In March 2014, after nearly three months of worsening symptoms and extensive testing, April Byrd of Douglasville was diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Her journey began with a series of visits to her dermatologist for treatment for recurrent cysts. She would later also experience chest pain, trouble swallowing, pneumonia, persistent fevers, profound fatigue and a swollen lymph node in her neck that would not resolve.
Initial imaging and a biopsy were inconclusive, requiring more testing and doctors. Ultimately, April’s reality became clear — she had cancer. Specifically, she had anaplastic large T-Cell lymphoma, ALK-positive, stage 3.
Under the care of her local oncologist, April began a chemotherapy regimen known as CHOP, administered every 21 days for six cycles. Early discussions focused on expected side effects, including hair loss and physical discomfort, as she prepared for an intensive course of treatment. But as she completed her treatment, she received more awful news — the treatment hadn’t worked. April learned that more drastic measures would need to be taken
Her oncologist began talking about a stem cell transplant. This is where her journey brought her to Northside Hospital.
I was referred to Northside Hospital’s Blood and Marrow Transplant Program and the Blood and Marrow Transplant Group of Georgia, where I met my new doctor, Dr. Scott Solomon, and my nurse practitioner, Rashi Grover.
The initial plan was to use my own stem cells: extract them, “kill” my immune system with chemotherapy, and then return the stem cells to my body. After five to six rigorous rounds of chemotherapy, administered every 14 days for three days straight, we began the stem cell extraction process. During this time, another lymph node began to swell at the base of my neck. The doctor on call wanted to continue with the extraction; however, the next day a biopsy was performed on my neck. The results showed that cancer was still present in my body, meaning I could not use my own stem cells. This was devastating and disappointing.
After another setback, Dr. Solomon began the process of finding a transplant donor. During this time, I underwent many additional rounds of chemotherapy and was placed on several medications to address my immune system, pain, nausea and surgical recovery. We were not successful in finding an unrelated donor, so my family members were tested. Of my two siblings, my sister was identified as an 80% match, and the plan shifted to a half-blood transplant. While preparing for this, I was informed that cord blood was available as a donor option. I was asked to participate in a research study comparing half-blood and cord blood transplants. I agreed, knowing it could help future patients. On Feb. 15, 2015, after more than 10 rounds of chemotherapy and total body radiation, I received a double cord blood stem cell transplant.
Recovery was challenging. The first 100 days after transplant are the most critical, and I spent that time at Northside Hospital for up to eight hours a day receiving blood, platelets, medication and supportive care. About a year later, I developed graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD), during which my body attempted to reject the transplant. The pain caused my body to seize up, and one morning in 2017 I could barely get out of bed. The next two years were spent in treatment for GVHD. During this period, I was introduced to Nancy and the nurses at Atlanta Blood Services who supported my care. By 2019, my journey with Northside came to an end, and my new normal began.
Today, life after cancer has its ups and downs. My body is in relatively good shape, though I live with mild lymphedema in my right leg and avascular necrosis in my hips. I also survived a brain aneurysm in 2021. Much of my time is now devoted to developing my practice as a yoga instructor, a discipline I have practiced for nearly three years. I work for a local radiology group as a coordinator and team manager and serve as one of two brand ambassadors for the nonprofit Young Women Crush Cancer. The organization promotes the dreams and goals of those affected by cancer because, as our motto says, “Dreams Are Bigger Than Cancer.” I am also a motivational speaker and poet.
My message to others in the fight is this: I believe God gives certain battles to certain soldiers. If everyone were meant to have cancer, they would. We have been chosen to testify to the strength of the body, mind and spirit. All three are needed to survive. Cancer will test them all, but no diagnosis has to be the final chapter. Live with purpose each day. Smile, even if only for a moment, and embrace the task God has given you. You will prevail.
To my doctor, Dr. Scott Solomon, thank you for your strength, knowledge and persistence in my healing journey. Because of you and the BMT staff, each day I was able to face this new normal with faith and grace. You brought me into a world I knew nothing of and helped me feel comfortable and safe. You never gave up, so neither did I. YOU ARE MY HERO!
To Rashi Grover, I will always remember your smile, optimism and encouragement. Thank you for believing in my strength and keeping my spirits high. I am eternally grateful.
A special shout-out to Nurse Janet Brinson Benn of Northside BMT. Our laughs and jokes kept me alive. You are an amazing person and an absolutely wonderful nurse-turned-friend.
A special shout-out to Atlanta Blood Services, Nancy Herring and Nurse Kim Tisdale. These ladies were my rock. Thank you both for praying for me, hugging me when I could not stop crying, comforting me when I could not comfort myself, and sitting with me when no one else could. To this day, I cherish you both. I am forever grateful for your love.
If I did not mention you by name, charge it to my head, not my heart. Know this: NORTHSIDE SAVED MY LIFE.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BMT PROGRAM AT NORTHSIDE.
*The health story shared here is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Patients should consult with their own physician before making medical decisions.
