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Darlene Trilk figures she has told hundreds of people about the excellent breast cancer care she received at MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center.
“I trust them,” said Darlene of Dubuque, Iowa. “I live only 15 minutes away and having MercyOne so close means everything. You’re in good hands, and you don’t have to travel.”
Darlene’s family has experience traveling out of state for cancer care. Her husband passed away 15 years ago from melanoma skin cancer, a genetic predisposition in his family. Her son also has undergone treatment in the past for melanoma.
Darlene’s own cancer journey began in December 2022, when she felt a lump in her breast and noticed discharge from the nipple. After a mammogram and ultrasound, a biopsy confirmed she had breast cancer. An advocate for her health and all-too-familiar with cancer in the family, she chose MercyOne for her cancer care.
‘Just trust them’
Darlene and her family explored cancer centers from Mayo Clinic to MercyOne. “We initially understood the tumor was under 2 centimeters,” she said, which ruled out acceptance for treatment at Mayo Clinic. “My daughter, who has a PhD in human physiology, and my son who has experience with cancer care, began comparing a Wisconsin cancer center to MercyOne. We found MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center had everything…even more to offer.”
Meanwhile, many friends endorsed MercyOne Dubuque’s comprehensive cancer center. “They said, ‘Just trust them. They have a new cancer facility. The doctors are spectacular. The nurses, staff, everyone is fantastic. They’re going to take good care of you, and you get to stay home,’” Darlene said.
Immediately, Darlene discovered a difference in the MercyOne Circle of Care when she sought treatment with oncologist Eric Engelman, DO. “All my appointments were made within a week. A well-oiled machine is what I call MercyOne…the staff just worked that well.”
Under control
Further testing showed Darlene’s tumor actually was much larger -- 6 centimeters. Before she could have surgery, Dr. Engelman recommended she undergo chemotherapy to shrink her fast-growing breast tumor embedded in the chest wall. After chemotherapy, he advised she have a double mastectomy, followed by radiation treatments.
She liked his decisiveness. “At that point, I felt very secure, very much relieved…knowing that someone had it under control and was taking me down the path I needed go,” Darlene said.
“Once I started the process, I met with Benjamin Roling, MD, my surgeon. He and his staff at MercyOne were fantastic and made sure I was comfortable with everything.”
On July 11, 2023, Dr. Roling successfully removed the tumor in her breast. One lymph node, surgically removed, was cancer-free. It was a good sign.
When it was time for radiation treatment, Darlene found her radiation oncologist Michael Marks, MD, PhD, equally remarkable. “I really trusted Dr. Marks and his staff,” she said. “They pretty much opened up their hearts to me.”
Throughout her chemotherapy, surgery and radiation treatment, Darlene felt she was receiving treatment at “a top-rate cancer center.” “Everyone was personable, heart-warming and made you feel at ease,” she said.
A business owner of Towne Rebel Clothing and Home Décor in Galena, Ill., Darlene knows many people in the Dubuque region. “Whenever I tell people I’m doing oncology at MercyOne they say, ‘You’re in good hands.’”
Darlene thinks back to her late husband’s cancer journey, when the couple frequently drove to Milwaukee, Wis. for his treatment. “I know what it was like to live out of a hospital and for him to be away from our kids and family,” she recalled. “To have MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center close to home is outstanding -- and very convenient.”
Having completed radiation treatment, Darlene hopes for continued good health and is grateful for her care at MercyOne Dubuque.
“I know in my heart that MercyOne saved my life,” she concludes.
