Wisconsin Woman Thrives After New Lung Cancer Treatment

After battling cancer for 40 years, Lynn Wassmann thought she knew what recovery felt like—until a new treatment changed everything.

The 68-year-old Menasha woman recently became one of the first patients in Wisconsin to receive lung cancer treatment using the Aliya Pulsed Electric Field system at ThedaCare. Unlike traditional methods, this technology uses high-voltage electrical currents instead of heat or radiation to destroy tumor cells.

Wassmann's cancer journey began at 27 when doctors told her she needed a hysterectomy. "I just kind of sat there stunned, went outside, cried for 10 minutes in my car, took a deep breath and said, 'OK, let's move on,'" she recalled.

That determination carried her through breast cancer, melanoma, two rounds of leukemia, and three separate lung cancer diagnoses. Years of working in landscaping without proper protective equipment, combined with a history of smoking, likely contributed to her cancer risk.

When her latest imaging scan came back after the new procedure, Wassmann and her husband were amazed. "Our jaws hit the ground," she said.

The biggest surprise wasn't just the scan results. It was how quickly she felt ready to live again.

"I was sitting at home thinking, 'Good Lord. I could go for a 5-mile walk right now,'" Wassmann said. She described the procedure as "a cakewalk" compared to previous treatments.

Sunny's Take

What makes Wassmann's story special isn't just the medical innovation. It's what she plans to do with her gift of time.

She wants to return to longer walks through local nature areas and spend more hours tending her garden. She hopes to finally see the northern lights, visit Mackinac Island, and attend Jazz Fest.

Her oncologist, Dr. Joyce Philip, says patients like Wassmann inspire the entire care team. "When we sit across from patients who have such a zest for life, it motivates us," Philip said.

ThedaCare began offering the treatment in April, becoming the first health system in Wisconsin to use this technology for certain advanced soft-tissue cancers. The nonthermal approach means less damage to surrounding healthy tissue and faster recovery times.

Wassmann credits her medical team, family, and friends for helping her through every diagnosis. "They do so much for us," she said, thanking everyone from doctors to volunteers.

Rather than worry about what challenges might come next, Wassmann chooses to focus on what she can do today. "I want to enjoy every minute that is given to me," she said.

She's already planning her next adventure and finding joy in ordinary moments that now feel precious.