Story courtesy of Premier Health
Sharon Poeppelman likes to tell people she had cancer for 13 days.
A Fort Loramie resident who works as a nurse at Upper Valley Medical Center, Poeppelman was diagnosed with breast cancer last Dec. 11 and underwent surgery Dec. 24.
“I considered I was a survivor as soon as I woke up from surgery,” Poeppelman said.
Her journey began in November 2014 when she went for her annual mammogram. She subsequently was asked to undergo a second mammogram and later a biopsy. Meetings with her family doctor to review results and then surgeon Patrick Larreateguti, MD, were followed by the Christmas Eve surgery. She then underwent 35 radiation treatments beginning in February at the UVMC Cancer Care Center.
Although a nurse for 28 years, Poeppelman said, she didn’t fully know what to expect. Although she knew she was in good hands with the care team at UVMC.
“The care was just phenomenal. They were always very professional and confident. I felt safe in their care,” Poeppelman said. “They even kept me laughing through it, and kept me feeling comfortable.”
Following treatment, she continues to see many of her caregivers as she goes about her job. They stop to ask how she is doing, she said, adding, “That individuality means a lot. We are so fortunate to have such great cancer care so close to home.”
Poepppelman said this fall that she is “doing great.” She worked while receiving treatment and balancing other demands at home. She and husband, Kurt, have five children ages 10 to 17.
Among her advice for other women is to make sure they are doing self-examinations regularly and get their mammograms. “You can’t rely on one or the other. And, don’t be afraid of the mammogram machine,” she said.
“If you are unfortunate enough to go through this, reach out for help and emotional support,” she said. “If you know someone going through it, don’t wait, don’t ask, just act. Do something to help out.”
Jean Heath, director of the UVMC Cancer Care Center, stresses that all women should talk to their doctors about getting a mammogram and tell their mothers, sisters and daughters to do the same.
“Despite our busy lives today, women need to care for themselves and make sure they receive a mammogram yearly,” she said.
UVMC offers a full range of breast cancer care services in Miami County. In addition to screenings and diagnostic testing, UVMC has hereditary cancer risk assessment and genetic testing, surgery, radiation/chemotherapy/infusion as well as education, clinical trials and support groups, Heath said.
Among new advancements offered is 3-D (three-dimensional) mammography, which gives radiologists a clearer image of breast tissue.
“Premier Health is the first hospital system in the Dayton region to provide the 3-D mammography, the latest enhancement in 3-D imaging,” Heath said.
“Research shows 3-D mammography can significantly increase the number of invasive breast cancers detected and can reduce the need for additional imaging,” Heath said.
“Early detection is the best assurance for breast health, so please get your mammogram,” she said.
