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On her 42nd birthday, Wendy Buzzanga discovered a lump on her chest while spending time outside with her family. Thinking it was just a cyst and intending to ignore it, Wendy’s husband encouraged her to get it looked at by her family doctor, Brent Hoke, DO, Central Family & Sports Medicine.
On Nov. 7, 2016, Wendy was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer, a cancer known for being extremely aggressive.
Finding Exceptional Care
From the very beginning, Wendy insisted on receiving treatment at WMMC, where she has received care for the majority of her life. After learning of her diagnosis, Wendy started immediate appointments to determine her treatment options. Her first appointment after her mammogram was with Dr. Switzner at Surgical Services of Warrensburg.
“She cared about me. I felt like I wasn’t just another patient.” Wendy said of Dr. Switzner. “From the very first time I walked through the doors it felt different. It was close to home and I trusted all the doctors that helped me along my journey: Drs. Switzner, Hoke, and Smeltzer.”
Wendy recalls the nurses on staff watching UCM games with her, treating her like their very own mom. Her doctors were very attentive and caring.
“It was never a question of where I would receive care” said Wendy. “I insisted on Western Missouri Medical Center. They were wonderful to me. I felt like they cared so much about me. I was a part of their family. Even today, I will run into the staff who cared for me while I’m out in our community, and they remember me by name and ask how I’m doing.”
Treatment Closer to Home
Wendy missed several life events due to cancer, including her daughters’ games that she had never missed, and even graduation week for her oldest daughter, Macy. She couldn’t imagine how many more life events she would have missed if she had to drive to the city for treatments.
With Triple Negative Breast Cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer, Wendy was receiving treatment daily for months. Being able to see her doctors without having to drive to Kansas City allowed her to continue her life as normal as possible by going to her daughters’ games, attending church, and remaining active in her daycare.
Recovery and in Remission
In July of 2017, with the help of WMMC’s advanced care, technology, and specialists, Wendy completed her last radiation treatment. She’s now in remission and enjoying life’s precious moments.
One of the pieces of equipment to be purchased by WMMC’s Foundation is a Portable Ultrasound Machine that helped diagnose Wendy’s cancer, allowing her care team to determine a treatment plan.
“Help me fight breast cancer by getting screened and being aware,” Wendy preached to everyone she knew after the diagnosis.
About Western Missouri Medical Center
Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) is a fully-accredited acute care county medical center located in Warrensburg, MO. WMMC prides itself in emergency care, obstetrics, orthopedic and general surgery, family healthcare, internal medicine, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care, rehabilitation services and more. Inpatient services include medical, surgical, intensive, obstetrical, orthopedic, pediatric and skilled nursing care, as well as a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic outpatient services. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Learn more at WMMC.com.