Fighting aggressive breast cancer with treatment close to home

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Jenny Corkery’s life took an unexpected turn when a spot was found on her mammogram, a yearly screening test she had done since age 28 due to a strong family history of cancer.

At 45, Jenny had aggressive breast cancer called invasive ductal carcinoma, hormone-positive HER2-negative. That’s a long name for the fight for her life that would begin with a double mastectomy and continue with a complex treatment plan – all received close to home at MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center. 

“The cancer is small and found early but it’s aggressive and already spreading outside of the milk duct,” Jenny of Dubuque, Iowa, wrote on Sept. 16. 2024.

After consulting with her surgeon, Christopher Healey, MD, Jenny chose to undergo a double mastectomy given her young age and family history. Because of a high risk of recurrence, she began a treatment plan that included chemotherapy, radiation and hormone and targeted therapies.

“Surgery is scheduled for Oct. 4,” she wrote with hope in 2024. “I’m so ready to move forward cancer-free. I have the best support system, and the medical staff has been top-notch.”

Unwelcome news

Just 10 days later, however, Jenny received news she didn’t want to hear.

The cancer found in her lymph node was not a “tiny spot” but the size of “half a thumb," explained oncologist Eric Engelman, DO. Despite her double mastectomy, she wasn’t quite cancer-free. She would need to undergo four cycles of chemotherapy, followed by weeks of radiation on the lymph nodes and then medication therapy. 

This preventative treatment would improve her chances of avoiding a recurrence elsewhere in her body.

After a “mentally and emotionally draining few weeks” healing from surgery, Jenny began chemotherapy on Nov. 14. 2024.  She arrived at the MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center and “in true Dubuque fashion” ran across old friends and a couple of her relatives.

“It’s a beautiful facility in which to get treatment,” Jenny wrote in her documented journey. “The entire staff has been fantastic. The nurses explained everything thoroughly and sat with me with each I.V. to watch my reactions.”

On that first day of chemotherapy, her nurse navigator stopped by bearing a brand-new cap and a bin of other caps from which to choose. She also had a gift bag, assembled by two local women who had gone through cancer treatment, too. “I’ve been so blessed with my support system --- from family, friends, co-workers to the entire medical team. I couldn’t be any luckier.” 

“It’s far from over” 

Jenny finished her chemotherapy treatments in January 2025. Next up, radiation therapy. Her radiation oncologist Michael Marks, PhD. recommended radiation because cancer had been found in her lymph-vascular system. She would undergo six weeks of radiation, Monday-Friday.

Meanwhile, cancer isn’t just a medical journey — it’s an emotional one.  At times, Jenny needed someone to talk with during her cancer center visits. What began as a brief check-in often turned into an hour-long, heartfelt conversation. More importantly, she left feeling heard, supported and never alone.

Thanks to her nurse navigator and expert care team at MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center, Jenny found strength through every step. “I have the best medical team anyone could ask for. They saw my tears, listened to my fears and never rushed me.”

A milestone day

On April 7, 2025, Jenny happily rang the bell, signaling the completion of her treatments.  “My journey isn’t done but the intense visits are over and that feels so good,” she wrote.

Next would come hormone therapy and targeted therapy medication. Looking ahead, she plans to have revision surgery (removing extra skin under her arms because she decided against breast reconstruction surgery) and a full hysterectomy.

From advanced treatment and compassionate experts to personalized care, Jenny knows MercyOne will be there to guide her through survivorship.

In fact, as an honorary cancer survivor, she’ll drop the hockey puck at the Dubuque Fighting Saints’ 2025 Pink the Rink event to raise money for Mercy One Dubuque Cancer Center. "Mammograms absolutely save lives. I’m forever grateful to my medical team at MercyOne. They are exceptional and compassionate caregivers” Jenny concluded. “Dubuque is blessed with the best at MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center.”