“I enjoy the challenge of coming to work and supplying every department in the hospital. We strive to become more efficient so our team can give a higher quality of care.”
Kay Richards, Materials Management Specialist
Radiology:
This Machine Found My Cancer
Summer 2004
For two years Jill Dursky had been monitoring a non-threatening lump in her breast by performing monthly self breast exams and yearly clinical exams with her physician. In April of 2000 during her monthly self exam she noticed that her non-threatening lump had changed.
"It went from the size of a pea, to the size of a walnut in one month," said Jill. "My first thought was that it was nothing. My second thought was to be realistic, I might be in trouble. That's when I called my physician, Dr. Life."
Dr. Life ordered Jill's mammogram at Mahaska Hospital the very next morning.
"When the radiologic technologist came back for a second set of pictures, I knew something was really wrong," said Jill. "That technologist was so caring, compassionate, and sincere. It showed in the care she took. I want to thank her for finding that small lump and saving my life!"
Jill says Dr. Life knew the results of her mammogram by one p.m. the same day as the test. The mammogram found what was believed to be cancer. The next day, Friday, Jill had an appointment with general surgeon, Dr. Riggs. During the appointment he checked Jill's lump and agreed with the mammogram results, Dr. Riggs believed it was cancer. He scheduled Jill for a lumpectomy on Monday.
During the lumpectomy Dr. Riggs confirmed that the lump was cancer. In just five days Jill went from finding the lump, to having it removed.
While in recovery after her surgery Jill's husband, Mike, announced the news to family. Their initial reaction was one of fear.
"Mike rallied and said nobody was going to be negative. He would not let them into my room until they could put a smile on their faces," said Jill.
Jill says cancer had always been a very negative thing in her family. Although there was no history of breast cancer, her 78-year-old grandmother was in the middle of a bad two year struggle with ovarian cancer.
"I remember my grandmother coming into the hospital room for the first time after my surgery," said Jill. "She whispered to me saying that she just had to know I was ok, kissed my hand, and left."
Jill's grandmother has since passed away, but is constantly in her thoughts.
"I get my strength from her," said Jill.
Two and a half weeks after surgery, Jill began her cancer treatments. First, there were eight rounds of chemotherapy, then 28 rounds of radiation. During it all Jill's family remained positive, even her young daughters Haley, age seven, and Megan, age six.
Jill recalls when her hair started to fall out from the chemotherapy. There were a couple of events that were very important to her. First was her daughters' dance recital.
Then, there was a 60th wedding anniversary party for her grandparents. She recalls having it be important to her to keep her hair for those events.
"I think I used two cans of hair spray and I didn't wash my hair for four days to be sure to keep as much as possible of my hair until those events were over," said Jill.
"When the celebrations were over, I knew it was time, so I asked Haley and Megan if they wanted to cut off my hair. They each got a pair of scissors. I put my head over the trash can as they cut off the remainder of my hair."
Jill says throughout her battle with cancer her family remained very upbeat and positive. The positive attitude in her family is just part of what Jill says helped in her fight against cancer. She is also grateful for the job she had at the time.
"I was lucky to have my position with United Way of Mahaska County," said Jill. "Having somewhere to go each day and people depending on me was an extra reason to get up each morning and get on with my life."
Four years later Jill is cancer free. She gets mammograms every six months at Mahaska Hospital, and is an advocate for breast cancer awareness. In addition, her Mahaska County Relay For Life team, Jill's Survivor Team, has raised approximately $20,000 for the American Cancer Society since 2001.
"My best advice is to remember, attitude is everything and laughter is the world's best medicine," said Jill. "I thank God every day for helping me to beat my cancer and allowing me to stay here on earth with my family. I feel He has a purpose for my life and if I can help someone and their families through this horrendous disease, that is thanking Him for His belief in me."