Fall-Winter 2026 5 Riverside Cancer Institute procedures that delivered radiation directly to the tumor. Today, she continues immunotherapy treatments every six weeks, with care expected to continue through summer 2027. Leaning on others Support comes from every direction. Family members have stood beside her, co-workers from River Valley Special Recreation and Kankakee Public Library checked in regularly, and friends organized meal deliveries and gift cards. Both employers reassured her that her job would be waiting when she was ready to return. “Cancer takes you out of your comfort zone,” Esters says. “You realize how much you need other people. I couldn’t have done it alone.” Celebrating progress When Esters completed radiation therapy, her care team surprised her with a bell-ringing ceremony to celebrate the milestone. They also presented her with a diploma recognizing her accomplishment. “It was just so beautiful how they all made me feel,” she says. “They really care about their patients.” From reception staff and volunteers to infusion nurses, she felt supported from day one. Team members remembered her favorite snacks and drinks, helping create a sense of normalcy during treatment. “They’d ask, ‘Are you ready for your Oreos? Are you ready for your Pepsi?’ It made me feel comfortable.” That compassion extended to every interaction. During an early consultation, radiation oncologist Issra Rashed, MD, recognized that Esters was feeling overwhelmed and paused the conversation until she was ready to continue. “I really appreciated that,” Esters says. A comprehensive treatment plan Esters’ treatment included radiation therapy five days a week for six weeks, along with weekly chemotherapy treatments. Chemo days often lasted several hours, so she came prepared with books, work, coffee, and anything else she needed to pass the time. Throughout treatment, nurses explained each step before it happened. “They always told you what they were doing and what medication they were giving you,” she says. “That was reassuring.” After completing chemotherapy and radiation, Esters underwent two Brachytherapy Make your health a priority Talk with your primary care or women’s health provider about routine screenings, such as Pap smears. For more on cancer care at Riverside, go to myrhc.net/cancer or call (815) 214-9076. To hear Esters’ full story, scan the QR code.
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