Fuel For The Fight

The first half of this week continued on from the last. Still feeling pretty nauseous, weak, and unable to get much food down. It’s amazing how much something as simple as eating becomes such a challenge. Time moved slow this week, which makes everything feel a bit heavier. My weight is my biggest battle, after my first chemo I lost a bit then was able to bounce back, this one not as much. But the doctors told me that in order to keep going, and feel better I have to try my best. So I give it my all. 

Wednesday I went in for a hydration infusion, and by Friday I could finally feel the tide turning. Since then, I’ve been able to get down 4–5 high-calorie shakes a day to keep my weight steady. It’s not the kind of “meal plan” I’d ever choose, but right now it’s my job. 

Then came the moment that made the whole week brighter. On Tuesday, I got a call from my doctor with the kind of news you hold on to, the tumor has been shrinking so rapidly that they can reduce the size of the radiation target. That means the surrounding areas will start healing even before treatment is done. To hear those words after all the hard days, and in the midst of one of the hardest days yet. The emotions just came pouring out of me.

Wednesday morning I went in for a CT scan to confirm the changes, and sure enough, this thing is retreating fast. Seeing real, measurable progress after so many days of just pushing through is fuel for the soul.

I’ve started to feel a little irritation in my throat, but it’s very manageable. And honestly feeling grateful that it has not been any worse.

Most importantly, I can see the finish line now. Only one more chemo session and 12 more treatments to go. The days aren’t always easy, but knowing the treatments are working, feeling the love and encouragement from everyone in my corner, and watching the countdown get shorter is enough to keep me moving forward with gratitude and hope.


- JD/JK



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