Western Baptist oncology nurse Marsha Penrod, R.N., talks with Evalie DeJarnatt of Cunningham during an outpatient chemotherapy treatment.

Four years ago, Marsha Penrod, oncology nurse at Western Baptist, felt a small lump in her breast. She immediately scheduled a mammogram at the Western Baptist Women’s Center. Blood drained from her breast when it was compressed.

“My knees buckled,” said Penrod. “I had been an oncology nurse since 2001, and I knew what it meant.”

She went to general surgeon Daniel Howard, M.D., who confirmed through a biopsy what Penrod already suspected: breast cancer.

“The fear is indescribable,” said Penrod. “I didn’t fear as much for myself as I did for my husband and my daughter. Cancer is a family thing. The person diagnosed is not the only one affected. It affects the entire family.”

As Penrod began to deal with the emotional strains of the disease, she also had to prepare for the physical challenges. She had a bilateral mastectomy, followed by many weeks of chemotherapy. With a positive attitude, supportive family and knowledgeable physicians at Western Baptist, Penrod rose to the challenge.

Penrod said her experience helps her better relate to her patients. “When they see me, they see hope,” said Penrod. “They see somebody who has made it through and that there is life after chemo and cancer.”

Today, Penrod manages outpatient chemotherapy at Western Baptist, where she uses her personal experience to encourage others.

“My goal is to see each newly diagnosed cancer patient as quickly as possible to discuss his or her specific cancer and treatment,” said Penrod. “I have the best job in the world. No one needs or appreciates you more, especially when they know you have been through the same experience they are facing.”

55Plus van driver Bud Bullard assists Frances Downs of LaCenter.

The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms for women older than 40. To schedule yours, phone (270) 575-2667.

Cancer diagnosis is difficult. Getting to and from your appointments doesn’t have to be. With an American Cancer Society grant, Western Baptist’s 55Plus program provides free transportation to cancer patients in need. To learn more, visit westernbaptist.com or phone 55Plus at (270) 575-2851.