Sometimes it’s heavy

On Tuesday, December 3 I had a brain MRI, met with my radiation oncologist, met with my breast cancer oncologist, and had treatment 92. It was a very long, exhausting day. I can only receive my brain MRi and see radiation oncology on the main campus, so I switched my treatment to the brand new Siteman Cancer Center – Washington University Medical Campus.

It is absolutely beautiful and definitely patient-centered in every bit of detail and design. It has its own parking garage and each level has an entrance to the building. The pharmacy is right on the first floor near the entrance, along with a small coffee shop with a handful of food items – including ice cold Diet Coke. The blood draw from my post was in the infusion center where everyone has their own little room, instead of myriads of curtains attempting some privacy. It is very important to have a sterile environment when a port is being accessed so it actually makes it safer for me to be in my own room. There is a whole wing for breast cancer patients, which is a little sad to consider how prevalent breast cancer is compared to other types of cancer. The examining rooms are much bigger. The new infusion center is wonderful. We each have our own room for infusion. I cannot begin to tell you how much nicer it is to have peace and quiet and privacy. And the whole building is designed with huge windows showing glorious views of the city.

Besides enjoying the new building, my brain MRI was clear. That is 2 in a row and hasn’t happened since the brain Mets were discovered in November 2020. We hope that means the new treatment is working. I am permanently not taking Xeloda anymore since my body cannot tolerate it. The HFS is slowly improving. I was prescribed a steroid cream that mostly takes the pain in my feet away. After 2 months and 2 days of my feet feeling on fire, it has taken a huge weight off my chest to see it start to dissipate. This leaves me on Herceptin, Tukysa, and Zometa. A good brain MRI and some relief from constant pain takes care of my Christmas wishes.

Unfortunately my mom had a heart attack over the weekend and is in a hospital in Champaign. With Parkinson’s, too, life isn’t easy for her or her caregivers. Dave, the only person who gives me care, is also helping me with Mom. I keep finding new levels of exhaustion, but I try to gut through it for my mom. If you are the praying type, my mom needs them.