I am finally cancer-free, thanks to the team at the Bronson Cancer Center!

One day, I was playing with my daughter. She knocked into me, causing me to feel a “lump” in my breast that I did not recognize. As someone who is very on top of my health, I decided to play it safe and schedule an appointment with my OB/GYN. Dr. Scott Peterson is my primary OB/GYN provider, but he was out of town when I called. To make sure I could be seen as quickly as possible, I had an appointment with one of his colleagues. She sent me for a mammogram and ultrasound. Dr. Payne at Bronson Advanced Radiology Specialists is the one who found the lumps on my breast and lymph node during the ultrasound. A biopsy was completed, and it came back positive for Invasive Ductal Carcinoma/Stage 2 HR+ breast cancer.

I chose to receive my cancer treatment at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital, and this has been the absolute best decision I could have ever made.

I started off with chemotherapy at the Bronson Cancer Center, located inside Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. First, I have to shout out the infusion nurses. I credit these team members with much of my success. Every single nurse I interacted with during chemo was amazing, but I like to joke that Michele Thomas was “my personal nurse.” Over time, we all became close – to the point that we would joke around together, and sometimes I would bring them treats when I came in for appointments. I have to say I am very lucky that I never had terrible side effects to the chemo. I think the information and direction that the nurses provided me with played a big part in this. I was always good about taking all my meds exactly as I was instructed, I ate well and tried to move throughout the days.

After completing my first series of chemo, I was sent to Dr. Kerri Murray for surgery. She completed a lumpectomy and lymph node removal. She did a fantastic job! In fact, for my procedure she used technology called the Savi Scout that hadn’t previously been used in Battle Creek. Other surgeons came to watch my surgery. And I am happy to say that she did a great job, leaving me with very minimal scarring!

Following surgery, I started radiation treatment. I had a total of 31 rounds. Just like the chemo treatment team and Dr. Murray, the radiation team at Bronson Battle Creek is amazing – especially Sue Smith! She was my radiation nurse practitioner, and is truly one of the most knowledgeable people I have ever interacted with.

This week, I finished my final round of chemo, and am officially cancer free! I am still actively working with Sue Polus, an occupational therapist with Bronson’s rehab team. She is helping me with the side effects of my Lymphedema, which I developed after radiation. She has really gone above and beyond in her care for me – making me a special pad that I can wear at home to help relieve some of my ongoing swelling and pain.

Another wonderful person I met during my journey at the Bronson Cancer Center is Diane Olian. She volunteers to runs the One Day at a Time Breast Cancer Support Group. This program has been wonderful. We meet once a month, and Diane organizes for guest speakers/local organizations/etc. to present. Most of all, the support group is a great outlet to talk with other people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. We share our experiences and can encourage each other.

Finally, I cannot go without recognizing the rest of the Bronson Cancer Center staff and everyone who helps the ensure a great experience. Truly everyone from the receptionist to billing and other support staff, everyone is so friendly. For example, I have insurance through work, but Brie from the billing team was able to work with Pfizer to help cover some of the costs for my medication! Also, my husband is Deaf. When he would come to appointments with me, we never felt like we had to advocate for him, or like he was being left out of the conversations between us and the healthcare provider(s). We were set up with a great interpreter of our choice, which made us feel really comfortable.

Thank you, again, to the entire team at the Bronson Cancer Center in Battle Creek! You have made my experience so amazing!

The video below was taken by my husband when I spoke at Bronson Health Foundation's 2023 Cancer Care Spring Fling!