By Christine Walker
One night, Kathryn Kelly, 31, went to sleep as usual. The next morning, she woke up and felt a lump next to her sternum. Concerned it might be heart-related, she sought medical attention. What followed was her first-ever mammogram—and with it, a diagnosis of Stage One breast cancer.
Kelly underwent an ultrasound and biopsy with breast surgical oncologist Jessica Burgers, M.D., at the Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center at Holy Cross Health in Fort Lauderdale, where a team-based approach guided her through every step of her care journey.
Kelly was stunned to learn it was cancer. “For my age, I could have gone years without knowing. There was no pain. I just went to sleep, woke up and felt a lump,” she explained.
Routine mammography is typically recommended to start at age 40. “Kathryn was a good advocate for her own health by performing self-exams and bringing this quickly to her primary care physician’s attention,” praised Dr. Burgers.
The Role of the Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Team
At Holy Cross Health, the multidisciplinary breast cancer team plays a pivotal role in patient care. This group reviews complex cases and develops personalized treatment plans with input from a wide range of specialists: oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, genetic counselors, oncology nurses, registered dietitians, social workers and clinical trial experts.
“We don’t just treat a disease—we treat a person,” said Dr. Burgers. “Treatment planning involves collaborative decision-making across surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. We also integrate support services like genetic counseling and emotional care.”
A dedicated Nurse Navigator helps coordinate appointments, answer questions and provide emotional support, ensuring patients never feel alone. Kelly’s story is a testament to the power of teamwork, compassion and communication in healing.
Finding Support and Showing Up for Herself
“It was my first mammogram and my first surgery ever,” Kelly shared. “I was nervous and scared. I have my kids, family and friends, but when it comes down to it, it’s just you and the doctor. You have to have faith and trust that you’ll come through on the other side.”
And she did. After a lumpectomy and breast reduction surgery, also known as an oncoplastic breast surgery, Kelly continues her treatment with a daily chemotherapy pill, prescribed for 60 months.
Although hesitant at first, Kelly now attends weekly support sessions at Gilda’s Club, often bringing her children along. There, she connects with other survivors and finds strength to continue her journey.
“It was like an out-of-body experience,” she said as retelling her story. “I kind of checked out. Then I told myself, ‘You’re always there for your family and friends. It’s time to show up for yourself.’”
Accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, the Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center is also certified by the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative, an affiliate of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), for meeting the highest standards for quality cancer care and rigorous safety measures established by ASCO and the Oncology Nursing Society. Learn more at HolyCrossCancer.com.