Overwhelming gratitude and God’s goodness is how I feel coming out of round 2. I have felt your prayers in how I have responded to treatment this week. Thank you to all of you who have checked in on us. Cullen did not accompany me on the trip south this time and I know that was hard for him and I both. We felt it necessary to give our kids as much stability as possible so with the help of his parents, Cullen maned the frontlines at home. He could only do that because we have had such an outpouring of support and people willing to travel with me to Florida. For round two that person was my soul sister from Dallas, Katie.

Have you ever just met someone and clicked instantly? That was Katie and I in 2011, living in Memphis and bonding over our large collegiate tervis tumblers and even larger dogs. If you’ve ever tried to talk smack about Memphis to me, you know Memphis is a hill I die on. This girl is a lot of the reason I have such affection for that city and that time of my life. We were the college football watching queens of St. Patrick’s Day. (dubbed by king Silky O’Sullivan himself) She also happens to be the one to introduce me to the love of my life and current main squeeze, Cullen.

Katie met me in Florida and more importantly matched my vibe. She came pink wig blazing and ready to tackle the next round of treatment. The Mayo Clinic didn’t know what to do with us. We wore matching Galentine’s Day sweaters, pink/purple wigs and gave out Valentines to the staff. We took on an icky day the best way we knew how and I am forever grateful to her for that.

I am very happy to report that round 2 was UNEVENTFUL. I developed a better plan for side effects with my MD and it seemed to work. Yes I was/am tired, Yes I was/am nauseous but nothing we couldn’t handle from the comfort of home. Katie was a selfless friend constantly checking in on me, making delicious plain pasta and letting me sleep. A true friend through and through who shows up not only when things are good, but on your worst days too.

I am trying hard to not dwell on the moments I missed this week. It hurt to miss Valentine’s parties and excitement with my kids. It hurt not to make them heart shaped pancakes and see their excited faces. It’s giving FOMO a whole new meaning. I am trying to stay focused and understanding that there are things I will miss in the short term so that I can be there for them in the LONG term.

Important Dates:

Chemo #3: March 4

Chemo #4 and next round of scans: March 25

Will you continue to pray that my side effects are manageable. Also looking forward to March, that my scans show remarkable improvement towards remission? I cannot enter the stem cell transplant part of treatment unless I go in to remission first. It is imperative that I respond well to this chemo protocol.

Thank you for being a part of my healing journey

Danielle