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Rachel Harken has a history of cancer in her family and took measures to prioritize her health as much as she could. However, during building a new home and other life changes, she discovered a lump that would prove to be the biggest change of all.
She decided she needed to schedule a mammogram and visit with her primary care provider.
"Everything just went from there. I had an appointment in August, and it was the next week they scheduled the mammogram and did a biopsy at that time," she said. "I was told I have breast cancer. Within two weeks I had a port in and started chemo."
Rachel started chemo in September and continued until January. Then she took a six-week break to rest her body and prepare it for a double mastectomy.
Her treatment journey was tiring but Rachel’s support system was filled with loved ones and the right set of doctors that gave the best care and listened to what she had to say.
"It all happened so fast and felt so overwhelming," Rachel said. “Having a nurse navigator helped so much. I remember calling my family and telling them thank goodness I have them because I had no idea where to begin."
Rachel made it a priority to continue living her life. She wanted to keep working to focus her mind on other things besides the treatments.
Through diagnoses and treatments, Rachel felt love and care from her family and those around her.
"It was nice to have the MercyOne Comfort Health Center for Women, especially for those days when you aren’t sure what you’re doing,” Rachel said. “It was a great support system, and I couldn’t have asked for anything more."
