The Central School District in Adams County, Illinois, holds an annual Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Each year for the past 10 years, Jenny Hetzler, school nurse, attended the event in case her services were needed by any participating students.
She filled a different role during the 2024 Central School District Relay for Life.
“I was recognized and received money from the funds raised. I never thought I would be here as a cancer survivor.”
Jenny’s story
In April 2022, after experiencing breast pain, Jenny underwent diagnostic testing at a non-Blessing Health System provider. She was told she had a cyst. Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs inside the breast. They are usually noncancerous.
Because Jenny had undergone the diagnostic test, she decided to skip her annual mammogram for the year. She returned to her regular mammogram schedule in 2023, receiving unexpected and devastating news.
“The cyst had more than doubled in size, and two weeks later a biopsy confirmed it was cancerous,” Jenny said.
The diagnosis stunned her. There is no history of cancer in her family.
“This was never on my radar,” Jenny said.
The crisis occurred during a busy time for Jenny, her husband Jason and their four children. It was late fall. One of their sons was playing high school football and on the verge of going to the state championship. The family also had a Christmas holiday vacation planned.
“What I have learned through this is God’s timing is not my timing,” Jenny said.
To get through the holidays, only Jenny, Jason and two close friends knew her diagnosis.
“We wanted a lot more answers before we told the kids,” Jenny said as her voice cracked.
The search for answers
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Memon, MD | Jessica Nuebel, MSN, RN. | Emmanuel Bessay, MD |
Jenny received the answers she was looking for through her own research and from her nationally certified Blessing Health provider team of surgeon Emmanuel Bessay, MD; medical oncologist Mohammed Memon, MD; and breast health clinical navigator Jessica Nuebel, MSN, RN.
“Drs. Bessay and Memon educated us and gave us all of our options. I didn’t realize there were so many options. They took the time. We never felt rushed. It was like they had all the time in the world for us. We’ve had great care.”
Even before her first meeting with the doctors - in fact the next work day after her diagnosis –Jessica contacted Jenny.
In her role as breast health clinical navigator, Jessica is a consistent contact person for breast cancer patients. She attends a patient’s appointments with them, if they wish.
“As a patient navigator, I am available to help patients understand the proposed plan of care and address any barriers that may delay treatment. I also act as a consistent contact person for the patient when they have questions or concerns regarding their care.”
Jessica’s understanding runs deeper than her clinical education. She is also a breast cancer survivor.
“Jessica is a big reason I made it through as well as I did,” Jenny said. “She made me feel like I wasn’t the only one going through this, that I was going to get through this and she would be by my side. She eased my mind.”
“Her life experience, her education, and her knowledge were a blessing. I am part of Facebook groups with others who don’t have access to a nurse navigator. I feel for people who are trying to navigate this experience by themselves.”
Jenny’s treatment
Jenny decided to have a double mastectomy. “I felt this was the best decision for me,” she said.
The surgery was done on January 9, 2024. Four lymph nodes were removed during surgery and found to be cancer free. She needed no chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
“I feel really good. I am back to being active and life as normal.”
Jenny is undergoing anti-hormone therapy that could last as long as 10 years. Anti-hormone therapy slows or stops the growth of hormone-sensitive tumors by blocking the body’s ability to produce hormones or by interfering with the effects of hormones on breast cancer cells.
Why Jenny shares her story
“Once the word got out, the support of our community was amazing. Now we can pay it forward from here,” she said. “There is so much that I have learned about what is available in our community, I think I can help by sharing my story and experience.”
In particular, Jenny says the staff of Quincy’s Silhouette Shoppe played an important role in helping to meet her post-surgical needs. She suggests a person experiencing breast cancer with the possibility of mastectomy talk with the store’s staff as part of their research of options for their care.
In general, Jenny suggests the following for any person facing breast cancer:
- Get a nurse navigator
- Ask questions
- Be your own advocate
- Do your own research
- Surround yourself with people who support you, and
- Call on your faith.
For more information on breast health services and cancer care, go to blessinghealth.org.
To schedule a screening mammogram at Blessing in Quincy, Pittsfield or Hannibal, call 217-223-8400, ext. 4300.