Cancer patient encourages routine exams

Johnna Pieper was always the person who had it together. From working at a nonprofit supporting people with disabilities to rescuing four dogs, she has been dedicated to giving back.

She kept everybody on schedule, but amidst her busy life, she realized she had forgotten someone crucial: herself.

“As someone who prioritizes staying organized, I never expected to let anything fall through the cracks,” said Johnna. However, it happened, and Johnna didn’t get an annual mammogram for three years.

Prompted by MyChart reminders, Johnna scheduled a mammogram in December 2017. “I was convinced it had only been a year since my last mammogram. Between work and caring for my family, I was startled to realize three years had slipped by,” said Johnna.

Personalized care

Following her mammogram, Johnna was urged to consult with Shannon M. Hanley, M.D., Fellowship-trained Breast Surgeon and Board-certified Surgeon at the Genesis Breast Care Center.

During Johnna’s January 2018 appointment, Dr. Hanley expressed concerns about Johnna’s imaging and performed a biopsy the same day.

Later that week, Johnna learned she had stage 1 breast cancer. “That moment changed everything for me,” said Johnna. “I always tried to put others first, but now I was faced with this battle that I knew I had to fight.”

Dr. Hanley said she makes a great effort to immediately see patients like Johnna who have highly concerning mammograms, as it’s essential to ease the patient’s fears as soon as possible. “At Genesis, we strive to take care of our patients’ physical health while minimizing stress,” said Dr. Hanley.

Johnna’s journey included additional tests and surgery in February 2018, when 17 lymph nodes were removed, including one that was cancerous.

Putting your health first

Johnna underwent eight weeks of daily radiation at the Genesis Cancer Care Center, forming deep bonds with Genesis team members. “They made me feel like I was in the best hands possible,” Johnna recalls.

Since treatment, Johnna completed five years of careful observation and has returned to regular screenings. She remains under the care of Dr. Hanley and Shyamal R. Bastola, M.D., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Hematologist/Oncologist at the Genesis Cancer Care Center with ongoing medication and checkups.

Throughout recovery, Johnna realized the importance of prioritizing her health. She urges women to schedule regular mammograms. “Your journey matters, and it can save lives. Don’t let a simple checkup be the difference.”

Dr. Hanley encourages women to complete routine screenings. “Early detection is the key. We want to help you and it all starts with routine exams.”

The results revealed that Johnna had two types of breast cancer in one breast. “Hearing that was overwhelming,” Johnna said. “It wasn’t bad, just complicated, and it made me realize how unpredictable life can be.”