chemotherapy Archives - Shalice Noel

Hi friends,

A lot has happened since I have written in this space. I’ve written this blog post in my head while washing dishes, walking the dog, and even driving home from treatment. I’ve been thinking about you and all that I need to update you on. I love when you send me verses, and tell me that you are praying.

4 words: the surgery didn’t work. 4 dreaded words. On May 14, we had scheduled an IR appointment to oblate 3 tumors in Reid’s liver. We had a zoom call before with the IR doctor to go over the procedure. It seemed non-invasive, calculated with little to no risk, using a needle and CT scan and it almost sounded too good to be true. Until it was. What the doctor explained as an outpatient procedure, with only a minimal possibility of staying over night for observation, became a long procedure (3x as long as they said it would be) with a prolonged stay and some complications afterwards. Just 4 weeks later, I’m here to report that 2 tumors grew since then. That is a very fast growth. But we are doing all we can do to mitigate the growth.

On a positive note, Reid is attending an integrative oncologist for 4 weeks in San Clemente for low dose chemo and supportive IV infusions. He is overall feeling good and tolerating the low dose chemo well. Praise!

Have you heard of brachytherapy? It’s a targeted form of radiation where tiny radioactive seeds are placed directly into the liver, aimed right at the tumors. This focused approach helps minimize damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. It works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, making it harder for them to grow and divide — while sparing healthy cells as much as possible. The best part? It’s typically done as an outpatient procedure, meaning no long hospital stay.

I understand you will have lots of questions of which you can add to the comments and I’ll try to answer them as best I can.

Asking for prayers today—that this chemo does what it’s meant to do: kill every last cancer cell and stop any new tumors from forming. In the meantime, we are driving A LOT and praying for strength in this season. I’m so incredibly thankful for the loving environment surrounding Reid’s treatment, the kind and attentive nurses, and the surprising energy he’s had lately. We’re clinging to hope, leaning on faith, and so grateful for your continued love and prayers. 💛

Shalice

As the country awaits the transition to a new president, our family begins day one of four months of chemotherapy. I repeat, day 1!

I’ve packed a bag for this long first day of treatment (see my list below) and would love to hear what helped you get through if you’ve experienced this journey too. A friend is kindly watching our kids while we’re away today. Although we love City of Hope and it is a welcoming place, with a warm supportive staff, there’s a sense of fear and uncertainty as we start this new chapter. The unknown is daunting, but we’re ready to learn together. Reid is starting on “Oxaliplatin” chemo, and while there are many types and doses, we’ll take each step one at a time.

For those asking, Reid’s port installation went smoothly. He’s feeling a bit stiff and says he feels like a robot, turning his head carefully, but it’s a relief to know this port allows for aggressive chemo to help shrink the tumor.

Here’s what’s in my bag for today:

Grounding pad – A cancer diagnosis affects the mind in so many ways, and this mat has helped me sleep and feel more centered at night. Ours was a gift from John and Katie Gresko- thank you!
Cozy blanket, hat, and gloves
Protein powder
Essential oils – I love peppermint oil for headaches and de-stressing.
Oliveda lip oil – This has been great for the dry hospital air.
Chargers for phones and iPads and my red-light “LumeBox”
Healthy snacks – Kale chips, Ezekiel bread with grass-fed butter, pistachios, low-sugar gummies, mushroom hot chocolate, and plenty of teas like dandelion and green tea.

If you’ve gone through this, I’d love to hear your tips or items you found helpful. Thank you to everyone who has reached out and prayed for Reid and our family.

Chat soon,

Shalice

chemotherapy

Hope, Healing & Chemo Days

Packing for Chemo: What’s in Our Bag for This Journey