Early detection and Beacon’s advanced technology shape breast cancer patient’s successful treatment

For Darlyn Smale, preventive health care has always been a non-negotiable, rooted in a simple but powerful philosophy: Take care of what needs to be taken care of, especially when it comes to screenings and annual exams.

“I’ve had mammograms forever,” she says.

This unwavering vigilance proved vital when doctors detected cancer in her left breast this past May with the diagnosis at stage zero — about as small as it could be. Not a worrier by nature, Darlyn felt fortunate it was found so early.

Dr. Maria Rapciak, her general surgeon at Beacon Medical Group Surgical Services Elkhart, recommended a breast conservation approach. This approach would mean preserving Darlyn’s breast while removing only the affected tissue using a special technology and targeted radiation therapy.

“Darlyn’s story highlights the importance of screening mammography for breast cancer,” Dr. Rapciak said. “The earlier the breast cancer is detected, the better the chances a woman can save her breast while receiving definitive treatment for her cancer.”

Understanding the benefits of Magseed®

Dr. Maria Rapciak, general surgeon, Beacon Medical Group Surgical Services Elkhart

In Darlyn’s case, Dr. Rapciak would use a technology called Magseed® — a tiny, magnetic, unbreakable marker placed inside a tumor that helps surgeons precisely locate cancerous tissues. Before Magseed, surgeons used a localizing wire to mark the site. While effective, the wire protruded from the breast and required careful bandaging to prevent movement before surgery. Wire placement occurred the morning of surgery, with patients typically waiting several hours for their procedure.

The Magseed marker offers greater flexibility, as it can be placed any time before or on the day of surgery. Importantly, patients find it more comfortable and convenient than a localizing wire. During surgery, surgeons remove the marker along with the tumor.

Darlyn’s surgery took place within a month of her diagnosis. “I wanted it out of the way,” she says.

“At every turn, they were there asking if I had questions,” Darlyn recalls. “The surgeon talked to my husband afterwards. The pathology report confirmed successful removal of all cancer. I felt very well taken care of.”

After healing from surgery, Darlyn began a course of 15 radiation treatments at Elkhart General Hospital to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

“They were really good there,” she says. “So caring. The hardest part was the first appointment, because you have to hold your arms above your head in an awkward position.” The actual treatments were easier, she notes, taking only about 10 minutes per visit.

Healing for a special trip

Darlyn had told her BMG Elkhart and South Bend radiation oncologist Dr. Russell Johnson that she needed to complete her radiation therapy in time for a special trip – her friend’s son’s wedding in France. Her radiation visits concluded just in time.

In a remarkable coincidence, that friend had completed radiation treatments just a month earlier for the same type of breast cancer as Darlyn. “I was always reliant on her to fill me in. It was really cool to be able to share that,” she says.

Four days after her final radiation session, Darlyn and her husband embarked on their European vacation. The wedding became the highlight of their trip, taking place in a chateau nestled in France’s wine country.

Now back home, Darlyn is cherishing spending as much time as possible with her daughter and two granddaughters.

“I’m rather happy to be here and just celebrating life every day. But that’s pretty much my motto anyway,” she says. “You’re only here for a certain time, and you’d best enjoy it while you can!”