A Dream Come True
Linda Dolezan
Aug, 2018
Physicians: Katie Trumbley, PA; Rafeek Woods, MD
Linda Dolezan’s battle with breast cancer began in 2003 after discovering a lump in her right breast while taking a shower. A diagnostic mammogram later revealed the spot was cancerous, and when additional spots were found in her left breast, it was recommended she undergo a double mastectomy to remove both breasts.
In the years that followed Linda thought she was cancer free. However, in September 2016 she began to feel a nagging pain in her right side. Later, when a bulge developed in her neck, a biopsy revealed the cancer had spread beyond the breast to other organs in the body. Linda had metastatic breast cancer and was now stage IV.
“No one ever told me that one in three women with early stage breast cancer would go on to develop metastatic breast cancer,” said Linda. “I didn’t even really know what it was.”
In January 2017 she began treatment and by March, Linda was considered stable, meaning the cancer was no longer spreading. Because her diagnosis was terminal, Linda would require treatment for the rest of her life in order to manage symptoms. Linda, who lives in Benton Harbor, had previously been traveling to South Bend, Indiana and wanted to receive care closer to home. That’s when she met her oncologist at the Corewell Health Marie Yeager Cancer Center in St. Joseph, Michigan.
After her initial consultation, the doctor suggested Linda get a precautionary brain scan since the cancer had already spread to other areas of her body. The scan revealed a tumor located inside Linda’s skull that was pressing on her brain.
“She really listened to me any time I had a concern, where other doctors I’ve had in the past would have just dismissed it,” said Linda. “I truly do credit her for saving my life.”
In order to remove the tumor Linda would need to undergo brain surgery with Corewell Health, neurosurgeon, Rafeek Woods, MD.
“Dr. Woods has such a calm and caring personality and his physician assistant, Katie Trumbley, [PA], was also a great source of comfort,” said Linda. “As you can imagine, I was very nervous about the surgery. If it weren't for Dr. Woods and Katie, I am not sure I would have even showed up that day. The surgery was very successful, and my recovery was better than I expected.”
Linda’s care team is extensive; helping her keep it all straight is oncology nurse navigator, Shelley Wilkinson, RN, CBCN. One day Shelley asked Linda if she could have one wish what it would be?
“My very first thought was simply making memories–I wanted to go on a vacation with my family,” said Linda.
After hearing Linda’s wish, Shelley, with the help of clinical research associate, Rose Lucker, began to put things into motion and filled out an application to the Dream Foundation–an organization serving terminally-ill adults and their families by providing end-of-life dreams that offer inspiration, comfort, and closure.
Much to her surprise Linda’s wish came true she and her family were granted a week-long trip to Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World.
“We had never done anything like that before as a family–it really was a dream,” said Linda.
Although Linda’s battle with cancer continues, she maintains a positive outlook on her journey.
“There’s been a lot of tears but everyone has been so compassionate and caring,” said Linda. “I’ve seen a lot of doctors and had a lot of surgeries, and everyone has been amazing.”