Patient Testimonial - "What Having Cancer Has Taught Me"
APRIL 2020: Attacking challenges head on is nothing new to 51-year old Delaine Krager of Paullina, Iowa. Delaine had been managing having Graves’ disease as well as a blood disorder for years and controlling aspects of her life that could impact these health factors.
Delaine found a lump in her left breast but watched it for a while as lumps throughout her body was a symptom of her Graves’ disease. “But this one kept growing and didn’t seem right,” she said. She told her doctor about it and scheduled a mammogram. Due to weather, that mammogram got cancelled and Delaine put off rescheduling. Her physician’s nurse called to check back and they decided to move forward with a diagnostic scan. Delaine learned she had breast cancer on July 9, 2019.
Delaine said it took a few weeks to determine what kind of breast cancer it was and to get the genetic test completed which she wanted to know to help her determine what to do next. She says her control trait kicked into high gear. Despite the recommendation, she wanted a double mastectomy and her plan was that she wanted as much done in as few of surgeries as possible.
Delaine had surgery on September 16, 2019, the day before her 25th wedding anniversary. Unfortunately, her recovery did not go accordingly to her plan and she required a second surgery. Another setback occurred when she got a bacterial infection at which it was her plastic surgeon’s recommendation to completely start over. “That third surgery broke me,” said Delaine. “It was the right decision, but that is not how it was supposed to happen.”
Fast forward to April 16, 2020 during her last chemotherapy treatment at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center (JENCC). “Cancer has taught me to be accepting of the things I cannot control. I know I was a control freak. I have had to learn to let go and let God as there is not much more I can do. To make this situation more tolerable I have had to learn to smile and laugh. I have learned I don’t have to have control 24/7 anymore.”
Delaine has been traveling to JENCC since December 2019 for her weekly chemotherapy appointments. She has witnessed firsthand the cancer center implement all the changes due to COVID-19. “Going through chemotherapy has helped me deal with COVID,” stated Delaine. “Change is hard because we like what is normal. But there is no normal right now. COVID has changed church, how we work, shop, my cancer appointments, everything.”
Delaine notes she has felt safe coming to the cancer center for her treatments despite all the changes and concerns with the virus outbreak. “The staff is so good and kind. During everything, I consider the trip to chemo ‘my outing’ and I feel safe going. Plus, I get to talk with humans other than my husband,” she laughs.
There was also a blessing in disguise within COVID-19. Delaine’s husband is a teacher so until school was cancelled in the middle of March, John was not able to go with to any of her cancer appointments. John was able to go to her last appointment with JENCC's Medical Oncologist Dr. Moscoso and since the visitor restrictions were implemented, Delaine says John sits in the car and reads, does his lesson planning, or stands outside the window where she is getting treatment and adds, “It’s been so bonding.”
With the completion of chemotherapy, Delaine will move onto radiation treatment. She will also have a DEXA scan and then Dr. Moscoso will determine next steps from there. Delaine is most looking forward to her hair growing back and camping when they can. She and John met through theater and she sums up her change around control best with, “Even in chaos, there can be order.”
