09/26/2026
My Cancer Journey: Healing, Gratitude & Looking Toward Fall
As summer comes to a close and I begin to welcome my favorite season of the year, I find myself reflecting on just how much has happened over these past few months.
Most importantly, I am doing well.
My cancer journey has certainly not been one I would have chosen, but it has taught me so much about gratitude, faith, healing, and the preciousness of every single day.
Right now, I am taking Verzenio, 50 mg twice a day, along with my monthly injection of fulvestrant. So far, it seems to be working well for me. My most recent blood work showed no detectable cancer cells, and I am incredibly thankful. Every good report feels like a little gift from God and another reason to keep moving forward with hope.
I know that healing is a journey, and I am taking it one day at a time.
Learning More About Healing
One of the things I have been doing throughout this journey is studying different ideas about how we heal—not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually.
Recently, I watched a fascinating series called “Another Self.” Beyond its captivating storyline, the series introduced me to the philosophy of Systemic Family Constellation.
The idea is that sometimes we carry hidden or unacknowledged burdens from generations before us. Unresolved trauma, grief, family relationships, and emotional entanglements can sometimes influence the way we live, the choices we make, and even the patterns we repeat.
The series follows three young women as they explore their past, their families, and ultimately themselves in search of understanding and healing.
It gave me a great deal to think about.
I have become especially interested in the idea that healing can sometimes begin when we are willing to look honestly at the things that have been carried within a family for generations—to acknowledge them, understand them, and perhaps find a way to release what no longer needs to be carried forward.
I want to be very clear about something, however.
My interest in Systemic Family Constellation does not take God or Western medicine out of the equation.
For me, it is quite the opposite. My faith remains at the heart of my life, and I am deeply grateful for the doctors, nurses, treatments, medications, and medical science that are helping me through this journey.
I simply believe there is always more to learn about ourselves.
Perhaps healing is not just one thing. Perhaps it is a combination of medicine, faith, our relationships, our thoughts, our emotions, and the way we choose to live each day.
So I continue to read, learn, pray, and remain open.
A Very Special Trip to Norway
In the midst of all of this, Sam and I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Norway.
Thirty years ago, we welcomed an exchange student into our family. What began as an exchange-student relationship became something much deeper and more lasting. We have remained close all these years, and today I cannot imagine loving her or her family more if we shared the same blood.
Getting to spend time with her and her family in Norway was incredibly special.
There are some relationships in life that simply stand the test of time. Distance doesn't change them. Years don't change them. Life changes all around you, but somehow that connection remains.
Our time in Norway reminded me once again how very blessed I am to have people in my life who have become family in every way that matters.
And Life Goes On...
Through all of this, Sam and I are still busy doing what we love—selling real estate and spending time with our wonderful clients.
There is something I truly love about helping people find their next home or move on to their next chapter. Every client has a story, and we are grateful that they allow us to be a small part of it.
Real estate keeps us busy, keeps us connected to people, and gives us plenty of reasons to get out there and enjoy life.
And now, as I step into fall, I feel especially grateful.
Fall has always been my favorite time of year. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving with my much-loved family, watching love continue to grow as we celebrate two family weddings, and enjoying all the little traditions that make this season so special.
And, of course, we still have a trip to look forward to at the end of October—to my beloved Cape May, New Jersey, dressed in all of her beautiful fall colors.
Cape May has always held a special place in my heart. There is just something about being there in the fall that feels like coming home.
Looking Ahead With Gratitude
So that is a little bit of how my summer has gone.
Cancer has become a part of my story, but it does not define my story.
There is still so much life to live.
There are people to love, homes to sell, places to visit, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to enjoy, weddings to celebrate, prayers to pray, books to read, sunsets to watch—and so much more to be thankful for.
I am continuing to learn about healing. I am continuing to trust God. I am continuing to follow the advice and treatment of my doctors. And I am continuing to believe that there is always hope.
I will try to be better about writing in the future and sharing some of this journey with you.
Thank you to everyone who has prayed for me, checked on me, encouraged me, sent a message, or simply thought of me along the way. You may never know how much those little acts of love have meant.
As this beautiful fall season arrives, my wish for all of you is simple:
May you have love in your heart, peace in your soul, good health, and many reasons to be grateful.
Blessings to all of you.
With love,
Helen Ann
The Mattoni Team — Agents With Heart
