Where Treatment Begins and Hope Grows

Start of Some Treatments – April 24

Andy’s sister Kris took me in for my first round of treatments. That day, I received my first infusions of Zometa and Lupron—both commonly used in treating advanced cancers.

Zometa is a medication that helps strengthen bones and is often used when cancer has spread to the bones. It can come with some side effects like bone pain, nausea, fever, and fatigue. Lupron, on the other hand, is a hormone therapy injection I’ll receive monthly. It works by suppressing estrogen, which helps slow or stop the growth of hormone-driven cancer. Its side effects can include hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, and decreased libido—so yes, Andy may have to show a little extra patience with me.

I was also able to start taking letrozole that day. This is a daily pill that blocks the production of estrogen in the body, essentially “starving” cancer cells that rely on it to grow. In the short term, it can cause things like hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, dizziness, and headaches. Over time, it may also weaken bones, which is why the Zometa is such an important part of the plan.

When we arrived at the Mukwonago Cancer Center, there was a hiccup—my Lupron injection hadn’t yet been approved by insurance. When the nurse informed Dr. Hake, he stepped in right away. I also reached out to our Nurse Navigator, Olivia Budiac, who immediately started working on it from her end. Thanks to their persistence and advocacy, everything moved forward, and I was able to receive the Lupron shot that day—which meant I could begin the letrozole as planned. I’m incredibly grateful for a care team that truly goes to bat for me.

The rest of the weekend was filled with meaningful moments. On Saturday, watch Gavin race, then drove up to Brillion and I was able to spend time with my best friend from high school Kelly—there’s nothing quite like a long-overdue, in-person hug. On Sunday, we celebrated my niece Maddie’s confirmation and enjoyed time with my brothers and their families.

During Pastor Henzie’s sermon that morning, he shared a simple but powerful progression: “I think I can, I know I can, I will,” inspired by The Little Engine That Could. It’s about moving from doubt, to belief, to action—holding onto hope and pressing forward even when things feel overwhelming.

As I sat there listening, it felt like the message was meant just for me. Learning to let go and lean fully on God during times like this isn’t easy. But I trust that there is purpose in this journey. We are called to serve Him, and somehow—even in this battle—He will use my story for His greater good.

Our God is merciful. He is faithful. He is good.