Port Placement | Chemo Treatment #1

The preparation leading up to my first chemotherapy treatment was chaos.

I am so thankful we were able to make it to Cole’s graduation from LCSU in Orofino prior to this treatment beginning.

One of my best friends and I found time to go get small matching pink ribbon tattoos too.

On May 4, 2026, I went in to have my port placed. My mom and Yvette sat together in the waiting room while they wheeled me back for the procedure. It was quick, but of course I still had enough time to crack a few dark humor jokes before they started. Dark humor gets me through hard times, it always has.

Then on May 6, 2026, I finally had my first chemo infusion.

I was more nervous than I even realized. My hands shook uncontrollably and I talked a million miles a minute the entire morning.

As news spread, flowers, cards, thoughtful gifts, and sweet text messages poured in. Every single thing made me feel so incredibly loved, and it still does. My counter top was filled with vases of pink roses, handmade cards from my nieces and nephew, and so many thoughtful gifts from people who love me. I spent my morning re-reading letters, and soaking in how much love I could feel as I was preparing to officially begin my treatment.

I showed up prepared with my Bogg Bag packed full of snacks, my Minky Couture blanket, a travel Scrabble board, and all the little comfort items I could think of. My mom stayed by my side through the entire treatment.

Seeing two giant syringes of “the Red Devil” drawn up with my name on them alongside bags full of chemotherapy was honestly terrifying. But there’s also something strangely empowering about knowing these medications are quite literally designed to destroy the cancer cells before they destroy me.

The treatment itself was long, but painless. The exhaustion afterward was the hardest part.

1 of 16 treatments done. 15 to go.

We’re on the right path, and I could not be more thankful for my son, my husband my mom, my best friends, my family, and every single person who has become part of my village through this.

One foot in front of the other.