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Woman feels whole again
From surgery to prosthetics,
Medcenter One helps woman heal
After a mastectomy to remove a cancerous lump from her breast,
Ellen Nagel opted for an innovative
breast prosthesis rather than reconstruction surgery. Unlike older-model prostheses, Nagel said hers is comfortable and natural looking. |
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Since retiring from Medcenter One last August,
Ellen Nagel has become very familiar with
Medcenter One from another perspective—as a
patient. Last spring Nagel made an appointment
with Medcenter One surgeon Dr. Jeanette Viney for
varicose veins. In the process, Dr. Viney diagnosed
Nagel with breast cancer. Nagel, who lives in
Linton, began a journey that has increased her
appreciation for Medcenter One’s doctors, surgical
and oncology departments and most recently, its
home medical equipment division, MedEquip One.
From the mastectomy that removed her breast to
the recent prosthesis fitting that restored her natural
look, Nagel said her journey has been made easier
by the expertise and caring attitude of the many
Medcenter One employees whose paths crossed
hers as she battled cancer.
“I’m going to get through this, and I think we’ll
all be happier when it’s over,” she said with a
laugh. “I can tell anyone that Medcenter One’s
care is really good and the staff is just great.”
Nagel had a lump on her breast that her
daughter, Lisa Bannister, encouraged her to
mention to Dr. Viney. Bannister, a nurse, was
concerned about this particular lump. Dr. Viney
examined the lump and then did a biopsy, which
confirmed cancer.
A board-certified thoracic surgeon, Dr. Viney
visited with Nagel to ensure she understood her
treatment options.
“Before I proceed, I explain the surgical options
to the patient, and I also talk to them about options
for reconstruction,” Dr. Viney said. “Most patients
choose breast conservation, which is a partial
mastectomy or lumpectomy.”
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Nagel didn’t go the route of most patients. She chose to have a total
mastectomy of the right breast, and she decided against reconstructive
surgery. Dr. Viney said older patients are less likely to choose reconstruction.
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“I decided to go with a mastectomy because I figured being that tumor was
that large, half the breast would be gone anyway,” said Nagel, who is 66. “I
have a pacemaker, and with my history of blood clots, I didn’t think another
surgery and everything that goes with that was a good idea for me.”
Nagel had a stroke and blood clot a few years ago and was hospitalized
prior to the mastectomy with another clot. She appreciated how careful
Dr. Viney was to protect her safety while proceeding with surgery plans.
Following the mastectomy, Nagel began a chemotherapy regimen overseen
by Medcenter One oncologist Dr. John Reynolds.
“Dr. Reynolds really took his time with my family and me, explaining
things in a way we understood,” Nagel said.
Nagel then met with Melanie Jacobson, a fitting expert at MedEquip One,
Medcenter One’s rehabilitation and home medical equipment supply store.
Jacobson fitted Nagel with a bra and the new lightweight Bodi Cool
prosthesis, which promotes air circulation and comfort by drawing excess
heat away from the body. Prostheses have improved greatly, Jacobson said.
Newer models are one-third lighter, stay in place better and don’t stick to the
body when a woman perspires.
“Melanie was so good at fitting me,” Nagel said. “I love it. When I asked
the gals what they thought when I wore a fitted shirt, they said they wouldn’t
have even known because it looks so natural. Even when it’s hot or I’m out
doing things like gardening, I wear my bra and prosthesis. My posture is
better, and it helps me hold up that
shoulder better.”
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Dr. Jeanette Viney
General surgery
Melanie Jacobson
MedEquip One |
Jacobson said she finds great reward in seeing breast cancer patients’
self-esteem return as they feel better physically and realize they can still look
good in any type of clothing. MedEquip One fit experts also fit women who
are looking for options after surgery but still plan to proceed with surgical
reconstruction down the road.
While Nagel appreciates the care she received as a patient over the last
year, she is ready to quit making the
70-mile trek from Linton to Bismarck
and looking forward to truly enjoying retirement.
Click here for more information about Medcenter One MedEquip One or call 701.323.8470.
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