredibly happy customer and wanted to share my love with all of you.
Here’s the link to get that free membership and save you some money on your first order:
https://referral.doterra.me/15270199
You can grab some of the diffusers we love in my Amazon Shop Here.
I think I’ve said it a hundred times in this blog post, but it bears repeating.. This is definitely NOT medical advice, but I thought I might share a few of the supplements I take and the reason and or research behind why I take them.
Vitamin D – Supports immune system regulation and may slow cancer cell growth by promoting normal cell differentiation.
Selenium – Acts as a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage, potentially reducing cancer risk and supporting DNA repair.
Turmeric (Curcumin) – Contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that may inhibit tumor growth and reduce inflammation that fuels cancer.
Frankincense (Boswellia) – Has compounds shown to promote apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells and may help reduce inflammation and pain.
Apple Pectin – A type of soluble fiber that may help detoxify the body, bind harmful compounds, and support gut health, which influences immune response.
Multi-Vitamin – Helps fill nutritional gaps, ensuring the body has the necessary vitamins and minerals to support healing, energy, and immunity during treatment.
Magnesium – Supports over 300 cellular processes, reduces fatigue, eases muscle cramps, and helps regulate stress, all of which are beneficial during cancer care.
Resveratrol – A plant compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help suppress cancer cell spread and protect healthy cells.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) – A potent antioxidant that can regenerate other antioxidants (like vitamins C and E), protect nerves, and reduce treatment-related side effects.
Finally, I’ve got a bonus suggestion and one that is the most important thing you can add to your healing journey and that is…
THE WORD OF GOD
When facing sickness, one of the greatest sources of strength we have is our faith. Leaning into God’s Word reminds us that He is still in control, even in the midst of pain and uncertainty. Scripture brings peace to our minds, hope to our hearts, and courage to our spirits—things that are just as vital to healing as any treatment. God’s promises anchor us when fear tries to overwhelm us, and His presence renews us day by day. True healing isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, spiritual, and deeply connected to trusting the One who holds our future in His hands.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” -Isaiah 41:10
“He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.” -Psalm 107:20
“For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord, because they have called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion, for whom no one cares!’” -Jeremiah 30:17
“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” 3 John 2
One of my favorite things to do is meditate on the scripture and journal in my Bible. If you’re interested in the Bible I use you can find it in my amazon store here. It’s a beautiful bible and would make a wonderful gift to a loved one or someone who needs to be encouraged during a difficult season. Especially if they are sitting for long periods of time receiving chemo infusions.
While my journey is far from over… I’d like to hope my struggle can bring comfort to someone who is walking through a similar season.
It can feel overwhelming, scary, heavy and very depressing at times. Cancer brings a wave of grief and fear that is like none other. It doesn’t discriminate. So, if you are someone who is looking for comfort or looking to bring comfort to someone you love as they walk this windy road, I pray it does just that… bring a small shred of hope in a dark time.
As always, thank you for hanging with me on my little corner of the internet. It’s like the wild west out there sometimes and I feel abundantly blessed that you came to sit and listen to me today.
If you would like to send any monetary gifts you are welcome to venmo, mail a check or donate on the GoFundMe page.