During the summer of 2023, I found out that my bone density had reached the point of full blown osteoporosis and that a number of areas on my body, in particular in my spine, had become very concerning. We have been monitoring my bone density since I got back from New Orleans in 2014 and I had received at least 2 Reclast infusions, a common protocol for bone density issues, to help counter the bone loss. However, last summer, my endocrinologist at the University of Chicago Medicine, Dr. Dickens, recommended a new treatment plan: monthly infusions of Evenity for a year, 12 treatments altogether.

I like and trust Dr. Dickens, but I had only seen her a handful of times and I was hesitant about this newer protocol in bone density treatment, that did not have the kind of proven success of a protocol like the Tamoxifen I was on for 10 years following my breast cancer diagnosis, so decided to do some research after the warnings about this newer medication proved scary. Long story short, it wasn’t until February 2024 that I found the support and second opinions I needed to make the decision to start treatment. It took my on again/off again primary care physician, Dr. Khamis, explaining just how extremely painful and debilitating osteoporosis in my back could potentially become, that finally sealed my commitment.

Committing is one thing, but getting all of the clearances with insurance to start treatment was another and I didn’t actually receive my first treatment until April 23rd—5 months ago, the first week of spring, and the week my life took a very dramatic turn with my car accident.

Evenity treatments are classified as an infusion, even though the monthly dosage is administered via two needle injections to your lower upper arm area and has to be administered in an infusion center.

The infusion center I was assigned within the University of Chicago Medicine’s network, was at the downtown River East location rather than the Southside main university campus near our condo. While further away from home, the satellite locations are actually cheaper and I like having the excuse to go downtown.

The actual treatment of the two injections takes less than 5 minutes to administer, but there is another 10 minutes built in to go through my chart and take my vitals—and a few more minutes to catch up with the nurses.

The nurses at the infusion center are wonderful!!! These nurses are ones who are very social and know how to listen to their patients stories. They are very empathetic and kind, often caring for patients who are receiving chemotherapy for cancer or infusions to treat other serious medical conditions. They remind me of good hair stylists who are also unofficial therapists, sharing a listening ear, as well as valuable resources, insight, and wisdom. They also have either a really good memory or take great notes, because they remember details about my story (and all of my drama of the past 5 months) from previous visits.

As I was sharing my updates with the nurses, I realized this 6th Evenity infusion not only marked the halfway point of my treatment and happened to fall on the first week of autumn, but was a big reminder that positive change has actually been happening in my life.

And, thanks to all of my car drama of the past 5 months, I have needed to take public transportation downtown for 4 of the 6 treatments, which is actually a good thing. Monday’s appointment was one of these trips and I had fun capturing some random city shots as I traveled to and from my appointment, on the Green Line to the infusion and grabbing the #3 bus on the way home. I was especially moved on Monday by this street musician playing the violin who I listened to as I was walking along Michigan Avenue.

Enjoy.