After such a terrible experience with side effects during whole brain radiation, I was terrified to start a new treatment of chemotherapy.

Last year I did 4 cycles of Taxotere and Cyclophosphamide (shorthand is TC) and I felt pretty terrible. Compared to most people, I was told my side effects were mild--I just struggled with some nausea, neuropathy in my feet, loss of appetite and serious fatigue. The fatigue was the greatest impact on my life--it was difficult to do almost anything active. Yoga (when I was able to be consistent with it) and acupuncture helped greatly. Overall, I definitely felt a huge change between being on chemotherapy and not being in treatment.

I started this new chemo regimen (GC for short) on July 14. In preparation, and due to my very intense response to brain radiation, my medications were adjusted to try to help limit the side effects and I think this was an absolute game changer. Not only am I not experiencing hardly any symptoms from the chemotherapy so far, but I am also feeling a good amount of energy! Grateful does not begin to express how I feel currently. It would be difficult to imagine a better case scenario than I am experiencing now with chemotherapy.

All of this is subject to change, of course, and typically chemotherapy side effects happen more over time. Right now, I am thrilled that I am able to have the energy for living this life that I love. I also have been able to get into wedding planning a bit more while feeling better. This weekend I finally committed to a wedding dress and had such an incredible experience finding a dress with my close friends and future mother in law. It was an absolute dream come true and I am ecstatic.

The love of my life, Andrew, has been by my side every step of this chaotic journey as my caregiver and rock. While we are not yet married, he has been more of a husband and dedicated support than I think most people will ever have the chance to experience. A terminal diagnosis at 33 is terrifying and at the same time I feel so blessed to be living a live I love with someone so incredible.