Hospital employee lives remarkable cancer story

OTHELLO — You could say Marcia Bougher was in the right place at the right time when she was discovered to have cancer.

The surgery department scrub nurse was working at the Othello Community Hospital at the time. It was May 12, 2012 when she was diagnosed.

“I think I already knew,” she said.

That’s because there is a family history of cancer.

Marcia and her husband, Rick, moved to Othello in 1973 and have lived here ever since. Shortly after arriving, Marcia went to work for the Othello School District, driving school bus for 32 years.

Marcia retired from that position in 2006 and started thinking about what she would do next. She learned about an opening in the dietary department at Othello Community Hospital.

“I applied for that position and was hired,” she said. “Later, a position opened up in central services, and I transferred to that area. Then, I was asked if I might like to work in sterile processing in addition to central service.”

Marcia was given training for that position. Along the way she obtained certification in materials management. Her next move was to undergo training for scrub nurse, a position she has come to love.

“It is an adventure,” she said. “Every day I learn new things.”

On May, 2012 Marcia discovered a lump in her breast. She went to work, had a mammogram, then an ultrasound followed by a needle biopsy. The following week the biopsy report came back positive for breast cancer. Her premonition was confirmed.

“My younger brother died from colon cancer, and I have two sisters with chronic lymphatic leukemia, as well as an aunt with breast cancer and several other aunts who have pancreatic cancer,” she said.

Because of her family history, Marcia chose to have a bilateral mastectomy.

“My sisters encouraged me to have reconstruction surgery,” she said. “I made a decision to do that and am so pleased that I did.”

Marcia made her decision about the reconstruction surgery prior to having the bilateral mastectomy. That made it easier for her surgeon to proactively plan for the following reconstruction surgery, which occurred about a year later.

Marcia has had chemo therapy, radiation and physical therapy to deal with the radiation scarring.

“I had my physical therapy with Nathan Gerber at Othello Hospital; my personal physician is Dr. Rebecca Loche at the Othello Family Clinic,” Marcia said.

Marcia has physical check-ups at three month intervals and continues to work in the hospital surgery department. She has remained positive throughout.

Marcia’s daughter Melissa questioned her about that one day – how she could remain so upbeat. Marcia recalled complaining about something to her mother when she was in middle school.

Her mother replied that everything in life has a positive side and a negative, side and we choose how we want to live. Marcia has made it her mantra in life.

“I have had amazing support from my family and friends, my church family and my place of employment,” she said. “I have felt carried by everyone’s love and prayers.”

Bougher plans to attend the Women’s Health Workshop sponsored by CBHA, Othello Community Hospital and the Othello Nazarene Church at the church on Thursday, Oct. 1 from 6-9 p.m. She will be on hand to visit with participants and answer questions.