Crystal Prull of Marion, a Certified Medical Assistant, was used to caring for others, but in December of 2023, she faced her own health challenge. After feeling a lump in her breast, Prull went in for a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy which revealed she had breast cancer. Upon learning of her diagnosis, she had to break the news to her family. Sitting there with Crystal as she told her mom was her sister Carol Janssen of Monticello. Little did any of them know, they’d be having a very similar conversation just weeks later when Carol would receive a breast cancer diagnosis of her own.
A Care Team that “Becomes Your Family”
From their first appointment through their final treatment, Prull and Janssen felt like part of the family at the Nassif Community Cancer Center. They began their journeys by meeting with their care coordinator, Mona Cook, BSN, RN, CBCN.
“When you go talk to Mona, you’re still reeling from that diagnosis and struggling with ‘where am I going to go from here?’” said Janssen. “She really helps establish that roadmap. ‘This is going to happen, and this is what we need to do.’ And that was very helpful.”
Both Prull and Janssen had chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, and found that family-like atmosphere each step of the way.
“The chemo staff are amazing,” said Prull. “They are angels and the kindest people. I don’t know how they do what they do day in and day out.”
“They go above and beyond,” agreed Janssen. “That whole team becomes your family while you’re there.”
The sisters had a similar experience at St. Luke’s Nassif Radiation Center.
“Radiation appointments are quicker, but the team is very thorough,” shared Janssen. “Even Joan at the front desk. Whenever I’m at PCI for an appointment I stop in and talk to her. There are so many people you meet along the way who are kind and help you through.”
One of those people for Prull was oncology social worker Barb Lorenz, LBSW.
“Barb did my FMLA paperwork for me,” she shared. “I tried doing it, but the stress of doing it online and my diagnosis and trying to work, I just threw my hands in the air and cried. Barb just took that all off my hands and did it. It was a huge help for me.”
“She was so helpful, so supportive,” agreed Janssen.
Supportive Siblings
In addition to their care team, support from their biological family was crucial as Prull and Janssen navigated their cancer journeys together. Not only did they have each other for support and advice during treatment, but they also had their sister Kathy Althoff of Walford, who had been through her own battle with breast cancer over two decades earlier.
“I was diagnosed in 2000,” shared Althoff. “I haven’t had a recurrence in 24 years and I kind of forgot about it until these two received their diagnoses.”
“Kathy was with me at every appointment,” said Prull. “She was just extremely supportive.”
“I think when you get that diagnosis, it’s like an out-of-body feeling,” said Althoff. “You’re not really hearing everything you’re being told. You hear cancer and you’re thinking about the worst-case scenario. I think having a second set of ears is helpful.”
“Having her there, knowing she had been through it, was very helpful,” added Janssen.
Genetic Testing Provides Peace of Mind
Given the fact that all three sisters had breast cancer, genetic testing was recommended to ensure the diagnoses weren’t linked to hereditary factors. So, they scheduled an appointment with Melissa Janssen, MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC, at the Nassif Community Cancer Center’s Genetics and Cancer Risk Assessment Clinic.
“We did the family history paperwork at the same time, so I copied from Carol,” said Prull.
“She copied my homework,” said Janssen. “And we both copied Kathy’s from years ago. Then we met with Melissa and when the results came through, she was very helpful spelling out what everything meant.”
The results were negative, which was a weight lifted for both sisters, knowing that meant their daughters would not carry a hereditary cancer gene either.
“I was relieved it was negative,” said Prull. I didn’t want to pass it down.”
Crystal, Carol and Kathy’s Advice: Get Screened
The circumstances of each of the sisters’ diagnoses were a bit different – Crystal had been putting off getting a mammogram and then felt a lump, Carol went in for her annual screening, and Kathy was diagnosed after going in for her first mammogram at age 39 – but their advice to other women is the same: get your annual screening mammogram.
“I work in healthcare and am here to help other people. I never thought it would happen to me. I thank God I felt that lump,” said Prull. “Get your mammogram. Do not put it off.”
“And you don’t need to wait until you’re 45 or 50,” said Althoff. “Mine was diagnosed at 39, and mammograms are so much easier and more comfortable than they used to be. Get screened as soon as you’re eligible.”
Janssen agreed with that message and added a little support for your friends or loved ones with breast cancer can go a long way.
“Those little acts of support and kindness really make a difference,” she said. “Reach out to people you know who are struggling and going through a tough journey.”
Face Breast Cancer with Confidence
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, or any type of cancer, the Nassif Community Cancer is here for you. For more information on our extensive offering of support services, call (319) 558-4876 or visit communitycancercenter.org.
Get Your Annual Screening Mammogram
It’s recommended women start with a baseline mammogram between the ages of 35-40, then begin annual screening mammograms at age 40, or sooner if there’s a family history of breast cancer. To schedule your mammogram, talk to your healthcare provider or call (319) 369-7216 to schedule your mammogram at one of St. Luke’s Breast and Bone Health’s three convenient locations. St. Luke’s Breast and Bone Health also offers walk-in mammograms Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., with a doctor’s order.
