Natalie Ruppert

Finding a Fresh Start After Breast Cancer

Natalie Ruppert is a true go-getter.

As the manager of career and job services at the Kenton County Public Library, she’s helped thousands of residents find new jobs and careers. She oversees workshops on job search strategies and skills, runs a library-based job search support group and authors a weekly newsletter for Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati job seekers.

The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce recently honored Ruppert with its NKY Community Award, presented to individuals who have made a lasting, positive impact.

When Ruppert accepted the award, few could have guessed she was just three weeks past reconstructive surgery, the final step in her year-long bilateral (double) mastectomy journey.

Supportive, Patient-Focused Care

Ruppert’s breast cancer journey began after a local radiologist suggested she get a biopsy sample from her left breast following her annual mammogram.

After the biopsy, Ruppert met with Jackie Sweeney, MD, a radiologist at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, and a nurse navigator, who together broke the news of her breast cancer diagnosis.

“They sat me down to explain the results. They said, ‘You’re stage zero. We found this early, and you’re going to be fine,’” Ruppert recalls.

Ruppert then connected with surgical oncologist Joseph Guenther, MD, who ordered a breast MRI to obtain a more definitive scan of the cancer’s progression.

During the MRI, radiologist Anne Kleimeyer, MD — a relative of Ruppert’s son-in-law — discovered signs of breast cancer on Ruppert’s right breast as well. As a result, Guenther recommended a treatment plan that included removing both breasts entirely.

“It was a shock because I thought I had stage zero,” Ruppert admits. “But he explained that stage zero can form like a spider web. So, in some cases, the best way to remove it is to remove the entire breast.”

Targeted Treatment

Further biopsies confirmed that, fortunately, Ruppert’s cancer had not spread beyond the breasts.

“Dr. Guenther was very kind and explained all my options. He was honest about his opinion that I would be better off if I opted for the bilateral mastectomy,” she says.

Ruppert next connected with plastic surgeon Ryan Wilson, MD. Together, she and both surgeons chose a date to perform the mastectomy and reconstruction back-to-back.

The three-and-a-half-hour surgery occurred at St. Elizabeth Edgewood, just a short drive from Ruppert’s home. She was able to return home the next day.

“I can’t say enough positive things about my experiences with the nurse navigators before surgery and during my recovery,” Ruppert says. “And my husband, Ken, and our daughters, Sarah and Melissa, and their husbands were the absolute best. They were a huge help through everything.”

The various cancer support services at St. Elizabeth — including the Cancer Center Boutique — also helped treatment feel less overwhelming.

“They gave me a book to read about breast cancer and a custom bra that connects to your drains post-surgery,” Ruppert says. “They even gave me a special pillow to keep my seat belt from rubbing against the surgery site on my drive home.”

The entire St. Elizabeth team, including Dr. Guenther’s physician assistant, Mallory Mosko, PA-C, made themselves available to answer any questions she had.

“Mallory was very big on explaining all the services that are available, what’s to come and what to expect down the road,” Ruppert says.

Keeping a Routine Through Recovery

As much as possible, Ruppert kept her normal routine throughout her breast cancer diagnosis and recovery.

“Following surgery, my doctors did not want me to move around too much. So, I broke out my laptop and worked from my recliner,” Ruppert says. “Just a week after the final reconstructive surgery, I was able to arrange a holiday career fair at the Erlanger Library. It drew 200 job seekers and more than 20 employers.”

As one of the last steps in Ruppert’s recovery, Dr. Wilson performed a second surgical procedure to even the appearance of her left breast.

“Dr. Wilson has such a pleasant personality, and he puts you at ease,” Ruppert says. “He was so patient about explaining exactly what he plans to do. So, you come away feeling like everything will be just fine. I can’t say enough good things about him. His APRN, Liz Ansari, is also phenomenal.”

Today, Ruppert is cancer-free. She enjoys both her professional career and the time she spends with her two-year-old granddaughter, Blakely, who was a source of joy throughout her recovery.

“I am feeling really, really good,” Ruppert says. “Looking back, I think having St. Elizabeth Cancer Center in our backyard is just like gold. I was able to get exceptional care close to home, which enabled me to do my job and keep going without missing a beat.”