Monday the 22nd I had my first round of chemotherapy at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. Cullen accompanied me this round. My dad and stepmom (papa and mimi) came from Maine to help out with our children and in managing our home while we were gone. I cannot stress enough, how grateful I am to those who are stepping in to help with my babies. The hardest part of this journey has been being away from them and also watching the impact my illness is having on the family.

The appointments and infusion went well Monday and the experience was overall unremarkable. I left the outpatient oncology building feeling normal. Later that evening though, things changed. I developed severe nausea and vomiting as well as a fever. Due to these developments I was admitted overnight at Mayo so the team could determine the origin of the fever.

The overnight stay at Mayo was less than ideal and my spirits were low. The (7) doctors I spoke to all reported the same thing “you’ll be here for at least 48 hours”. Tests were done, sleep was deprived and I felt broken, frustrated and helpless. All I kept saying to my team is that I really want to get home to my babies. There were a lot of tears and prayers.

On Tuesday some of the initial tests started coming back normal, and by the grace of GOD an angel in a white coat told me I could discharge that afternoon. I cried again, but this time out of relief and joy. I was going home and I was going to make my flight back to TN.

Since being home I’m still experiencing some strong chemo side effects, particularly nausea but I know it’s part of the cancer package. I am managing the best I can finding the right balance of medications, rest and support.

My prayer request this week is relief from chemo side effects. It’s difficult to go from a fast paced life where I moved and nourished my body every day to where I am now. I would love the energy to go for a walk or the nausea to subside enough so I can enjoy a meal. I miss the little things I used to take for granted.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us. It means more than you can imagine right now.

Thank you for being a apart of my healing journey.

Danielle