Kidney disease diagnosis leads to life-saving cancer detection for Elkhart General patient
Gail Green’s healthcare journey has had more twists and turns than she could have imagined. Focused on addressing problems with her kidneys, cancer was not top of mind. Ironically, her kidney problems may have saved her life from breast cancer.
Facing stage 4 kidney failure, Gail needed a transplant. She was fortunate that a relative who was a match for her generously agreed to donate a kidney.
As part of the preparation for the transplant, Gail needed to undergo a series of tests to ensure there were no other health issues that could cause problems. One of these is a screening mammogram.
Gail’s last mammogram had been nearly 10 years prior, but she wasn’t worried. She thought to herself, “This is going to be easy. No big deal.”
And the mammogram was indeed easy – but the radiologist found a mass. After a biopsy was taken, her diagnosis was confirmed: Gail had breast cancer.
Dr. Jamie O’Rear, general, breast and trauma surgeon, Beacon Medical Group Surgical Services Elkhart, wanted to see her in two days.
“Elkhart General Hospital was amazing. They were on it,” Gail said. The next step was to have a small magnetic clip placed in the tumor. The clip would help Dr. O’Rear find and remove the cancerous tissue from Gail’s breast.
Due to the early stage and small size of the tumor, Gail was able to undergo breast-conserving therapy that included a lumpectomy to remove the tumor and a lymph node biopsy to see whether the cancer had spread beyond the breast. She needed just two small incisions, rather than a complete removal of her breast.
“This is a smaller surgery, with minimal downtime,” said Dr. O’Rear, who is also Medical Director of Breast Oncology at Elkhart General Hospital. “Not only is it aesthetically preferable to mastectomy, but it is ideal to have a less invasive surgery for patients who, like Gail, have other medical co-morbidities.”
Co-morbidities like Gail’s kidney problems increase the risks that come with surgery, and Dr. O’Rear’s approach meant minimal time under anesthesia and a faster recovery overall.
After her surgeries, Gail received some great news: She would not need chemotherapy. Instead, she underwent radiation therapy as a precaution to help ensure the cancer doesn’t return.
“It was nonaggressive, and they caught it in time,” Gail said with relief. She appreciated Elkhart’s team approach, the kindness of her caregivers and the speed of her treatment.
“Wow, it was so fast. I really thank them for that,” she said. “There’s a whole group of people. They were nice, kind and understanding, and they held my hand through the process. It’s an amazing team. They work well together and get things done.”
Gail’s breast cancer may have delayed her kidney transplant, but she considers herself lucky. If the mammogram hadn’t been a requirement, she says she probably wouldn’t have gotten one for another two or three years. And if her cancer had been more advanced, she might have needed chemotherapy, which could further damage her kidneys.
After her experience, Gail is eager to urge other not to skip or delay their screening mammograms.
“I’m just trying to spread the word to my family and anyone that will listen: Get a mammogram,” Gail said. “I just want women to be safe and catch it early. It’s usually covered by insurance. Whatever is recommended for you, don’t delay. Get it done.”
