Now What?
Troy rang the bell and finished radiation. It was an emotional, powerful moment that marked the end of a grueling chapter.
For six weeks, everything was planned out for us: what days and times to show up, what treatments to expect, what side effects to watch for. The oncologist and medical team surrounded us with clear direction, and even though it was hard, there was comfort in the structure.
And now it’s done. No more daily drives to the hospital and no more countdowns.
Just quiet.
In theory, this is the moment we’ve been waiting for, but in practice, it feels like standing on the edge of something far more uncertain and worrisome. The finish line we imagined is the beginning of something new and, honestly, I’m panicking.
Now comes the real work. We’re shifting from survival mode to long-term healing, and that’s a different kind of discipline. Now it’s up to us to nourish Troy daily—eating well, taking the right supplements, walking when we can, swimming, sleeping deeply, and saying no to anything that steals his peace.
It reminds me of bringing home your first newborn baby. At the hospital, you’re wrapped in care, and nurses are there at the push of a button to answer every question, while everything is controlled and watched. Then you leave, and suddenly, it’s just you and this tiny, fragile new life. It doesn’t matter how many books you read or how prepared you thought you were, you feel completely unready. You have to learn through doing, trial and error, long nights, and quiet, tearful fears. That’s exactly how this feels. No more schedule, no more playbook. We have to make choices every day, and we have to trust ourselves and the process. It’s terrifying, intimidating, and so emotional.
It’s searching for alternative doctors, learning to listen inwardly instead of waiting for someone in a white coat to tell us what to do next. The safety net is gone, and though we’re grateful to be past radiation, we’re also standing in unfamiliar territory. A life rooted in deep intentional wellness.
Stepping into this next phase brings that same feeling of trepidation and something weirdly familiar. However this time, there’s no map. We know what we’re supposed to do. Eat clean, rest well, take the right supplements, stay active, and protect our peace, but knowing it and doing it consistently are two different things. We can’t afford to be lazy or let life pull us back into old habits. There’s no room for complacency, and the fight isn’t over just because the treatments are. The stakes are too high because it’s life or death, and it requires daily practice, preparation, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment.
This is where we build a new life, piece by piece, from the inside out.
The only thing that makes this feel even remotely doable is the people surrounding us. Just like new parents need a “village,” we need ours now more than ever! Friends praying with us, family checking in with a text, sending encouragement, or simply listening without trying to fix it. Those gestures are everything, and we’re SO grateful. They remind us we’re not doing this alone. We may be out from under the care of the hospital, but we’re not out of care. The love, support, and shared hope of those around us are what’s going to carry us forward. Even though the journey ahead is long and uncertain, we are held by a community of people who believe in our healing with us, and that matters more than words can say. One step at a time, we’ll keep walking. Not because we feel ready, but because you’re walking with us.
As we step into this new chapter, we also want to take a moment to remind you that May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month. It’s a cause that now lives close to our hearts, and one that affects so many more families than most people realize. Going gray in May, whether it’s wearing gray clothing, sharing awareness posts, or simply learning more, is a small but powerful way to stand with those who are living with or have been impacted by brain tumors. Awareness brings visibility, so wear gray, talk about it, and help us shine a light on the reality so many are quietly facing. Every voice matters, and every story counts.
With a few days left in May, we’d appreciate it if you would share or donate to Troy’s GoFundMe here.
His needs are ongoing and still require long-term additional support, so please continue to share Troy’s cause with others—every donation, share, and prayer brings us one step closer to healing. Now that we have a clearer picture and know that some of the treatments he needs aren’t covered by insurance, we feel led to open this up to a broader audience. We’re trusting that by sharing his story, we can reach the people who feel called to walk alongside us.
Support from our family, church family, friends, and strangers has made a real difference and brought much-needed relief. We've been blown away by the response we’ve had with our first week of sharing Troy’s GoFundMe! Because of you, critical treatments and care will be possible! Thank you to everyone who has shared so generously!
The total estimated goal we are trying to raise is $15,000. The GoFundMe states $6500. This is because this platform will build up to the goal the more it’s shared.
If you’d rather donate through Venmo (@StephanieHdb) or PayPal at sheconsiders@gmail.com, please email me through that email, and I’ll send you a receipt for how your donation was used.
Here is a list of treatments in order of importance.
IV Therapy. This is a priority! High-dose vitamin C helps keep his immune system strong and keeps the cancer away. We are close to meeting this goal with current donations from GoFundMe. Although he has completed radiation, it will remain in his system for up to 12 weeks! We are close to meeting this need.
Integrative Cancer Specialist—This doctor is local to us and is referred by our naturopath.Need Met, Thank You!I’ve also found Doctors who have gone through the Metabolic Approach to Cancer Training by Dr. Nasha Winters. You can listen to her cancer story here. There are several out-of-state options, the nearest being Seattle, and we would see him through telehealth, starting at $2500.
We’re looking into an Integrative Oncology Center in Orange County, California. Troy would need to stay for at least two weeks. A $10,000 deposit must be made, and what’s not used during treatment will be refunded. Accommodations are not included.
We have an updated Troy’s Recovery List on Amazon. Thank you to those who have already purchased items! Many of these will help remove the toxins from radiation!
Medical Bills
Canyon County Ambulance District, Run # 24-13902. $899.00
Anestesia Associates of Boise, Account # 8480598, $532.96. Need met, thank you!
Boise Pathology Group, Code ID: MSNID001 Access# 16989730-1-29 $354.00 Need met, thank you!
Boise Radiology Group, Account # BRG748704, $479.00
Natrupath for palliative care. ($237) Need Met, thank you!
Misc.
Rec Center Membership for muscle strength. Need Met, thank you!
Vibration Table for Lymphatic Drainage & Circulation Need Met, thank you!
As always, I’ll update you on our progress in meeting these needs. For transparency, you can click on the link above for the ambulance bill, and it should take you directly to the source, where you can contribute online using his account number.
All other links will be paid through donations.
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Joshua 1:9:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”