LeAnn Sucher, 44, of Germantown, is a mother of three, a nurse — and a breast cancer survivor. Her journey began in February 2004, when she noticed swelling under her left arm.
Several days later, LeAnn had a modified radical mastectomy on the right breast and a simple mastectomy on the left, followed by chemotherapy. (She chose surgery on the right breast as a precautionary measure.)
Early months of treatment were a time of uncertainty, as LeAnn wondered about her future. "It was tough," LeAnn says, "and I thought it would be a nightmare — but it wasn't." Shar Berte, RN, breast health specialist at Community Memorial Hospital's Women's Health Center, helped LeAnn through it. "Shar supported me through treatment and continues to be there for me."
Community Memorial's Cancer Care Center blends high-tech procedures with compassionate emotional support, information and education. Patients say it isn't just a place — it's a continuum of care. From pre-diagnosis through treatment and beyond, experts guide and support women facing breast cancer. Surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, therapists and the nurse coordinator work to ensure best outcomes.
As LeAnn learned, cancer forces women to make adjustments. It changes routines and relationships. "I learned to look at priorities differently," LeAnn explains.
LeAnn was referred to Julia White, MD, a Medical College of Wisconsin radiation oncologist who sees patients at Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin, as well as at Community Memorial Hospital's Cancer Care Center. "On the internet," LeAnn says, "I learned she is considered a top doctor in America! Dr. White explained treatment in a positive, confident manner. For the first time since diagnosis, I felt I was going to beat it."
Patients like LeAnn have access to doctors from the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center, as well as specialists at Community Memorial Hospital through Froedtert & Community Health. A relationship between the hospitals provides specialty services, plus access to clinical trials at Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin in a hometown hospital patients are comfortable with. Froedtert & Community Health is also affiliated with United Hospital System in Kenosha.
LeAnn started radiation therapy with Dr. White at Community Memorial in July. At one point, her four-year-old was going through a rough time. "He thought I was dying, because I was at the hospital every day," she says. "I took him to the Cancer Care Center. Staff showed him where I was receiving treatment and talked to him — it really helped him feel better."
With cancer treatment behind her, LeAnn's health and life are returning to normal. "I've learned not to focus on things that aren't important," she says. "That means I have much more time to spend with my family."