October 14, 2021
Olathe resident and real estate agent Bev Huff was fighting breast cancer long before she was diagnosed in November 2020. In the years leading up to her diagnosis, both Bev ’ s mom and aunt battled the disease. She followed their cancer journeys closely. When Bev was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (the most common type of breast cancer) on her aunt’s last day of cancer treatment, her world was turned upside down.
Although Bev had a family history of breast cancer, she didn’t carry a genetic mutation that caused breast cancer. She had done the genetic testing and annual mammograms, knowing she couldn’t be too careful. That’s why her annual mammogram last November felt routine.
"Things were different this time,” Bev said. “With my 60th birthday and 40th wedding anniversary on the horizon, I never saw this coming. That’s why screenings are key to the early detection of breast cancer.”
Routinely working long hours and springing into action to meet the needs of her buyers and sellers, Bev was used to turning on a dime. Despite the initial shock, Bev approached her breast cancer with the same attitude.
“She met her diagnosis with knowledge, accepting it and moving forward,” said Janet Matthias, a breast nurse navigator. “She went through her treatment with grace.
A very long year
Bev chose to get her treatment at The University of Kansas Cancer Center in Olathe after researching providers and meeting with doctors throughout the area.
“I felt most comfortable here,” Bev recalled. “The doctor s presented my treatment options and answered all my questions. I felt like we made a joint decision when it came to my treatment.”
Together, Bev and her care team devised a treatment plan comprised of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and long - term hormone modulation therapy (HMT). After her breast surgeon removed the small, aggressive tumor that sat against Bev's chest wall, her plastic surgeon completed her breast reconstruction.
Once recovered from surgery, Bev was slotted to begin chemotherapy. On the w ay to her first appointment, she started to feel ill. After driving straight to the emergency department at Olathe Hospital, Bev learned she was having a heart attack. The cardiologists treated this immediately by placing a stent to clear a 75% artery blockage, and Bev spent a few days recovering in the hospital before beginning chemotherapy in late March.
“My heart attack was unexpected and challenging,” Bev said. “But chemo – that was tough.”
Bev was extremely sensitive to her chemotherapy treatments and had to be monitored closely by staff during each session. Often sick and depleted after treatment, Bev’s care team was with her every step of the way. Whether it was Larry R. Corum, MD, Bev’s medical oncologist, calling at night to check in on her, or it was Kristi Mahanke, a chemotherapy nurse, shaving her head for breast cancer awareness, Bev felt enveloped in support.
Turning a corner
After completing surgery and chemotherapy, Bev began radiation with Bertram W. Maidment, III, MD, radiation oncologist. In July 2021, Bev finished her 20th, and final, radiation session, bringing her initial treatment course to a close. Although Bev is on long - term hormone modulation therapy for at least the next 5 years, she made it through the most difficult year of her life, something she can’t imagine doing without The University of Kansas Cancer Center team.
“The early detection of breast cancer saved my life. I lived to celebrate my 60th birthday and 40th wedding anniversary,” Bev said. “I made it here, and I am forever grateful for ‘today’.”
Wasting no time, Bev got back to work with her realty team. She got back to her husband and the life they’ve been building the last 4 decades. “Back” and eager to see what the future brings, Bev is an inspiration and agent for early breast cancer detection.
Early detection is the best protection. Schedule your mammogram today.
If you haven’t scheduled your annual mammogram, it’s time to get back on track. Seeing a provider is safe, and the best defense against breast cancer is early detection. Our experienced teams, including fellowship - trained breast radiologists, employ the latest mammography tools, and our imaging suites were designed with your comfort in mind.
Some warning signs of breast cancer include:
- New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit)
- Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
- Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
- Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood
- Any change in the size or shape of the breast
- Pain in any area of the breast