Kathleen B. received her first breast cancer diagnosis 30 years ago and underwent a mastectomy.

Then, in late 2023, Kathleen learned she had cancer in the other breast, and once again a mastectomy was needed. She worked with Salem Health’s Eric Laro, MD, to receive surgery in April 2024.

A second mastectomy

“I was going to maybe do a lumpectomy, but after talking to some of the people at Salem Health we decided, because I have a pacemaker, it would be so much better if I just had it removed,” Kathleen said. “Which actually was a benefit to me, because it made me more balanced.”

Kathleen said she was relieved to learn there was no need for chemo or radiation after surgery.

“This was kind of a shock to be going through this again, but we caught it in time and I’m clear and free. Hallelujah!” she said.

Support at Salem Health

Kathleen thanks her care team for providing support along the way. She often spoke to them over the phone, and said they ensured she didn’t need to make drives from her home in Dallas unless it was necessary.

“If I had any questions, they were there to answer them,” Kathleen said.

The patient said she would recommend the Salem Health Cancer Center to anyone. Kathleen noted the constant support from her nurses.

“They were just so caring, like I was the only one on their mind at that time,” she said.

That included working alongside a Salem Health nurse navigator. These certified oncology nurses provide education about a diagnosis and assist in problem solving during care.

“She sat me down and told me all the ‘what ifs,’” Kathleen said. “That was a major decision in my life, to have a mastectomy.”

Life after recovery

Now Kathleen said she’s enjoying feeling healthy again, spending time with her two teenagers and retired husband.

“Just living one day at a time,” she said. “We try to make the best of every day.”

Support on your journey

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