One Week Down: Finding Gratitude in the Little Victories
June 25, 2026
One week ago, I walked into my first chemotherapy infusion with a mix of uncertainty, fear, and hope. Like so many facing cancer, I had spent days wondering what treatment would feel like and how much life would change.
Today, one week later, I’m incredibly grateful to say that it has gone far better than I imagined.
That doesn’t mean it has been effortless. There have been moments of fatigue, body aches, restless nights from the steroids, muscle soreness, changes in taste, anxiety, and now some painful sores on the tip of my tongue. Strong cooking smells have also started to trigger nausea, making me realize how sensitive my senses have become.
But every symptom has been manageable, and for that I am deeply thankful.
I’ve learned quickly that staying ahead of side effects makes all the difference. Hydration has become almost a full-time job. Daily walks, even when I don’t necessarily feel like taking them, have helped both physically and mentally. Warm showers before bed, magnesium for my restless legs, sunshine, and getting outside have all become part of my routine. I’ve also stayed ahead of nausea with Zofran rather than waiting for it to start.
Perhaps the biggest surprise has been how normal many parts of life have remained. I’ve continued working on projects that genuinely bring me joy, kept in touch with friends and family, watched plenty of World Cup soccer, and celebrated each day that ends better than expected.
Cancer has an incredible way of changing your perspective. You stop measuring life in months or years and begin appreciating good mornings, peaceful walks, a good night’s sleep, or simply waking up feeling like yourself. Those moments become victories.
This week also brought a wonderful milestone for Brett.
Many of you know that after his devastating scooter accident in Italy earlier this year, his recovery has been long and challenging. Between multiple surgeries, dental reconstruction, physical therapy, and the emotional impact of everything he’s endured, there have been plenty of difficult days.
But a week ago, one of his best friends, Dom, invited him to attend the opening U.S. World Cup match together with his amazing dad and brothers.
Seeing him laughing, surrounded by thousands of passionate soccer fans, reminded me how important these moments are. Recovery isn’t only measured by surgeries, scans, or doctor’s appointments. It’s measured by getting pieces of your life back. Soccer has always been one of Brett’s greatest passions, and for one evening, he was simply able to enjoy being a young man with his best friend.
He was also recently fitted for his permanent teeth, and we’re hopeful he’ll receive them next week, a huge milestone after months of temporary restorations. His major reconstructive nose surgery is scheduled for October 2, another significant step in his recovery journey.
As for me, I know there are still two more chemotherapy treatments ahead, and I know not every week will necessarily be this kind. Cancer has a way of reminding you to stay humble.
But I’ve learned something important already.
Hope isn’t pretending everything is easy. Hope is recognizing the hard things while still choosing gratitude for what is going well.
This week, I’m grateful for an amazing medical team, family and friends who continue to lift us up, the work projects I have that gives me purpose, a body that is responding better than expected, and a son whose smile returned if only for a night, as he cheered on Team USA with his best friend.
One week down.
Many more victories to celebrate.
How This Journey Began:
Brett’s Accident, A Diagnosis, and the Power of Community
The Becker Journey was created during one of the most unexpected times of our lives. Within days, our family faced two major challenges—Brett’s traumatic accident overseas and Alison’s cancer diagnosis.
What followed was a crash course in navigating hospitals, specialists, international travel complications, insurance, recovery, surgery, and oncology care. Along the way we also learned something just as important: trying to manage everything quietly or pretending things were okay was not the answer. Being open, telling people what was happening, and asking for help turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. We are surrounded by an extraordinary community, and what became clear very quickly is that almost everyone has faced—or is facing—their own difficult road. Within that community is an incredible wealth of experience, wisdom, and compassion. We learned to lean into that support, to listen, and to accept help when it was offered.
This site serves two purposes. First, it allows us to share updates with the many friends, family members, and community members who have shown extraordinary love and support. Second, it is meant to help others who may suddenly find themselves walking a similar road.
Here we share honest updates, lessons learned, helpful resources, and the faith and resilience that continue to guide our family forward.
If even one piece of information here helps another family navigate their own storm, then this journey will serve a greater purpose.
Where It All Began
January 30 began with a routine doctor’s appointment and a familiar concern—persistent tenderness in the abdomen.
The discomfort was not new. Similar pain had appeared for years and had often been attributed to kidney stones. Several standard CT scans had been performed over time. A regular CT scan is essentially a black-and-white image of the body. None of those scans revealed anything significant, reinforcing the assumption that kidney stones or a minor issue caused the discomfort.
Because of that history, the plan was simply to schedule another standard CT scan.
Nothing suggested that this time would be different.
Early February
A Different Test Changed Everything
A few days later the pain intensified enough to warrant a visit to Urgent Care.
The physician recommended immediate imaging and advised going directly to the Emergency Room for a CT scan with contrast.
A CT with contrast differs significantly from previous scans. If a standard CT resembles a black-and-white image, a contrast scan provides far greater definition—more like viewing the body in color—allowing doctors to distinguish structures and abnormalities with much greater clarity.
That decision changed everything.
The ER Scan
A Critical Discovery
Doctors at the ER performed the CT scan with contrast.
The scan revealed something never detected on prior imaging:
A 15-centimeter mass on the ovary.
What once appeared to be recurring discomfort suddenly became a serious medical situation requiring immediate evaluation.
Specialist consultations and surgery were scheduled quickly.
Surgery That Escalated Unexpectedly
The original plan called for laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure using small incisions to evaluate and remove the mass.
During the operation, however, the tumor ruptured.
Surgeons immediately converted the procedure into an open abdominal surgery similar to a C-section incision to safely manage the rupture and remove the tumor completely.
A procedure expected to be minimally invasive became a far more complex operation.
The Hospital Stay
Recovery required a three-day hospital stay while doctors monitored healing and awaited pathology results.
Those days were filled with uncertainty. The tumor had been removed, but the diagnosis remained unknown.
Pathology confirmed endometrioid adenocarcinoma, a gynecologic cancer.
Doctors continue to evaluate whether the cancer originated in the uterus or ovary, as tumor cells resemble uterine cancer cells.
Additional CT scans of the chest showed no evidence of metastatic disease, an encouraging result.
Next Steps in Alison’s Journey
The next phase of treatment focuses on fully understanding the cancer and determining the most appropriate path forward.
In early April, surgeons will perform a total abdominal hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy. This procedure will remove the uterus and evaluate surrounding lymph nodes within the abdomen.
The purpose of this surgery is to properly stage and categorize the cancer, allowing doctors to determine:
• Where the cancer originated
• Whether the disease has spread beyond the original tumor
• The exact stage of the cancer
• The most effective treatment plan moving forward
Accurate staging is a critical step in gynecologic oncology because it guides every decision that follows.
Once the surgery is complete, pathology analysis of the removed tissue and lymph nodes will provide the information needed to determine next steps. At that point, the medical team will discuss the appropriate course of care, which may include additional treatment or ongoing monitoring.
This next surgery represents an important milestone in the journey toward clarity, treatment, and recovery.
Just as the family began processing this diagnosis, another crisis unfolded.
Early March 2026
Brett’s Accident in Rome
Brett, studying abroad in Rome through UCSB, was riding a scooter along the river when a car struck him in a hit-and-run accident.
Brett and a friend were knocked unconscious. Emergency crews arrived and police shut down the road.
Brett managed to FaceTime home briefly before being transported by ambulance to San Camillo Hospital, a large public hospital in Rome.
Initial stabilization occurred there, but communication challenges and limited coordination made care difficult. Brett had even been admitted as Jane Doe, despite friends providing identification.
Without hesitation, my husband Joe and his sister-in-law Jamie immediately boarded a plane to be by Brett’s side. They spent ten days in Italy advocating for him, helping coordinate care, ensuring he received medication, and providing the steady support and comfort he needed during an incredibly difficult time. I was unable to travel because I had just undergone surgery and was preparing for another procedure, making out-of-country travel medically inadvisable. Knowing Joe and Jamie were there brought tremendous peace of mind and remains something I will always be deeply grateful for and I kept Italian hours so I could be there for Brett in the middle of the night when Joe and Jamie were sleeping.
Because of the severity of Brett’s facial trauma and the inadequate care he was receiving at the public hospital, Joe’s best friend Carl and his wife Nell quickly stepped in and made calls within the medical community. Through their help, we were able to have Brett transferred to Salvator Mundi, a private UPMC hospital in Rome, where he received a far higher level of care, stronger medical oversight, and the treatment needed to stabilize his injuries and prepare him for travel home.
Finally, after several difficult days navigating an unfamiliar medical system, doctors cleared Brett to return to the United States.
Returning Home
Immediate Medical Response
Once back in Los Angeles, the urgency became clear. and I was glad I was home to get all the necessary appointment set up in advance. Time was of the essence.
Trauma to Brett’s mouth and face had begun developing dangerous bacterial infections, a common risk when teeth and facial bones are damaged.
A coordinated team of specialists moved quickly.
Within days Brett underwent multiple procedures to remove infection and stabilize injuries.
Emergency Oral Surgery
Evaluation our family dentist, revealed severe dental trauma.
Immediate referral to Oral Surgery led to immediate surgery on Tuesday. Two severely displaced teeth were removed to eliminate infection risk. Surgeons also used bone marrow and stem cell techniques to place implants, helping rebuild damaged bone and structure. This also removed the severe infection that was built up around the teeth.
Root Canal Treatment
The next day a trip to the Endodontist (Wednesday) for an urgent root canal on a front tooth affected by the trauma. The procedure eliminated infection and protected surrounding bone.
Nasal Reconstruction Surgery
The accident caused severe nasal trauma, leaving the nasal bone shattered and displaced, as well as a hematoma and severally damaged septum. Surgeons performed a second operation to reconstruct and reset the nasal bone before improper healing could occur. (Friday)
A Week of Rapid Medical Intervention
Within one week Brett underwent:
• Two surgeries
• One emergency root canal
• Multiple trauma evaluations and follow-up care
Every procedure focused on eliminating infection, stabilizing injuries, and preventing long-term complications.
Facial trauma frequently leads to hidden bacterial pockets, especially when teeth are involved. Immediate treatment was critical.
Thanks to rapid intervention and an exceptional medical team, Brett’s infections have been eliminated and healing has begun.
Moving Forward
Recovery remains ahead, but the most critical phase—removing infection and stabilizing injuries—has passed.
In only a few weeks the Becker’s experienced:
• A cancer diagnosis
• Major surgery and hospitalization
• A hit-and-run accident in Rome
• Multiple international hospital transfers
• Emergency surgeries and trauma care in Los Angeles
Despite the shock and uncertainty, extraordinary doctors, friends, and community support have surrounded every step.
And through it all, Brett has shown remarkable resilience
An Update from Our Family: Moving Forward with Gratitude and Hope
We wanted to share a meaningful update on where things stand for our family and how both Brett and I are doing.
Brett’s Recovery Journey
Brett has continued recovering from his nasal surgery in March. Unfortunately, the damage to his septum was more severe than originally hoped, with only 1 mm of space on one side and 4 mm on the other. Because of the complexity of the comminuted nasal fracture, some of the bone had already fused by the time we were able to return to the U.S., so surgeons were only able to partially repair the area. Even so, we are grateful progress has been made and that he is moving forward. He will have another surgery in August on his nose to repair what they can on his septum and shave the bones.
He also recently received his temporary front teeth, often called “flippers.” While they are not the most comfortable solution, they are a step toward the permanent implants he is looking forward to in the future.
Brett was scheduled to begin physical therapy in April, but during a follow-up visit with the Spine Institute, doctors noted numbness in his feet and lower legs. As a precaution, they ordered an MRI to ensure there is no additional nerve entrapment that had not been previously detected.
Through it all, Brett has shown remarkable resilience. He is finishing his online Italian classes by the end of April and already plans to continue with more coursework this summer. We are especially proud of how he has kept his spirits high. Time with friends, visits on weekends, and the support around him have meant more than words can say.
My Health Update
I have been doing well and feel incredibly fortunate to be under the care of one of the best gynecologic oncologists at UCLA, Dr. Haunschild.
As shared previously, I am scheduled for surgery on Thursday, April 16, where I will undergo a total hysterectomy, lymph node dissection, and omentectomy. The goal is to properly stage the cancer and determine the best treatment path moving forward.
The tumor removed in February was identified as endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Because the tumor had ruptured, and because this type of cancer is most commonly associated with the uterus or reproductive system, the surgical team is taking a comprehensive approach by removing the remaining at-risk tissue and confirming the exact stage through pathology.
The encouraging news is that my tumor is mismatch repair proficient (MMR-proficient / non–MSI-high), which helps guide treatment decisions. Depending on final pathology and staging, treatment options likely include hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and may now include immunotherapy if clinically appropriate. We expect to have final staging results approximately two weeks after surgery.
In preparation for what is ahead, I have been taking care of baseline health needs including vision care and dental care. I have also been working to improve low iron levels caused by blood loss and medications related to the first surgery. Step by step, we are getting ready for the road ahead.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
We share this update not for sympathy, but simply to keep those we love informed. Life brings challenges to every family, and so many of you have reached out with your own personal stories, encouragement, and support. Those connections have reminded us how blessed we truly are.
We know we are not walking this road alone.
And even in the middle of hard things, there is so much joy ahead. We are counting down the days until Lauren comes home from college on May 8, and we are so proud to celebrate our oldest, Bradley, as he graduates with his graduate degree on May 9.
There is still so much to look forward to.
After everything we have faced, one truth remains clear: with family, friends, faith, and an incredible community beside us, we can get through anything.
Becker Family
Updates
A Long-Awaited Update
June 15, 2026
First, thank you to everyone who has reached out with prayers, messages, calls, meals, and encouragement. The support from family and friends has meant more than words can express.
The reason for the delay in posting an update is that recovery took an unexpected turn. About a week and a half after surgery, a serious postoperative infection developed, resulting in multiple hospitalizations and several weeks focused entirely on fighting the infection. It was a challenging and exhausting setback, but there is finally good news to share: the infection is now clear.
Unfortunately, the complications delayed the start of chemotherapy, but treatment is now scheduled to begin this Wednesday, June 17. While this wasn’t the timeline hoped for, there is gratitude for being healthy enough to move forward with the next phase of treatment.
This Friday, Brett will be fitted for his new teeth, with hopes of completing that portion of his reconstruction before the Fourth of July. His nasal injuries remain the most complex part of his recovery. His surgeon, who serves as the head of UCLA’s ENT and Plastic Surgery departments, described his case as one of the most severe she has encountered. A nine-hour reconstructive surgery is currently scheduled for October.
The good news is that his back continues to improve through physical therapy. Recovery remains a marathon rather than a sprint, and the same is true for the lingering effects of his concussion and occasional memory lapses. Progress is happening, even when it feels slow.
Thank you again for every prayer, message, and expression of support. The road has been longer and more complicated than expected for both mother and son, but each step forward is a blessing. Continued prayers are appreciated as chemotherapy begins this week and both recoveries continue in the months ahead.
On the family front, Brett continues to make steady progress following his accident. He has been enjoying the FIFA World Cup and was even invited to attend the opening match by our wonderful family friends, the Thompsons. It was an incredible experience and a bright spot during a difficult season.
April 29, 2026
My Surgery Results and Next Steps
I wanted to share a quick update and thank everyone for the love, prayers, and support during this journey.
I received my pathology results, and the news is encouraging. My cancer was confirmed as Stage 1C, Grade 2 endometrioid ovarian cancer, all tissue removed during surgery came back clear with no remaining disease found, including the uterus and lymph nodes.
Most importantly, there is no evidence that the cancer has spread.
My doctors feel optimistic because it was caught early, and the prognosis is favorable.
What Comes Next
To help reduce the chance of recurrence, I will begin 3 rounds of chemotherapy in the coming weeks. My treatment will include two standard medications (Carboplatin/Paclitaxel) commonly used for ovarian cancer.
While I know treatment may come with challenges, I also know I’m going into it with a strong medical team and a lot of support behind me.
This has been a difficult and emotional season, but I feel incredibly grateful. Grateful for early detection, grateful for excellent care, and grateful for all of you who have lifted me up.
Now we move forward one step at a time.
With love and gratitude,
Alison
April 22,2026
Surgery Update and What’s Next
Thank you to everyone who has continued to check in, pray, encourage us, and carry us through this season. Your support means more than we can express.
My surgery was extensive and lasted 7 hours, but we are incredibly grateful for the outcome. My exceptional surgeon was able to remove all remaining tissue from the previous surgery, along with everything that was expected. We are thankful that step is now behind us.
Recovery has had a few challenges. Because of the scope of the surgery, I developed severe anemia and needed to remain in the hospital for two additional nights. I also received an IV iron infusion, which helped tremendously.
Coming home over the weekend to clean sheets and beautiful sunshine felt like medicine for the soul. I have been focusing on small wins, getting outside for 15 minutes each day, soaking up the sun, and walking down the street as my strength slowly returns.
I did have a minor setback last night when one of my stitches opened and fluid began draining, so I will be heading back to UCLA tomorrow to have everything checked and properly drained.
Our next major milestone is April 29th, when we meet with the oncologist and review the pathology report. That appointment will help determine the next plan of action. For now, I am grateful the surgery is behind me and ready for the next step in this fight.
Brett Update
Brett also had an important follow-up this week. His MRI results showed additional areas of compression and a disc bulge related to the accident, which likely explains the numbness in his feet. Thankfully, nothing appears serious or in need of surgery. The plan is to address it through physical therapy and continued monitoring.
He also learned that the effort to save his remaining front tooth was unsuccessful, so he will likely need another implant. Even with all of that, he continues to handle everything like a champ. He has been spending lots of time watching soccer with his dad and keeping up with online schoolwork.
We are taking it one step at a time and trusting God on the road ahead.
With Gratitude
We have been surrounded by an incredible community of family and friends who have carried us through these past weeks. The love, encouragement, meals, calls, messages, and prayers have meant more than words can express. This journey would have been impossible without you.
There is still a long road ahead, but we face it knowing we are not walking it alone. The support from this community—from lifelong friends to my high school classmates and so many others—has reminded us just how blessed we are.
A very special thank you to some of the people who have been right beside us through every moment: my sister Andrea and sister in law Jamie; my sisters from another mother, Kerri Thompson and Monica Mihaly; Noelle Stroyke; Layla Kiffin; Shellie Schmalle; Susan Revelle; Mamma Di; and all of the incredible friends who have shown up for Brett, Lauren, and Bradley.
Your kindness, strength, and generosity have lifted our entire family.
We love you all more than you know.
—The Becker Family