From Chemo to the Cliffs of Moher

West coast of Ireland

This picture brings me so much joy. The sound of waves crashing along the rocks, the salt air, and the wind through our hair.

Jeff and I were in Ireland on the west coast. We experienced the Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Burren, and ended our tour at Galway City. The views were breathtaking. It was a full day of travel and walking.

It’s hard to believe that just three years ago, Jeff had no hair. He was enduring chemotherapy treatments and was on the couch or in bed most of the time. He barely had the energy to pick up a fork and eat. His days walking were from the couch to the bedroom in our ranch home.

The weight of silence hung heavy, and it took every ounce of strength I had to focus on God’s promises. Would we pull through? Would Jeff make it to the other side?

During that season, it was hard to believe his hair would grow back, he would enjoy a meal again, and his energy and strength would be possible to travel. What would our life look like? It was such a hard time to see the future of hope and recovery.

Once he was given the green light to begin a regular exercise program, it was exciting and discouraging. I wanted his recovery to be linear and progress to be made each day. I wanted my husband back. I knew better.

One step forward and five steps back. It required patience, trust, and faith that each year, little by little, gains were being made; even when we couldn’t see them yet.

Here we are. Three years later, traveling across the country hiking, eating meals together, and smiling.

What did I learn about hope? It doesn't follow my timeline. It's messier than I expected. It requires daily patience and trust. But God. He was present during the hardest moments, in the silence, in the setbacks, and in the waiting. He didn't abandon us.

If you're in a similar situation or experiencing a tough season right now, I can't promise it will look like our story. Yet I believe you’re never alone, and even in all the uncertainty, when progress feels invisible, your story isn't finished.

Neither is ours.

Psalm 23 (what I hung on to)

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

We're making a difference together!

Thanks to everyone who has purchased A REAL BALLBUSTER: Untangling Testicular Cancer Together. We've already donated over $100 to the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation, and we'll keep donating as more books are sold.

Want to help us reach even more people? Consider purchasing a copy to:

Gift to your oncologist or urologist's office

Place in a Little Free Library in your neighborhood

Share with someone walking through their own cancer journey

Keep on hand for when someone you know needs hope and practical guidance

Every book purchased not only supports testicular cancer awareness but also puts encouragement directly into the hands of someone who needs it. Together, we're spreading hope and funding important research: one book at a time.

To learn more about the book and read reviews, click here.

Thank you,

Jeff and Julie