After years assisting surgeons as a certified medical assistant, Deborah Goehring received her own diagnosis in October 2023.

“I found out I had breast cancer,” Goehring said. “I wanted the best, so I did my research and I ended up with Dr. Patricia Luckeroth as my surgeon at Salem Hospital.”

Family history

Goehring said when she first received her diagnosis, it wasn’t a total surprise.

“My mother, my grandmother and my baby sister all have died from breast cancer, and I took care of them. So, I kind of knew, but I was hoping some of my lifestyle choices would maybe change that,” she said.

Goehring underwent genetic testing after her diagnosis. She had a lumpectomy and oncolplastic breast reconstruction in December 2023.

Undergoing surgery

The patient said her care team made sure treatment didn’t get in the way of living her life.

“They were kind enough to help work with me. In fact, they got the surgery on sooner than they wanted to because we were scheduled to go on, believe it or not, a couple of cruises,” she said.

What Goehring was most excited about was a Caribbean cruise, planned with 33 of her family members, for early 2024.

“I didn’t have to cancel that,” she said. “I was very thankful.”

After returning from her cruise, Goehring underwent radiation.

Help from a nurse navigator

Throughout this process, Goehring said working with a nurse navigator prevented her from feeling alone. These certified oncology nurses provide education about a diagnosis and assist in problem solving during care.

“Probably the best thing about the whole time, for me, was Kathy Wolfe. She’s the nurse navigator,” she said. “It’s one thing to talk to a doctor. It’s a whole different thing to talk to a person who has been through it and is understanding and will let you talk candidly.”

Goehring said Wolfe got on her level, explaining anything she wanted to know.

New lease on life

Now, thanks to Salem Health Cancer Center, Goehring’s in remission, and taking time to enjoy the day to day. She has four grandkids, and she sees them often. She also enjoys power walking, gardening and RV trips.

After focusing on her health, the patient has a new lease on life.

“Breast cancer was like a full-time job for about six months,” Goehring said. “Now it’s like, I have all this time, what am I going to do?”

Support on your journey

Let Salem Health support you on your cancer journey. From nurse navigators to rehabilitation classes — click here to learn more about the services we provide.