Healing and Hustling with Zandra

It’s been three weeks since my last breast cancer treatment at Mayo Clinic and today was another round with my care team—Nurse Marti, Keytruda, and of course, Capecitabine. Before any infusion could begin, I started with lab work, as always, to make sure I was cleared for treatment. This time, the results surprised me. Some numbers slipped in the wrong direction, leaving me wondering how and why. But on the bright side, my potassium levels finally hit normal! Maybe my new little experiment—a banana and beet juice combo—deserves some credit for that win.

After my rendezvous with Nurse Marti, I made my way to the treatment center. It was a nice walk across the beautiful campus, with happy thoughts swirling in my head. I smiled and spoke to everyone I passed, even laughing out loud at the simplest things. Why not?

Once checked in, I sat for a few minutes before it was my turn. While waiting for the meds to arrive, I dug into my chia pudding with blueberries. Let me pause here: if anyone tells you chia pudding is delicious, they might be stretching the truth. Or maybe it’s just me. It’s definitely an acquired taste—and texture. I’m about four servings in, so clearly it’s not terrible. Most people sweeten theirs, which probably helps, but since I’m off sugar mine is a little more on the bland side. The nurse said it smelled good, though, so I’ll take that as a win.

The meds arrived, and thirty minutes later, I was done. Just like that. Capecitabine is back on for another two weeks, and honestly—I’m so tired of taking pills. But as the world turns, I’m counting what’s left: one more Keytruda and three more rounds of Capecitabine.

This week, I also have a follow-up with the surgeon’s nurse. I don’t miss those weeks of constant trips to Mayo, but I’ll keep riding that highway until I reach the finish line.

Closing Thoughts

Cancer treatment is truly a marathon, not a sprint. Some days feel easy; others are harder with side effects and endless pills like Capecitabine. But with each visit to Mayo Clinic and every Keytruda infusion completed, I’m one step closer to the finish line. If you’re also coping with breast cancer, remember it’s okay to celebrate small victories—like normal potassium levels—and to find joy in simple moments. The journey may be long, but progress is progress, and hope is always worth holding on to.