In the last paragraph of Autumn’s previous update, I mentioned that one of the key lessons shelearned is that no two cancer patients with the same or similar diagnosis respond to treatments in the same way. That’s quite an understatement and she’s definitely experiencing a few obstacles in cancer care.
(Note: this update is longer to adequately explain everything so read to the end. Good news awaits. Read Part 4 here.)
Autumn had her first chemotherapy treatment in Miramar Beach. With her long blonde hair and that trademark “Autumn smile,” the first of four powerful chemo drugs entered her bloodstream. Like most IV drips, the process was painless. Her chemotherapy sessions last about seven hours, so she settled into the chemo chair with her phone, some snacks, and a warm blanket.
Chemo Side Effects
How would the drugs affect her body? Would her hair fall out in clumps immediately? No, her hair loss wouldn’t begin until about 7 to 10 days later. To jumpstart the process, Autumn recorded and posted a video on her TikTok account (AUJ) of her sister shaving her head.
It wasn’t until around days four or five that she started to feel other effects of the chemotherapy, such as fatigue and lethargy. For the most part, Autumn was able to maintain her regular schedule, working at Shacks Art Gallery and completing art projects at home. Fortunately, her oyster shell artwork has been selling quickly, resulting in numerous orders from both her website and local shops.
Chemotherapy treatments are administered three weeks apart, with the second treatment scheduled for July 15. Just days after that session, Autumn began experiencing pain and swelling around the port installed in her left chest. Ports are placed to provide direct access to veins, as the veins in our arms cannot withstand the harsh chemotherapy drugs.
Non-Cancer Complications
On Saturday, four days after her second chemotherapy treatment, Autumn called her oncologist’s office, which led to the prescription of an oral antibiotic. However, the pain and irritation persisted into the following week. After a brief conversation with Dr. Moody, the surgeon in Panama City who installed the port, Autumn was instructed to go to the Ascension Sacred Heart ER in Panama City. Upon arrival, the nurses and doctors evaluated her condition and scheduled surgery to remove the infected port. They also admitted her to the hospital overnight for further evaluation. At the time she thought an overnight stay made sense.
Lab results revealed a serious and rare bacterial infection. That’s when she began to question when and how the port infection started. While complications can and do arise in medical settings, Autumn is convinced that she contracted the infection during her second treatment at Ascension Sacred Heart’s chemotherapy office.
Until that clears up, doctors cannot provide a new port or delivery system, which means that chemotherapy treatments have to be suspended.
Self-Care, Ugh
Autumn returned home with hopes that the stronger antibiotics would heal the wound, but it became clear a few days later that there was no improvement. During a follow-up visit with Dr. Moody, which her sister attended, Autumn experienced severe pain when the doctor started examining the wound without administering any pain medication, and digging through her port area. Autumn said that she and her sister were shocked by the doctor’s actions, and other healthcare professionals were equally appalled when they heard the story. Dr. Moody later apologized for her actions.
With the infection still unresolved, Autumn was referred to Dr. Price, an Infectious Disease specialist in Miramar Beach. This led to another series of procedures.
RELATED: Liza Graves, CEO of StyleBlueprint
Autumn is scheduled to receive three daily IV treatments as part of her new protocol. The first dose is administered at Dr. Price’s clinic every morning at 8 a.m. The second and third IV doses are self-administered at 4 p.m. and midnight, respectively. A picc line was also installed to administer the IV.
To summarize: For two weeks (14 consecutive days, including weekends), Autumn visits the IV clinic for the 8 a.m. treatment and self-administers the other two IVs at home. While the afternoon IV is manageable, setting an alarm for 11:30 p.m. every night to prepare for the midnight dose is quite a hassle.
Although it is inconvenient, Autumn is grateful for the treatment and are hopeful for healing so that chemotherapy can resume. However, other issues have arisen.
Wound Care
Doctors instructed Autumn to clean her wound daily. Although it was gross and painful, everyone thought it was necessary. However, Dr. Price, the infection specialist, became upset when she learned that Dr. Moody’s office had advised Autumn to use a cotton swab as part of the cleaning protocol.
“Are you sticking a standard Q-tip (cotton swab) into your body?” Dr. Price asked, alarmed.
“Yes, ma’am,” replied Autumn.
“You mean the type you use to clean your ears?” the doctor pressed further.
“Yes, ma’am,” Autumn confirmed once more.
“Please don’t do that again. From this point forward, my nurses will clean and dress your wound every morning. And, I’ll advise Dr. Moody’s office that your wound care is my responsibility, and mine only.”
At least some progress was being made.
To prevent any potential infections or complications, the doctor advised Autumn to limit her interactions with others. This means she won’t be working her shifts at the gallery or socializing. She felt terrible about missing her friend and mentor, Dwight Ward’s 79th birthday celebration. Fortunately, everyone, including Dwight, understood her situation.
Until the lab processes additional blood work, we are uncertain about where things currently stand. However, there is hope on the horizon.
Contacting Mayo Clinic In Jacksonville
Last Sunday evening, I attended our usual gathering at AJ’s in Grayton Beach to listen to the Pickled Pickers and update everyone on Autumn’s condition. Autumn is fortunate to have a wonderful group of friends who provide her with love and support. I mentioned to our friend Johnny Crawford that Autumn felt it was time to seek a second opinion, and he agreed.
Hoping to assist, the next day I found the Mayo Clinic Jacksonville website and completed their patient admission form as best I could on Autumn’s behalf. No one had any idea if they would accept her case, but she certainly had nothing to lose.
Two days later, Autumn told me that Mayo had reached out. “Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville just called, and I have an appointment next Wednesday afternoon.”
It appears she is definitely making progress! Many cancer patients I know or have encountered over the years have recommended seeking treatment at a specialty clinic, such as Mayo, MD Anderson, or Vanderbilt, among others.
RELATED: Best 30A Restaurants In 2025
Thankfully, Autumn also was able to enroll in a health insurance plan. An oncology nurse from Cigna reached out to her a few weeks ago and has been an excellent source of information. As Autumn told her last week, “I want to get off your payroll (paying for cancer treatment) as much as you want me off.”
Travel and medical expenses can add up quickly, and since Autumn is a working artist, she’s uncertain about how she’ll make ends meet. One thing is for sure: God is good, she is blessed, and everything will work out in the end.
Thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.
There are two ways to contribute to Autumn’s medical expenses:
Venmo: @AutumnMJohnson
Tax Deductible Contributions can be made through PayPal at DwightFest. Please specify “Autumn Johnson” in the notes section.