Shelli Lorenzen’s journey with breast cancer began with a routine check—an annual mammogram at Manning Regional Healthcare Center. This small but vital step would change her life and ultimately save it. In sharing her story, Shelli hopes to inspire others to prioritize early detection and lean on their support systems during difficult times.
Like many women, Shelli made it a point to schedule her mammogram every year. However, during her most recent visit to MRHC, the results came back abnormal, requiring further testing. Following the mammogram, MRHC referred Shelli to the MercyOne Katzmann Breast Center in Des Moines for further care. The quick and proactive response allowed her to begin treatment at an early stage—something she stresses cannot be overlooked.
“If I had skipped just one year,” Shelli said, “my lump would have been much larger and possibly have spread. Early detection definitely saved my life.”
Shelli’s treatment involved a combination of surgery, radiation, and post-operative care. She had a lumpectomy at MercyOne in Des Moines and underwent six weeks of radiation therapy. While most of her treatments took place outside of Manning, MRHC played a crucial role in her recovery. Access to follow-up care close to home at MRHC provided much-needed convenience during an otherwise overwhelming time. Shelli experienced not only the medical care she needed locally but also invaluable emotional and professional support from her colleagues at MRHC, where she serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer.
“MRHC was wonderfully supportive of my needs as I navigated this scary situation. I was allowed to work from home following my surgery and could leave early for treatments. I could not have asked for a better employer or co-workers during this awful time.”
This workplace support allowed Shelli to focus on her recovery while maintaining as much normalcy as possible.
“It was very important to me to go on with life as normal as possible, and I feel like I did that for as long as I could,” Shelli shared. “I think that helped me. My mantra was: this too shall pass. There will be tough days, but just remember that better days are coming.”
When asked what advice she would give to someone newly diagnosed with breast cancer, Shelli emphasized the importance of asking questions and accepting support from others.
“It is a scary thing to hear that you have cancer. Ask questions of your provider. Talk to others who have had it. Don’t be afraid to let people know what you are going through,” Shelli encouraged. “Talking about it helped me rather than hiding it.”
Shelli’s story serves as a powerful reminder that support—whether medical, emotional, or professional—can make all the difference in navigating the road to recovery. And most importantly, that early detection saves lives.
“You must do your due diligence and get your mammograms annually,” she stressed. “If there is an annual test—like a mammogram—get the test every year. Cancer is a random disease that can hit anybody. Early detection is key —if you find something, have it checked out.”
MRHC provides 3D tomography screening and diagnostic mammography exams. The mammography machine features a soft touch pad, providing a softer, warmer mammogram for patients. Screening mammography is used to detect changes in the breast for women who do not have signs or symptoms or observable breast abnormalities. Diagnostic mammography is used to examine suspicious breast changes such as a lump, pain, or unusual skin appearance. To schedule a mammogram, please call (712) 655-8210.
