Breast Cancer Survivor Stories
Lisa's Story
Breast cancer survivor Lisa Larson credits her health to getting a breast MRI at Mercy’s Women’s Center as part of her screening in 2024. Lisa knew since she has extremely dense breast tissue that it is harder to find possible cancer with a mammogram alone, whereas a breast MRI uses contrast to light up anything suspicious. The results of her breast MRI showed something abnormal. After an ultrasound and a biopsy, Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a lumpectomy and 21 rounds of radiation and is now cancer-free. Lisa’s oncologist shared that it would probably have been two to three years before this tumor would have shown up on a mammogram.
To learn more about breast MRI’s and other imaging technologies, visit www.mercycare.org/breast
Delores & Ann's Story
Mothers and daughters may share many similarities, but Delores and Ann never thought they would both have breast cancer within a month of each other. Read their story.
Suzanne's Story
In keeping with tradition at Hall-Perrine, Suzanne Staab – with family, friends and Mercy staff by her side – rings a bell to signify the end of her cancer treatment. Watch her story.
Maria's Story
Maria Bowman was out running one day when she experienced some pain that was unusual for her normal exercise routine. Three weeks later, she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Read her story (PDF).
Krista's Story
When 35-year-old Krista Barnell discovered a lump in her breast, she initially wrote it off. She never imagined it was cancer. Read more on page 14 or watch her story on YouTube.
Deb Peska has a spring in her step and a smile on her face. She also has breast cancer, like her mother and her grandmother. But the Toledo woman has two key allies.
Nancy and Tom Lackner knew there was a Mercy parish nurse at their church, First Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids. But they didn’t really understand what she did – until they needed her.
Pauline Mason was living life – enjoying her job, grown children and grandchildren and looking forward to retirement in a few years. Then she heard the “C” word.
Brita Loynachan has the heart and drive of a champion. She's the mother of three and an accomplished triathlete. That desire to forge ahead helped her overcome a battle against breast cancer.
Most people take for granted the ability to easily raise their arms over their head. But Sandy Likes has a new appreciation for that simple act.
