Nell Trimble {Broward Health}
For more than two decades, Nell Trimble, RN, has cared for mothers and their newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit at Broward Health Medical Center.
This year, the longtime neonatal nurse and lactation consultant found herself on the other side of care after being diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma, a lesser-known form of breast cancer.
Trimble, 67, a Coral Springs resident, is familiar with battling serious illness. More than 12 years ago, she was treated at Broward Health Imperial Point for ovarian cancer, undergoing surgery and chemotherapy. With a personal and family history — her sister is also a breast cancer survivor — Trimble stayed vigilant about her health.
“I always encourage people to get regular exams,” Trimble said. “If you are diagnosed with any form of cancer, gather all the information that’s available and act quickly so you can make an informed, educated decision.”
Last Thanksgiving, Trimble underwent a routine mammogram that returned a negative result. She also tested negative twice for the BRCA gene mutation. But when she still felt something was off, she sought a second opinion from Dr. Nicholas Tranakas, a surgical oncologist at Broward Health. He ordered a biopsy, which confirmed the presence of invasive lobular carcinoma, a breast cancer subtype that can be more difficult to detect because tumors often grow in a linear, sheet-like formation rather than forming a lump.
Given the cancer’s nature and her risk factors, Trimble chose to undergo a bilateral mastectomy rather than a partial lumpectomy.
“My number one goal was to get the cancer out of my body as quickly as possible, so I scheduled my surgery as soon as I possibly could,” she said.
Following a successful double mastectomy at Broward Health Imperial Point, Trimble returned to work just two and a half months later. She credits her quick recovery to the care she received and her determination to resume helping others.
“It felt a little different as a patient being cared for in the hospital,” Trimble said. “I am used to being the one taking care of patients. But after one overnight stay, I was ready to go home and heal.”
Trimble’s prognosis remains positive. She continues treatment through an oral chemotherapy regimen and encourages others to advocate for their health, even when initial test results appear normal.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Broward Health is offering screening mammograms for $75 throughout October. The rate applies to women ages 40 to 74 who are self-pay, uninsured, or underinsured. No prescription is required. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 954-759-7500 and mentioning “MammoThon.”
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