I remember I woke up at two in the morning, rolled over and felt a lump in my breast. I met with my doctor, Dr. Smiltneek, and once they confirmed the cancer, we talked about the surgeons in the area and the various treatment options I could expect. My husband Jack is a cancer survivor, so I was familiar with radiation and impressed with the care he received from ThedaCare.
I collaborated with Dr. Smiltneek for all my care, which included two lumpectomies, 16 rounds of chemo, and 22 rounds of radiation, all at different, but convenient ThedaCare locations. It made things so much easier because I was able to continue working through chemo and radiation. The nurses were always reassuring, and knitting through treatments gave me additional stress relief!
Everyone across the organization was so supportive. I certainly appreciated the patient boards on the hospital and clinic walls when I was going through this. They gave me hope and were an inspiration. It’s why I agreed to be on one now.
“I’ve always been a positive person, so I never let cancer identify me. I created an angel tree filled with angel ornaments that friends have given me over the years. I’ve kept it up beyond the holidays because looking at it has been a great comfort.”
