12/24/2025
An Update from our 2024 Recipient! What wonderful news!
‘I completed 14/14 rounds of T-DM1 + the clinical trial today in Rochester. 💞💪🏻🤗
There were moments where I had to do everything I could to hold back tears... tears of happiness, relief, and disbelief. Looking back on everything, I don’t even know how I did it… and yet here I am. When you don’t have a choice, you just do.
What a year, right?
It somehow went incredibly fast and painfully slow all at the same time. In feel like my kids grew up overnight, and so did I.
Today was filled with unexpected smiles and excitement! With visits from Santa, Archie, one of Mayo’s therapy dogs, and plenty of Christmas treats. Moments like those made today feel even more special and reminded us how much love and kindness lives in those halls. ❤️🎄
When my doctor looked at me today and said, “You did it,” all I could do was smile. I truly don’t even have the words for that moment.
There’s no bell at Mayo, because not everyone gets to finish treatment. Knowing that made today even heavier and more meaningful. So we rang our jingle bells loud, thinking of everyone just beginning there own battle, those still fighting and those who didn’t get this moment.
And to our tribe... we simply have the BEST... family, friends, and so many people who stepped in, checked on us, prayed, helped, and showed up when we needed it most. We felt so much love this year, and we don’t take a single bit of it lightly.
As I begin to move forward, I'll continue to follow-up every three months for the next year, but now comes the next chapter: life after cancer. And honestly, I think this may be the hardest part yet...
For now, we’re going home to soak up Christmas with our kids and our families. Then we’ll begin preparing for my reconstruction surgery on January 26. It’s going to be a hard one, but I’m determined to do everything I can to be back up and moving by spring.
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas. 🎄
With so much love,
The Bockenstedts ❤️