Jacque Burkhart’s Breast Cancer Battle

After Jacque had a routine mammogram performed on March 28th, the clinic called and scheduled her to return and repeat the procedure so that they could get a better look, and possibly perform an ultrasound. On April 9th she had the second mammogram and the ultrasound, at which time the biopsy was scheduled for the same week on April 12th. After the biopsy was positive, Jacque underwent a double mastectomy surgery on May 7th with hopes that would be the end of her breast cancer journey.

Overall Jac reported having very little pain from the surgery - probably a 2 out of 10. She has drainage tubes and these will stay in place until the drainage has significantly subsided.

Unfortunately, Jacque’s lymph nodes were a concern, and 2 of the 4 they took during surgery were positive for cancer. This means that the breast cancer has moved beyond the original location and entered the lymphatic system. She meets with the oncologist to discuss chemo on May 21st, and is planning on starting radiation on the 23rd. The treatment plan could include another surgery to remove more lymph nodes for further testing, radiation, chemotherapy, or all of these. Jac has a long road ahead of her so please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Jacque will miss the rest of the school year at Ames High School, and of course her main concern is for her students, as her absence will leave a big hole in the success plans of the most in need students. But we are also concerned that Jacque will be without a paycheck from the school for the entire month of June, and cannot work her part-time job at all for the foreseeable future.

We know that there are friends and family wanting to help out as Jacque continues to fight breast cancer, and we are grateful for the support! If you would like to drop off a meal, that would be appreciated!  Being a single mom of a 17 year old means keeping the kitchen stocked is no easy feat! Cards, letters, gift cards for grocery stores or restaurants, gas cards to get to her numerous doctor appts, or anything else to help her cover expenses can be mailed to

Jacque Burkhart

308 Gerald Street 

Madrid, IA 50156

Let’s rally around Jacque and help her and Ayden through this fight! No one fights alone!