Meet the Perry's

 


Justin and Stephenie met in December 2015. It was about 7 months since Stephenie had been diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. After only a few months of dating, Stephenie was in the hospital for her first stem cell transplant. It was a big test for a new relationship, but Justin was there every step of the way.

Much of the beginning of the relationship revolved around doctor's appointments and hospital visits. Deciding that beating cancer was their #1 priority, they agreed that they would keep any serious marriage talk off the table until Stephenie was in remission.

That day came on February 8, 2018. The next day, Justin proposed. Stephenie, of course, said, "Yes!" They weren't quite out done with treatment yet. Stephenie received her second stem cell transplant on March 1, 2018. Stephenie spent those three months post-transplant in the hospital with all the time in the world to plan their wedding that would take place on September 14, 2019.

Year later, Stephenie is still receiving regular check-ups for her post-treatment side effects. Her doctors finally gave them the green light to start a family. The irreversible trauma done to Stephenie's body through cancer treatment has definitely damaged her reproductive system.

There are unique challenges to being a young adult cancer survivor. This blog helps to unpack all of the emotions and tough decisions they'll be experiencing on their journey to building a family. Hopefully, this blog will also serve as another resource for others who find themselves in a similar situation.

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