Merrilyn’s Story: ‘I Truly Believe Premier Saved My Life’

During the past three years, Merrilyn Wogoman has endured a double mastectomy, 26 weeks of chemotherapy, and 10 subsequent surgeries.

Instead of feeling bitter – instead of lamenting, “Why me?” – the Brookville mother of four is feeling thankful these days. She’s grateful for a closer relationship with her family, as well as the expert medical care that has enabled her to remain a part of their lives.

“Cancer treatment was gross, it was horrible, it was nasty,” she says. “But personally it brought me back to where I needed to be. It grounded me in my relationships. I was dating a man at the time, and I was putting him at arm’s length.”

She is now married to that erstwhile boyfriend, Jeff Wogoman.  “Jeff always made sure I was being taken care of,” she says. “He worked 10 hours a day as a welder, then got up early to make sure I was at the oncologist’s office or the doctor’s office.”

Merrilyn went in for her first mammogram in June 2016, at the age of 46, simply because her employer, Premier Health, promised extra points on her health savings account. It proved to be a timely intervention; she was diagnosed with Stage 2 invasive breast cancer in July, undergoing a double mastectomy in August.

“I truly believe Premier saved my life,” she says. “If I had waited until January, who knows if I would still be here.”

Surgery was followed by 26 weeks of oral chemotherapy. Despite muscle aches, joint pain and swelling, Merrilyn continued to work as a practice manager for Premier Physical Medicine Associates and three other Premier Health practices.

It was an eye-opener to be on the receiving end of care, Merrilyn says. “I hope patients coming out of my practice always feel the same way I felt when I left. I met so many wonderful directors of practice who always made sure I had everything I needed.”

She marvels at the access to top-notch care so close to home. “I had the most amazing surgeons and oncologists,” Merrilyn says. “It’s terrifying to think of going out of town for care, when I had four kids in high school or college.”

Her medical oncologist, Charles Bane, MD, of Dayton Physician Network, says that Merrilyn benefited from Premier Health’s multidisciplinary approach to care. Breast cancer specialists hold frequent conferences to compare X-rays, biopsies, and lab results. “Talking to colleagues really helps to reassure us we are making the best decisions for each person,” Dr. Bane says. “We live in a time when new techniques and treatments are being developed all the time, and regularly talking to colleagues keeps us up to date about what's new in our respective specialties.” 

That was especially true in Merrilyn’s case, as she went through 10 additional surgeries after her mastectomy, many related to complications from her breast reconstruction. She also had a hysterectomy in March after the discovery of pre-cancerous cells in her uterus.

Merrilyn always had been the one in control, taking care of everyone else. Instead, her family members were the ones changing her drains, or standing vigil outside the bathroom door to ensure her safety.

“I became a better mom, because I allowed them to grow up and have accountability,” she says. “Not a single one of them ever complained.”

Today Merrilyn is giving back as a trainer for the LiveStrong exercise program for patients with cancer and survivors at the Kleptz YMCA in Englewood.

Her oncologist heartily approves. “Increased physical activity reduces the likelihood of recurrence,” Dr. Bane says. “The initial diagnosis is very difficult, but the vast majority of men and women with breast cancer do very well.”

Merrilyn hopes to inspire her LiveStrong class members. “I want to lead by example to make themselves a priority,” she says. “I want them to understand this is not a death sentence – to show them that I am living through this and living fully.”

Contact Us

Call the Premier Health cancer hotline at (844) 316-HOPE(844) 316-4673 (4673), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to connect with a Premier Health cancer navigator.