Saint Luke’s Hospital Koontz Center for Advanced Breast Cancer

09/12/2025

Dana’s cancer journey began in August 2022 when persistent stomach issues brought him to Saint Luke’s Community Hospital in Roeland Park, Kansas. A CT scan revealed a cancerous mass nearly completely blocking his entire colon. He was transferred to Saint Luke's North Hospital where Dr. Ben Kulow, a colorectal surgeon, performed surgeries to address the blockage.

Unfortunately, Dana’s cancer had spread to his liver, where tumors had released high serotonin levels that damaged his heart valve. Dr. Marc Roth, a gastrointestinal oncologist, prescribed lanreotide injections to help control the tumors and lower serotonin—but this was only a temporary solution.

In November 2024, Dana received open-heart surgery to replace his tricuspid valve, which was around the same time Dr. Roth started discussing LUTATHERA®, a targeted radioactive therapy specifically for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) found in the gut or pancreas. This leading-edge treatment destroys the cancer cells causing serotonin spikes while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

Through Dr. Sunpreet Rakhra, a radiation oncologist, Dana became Saint Luke’s first-ever LUTATHERA recipient. After two treatments, his serotonin levels dropped dramatically—from 2,200 nanograms per milliliter to a normal 170.

“It sounds scary to be the guinea pig,” Dana says, “But I actually felt honored that I had the privilege and opportunity. Hopefully this therapy can help somebody else along the way, too.”

Dana’s treatment journey has been guided by a collaborative team of diverse medical experts whose combined knowledge and specialized skills have ensured every aspect of his care is carefully managed. While there is no cure for NET, Dana has still been able to travel the world since LUTATHERA. He says it’s a blessing he’s still able to go on these adventures.

“Planning trips has been good therapy for me,” he says. “I like planning and figuring out where we’re going to go next.”

Check out Dana's full story: https://heyor.ca/CXHoHN

09/10/2025

More than 250 Saint Luke’s team members came together to make a difference at this year’s Head For The Cure 5K in Kansas City! 🏃

The team raised more than $30,000 to support brain tumor research, raise awareness, and foster hope within our community. Funds raised will directly benefit Saint Luke’s patients through groundbreaking research and advancements in brain tumor care at Saint Luke's Marion Bloch Neuroscience Institute.

This year, neuro-oncologist Dr. Samuel Goldlust presented three Saint Luke's patients with the Courage Award—recognizing them for their strength and resilience.

We are grateful to everyone who joined us to support this important cause. 💙

09/09/2025

Dr. Megan Mayer from Saint Luke's Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists recently kicked off yoga at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts by speaking about how yoga can benefit people at every stage of life.

Yoga is more than just a workout—it promotes flexibility, stability, and mental wellness while helping build a strong core that supports balance and protects joints. Because it’s a low-impact activity, yoga can be an important tool in recovery from pain or injury, and even some of Dr. Mayer’s surgical patients use it as part of their healing process. For those with conditions like arthritis, yoga offers a way to stay active without the strain of high-impact exercise.

No matter your age or ability, the goal is simple: keep moving to support both your body and your mind for lifelong health.

09/08/2025

As families recently posted their back-to-school photos and chalkboard signs, we wanted to get in on the action to celebrate the spirit of health care, where learning never stops.

Many of our team members have been in health care for years, even decades. From navigating new technology to figuring out life lessons, the learning that happens day in and day out helps shape who we are. Check out some of our longtime team members' colorful responses.

09/04/2025

When Saint Luke's Muriel I. Kauffman Women's Heart Center and Saint Luke's Cancer Institute join forces to educate our community on the importance of women's health, the result is a Gem of a Night!

The inaugural Saint Luke's Gem of a Night event brought a full house to the luxurious Meierotto Jewelers with bejeweled flowers, live music, and a picturesque balloon display provided by Up, Up & Away! Cardiologist Dr. Tracy Stevens and breast radiologist Dr. Ruby Meierotto gave eye-opening presentations about heart and breast health.

Together, we’re empowering women with knowledge, sparking conversations, and shining a brighter light on the future of women’s health.

09/03/2025

This calls for a celebration! Terry, a medical lab scientist at Saint Luke's South Hospital, recently reached her 50th work anniversary with Saint Luke's. She started at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City in 1975 and transferred to South in 2011.

"I like my job. I feel like this is the best system to work for," said Terry. "It's the family atmosphere. We know about everybody we pass in the hallway, and we call them by their name. I like that. I'm not ready to retire yet. This is still my happy place."

Cheers to you, Terry! Thank you for your years—decades!—of service. 💙

09/02/2025

Dr. Elizabeth Grier’s interest in math and science led her to a career in medicine. In college, she loved learning about the heart in her physiology classes. Today, she is a Saint Luke’s interventional cardiologist.

“I specifically developed an interest in interventional cardiology because I really like working with my hands and appreciate the variety that comes with working in the cath lab,” said Dr. Grier. “I get to do a lot of different procedures, so no two days are completely alike.”

Dr. Grier treats a wide range of heart conditions, including valve repairs and replacements. She has a special interest in helping patients who were born with heart defects because she enjoys the challenge of working with their unique anatomy. Her role at Saint Luke's allows her to participate in important clinical research that is advancing the field.

“The field of structural interventions is rapidly evolving, which allows us to incorporate new technologies today that weren’t available even a year or two ago,” she said. “I feel it is important to take a patient-centered approach, incorporating the values and preferences of the patient and their family into their care decisions.”

At the end of the day when she takes off her lab coat, Dr. Grier is most likely reading a book or riding on her Peloton. She is also learning Spanish, a skill that will undoubtedly be useful with patients.

08/29/2025

Jaylen will play his first football game as a college athlete at MoWest tomorrow. Two years ago, he broke his collarbone during practice on his high school team, and playing in college seemed like it may never happen. He feared for the future of his football career—until he got a second opinion from Dr. Larry Frevert at Saint Luke's Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists.

Watch the FOX4 News Kansas City story about this college freshman's big comeback: https://heyor.ca/bLtQfW

08/27/2025

Ten years ago, doctors estimated Melissa had about three years to live.

In March 2015, Melissa was experiencing severe headaches. On March 25, the pain became overwhelming, and her husband Don called for help. An ambulance took Melissa to Wright Memorial Hospital, and an MRI revealed Melissa had glioblastoma—a serious form of cancer that originates in the brain with a five-year survival rate of about 5%.

Melissa was sent to Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City for emergency surgery, followed by chemo, radiation, and rehab. Ten years later, Melissa, 68, has recovered physically, emotionally, and spiritually—and now greets each day with excitement.

“I wake up smiling, and it carries with me,” Melissa says. “It's in everything you see, every song you hear. It's everywhere.”

In 2023, Melissa began seeing Dr. Samuel Goldlust, a neuro-oncologist, for continuing care.

"Dr. Goldlust is very impressive," Don said. "He took the time to understand our history before entering the room."

Though Melissa has physical limitations and had to relearn to speak, she embraces what her body can manage and cherishes time she once feared she’d lose. Melissa and Don recently saw their son graduate from Kansas State University summa cm laude—another one of those little moments that mean so much.

Melissa and Don saw firsthand how Saint Luke’s stands apart through our dedication to advanced cancer research and treatments. With support from generous donors, we deliver leading-edge care to thousands of patients. 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲: https://heyor.ca/Ji6lOs

08/26/2025

Happy to our beloved Saint Luke's Rehabilitation Institute facility dog, Henli! You bring joy, hope, and comfort to patients every day and motivate them to work hard. Thank you for reminding us of the healing power of unconditional love. 💙 🐾

08/22/2025

Summer sunshine offers many joys—but it also comes with some risks. Skin cancer remains the most common type of cancer in the U.S., affecting 1 in 5 individuals.

Dr. Megan McNally, a surgical oncologist at Saint Luke's Cancer Institute, emphasizes sun protection strategies and the crucial role of early detection. Watch her conversation with KCTV5 News Kansas City to learn how to protect your skin: https://heyor.ca/SM8H5E

Megan McNally, MD, a surgical oncologist with Saint Luke's Cancer Institute, shares tips on sun protection and early skin cancer detection.

08/21/2025

Dr. B. Todd Moore recently completed his 2,000th robotic surgery at Saint Luke's South Hospital! He performed the first robotic procedure at Saint Luke's South in 2016 and has seen the technology evolve firsthand.

Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive technique where the surgeon controls robotic arms from a remote console. It uses smaller incisions, improves precision, and leads to faster recovery for the patient. The program at Saint Luke’s South has grown exponentially in volume, case offerings, and multispecialty usage over the past nine years.

“I think it’s amazing how far we’ve come in regards to robotic surgery,” said Dr. Moore. “It is a significantly advantageous technology used not just by me and Saint Luke's Surgical Specialists, but by nearly all specialties at Saint Luke’s to offer the best care to our patients.”

Saint Luke’s offers a one-year fellowship for graduating surgeons to learn and master robotic surgery. Thanks in part to Dr. Moore’s work, general surgeons are being trained in these advanced procedures.

“The common misconception is that the 'robot' is performing the surgery,” Dr. Moore said. “The robot is simply a highly sophisticated piece of technology that we use. The surgeon is hands-on for the entire procedure.”

Saint Luke’s South is on pace to reach 3,500 robotic surgeries later this year. With Dr. Moore’s milestone and the program’s continued growth, Saint Luke’s South proudly stands at the forefront of robotic surgery, transforming lives today and shaping the future of patient care.

06/25/2025

Congratulations to Rich Liekweg, BJC Health System CEO, who announced his plans to retire on October 1, 2025, concluding an extraordinary career spanning almost 40 years in health care, the last 16 of which were devoted to BJC.

“It has been an honor to serve and lead our team members these past 16 years as they deliver exceptional care to our patients and communities,” said Rich. “Together, we successfully navigated through unprecedented times in the industry, never losing sight of our singular purpose to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve. I am deeply proud of our caregivers, the culture we have created, and the values we share that place the patient at the center of all we do.”

BJC is pleased to announce that Nick Barto, current BJC Health System President, will succeed Rich as President and CEO of BJC Health System.

“I am honored to be selected to succeed Rich Liekweg as BJC Health System’s President and CEO,” said Nick. “I look forward to working with our 47,000 team members to build on Rich’s vision that grew BJC into a super-regional health care leader, to continue to provide extraordinary care to the communities we serve, and to position BJC as a mission-oriented academic health care leader for all future generations.”

Read more here: https://heyor.ca/j1yUMR

10/13/2024

Today is National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals battling this devastating disease.

Saint Luke's Koontz Center stands together to honor the fighters and those we've lost to metastatic breast cancer. This day is a reminder that more than the MBC ribbons, it’s about research, support, and hope for better treatments and a cure. Together, we can uplift one another and continue to raise awareness.

Join us on a healing retreat for MBC patients Nov. 8-10. Learn more and enroll now: https://heyor.ca/FQtv8U

10/09/2024

Mackenzie is the primary outpatient rehabilitation specialist at the Koontz Center. She treats patients through the cancer care journey to identify problem areas caused by their cancer and address them through physical therapy and education.

"I find that the most challenging aspect of this type of cancer care is the duration of treatment and the changes it has on the body," said Mackenzie. "I think it’s essential that we get patients educated early in their diagnosis on the importance of exercise and how this can impact their functional levels."

Mackenzie came to Saint Luke's in 2012 after earning her doctorate in physical therapy. She has a strong desire to help people and enjoys working with oncology patients, many of whom become friends. Her career gives her lots of perspective about resiliency and having a positive attitude no matter what you face.

"Research shows that patients who regularly achieve the American Cancer Society's exercise guidelines do better demonstrating less fatigue, improved quality of life, and overall survivorship."

09/19/2024

Our Saint Luke's Koontz Center for Advanced Breast Cancer retreats are a chance for women and men with metastatic breast cancer to get away and experience renewal and connection.

Participants experience community by bonding and learning from one another about how to deal with the chronic nature of this disease.

Enroll today for our 2024 Singles Retreat Nov. 8-10: saintlukeskc.org/koontzretreat

07/08/2024

Whether you're just beginning your journey with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) or have been navigating it for some time, proper nutrition is crucial and can present unique challenges.

Join us tomorrow for an informative session with registered dietitian Dayane Parker, RDN, LD. Dayane will share the latest recommendations on cancer and nutrition, providing valuable insights to support your health and well-being. Don't miss this opportunity! Dayane’s enthusiasm and positive approach to nutrition will empower and guide you on your cancer journey.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4brr1UU

07/01/2024

Summer travel plans can be fun, exciting, and a much-needed break. Our nurse navigator, Janie Metsker, has some travel tips that with a bit of careful planning can help your trip go smoothly with metastatic breast cancer.

1. Discuss travel plans with your oncologist. 🗣️
2. Keep a detailed list of your medications, dosages, and your doctor’s contact information. 📋
3. Refill your prescriptions early so you have enough doses for the trip. 💊
4. Pack all necessary medications, medical supplies, and supportive medications for symptom management. 💼
5. Stay hydrated! 💧
6. Listen to your body. Take rest breaks. 🛌
7. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen with a high SPF. ☀️
8. If flying, contact the airline in advance for any special considerations such as a wheelchair at the gate and transportation to another gate. ✈️
9. TSA recommends calling their helpline 72 hours prior to your flight if you have any concerns about getting through the security checkpoint. 👮
10. Wear compression stockings and walk around frequently on car trips or flights to avoid blood clots. 🚶
11. Know what medical facilities are in the area of your destination. 🏥
12. Read more about flying with cancer here: https://bit.ly/3zboocc

06/03/2024

Summer is here! Our lymphedema therapist, Jannell Thome, has some tips for those at risk of lymphedema to avoid injuries that can trigger swelling:

1. Drink plenty of water. 💦
2. Apply lotion daily. 💧
3. Use sunscreen and reapply as directed. ☀️
4. Use skin-friendly but effective mosquito and tick repellent. 🐝
5. Wear gloves when gardening (and long sleeves if needed). 🌻
6. Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat. 🌡️
7. Clean any cuts or scrapes and keep them covered. 🤕

If you notice the limb on the affected side feels heavy, achy, fatigued, or tingly, stop what you’re doing, rest, elevate the arm, and drink lots of water. If the symptoms continue, contact your oncologist to discuss a potential referral to lymphedema therapy.

05/24/2024

A breast cancer diagnosis brings not just physical challenges, but also mental and emotional ones. Anxiety, depression, insomnia, sexual health concerns, and end-of-life planning are common factors.

At the Koontz Center, our licensed psychologists, Dr. Kadie Harry and Dr. Becky Hunter, are here to cater to those specific needs. We believe in more than just treating cancer—our team is dedicated to caring for the whole woman.

Learn more about our supportive oncology and rehabilitation services: https://bit.ly/4bPbNK0

05/20/2024

Mackenzie, our Koontz Center oncology physical therapist, encourages patients to go for a walk to feel better during active treatment.

New research shows positive benefits in stage IV breast cancer patients performing a walking intervention at home without supervision while on active treatment.

Read the full study in the National Library of Medicine: https://bit.ly/3Ubl2Or

04/30/2024

Trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu) is an antibody drug conjugate currently approved for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) that is either HER2 positive or HER2 Low as determined by an immunohistochemistry (IHC) test staining the cancer cells.

Results from a new clinical trial suggest that MBC patients who no longer respond to anti-estrogen treatments may benefit from trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu) rather than chemotherapy if they have any HER2 at all. This potentially would expand the potential benefits of trastuzumab deruxtecan to 85 percent of all MBC patients.

Read more: https://bit.ly/44j10oN

04/10/2024

Nearly all individuals with metastatic breast cancer experience some level of distress as they navigate uncertainty about the future, ongoing treatments, financial stressors, relational tension, end-of-life decisions, and countless other sources of stress. Distress commonly increases prior to imaging scans, and the term “scanxiety” has been coined to describe this common experience.

At the Koontz Center, we ask patients to rate distress so we can address concerns and provide interventions. Our Nurse Navigator, Janie Metsker, guides patients to our Koontz Center oncology team of experts and to community resources, such as Gilda’s Club of Kansas City.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3xtFTn9

04/08/2024

Koontz Center patients love getting to know Shelby, an advanced practice provider. She works closely with oncologists to help patients undergoing active treatment and educates patients and families on treatment plans.

“We believe in more than just treating the cancer—we focus on a wholesome approach to care,” said Shelby. “What makes the Koontz Center’s approach unique is we have a singular goal of improving outcomes and quality of life in patients with advanced breast cancer.”

Shelby’s career began as a nurse in Texas before starting at Saint Luke’s as a nurse clinician in the ambulatory clinic. After earning her master’s degree, she returned to Saint Luke’s, where she thoroughly enjoys working with oncology patients.

“These women are in a very vulnerable state and need providers that harbor empathy and sympathy for each situation they face in their journey.”

Shelby says she loves working with a great interdisciplinary team, but her favorite part is celebrating each individual patient success. 💙