05/28/2026
Tracey, of Brandenburg, admittedly had let her screening mammogram slip over the past few years, busy being a mom and a nurse. One morning, Tracey felt something in her breast, so she conferred with her co-workers and called her doctor. She and her doctor were trying to get her mammogram scheduled quickly, and Tracey said the only reason that she ended up at Harrison County Hospital was that she was able to get an appointment here the fastest.
After Tracey’s mammogram and diagnosis, she went to see an oncologist and asked for a referral to Dr. Karen Johnson Brunkhorst, here at HCH. Dr. Brunkhorst had done Tracey’s niece’s double mastectomy at another hospital, and Tracey had only heard how wonderful she was. Tracey said that it was by accident that she found Dr. Brunkhorst. While she had heard of her, it was having her mammogram at HCH that brought them together.
After consulting with Dr. Brunkhorst, Tracey wasn’t fully set on her plan and went to another surgeon. She felt like she didn’t connect with that surgeon and returned to Dr. Brunkhorst. After going over all of her options with Dr. Brunkhorst, on April 14, Tracey underwent a bilateral mastectomy with sentinel node biopsy at Harrison County Hospital and went home 19 hours later.
This week, we sat down with Tracey and Dr. Brunkhorst. Tracey just visited her oncologist, and this week she sees her radiation oncologist.
Tracey has had a great support system, which includes her friend, co-worker, and fellow nurse Abby, from Vine Grove, KY, who has accompanied her to many appointments. Abby admitted that when Tracey told her the plan, she doubted going to a small hospital to undergo this surgery. Tracey told her, “It’s okay, I have the best surgeon!” Abby came to that first appointment and expressed that she couldn’t believe that this beautiful hospital is located right here in Corydon.
Abby said she went home after meeting Dr. Brunkhorst and told her husband, “We now have a surgeon for our family in Harrison County!” Her husband replied, “Where is Harrison County?” Abby happily informed him about the “hidden gem of a hospital” that she and Tracey had discovered in Corydon.
Tracey and Abby agreed that Dr. Brunkhorst has been absolutely wonderful. “Dr. Brunkhorst is such an advocate for her patients. She’s able to get on the patient’s level and takes her work very personally.” Tracey and Abby described Dr. Brunkhorst as relatable, patient-focused, and a perfectionist.
Tracey, we wish you the best with your continued recovery and thank you for sharing your story of how our small, community hospital provided you with the best, most personal care during a trying time. 🩷