It’s no secret…women are different.
Throughout your journey as a woman, you have special health needs. Lakeland is committed to offering exemplary care in each stage of life. Whether you are preparing for a birth, managing menopause symptoms, or diagnosing any number of disorders we are ready for you.
As a wife, partner, daughter, friend, mother, you make decisions every day about the care and well-being of those around you. By choosing women’s health at Spectrum Health Lakeland, you can be confident that you’ve made the right decision for you, so you can be at your best—for yourself and those who depend on you.
It’s your journey. And we’ll be right beside you with the skills and expertise you need to ensure you get the most advanced and thorough care possible.
We help with a variety of services and can provide care for:
Breast Care
Cancer
Depression
Gynecology
Heart and vascular care
Incontinence, bladder, and pelvic health
Miscarriage support
Osteoporosis
Pregnancy care
Routine well-woman exams, PAP smear and cervical cancer screenings
Weight management
We all have a story to share.
We provide personalized health care to ensure you have the best possible experience while in our care. Each individual treatment and care plan at Lakeland is just as unique as your are. We are your partners in your health care journey.
Women throughout Southwest Michigan and beyond share their health care experiences at Spectrum Health Lakeland in the stories below.
Do you have a story to share? Click on the "What's Your Story" button and complete the form.
Aug 27, 2018 Reporting from Niles, MI
A Dream Come True - Linda Dolezan
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/medical-services/womens-health-services/Detail/A-Dream-Come-True/5e0776ad-c230-6723-add8-ff0100ca780f/
Aug 27, 2018
Aug 27, 2018
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
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, i
A Dream Come True - Linda Dolezan
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/ResourcePackages/SpectrumHealth/assets/img/sh_white_logo.png
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.”