Sandra Klemm Is Working Through Breast Cancer
Sandra Klemm never missed a mammogram, scheduling one every February to coincide with her birthday month. 2025 was just like all the years before, except that mammogram resulted in a diagnosis of breast cancer. Sandra was surprised and shocked, but pragmatic. Her daughter had been diagnosed with the same type of breast cancer ten years before. She would do what needed doing and get through it, even at 74 years old while working a demanding full-time job as a lead computer technician for a school district.
After getting the diagnosis, Sandra’s beloved primary doctor assumed she would work with the same oncologist who had treated her husband for terminal lung cancer less than four years earlier. “That was the one and only time I cried,” says Sandra, “As soon as he said it, I just knew I could not go back to that doctor.” Sandra’s daughter understood and insisted her mother see the same oncologist who treated her own breast cancer, Dr. Srilata Gundala of Hope & Healing Cancer Services in Hinsdale, Illinois.
“She’s so compassionate,” says Sandra of Dr. Gundala, “There were some delays getting tests and consultations and Dr. Gundala would call and keep in touch, often reaching out to other doctors, making sure everything was still moving forward.”
Despite significant delays from a hospital buy-out and a lack of available radiologists, Sandra kept her cool throughout, “I am a very positive person in my life,” says Sandra, “I kept telling myself, ‘It can’t be a big deal because it was Stage I.’”
Finally, the surgery was scheduled for the end of May, just two days before the end of the school year. That would seem like good timing, but in Sandra’s line of work, the summer is actually her busiest time of year, “We touch every single device within the schools during the break, making certain they are prepped and ready for the next school year. Technology moves so fast, I want to know it and be on top of things for the teachers.”
In true Sandra fashion, she was back to her full-time position just ten days after surgery, “I had to lay low for those ten days, but then I got to go back to work!,” exclaims Sandra with excitement in her voice. Sandra is the type of 74-year-old who loves her work, loves the people she works with, and will fret about getting everything going again after a two-week absence for breast cancer surgery.
While the surgery went well and her recovery was complete, the doctors came back to Sandra with a question about radiation, offering her three options: no radiation, given her age and stage I status; “fast-forward” radiation with a more concentrated, higher intensity dose of radiation for five days; or twenty days of lower intensity radiation. The radiation would be a “just in case” intervention, providing a better chance of remaining cancer free. Guess which one Sandra chose?
Surprising no one who knew her, Sandra opted for the “fast-forward” higher intensity radiation. “I made it work for me while I did my job.” That’s right – Sandra worked with hospital staff to schedule the radiation treatments later in the afternoon, so she would not miss her workdays and could still be at school between her work hours of 6:00 AM and 2:30 PM.
Around that same time, Sandra started on an oral cancer medication that she will remain on indefinitely. Taking a daily pill has been one of the few challenges for Sandra during her treatment, “I dreaded it. I despise taking medication. All these years and I’ve only taken something for acid reflux and blood pressure.”
Living with breast cancer requires adjustments, as Sandra has discovered. The things she relied on to help her are not necessarily what you would expect from a 74-year-old widow, like working full-time or living with her adult grandson who just recently moved out at age 30, but like her tech job requires, Sandra has learned to live in the moment, “I work every day. I try never to miss. It fills the day. Working is good for me, it has really, really helped over the past 39 years. Cancer was an eye opener for me. I didn’t have a plan, but I wake up every day wondering what I will need to resolve that day.”
What Sandra wants everyone to know from her own experience is to, “Get your mammogram. I had no clue, I never felt a lump. I’m not one to give advice – who am I compared to everyone else? There are so many people who have been through much worse. Just choose life and make the best of it. And know that you’re not always in control.”
Dr. Gundala marvels at this mother of the daughter she treated ten years ago, “I don’t know how she does all she does! Her positive attitude and energy certainly help her as well as making it a joy to care for her,” says Dr. Gundala.
Sandra knows how lucky she is, in many ways, “There is a circle of love that surrounds me. I’m a hugger and Dr. Gundala hugs me every time I see her. Everyone has been so supportive of me, from my family, my daughter, all the people I work with, and all the people who treat me. I wish everyone who has a cancer diagnosis would know the love and kindness that I do. I never dreamt this kind of compassion was possible. I am so blessed.”
Written By: Sheila Quirke, MSW
Reviewed By: Srilata Gundala, MD
Disclaimer: This blog provides general educational information and is not a substitute for medical or psychological advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider and mental health professionals for guidance specific to your situation.
