Breast cancer patients sings praises of Trinity Health Grand Rapids

Kathy Lucas is no stranger to medical care.

She was born with a rare genetic disease: Charcot-Marie-Tooth, named after the people who discovered it. Known as CMT, this progressive disease affects the peripheral nervous system. Over time, the nerves weaken, affecting sensation, muscle strength, and balance. It begins in the toes and fingers and eventually works toward the center of the body.

Kathy’s first breast cancer diagnosis
In 2014, at age 48, Kathy had a routine, screening mammogram. An area of concern was identified; she underwent a needle biopsy and was diagnosed with early staged, non-invasive cancer in her right breast. Luckily, she didn’t need chemo or radiation.

Kathy first cancer diagnosis in stride. "I have a strong faith, and I felt such peace from being lifted in prayers by my family, my friends and my church family,” she said.
After her diagnosis, she needed to choose where to receive care. 

Kathy lives in the Cadillac area, two hours away from the Trinity Health Grand Rapids Breast Center in the Trinity Health Richard J. Lacks Sr. Cancer Center. “When I was referred to Trinity Health in Grand Rapids and visited the center,” she said, “I knew it was where I was supposed to be.”

Kathy met with her team and chose to have a mastectomy and reconstruction. 

“I had a nine-and-a-half-hour surgery which included the mastectomy and reconstruction. We all figured it would be one and done. My healing process was quick and complete, and my reconstructed breast looked amazing,” Kathy said.

Kathy’s second breast cancer diagnosis
On Dec. 3, 2024, Kathy happened to rub her hand across her left breast and felt a lump through her shirt and bra. Hoping it was benign, she immediately made an appointment with her local primary care physician in Cadillac. Under the direction of her PCP, Kathy underwent diagnostic testing locally.  

“I had an ultrasound and diagnostic mammogram, and the tests revealed the lump was not a cyst, like we had hoped,” she shared.

To be certain about the diagnosis, a radiologist performed a needle biopsy.

Two days before Christmas in 2024, Kathy, age 58, learned she had stage two, grade three, triple negative, breast cancer.

Kathy and her family were once again faced with the decision, where would they go for Kathy to receive treatment for this breast cancer?  They again chose Trinity Health, Grand Rapids Breast Center.

With an all fellowship-trained female breast oncology team, and as a certified as a center of excellence, they would have the expertise to evaluate her. The breast oncology team physicians are members of the Cancer Network of West Michigan, which is a collaboration between UM Health-West and Trinity Health Grand Rapids and Muskegon. This network offers patients access to leading specialists, clinical trials, and the latest cancer treatments.

Kathy’s care team
The first step was to meet with a breast surgeon to learn more about her treatment options. Kathy was referred to and met with Jamie Caughran, MD.

Dr. Caughran recalls: “I met with Kathy and made a recommendation for neoadjuvant chemotherapy (chemo before surgery) because of her triple negative tumor subtype. This was very different from her cancer on the opposite breast in 2014. This allowed us to perform genetic testing and plan her surgery with plastic surgery with optimal timing.”

Next, Kathy and her family would meet with an oncologist, Heidi Egloff, MD at Lacks Cancer Center. Kathy knew that any treatment would be complicated by her CMT. Kathy assumed that she would need support with her, to advocate for a treatment that considered her CMT. Kathy brought her “family tribe” to her appointment. 

Little did she know that Dr. Egloff would come prepared.

“Medicine is a process of lifelong learning,” said Dr. Egloff. “For me that included educating myself on CMT and potential risks of chemotherapy. Kathy’s treatment was specifically designed and modified to lower the risk of neuropathy, as this symptom can be more severe and even fatal in patients with CMT who receive chemotherapy.”

Kathy recalls: “Dr. Egloff came in, pulled up my chart on her computer, and then turned to face us. She said that based on what she had researched and studied she recommended a particular course of treatment. Dr. Egloff never had to look back at her notes. She had it all figured out.” Kathy and her family reflected on the appointment and remember feeling so confident that Kathy’s treatment plan was in good hands.

This time around, Kathy’s treatment would include four rounds of chemotherapy, followed by surgery, then five rounds of oral chemotherapy, and finally - reconstruction. By January 15, 2025, Kathy was ready to begin chemotherapy. 

In April, Kathy had another mastectomy, and she will complete her final reconstruction surgery this November. 

“Everyone who participated in my care — from those at the infusion center, the pre-op and post-op staff, the people at the breast center, my physicians — were amazing! I always felt that they genuinely cared about me,” she said.

Much of Kathy’s treatment was during the winter, so she was grateful to have the option and convenience of staying at Sophia’s House, which was designed to serve the needs of patients and their families while they receive treatment at Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital. Patients who have confirmed treatments or procedures can reserve a room at Sophia's House in advance.

“It was such a Godsend to have Sophia’s House just across the street from the cancer center. We stayed there a few times, and it made our lives easier and decreased the stress of travelling the morning of a treatment or procedure.”

Kathy’s sage advice
If she could speak to a woman recently diagnosed with breast cancer, these would be her bits of wisdom:

•    I would recommend the Lacks Cancer Center to anyone and everyone.  It’s an amazing place!
•    Stay positive, because a positive attitude helps a lot.
•    Don’t deny others the opportunity to minister to you with their gifts. You won’t be able to do it all alone. 

Looking forward
“Kathy completed her treatment with remarkable resilience, grace, and positivity surrounded by a very involved and loving family to support,” said Dr. Egloff. “She is doing well in her survivorship phase of her journey.”

Dr. Caughran is also hopeful about Kathy’s future. “Kathy recovered beautifully after her surgery. The information we gained from re-testing her tumor after chemo will help us customize her treatment and ultimately improve her outcomes. I look forward to seeing her resume her normal life with this cancer behind her.”

Kathy’s positive attitude bodes well for her future. 

“I know God’s got me. He knows the future. I look forward to growing old healthy.”

Many reputable organizations recommend that women with average risk schedule their first annual mammogram screening at age 40. The Trinity Health Breast Center in Grand Rapids also offers breast MRI for women at high risk. A cash pay breast MRI option is available for women not covered by insurance and women with dense breasts. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, ask us about the new screening recommendations. Schedule your mammogram through MyChart patient portal or call 855-559-7179.

Learn more about Breast Cancer Symptoms and Risk Factors and Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis.

 

Read: Grand Rapids patient thought it was a cyst, not breast cancer