In early January 2025, Grinnell resident Marcia Puls felt something odd in her breast and called her family doctor. After an examination, her provider referred her for a mammogram at UnityPoint Health – Grinnell Regional Medical Center. The mammogram came back positive for a suspicious finding, so Puls had a biopsy done, which revealed stage two breast cancer.
Heading to Cedar Rapids for Coordinated Cancer Care
After receiving the news, Puls knew exactly where she wanted to receive her care – at the Nassif Community Cancer Center in Cedar Rapids.
“I have two daughters who live in Cedar Rapids, including one who works at St. Luke’s,” shared Puls. “I’ve heard so many good things about the Community Cancer Center.”
Upon deciding to receive care at the Community Cancer Center, Puls was connected with her care coordinator Mona Cook, BSN, RN, CBCN. A care coordinator is a patient’s constant point of contact, there to help schedule appointments, answer questions and navigate the overall cancer journey.
“My husband, daughters and I met with Mona, and she talked us through everything that was going to happen,” said Puls. “She was so caring and personable. This journey was an emotional rollercoaster, but she was very good at putting me at ease.”
Surgery, Chemo and Radiation
Puls underwent surgery in mid-March. Kerri Nowell, MD, FACS, with Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa General Surgery, performed a lumpectomy – a procedure to remove the cancerous tumor.
“Dr. Nowell was very pleasant and talked me through everything and got me set up for surgery,” recalled Puls. “We went ahead with the procedure, then I was scheduled to see my oncologist.”
Puls’ medical oncologist, Rasa Buntinas, MD, with Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa Hematology and Oncology, oversaw her chemotherapy treatment. This consisted of four sessions, three weeks apart, and lasted from late April to late June.
“Dr. Buntinas and her team were super and very professional,” said Puls. “Melissa, her nurse, coordinates everything and makes sure you have a written summary of all your appointments, so you never wonder what’s next.”
Following chemo, Puls had a month-long break before starting radiation treatment at St. Luke’s Nassif Radiation Center, overseen by her radiation oncologist Candace Correa, MD. This included 20 sessions of radiation therapy, Monday through Friday, for four weeks. Those wrapped up in early September, marking the end of Puls’ treatment.
Genetic Testing Provides Peace of Mind
During her cancer journey, Puls also took advantage of the Community Cancer Center’s Genetics and Cancer Risk Assessment Clinic. There she met with Genetics Nurse Practitioner Melissa Janssen, MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC, to find out if she carried hereditary cancer genes.
“I have two daughters, so I wanted to make sure there was nothing genetic,” she said. “The test came back negative so that was good. Melissa was very informative when explaining the results.”
Comprehensive Cancer Care Under One Roof Makes for “Good Experience”
When reflecting on her journey, Puls recalls how convenient it was to have everything she needed in the same building, and how beneficial that is for patients like her as they navigate a difficult diagnosis.
“Living in a small town, I’ve gone to other bigger cities for medical care, and they always have you running around town to see the doctors you need to see,” she said. “With the Community Cancer Center, everything you need is on the first or second floor. You can schedule all your appointments in one day and you never have to wait very long for them. For having an unfortunate diagnosis like cancer, they make it a good experience.”
Marcia’s Message: Be Screened and Listen to Your Body
Puls wants those who read her story to take a proactive approach to their healthcare by being screened when eligible and having suspicious lumps checked out by their doctor.
“I was guilty of not going in for my mammogram for the past three years,” she shared. “When I saw the images, the spot showed up really bright, and I thought, ‘Why was I not getting my mammograms?’ When I felt that odd sensation in my breast, it didn’t feel how I thought a lump would feel. My advice is if you feel anything questionable, have it checked out right away.”
Experienced Breast Cancer Care
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, or any type of cancer, the Nassif Community Cancer is here for you. For more information on our extensive offering of support services, call (319) 558-4876 or visit communitycancercenter.org.
Get Your Annual Screening Mammogram
It’s recommended women start with a baseline mammogram between the ages of 35-40, then begin annual screening mammograms at age 40, or sooner if there’s a family history of breast cancer. To schedule your mammogram, talk to your healthcare provider or call (319) 369-7216 to make an appointment at one of St. Luke’s Breast and Bone Health’s three convenient locations. St. Luke’s Breast and Bone Health also offers walk-in mammograms Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., with a doctor’s order.
