06/10/2026
It’s been almost six months since I last checked in with you all. The last several months have been extremely difficult on all of us. I would have loved to have come back on here with better news, but the reality is, the last several months have been our hardest yet.
The last time I updated you all, Mari was starting a trial treatment and we were hopeful that it would work; however, she has since been taken off of it due to progression/tumor growth. As a result of the progression, she has been in and out of the hospital on many occasions, has suffered multiple seizures, and has undergone a series of treatments.
HOWEVER, we continue to remain hopeful that things will turn around. Today, she finished another round of brain radiation treatment in hopes of keeping the tumors under control. While she usually never rings the bell (because treatment never actually stops for her), we are learning to take the small wins as they come. She literally went from having a seizure this morning to having the biggest smile on her face while ringing that bell just a few hours later! (the literal perfect example of Mari’s resilience)
To no surprise, Mari remains strong. She is a fighter and is determined to push through this season. How she manages to smile and laugh through it will forever amaze us all.
We love you all and continue to thank you for your words, check ins, and prayers 💕
Xoxo,
Deniz
breastcancer cancer