Breast cancer survivor urges women to schedule annual mammograms

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When Kathy Jenamann scheduled her annual mammogram, she was confident that her results would return as they always have, with no lumps or worries. However, her routine mammogram in 2022 discovered more than just a lump.

“After I got my mammogram, I was called for additional testing because they had found a spot. At first, I thought it was just a fatty tissue spot, but it wasn’t until after my second mammogram, an ultrasound and a biopsy, that I learned I had breast cancer on my right breast and cancerous lymph nodes under my right arm.

“When I found out I had cancer, it was scary at first, when you hear the word cancer, you immediately become scared and concerned but you have to overcome and adapt,” she said.

After her diagnosis, Kathy had two options, remove one breast, or remove both. After careful consideration and with the medical advice from her physician, Kathy decided to get a double mastectomy and had 21 cancerous lymph nodes removed from her arm.

After her surgery, Kathy met with Eric Engelman, DO, medical director at MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center, for a genealogy test to understand the probabilities of Kathy’s cancer returning.

The genealogy test showed that in 10 years, her cancer had a 33% chance of returning. However, if she received chemotherapy, the probability would drop to an 18% chance of the cancer returning. After considering those odds, she decided on chemotherapy.

“The first four chemotherapy treatments were the worse. I would be sick for days at a time, then I would feel great for a few days then I would feel horrible again. After the first four chemotherapy sessions, the rest were much better.”

After completing her chemotherapy, Kathy continued with radiation at MercyOne with Dr. Marks and his team. Kathy completed radiation, August 18, 2023.

“I was so happy to have such a great group to care for me. Although it was a happy day, it was also bittersweet to have completed another journey,” said Kathy. “I am grateful for the amazing care I received. My resource nurse, Jessica Kennedy was amazing and I appreciate everything she did to help and make my journey easier.”

During her cancer treatment, the team at MercyOne ensured Kathy felt comfortable and well-supported.

“I love the team at the MercyOne Cancer Center. They were family to me, and they treated me like I was a part of their family,” said Kathy. “You honestly couldn’t ask for better people to care for you. I was so blessed to have such a great team.”

Kathy’s friends and family were pivotal in her recovery.

“My best friend came to every one of my treatments. She was there with me every step of the way. We laughed, we cried, we reminisced and that was the biggest thing. The support I had from my friends, family and cancer care team. I don’t think I could have gone through this if I didn’t have all that support.”

Kathy encourages women to be brave and schedule their annual mammograms.

“Even if you are afraid, schedule your mammogram, it only takes a few minutes of your time. If you feel a lump during a self-examination or if you know something is wrong, go see a doctor. Knowing is always better when it comes to your health because when you know, you can get the care you need before it gets worse,” she said.

Kathy completed her cancer treatment September 14, 2023. She is now cancer free.