I know, I know. It’s been a while, (a long while!) and I want to start this post off by saying thank you – thank you for your patience, your support, and for sticking with me, even while my updates went silent. I had all these plans of sharing every step of this cancer experience with you while I wrote and wrote and wrote during my recovery. In my mind, I’d be a resource, an inspiration, and maybe even a bit of comic relief while tackling this very bizarre cancer that crept up on me. But reality, as it turns out, had a different plan.

For those who don’t know, I was diagnosed with a rare form of nasal cancer back in March. Within three weeks of the diagnosis, my entire nose was removed (holy shit, right?!), and life became a whirlwind of doctor’s visits, radiation treatments, fatigue, mood swings, and a vast array of unexpected side effects. Trying to juggle all of this, along with ADHD, maintaining a household, clients, and book marketing, posting online–or just being who I was prior to the diagnosis–quickly became more than I could manage. Instead of posting updates, I had to retreat, focus on healing, and just take it one day at a time.

I struggled with posting updates because, well, I didn’t have any updates as an author. I’d promised you two books this year and I couldn’t bring myself back to those fictional spaces to finish them, even though I so desperately wanted the escape. I just couldn’t disassociate long enough to place myself back in those stories. At a loss for words in the world of fantasy, I found inspiration instead in my own space. So, I did what any good writer would do. I started writing a memoir, turning this strange reality into a story that’s pretty damn fascinating. Through it, I’ve learned what I’m made of, what matters most, and just how deeply grateful I am – for life, for you, and for every opportunity I’ve been granted in this life.

Now, the best news I can share with you: my cancer is gone. What’s left in my recovery is strictly cosmetic. I have a new surgery schedule (to build the Trinity 2.0 nose) and I feel healthier than I have in a long time. I’m ready to reconnect and to share my story, particularly as I transition into the super weird reconstruction phase (don’t worry, I promise to keep the graphic details to a minimum).

Here’s what’s coming:

November 26: My first surgery. They’ll be placing a tissue expander in my forehead, which will gradually expand to eventually serve as the outer skin of my new nose. I’ll probably look like a Looney Tunes character as it grows, so expect a photo shoot or two – anyone know where I can purchase an anvil or a person-sized mallet?

December 16: Round two. They’ll take skin from my forearm to create the inner lining of my new nose. It’s insane (and kind of impressive) how they can even do this, right? I’ll be left with a pretty significant scar on my forearm, so…any tattoo ideas to cover it up?

February 11: The big one! This is when I’ll finally have a nose again, albeit in a ‘potato’ phase as it takes shape. By summer 2025, I’m hoping I’ll be closer to a new, normal look.

And here’s the part that really excites me: the moment I’m back to normal, I’m planning a book tour. Which book? Not a clue. I just can’t wait to meet each of you who’ve kept me going, to thank you for every encouraging word, and to show you firsthand the gratitude I feel every single day.

Thank you for being here, for your patience, and for giving me the strength to keep going.

Let’s get weird!

All my love,

Trinity Dunn