<p>An update directly from Joanne:</p><p>What a journey this has been already. &nbsp;After finding out the cancer returned we jumped right into the 1st of 6 rounds of chemotherapy on May 26th. &nbsp;The 2nd round was scheduled for June 23rd; however, due to the chemo making my blood cell counts significantly fall and not bounce back it was delayed until July 14th. &nbsp;This time after the 2nd chemo treatment a device was placed on my arm that would activate 27 hours after my chemo to inject medicine to help the white blood cells maintain safe levels so my schedule would stay on track. &nbsp;Thankfully that worked and I received my 3rd treatment August 4th.</p><div><br/></div><div><p>While I wish it was tolerated as it was when I was going through it the first time in 2022, this new chemo is much stronger and the side effects have been very difficult. &nbsp;After day two of the infusion I am consumed &nbsp;with debilitating nausea and fatigue which lasts until the end of the week. &nbsp;Friday I typically start gaining energy and relieved from the sickness but it has been my greatest hurdle to recover from and accept as part of my journey. &nbsp;</p></div><div><br/></div><div><p>Since I have completed 3 of the 6 rounds of chemotherapy, it is now time to complete testing which entails a PET scan to see if the chemo is working (8/20) and an echocardiogram to make certain the heart muscle isn’t being compromised (8/26).</p></div><div><p>I would love for continued prayers not only for good results but also for endurance to continue on with the last three treatments. &nbsp;My faith has continued to be the rock on which I stand on and cling to and God has given me two more women to mentor in the midst of my own storm which is so therapeutic for me to help others going through this journey and to know they are not alone.</p></div><div><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;">Thank you to everyone for your continued prayers and support. &nbsp;I have been blessed by cards, light meals to help during those first few days after treatment and texts reminding me I am not alone on this journey. &nbsp;</span><br style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"></p><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"></div></div>

Joanne's Journey

Update: Update from Joanne - Sunday, August 10, 2025 – by Krista Jenkins