Flash forward to June 13th for some happy news: my favorite person in the world asked me to marry him. We are planning a June 2012 wedding and I am beyond excited to become Mrs. Nylund! We went to Mayo for a second opinion and we found out that the one of the drugs that will be used for my chemotherapy has a substantial risk of permanently affecting my fertility. If you know me, you know that this news was even harder to swallow than the cancer diagnosis itself. We decided that the best option for us would be to undergo IVF treatment and have embryos frozen before chemotherapy. I was in Rochester for a good part of July for daily blood tests, ultrasounds, and self-injections of hormones. Not fun, but the procedure was very successful – we have 20 embryos waiting for us! We don’t plan on having twenty kids, so we will be able to donate the embryos to another couple when we have completed our family someday.
I started chemotherapy in Escanaba on Wednesday, and I’ll be done just before the holidays if everything goes according to schedule. Overall, I am doing really well. I have my days of course, but it’s just life. Moving forward is the only option you ever truly have, so that’s what I’m doing. I have to say, my friends and family have really blown my socks off. I knew I was surrounded by a lot of love, but I had no idea the lengths to which they would go, for me. “Thank you” doesn’t quite cut it, but I hope they all know how grateful I am. That’s the relatively short version of things – if you want the long version, or if you’d like to keep up with future updates, you can check out the Caring Bridge website my mom set up for me: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/hollynicholson
In between the surgeries and treatments and doctors appointments, I did manage to squeeze in a few awesome seniors! Everyone has been very understanding about rescheduling, and my calendar is booked solid for the next two months. If I have not answered your e-mail or returned your call, I apologize – it has just been crazy around here and I have been having trouble keeping up! I am going to try to work throughout my chemotherapy treatment, giving myself every other week off to recover from the side effects. I have very few spots left for senior photos in September/October – so if you have your heart set on HNP you can use the contact form to get in touch with me!
Amy (Dye) Driesel - Oh Holly, as they say in the south, bless your heart! That is so young to have to deal with such a horrible thing. I’m glad you are feeling better and I will keep you in my prayers. You sound positive and staying positive is half the battle. I’m sure everyone gives you cancer stories, so here is one from me
I work with a woman who had colon cancer at the age of 34, also very young. She caught it early and didn’t have to have chemo. But she is cancer free today and will turn 40 in a couple of weeks. So hang in there and throw yourself into planning your wedding!! That will keep you busy.
Take care and good luck
allison farley - We all love you like crazy Holly. You’re amazing. Your positivity is so amazing. You’re a true inspiration. <3
Can't wait for my pictures on August 11th.
Renee - I’ve been thinking about you all summer! I wish I lived closer, I feel like I could do more then! If you need anything at all—a laugh, a pick-me-up, someone to lend an ear… I’m here for you. And I second what Allison said. You are totally an inspiration!
Lauren Kleiman - Oh Holly you have NO idea how glad I am that you are doing okay! God bless you for being so so positive throughout all of this. You truly *are* an inspiration!
So many congratulations on the engagement, once again! Now who will be taking those photos?
Jessica Mariin - I’ve been praying for you alot lately darlin. Don’t ovedue it. Your health is the most important thing.
Tara - love ya holly!!
Amy - Oh my goodness, Holly. I stopped by to check out some of your amazing work, as I’m just starting to photograph seniors and really admire what you do. What a summer you’ve had already. I’m so sorry to hear about your diagnosis–but how fantastic that you’ve already done so much to get better. And a big congratulations on your upcoming nuptials, not to mention the amazing success of you IVF cycle! That’s a lot of embryos to work with! What hope that must give you. Will be saying a prayer for you tonight. And thanks for your inspiring work and for sharing your story.
Carolyn Evans - Holly, I don’t know you, but I learned of your condition through a photographer friend of mine. I admire your outlook and courage. I went through this awful disease with my father – starting a year ago on Oct. 14th. Pick up a little book called, “There’s No Place Like Hope”. I wish I could include an image with this comment. Instead, here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/Theres-Place-Like-Hope-Mind-sized/dp/1932319700. Also, just today, I posted something on my wall shared by a friend of mine who was dealt a devastating blow earlier this year when she tragically lost 13 dogs from her rescue in a house fire. This is her inspiration, but I don’t know if you’ll be able to view it: http://tinyurl.com/65slca5 It says, “You never know how STRONG you are until being STRONG is the only choice you have”. Wishing you strength in this journey.
Emily - - Oh my goodness, Holly. I stppoed by to check out some of your amazing work, as I’m just starting to photograph seniors and really admire what you do. What a summer you’ve had already. I’m so sorry to hear about your diagnosis but how fantastic that you’ve already done so much to get better. And a big congratulations on your upcoming nuptials, not to mention the amazing success of you IVF cycle! That’s a lot of embryos to work with! What hope that must give you. Will be saying a prayer for you tonight. And thanks for your inspiring work and for sharing your story.