Photo Credit: Houston MethodistNews
Changing the tune on cancer care: Houston Methodist preserves University of Houston music professor’s ability to play with tailored treatment
Music has always struck a chord in the heart of local woman Penny Meitz. When she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer last year, finding a care team that would protect her ability to perform was critical.
The National Institutes of Health reports that up to 40% of cancer patients experience chemotherapy-related nerve damage, known as neuropathy. Meitz’s Houston Methodist oncologist, Dr. Mervat Saleh, tailored a treatment plan to reduce that risk, helping her continue doing what she loves most.
“Ms. Meitz’s tumor size meant the standard treatment would involve three chemotherapy drugs and immunotherapy, which carries a higher risk of nerve damage,” Saleh said. “After carefully walking through those risks and what they could mean for her quality of life, we also discussed a less intensive alternative. She chose the option that felt right for her, and we supported that decision every step of the way.”
The first step in this less intensive regimen was surgically removing Meitz’s tumor. Following surgery, final pathology showed the tumor measured just under 2 centimeters and had not spread to her lymph nodes. This discovery allowed an even shorter course of chemotherapy using only two of the three chemotherapy agents, further reducing Meitz’s risk of developing neuropathy.
Her care team helped map out each phase of her treatment, giving Meitz a clearer sense of what to expect.
“I never felt overwhelmed with too much information, but I felt well-informed about what was coming next and why,” Meitz said. “Dr. Saleh listened to me, heard my concerns and made sure to treat me and my cancer.”
She underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation locally at Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Willowbrook, continuing to teach along the way.
“Going to school to teach was as much therapy as anything,” she said. “It helped take my mind off what I was going through.”
While still continuing to teach, Meitz’s initial surgery to remove the tumor left her unable to play her viola, the instrument that has been part of her life for decades, and reduced energy during chemotherapy led to a three-month stop in her playing. As her energy returned and no neuropathy in her hands, she began slowly working her way back to the instrument through what she jokingly calls “viola rehab.”
Now finished with chemotherapy and radiation, Meitz is regaining strength and spending more time doing what she loves: mentoring young musicians and, of course, playing her viola.
“Music is who I am,” she said. “Being able to stay involved with students and play means everything.”
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Source: Houston Methodist
