Learning to live with cancer
Laurie Ulmer
Nov, 2020
Physicians: Daniel Douce, MD; Benjamin Gielda, MD; Kathryn Vera, NP; Roy Winslow, MD
Nothing can dim the passion Stevensville resident, Laurie Ulmer, has for teaching children. Not after three decades in the classroom. And not after being diagnosed with breast cancer. In fact, the lesson she’s been learning lately, one she hopes to pass on to her students at Christ Lutheran School, came from her cancer journey.
A sudden diagnosis
During the summer before what was supposed to be her final year of teaching prior to retirement, Laurie went in for a routine mammogram.
“I get a mammogram faithfully every year and never had a problem,” said Laurie. “Thankfully, I didn’t put it off this year due to COVID-19.”
However, this time her mammogram revealed some areas of concern. Laurie underwent a series of biopsies which confirmed she had two different types of breast cancer: one within her ducts and another more invasive type of cancer that had spread beyond the walls of her ducts.
“Both were caught early because of the mammogram,” said Laurie. “I was hit hard when I heard the news. I wanted to keep teaching.”
Instead, Laurie needed to begin treatment immediately. This included surgery to remove the cancerous cells and place a port so she could begin weekly chemotherapy followed by radiation.
Throughout her treatment, Laurie has felt grateful for her care team and the efforts they’ve made on her behalf as a patient.
“I’m so blessed to have this group of people in my corner,” said Laurie. “I didn’t even realize there was such as a thing as tumor board which brings together several doctors who discuss specific cases to ensure they are following the best possible treatment plan.”
Everyone on her care team has play a special role in Laurie’s cancer journey: nurse practitioner, Kathryn Vera, NP; nurse navigator, Shelley Wilkinson; oncologist, Daniel Douce, MD; general surgeon, Roy Winslow, MD; and radiation oncologist, Benjamin Gielda, MD.
“I can’t thank everyone enough,” said Laurie. “They continue to show care and concern for me as a person. They ask how I’m feeling and if there is anything they can do to help. They’re so compassionate and caring.”
While the support of her care team has made Laurie’s cancer diagnosis easier, her heart is still with her students. She continues to hold a virtual story time for students once a week in spite of her illness.
Touching the lives of others
While Laurie was undergoing treatment at the Marie Yeager Cancer Center she noticed there was no bell which is traditionally rung by patients after they finish chemotherapy. It sparked an idea.
“I asked the nurses why there wasn’t a bell here and they said because some people may never get to ring the bell it might be hard for them to hear it,” said Laurie. “I thought about this for a while and realized that if it were me sitting an infusion chair, I would want to celebrate someone else finishing treatment. We’re all in this rotten situation together and we want the best for everyone.”
With this idea in mind, the teachers at Christ Lutheran School came together to organize a fundraiser in hopes of purchasing a bell for the cancer center. Students brought in money to buy caramel apple bars and their donations were matched by Laurie.
“During the fundraiser, we had a live screen set up, so I could talk to the kids as they came through the line,” said Laurie. “We were excited to see each other. They were all waving and cheering, saying ‘I love you.’”
The children's generosity helped raise money for a celebratory bell that will soon be installed at Marie Yeager Cancer Center.
“My hopes for the bell are twofold,” said Laurie. “First, for the person finishing their chemotherapy, it’s a huge accomplishment and we need to celebrate it. Second, I want my students to know they can make a difference. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are. That bell is going to touch a lot of people’s lives.”
Despite the challenges Laurie’s diagnosis and illness have brought, she credits her faith and the prayers of many that have helped her through. She also hopes her experience helps her students learn a valuable lesson that she herself has discovered along the way.
“I want our future generations to understand that these kinds of setbacks in life do happen, and we have to keep living with openness and positivity,” said Laurie.