A breast cancer survivor celebrates a new milestone

When Jenny missed her annual mammogram two years in a row, she never imagined how much it would matter.

A family member had become seriously ill, and Jenny’s own healthcare slipped down her priority list. Then the COVID-19 pandemic began, and she wasn’t sure routine screenings were still being offered.

As soon as restrictions eased, Jenny scheduled her mammogram at Ascension Franklin. She did not have a history of breast cancer or any reason to suspect anything was wrong. However, at age 50, Jenny learned she had stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer.

Five years later, now cancer-free, she has an important message for other women: don’t skip your annual mammogram.

“I am the poster child for why you don’t miss a mammogram,” Jenny said.

A diagnosis and a plan for treatment

Jenny’s nurse practitioner ordered her routine mammogram in Oak Creek. By the end of the day, Jenny could see her results in her patient portal. When she called about an area of concern, her care team was already preparing to contact her.

A biopsy confirmed a 2.3 centimeter cancerous mass. Within two weeks of her diagnosis, Jenny had completed additional testing, met with specialists and started chemotherapy.

“The devil is fast, but Ascension is faster. […] I was pretty blown away at how fast everything happened and how quickly I was notified,” Jenny shared. “I was just so grateful that they were taking everything as seriously as I was.”

Jenny received chemotherapy and radiation at the Ascension Reiman Cancer Center and underwent a lumpectomy with breast surgeon Dr. Hanadi BuAli in Wauwatosa.

Jenny remembers an early appointment with Dr. BuAli, when she and her husband, Bob, were still processing the diagnosis.

“We were terrified, and she just looked right at him and said, ‘I will fix your wife,’” she recalled. “It was instantly a relief. […] It gives you a sense of confidence that your doctor is all in and believes there is a treatment that will get the job done.”

Compassionate care through every appointment

Jenny began chemotherapy in October of 2021, and completed it six months later in April. Her treatment also included surgery and 20 radiation sessions.

Throughout her treatment, Jenny felt her care team was in her corner and had her back. They consistently explained what to expect, offered advice for managing side effects and made sure she felt comfortable during appointments.

She affectionately began calling her care team her “medical entourage.”

“Despite everything, it was a phenomenal experience, having that team of healthcare providers working to make sure I knew what was happening, that my treatment was successful. […] Having all of that kept me in a really good mindset throughout all of it.”

A finish line she never expected to cross

In 2026, Jenny decided to take on a challenge she had been considering since her cancer treatment: completing a triathlon.

A friend had encouraged her to join a fitness training program for women who had survived cancer, but Jenny wasn’t entirely convinced she could do it.

“I’m going to be the one who doesn’t make it,” she remembered thinking.

In April 2026, Jenny began training. Her first swim across the pool left her exhausted, but as training progressed, her endurance and confidence grew.

By July, Jenny was ready. She completed a triathlon at Kettle Moraine State Park, raising her arms in celebration as she crossed the finish line.

“I was pretty amazed that I did it,” she said. “I really got in shape. I got more balance. I learned more about my body and what I’m able to do.” 

Jenny continues exercising with other cancer survivors and hopes to help others prepare for their first triathlon.

A reminder to prioritize your health

Five years after her diagnosis, Jenny hopes her experience encourages women to stay up to date on recommended mammograms and screenings, even when life gets busy.

Gifts to Ascension Wisconsin Foundation help support cancer care and services for patients and families in Wisconsin communities. Your generosity helps make compassionate care possible for patients like Jenny.