The words printed on Marla Harper’s shirt said it all, “Think Happy Thoughts.” A week from the day she wore the shirt, Marla would have a mastectomy. In her 68 years of life, this would be her first surgery.
“I had my usual mammogram and they wanted me to come back for some retakes,” Marla said.
The retakes led to an ultrasound test and a biopsy that confirmed breast cancer.
Marla’s surgeon at the time requested an MRI test to confirm the size of the tumor. Marla was given a choice of going to Peoria or Quincy for the test. She and her husband of 34 years, Richard, live in Colchester.
“I chose Quincy because it was closer,” Marla said. “Once I got here and began dealing with everybody, I decided any further care I needed would be done at Blessing. I have had a very good experience with everyone. You’re not treated like a number. They treat you like family.”
Marla prepares for surgery
Two additional biopsies later, Marla began working with Blessing Health surgeon Emmanuel Bessay, MD.
“Among the things I really appreciated is that the doctors take my concerns and feelings into consideration,” Marla continued. “Dr. Bessay explains everything. My husband has been at every appointment I have had and Dr. Bessay asks if either one of us has questions. Richard might think of something that I am not going to.”
Marla appreciates her husband being viewed as her care partner.
“When I had the additional biopsies, they came to the waiting room and kept Richard informed of where we were at in the process, what was happening next and how I was doing.”
“Everybody I have dealt with at Blessing has been really nice. That lends to not being as scared as you could be. They make you feel comfortable,” she said.
Marla also worked with Jessica Nuebel, MSN, RN, Blessing’s nationally certified breast health clinical navigator. Jessica assists anyone who has a diagnosis of breast cancer, working one on one to guide them through the treatment process.
Happy thoughts and her care team deliver results
Marla’s first-ever surgery on August 9, 2024, went as planned. She underwent a second procedure a week later to remove additional lymph nodes after testing showed cancer in the lymph nodes removed during the original surgery.
Then, armed with her positive attitude, Marla began a course of radiation therapy at the Blessing Cancer Center under the care of Dr. Mark Khil.
Chemotherapy was not necessary. Instead, Marla will take the prescription medication Verzenio for two years in addition to anti-hormone therapy for five years under the care of Blessing Health medical oncologist, Daniel Koh, MD. Breastcancer.org reports that adding Verzenio to anti-hormone therapy after surgery for certain types of early-stage breast cancer can reduce the cancer’s recurrence risk by about 25%.
And Marla’s advice to other women?
“Listen carefully to the recommendations of your doctors and get regular screening mammograms,” she said.
Women at average breast cancer risk should begin undergoing screening mammograms at age 40.
The American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging recommends that women undergo a risk assessment at the age of 25 with their primary care provider to determine if breast cancer screening mammography prior to age 40 is needed.
The organizations also recommend women continue to undergo screening mammograms past age 74, unless their primary care provider recommends otherwise.
To schedule a screening mammogram at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield, or Blessing Health Hannibal in Missouri call 217-223-8400, ext. 4300.