Be Your Own Hero + Biggest Advocate - Renietta Obrecht
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Renietta Obrecht and her husband, Chuck, live a life filled with love, family, and farming. With four children — Reanna (22), Ryleigh (20), Cheyenne (16), and Coy (14) — Renietta finds joy in raising them on their acreage near Jacksonville, where they farm crops and Purebred Shorthorn Cattle. The family’s weekends are often spent at fairs and jackpots, showcasing their hard work and dedication as their children show cattle and pigs.
In November 2023, after facing the unexpected loss of her 28-year career in quality assurance in the meat industry, Renietta made a pivotal decision to prioritize her well-being and focus on her health. So she started by scheduling a physical and her very first mammogram at the age of 50 — a decision that would alter the course of her life. She decided to schedule her first ever mammogram with Myrtue Medical Center’s Diagnostic Imaging team. An abnormal area was detected, leading to a series of tests that confirmed the unthinkable.
Receiving the call from her doctor on December 29, 2023, was a moment that forever etched itself into her memory. Renietta was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Stage 1B/2A, in her right breast. With no family history of cancer, Renietta felt a mix of disbelief and fear. She swiftly began consultations with her oncology team, which revealed additional areas requiring further examination. After a series of biopsies, her journey continued with a lumpectomy in February 2024, where they removed lymph nodes for testing. Fortunately, her lymph nodes and the margins around the cancer were clear, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty.
As she navigated her new reality, Renietta faced another hurdle — the decision about chemotherapy. With an oncotype score of 15, indicating a low risk of recurrence, she was relieved to not have to perform a chemotherapy regimen, so the next step was to begin a series of radiation therapy. In the weeks to follow, Renietta endured 19 rounds of radiation, and she remembers how much her strength was tested, but her spirit was unwavering. May 20, 2024, marked the end of her radiation journey, but it was just the beginning of a new chapter involving medication to combat recurrence.
Throughout this experience, Renietta learned the importance of asking questions and seeking help. She realized that the emotional and physical toll of her journey was something she did not have to shoulder alone. Her family's motto — "TOUGHER TOGETHER" — became her mantra, reminding her of the strength they shared in the face of adversity.
As Renietta reflects on her journey, she emphasizes the importance of early detection, and the power of communication. “Don’t be afraid to get a mammogram; it doesn’t hurt,” she advises other women. “And don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.”
Now, seven months post-surgery and three months into her medication, Renietta continues to embrace life with resilience and grace. She finds peace in her hobbies, including crocheting, quilting, and crafting, all while cherishing the time spent with her family, who remain her greatest support. Renietta's story is one of courage, hope, and the unwavering belief that together, they can face whatever challenges come their way.
