Before Trina Loucks rang the bell Thursday at McKee Medical Center Cancer Center to celebrate her last radiation treatment for breast cancer, she stopped to make sure her two sons, Mason, 7, and Myles, 5, could help.
“These two have been such a big support for me,” said Trina. “They came almost every day and never complained.”
After the bell was rung, Trina addressed a room full of doctors and nurses, many with tears in their eyes as she reflected on the past six months.
“It hasn’t been a bad experience, but it’s definitely been a journey,” said Trina.
It was a journey that started Dec. 21 when Trina was diagnosed with breast cancer on the same day both Mason and Myles were participating in Christmas programs at their school. A month later, Trina would complete a double mastectomy.
“When I got the call that day, I knew that whatever we needed to do I was going to do it,” said Trina. “I didn’t have time to think about it, I didn’t have time to be angry.”
Over the past six weeks, Trina has received 28 radiation treatments. Thanks to a revolutionary 3-D printed mold, called a bolus, each treatment was more accurate and took less time than normal radiation treatments would.
The bolus was designed at the North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley through a program developed by the Medical Physical Program Director Alex Markovic. Markovic’s program has already treated eight patients using the technology, but Trina is the first breast cancer patient in Northern Colorado to be treated using the mold.
“It’s amazing how far medicine and treatments have come,” said Trina.
The bolus used for Trina’s treatment was custom-fitted to her and improved the application of radiation, making the treatment more effective, said hospital officials. The bolus is made of a cornstarch-based plastic, according to Markovic, and fits closer to the contours of the body.
“I’m really glad that it fits well and that the images prove it,” said Markovic. “It did all the things we expected it to do and we’re happy it did that. We’re also happy the patient is happy.”
“There’s this question about how about if we are delivering what we are planning for treating patients,” said Dr. Elizabeth Ceilley, one of Trina’s doctors. “When it comes to these molds, it makes us much more confident we are delivering that plan.”
Trina never expected she would be diagnosed with breast cancer, as there’s no history of it in her family, she said. Now she urges everyone to get checked as soon as possible.
“I want to spread the word for women to get checked no matter how old they are, if they feel a lump — go get checked, don’t wait,” said Trina.
Throughout Trina’s journey, her faith, friends and family have been a massive source of support. While Trina was recovering from her mastectomy, her husband Stacey was working. A member of the community helped the Louckses get Myles and Mason to school every day.
“It’s doable, I’ve used a lot of prayers and support,” said Trina. “I was never alone.”
“It’s been amazing, I think it truly leads back to her being so positive and our faith,” said Stacey. “The reoccurring comment I’ve heard from everyone is how encouraging it is to be around someone who is so positive.”
With Trina’s final radiation treatment behind her, the Loucks family left the medical center looking forward to attending the Burlington County Fair. On the first night of the fair, the Louckses will take part in the Tough Enough to Wear Pink theme, dedicated to spreading awareness for breast cancer.
“It will be nice to just get away, this summer we haven’t really had an opportunity to do that,” said Trina. “This way we can go for a few days and see people we haven’t seen in years.”
James Wyatt: 970-635-3691, news@reporter-herald.com
