By Diego Reynoso

diego@southerntorch.com

A few weeks ago, I made the decision to share some of my personal experiences as a cancer survivor with our readers. My hope then and now is that I can be a resource to anyone who is dealing with cancer or has a loved one dealing with cancer. There were so many questions that I had after receiving the bombshell news that at the early age of 30 I had cancer. My goal is to be there to answer any questions you might have, either privately or preferably in this column so that others who have the same questions might be helped. One of our readers submitted a question about chemo and what to expect that I will address—the timing of that question is ironic to say the least as you will discover as you read on. I will also talk about some of the things cancer patients experience when taking their routine tests to make sure their cancer isn’t back.

After writing my first column, I received an overwhelming amount of support. It was humbling and encouraging at the same time because not only were people reading my column, but they expressing their support and showing it to other people. It made me realize that doing this could truly help a lot of people, but I also realized that it was good for me.

But a lot has changed since I wrote my first column only a couple of weeks ago. I wrote about being diagnosed with cancer and the ups and downs that come along with it. Since we last spoke I’ve run into a down period. I went in recently for a PET—a test done every 3 months during remission to make sure the cancer has not returned.

Now since this wasn’t the first time I’d taken the test, I already knew what to expect and what had to be done. But I assure you that does not mean I wasn’t worried. In fact I was so scared, I was holding my breath. If you’ve ever been diagnosed with cancer and been fortunate enough to treat it to a point that it is in remission and out of your body, taking the PET test is a terrifying experience every single time you go through it. You see, anytime the cancer comes back, there’s always that chance that the treatment won’t work.

But don’t think i’m not fighting. I have a lot to live for and so do you. I have the best family in the world and I don’t wanna leave them just yet. So, since I’m fighting back I figured I would talk about what to expect from treatment I will have to start taking again. Everyone that goes through chemo has sides effects from it. Some worse than others and some unique to only them. I want you to be prepared for these side whether you are about to take chemo or a family member of someone about to.

For me weakness and nausea was the worst. But some things came later. Runny nose, watery eyes and even rashes. Upset stomach is common also. And sometimes those symptoms become severe. For me was when I was taking an aggressive type of chemotherapy called Camptosar. I called it the brown bag special because it came with a brown plastic bag to protect it from UV light.. Being that it is light sensitive I could only stay out in the sun for a minimal amount of time. It’s administered from the bag and goes into your body through a port, which the doctors put in before I started chemo. As soon as it entered my port I felt the side effects. Immediately. I instantaneously broke out in sweats and my jaw tightened. Felt like I would throw up any second.

I continued that treatment until I received a negative PET scan.  Once I got a negative scan and the cancer went into remission I went to a maintenance chemo. Chemo is chemo, so none of it is fun. But maintenance chemo and Campostar are night and day. I took Camptosar for a year and it was miserable. But remember when i said everyone was different? Well after i finished this particular chemo i saw another person on it. I also noticed his side effects were nothing like mine. To him it was mild, so there’s a chance it won’t be as rough on you as it was for me.

I want to say something else. It’s ok to be scared waiting on tests. Its natural. Just try to reach out to your support group and/or person. So, some of you are probably aware that some chemos must be taken at home. Remember the port I told you about? While I’m typing this out for you I’m wearing a chemo pump. I put in on on Mondays and take it off Wednesdays. It really isn’t the most comfortable thing to wear at times. I throw it on my shoulder like a purse or wear it like a fanny pack haha. Did i mention it is not the most fashion-friendly thing to wear? Anyways, these are some of the things you might experience if you ever undergo chemo treatment.

I know that some of my descriptions may seem frightening, but I believe the most important thing I can ever do is tell you the truth. If you are facing chemo, you are facing a difficult road—one I’m traveling now. But you can endure. You can do it. And most importantly, you can beat this disease.

Remember you are not alone in this. Nor will you ever be. Lean on your family or loved ones. They will sustain you and hold you up through more than you would ever believe could be endured. And I am here. If you need me, I’m here for you. Chemo or no chemo. Cancer or no cancer. Reach out. I will do anything I can to help you and your family better understand and cope with having cancer. My email is diego@southerntorch.com. I can, if you allow it, even answer your question here in this column to help others. Anonymously of course. Thank you for reading and thank you for your support. Don’t give up, and neither will I.  Until next time.

—Diego Reynoso