Breast cancer survivor grateful for personalized care at MercyOne

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Stacey Bales never thought a regular visit to her primary care provider in January 2022 would lead to her first mammogram. She never expected the results would change her life forever.

Stacey moved to Dubuque from Illinois in December 2020, when she started a new job as academic counselor and faculty member at Loras College’s Lynch Disability Resource and Cultural Center, where she helps students with disabilities develop professional skills as they pursue careers after graduation.

Just over a year later, Bales received a life-changing diagnosis.

“When I got the call, I was in shock and I fell apart. I was told that I had invasive ductal carcinoma and I quickly had to come to terms with what that meant and that my life was going to change. Little did I know just how much my life would change,” said Bales, whose breast cancer was diagnosed at stage one.

Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer, in which cancer cells spread from the milk duct into nearby breast tissue, according to the American Cancer Society.

After her diagnosis, Stacey sought a second opinion in Iowa City. After commuting for treatments and consultations for three months, the pressure of the travel and time commitment weighed on her – so her health care providers recommended the experts at MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center.

“When I met with my oncologist at MercyOne, I also met my nurse navigator, Jessica Kennedy, who gave me a thick binder about everything,” Stacey said. “It was very comprehensive, and I remember thinking how I wish I had this information when I first started my cancer treatment and when I was going through my surgery because it explained every step and process you would go through as a patient. Other places I went didn't have anything like that.”

A nurse navigator guides the patient and their family through the cancer journey. This is one of many services provided at MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center, which offers outstanding clinical care, emotional support and guidance through patient-centered care. Learn more about these services.

“The team at MercyOne worked together for me and provided the support I needed. The care that I received from my nurses was incredible, and when you're receiving chemotherapy, the hospital starts to feel like your home away from home because you're visiting regularly. So, it was nice to have the nurses that I did, those friendly faces put me at ease and made the experience as positive as it can be, and I appreciated that.” Stacey said.

Cancer support groups meet frequently for patients to share their journey and experience at MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center. The nursing team also hosts educational sessions during which trained professionals visit with the support groups to discuss diet as well as mental and emotional support.

“I went to the cancer support group the first day I met with my oncologist, and it was really nice to hear the women in the group talk about their journey and their experiences,” Stacey said. “Hearing the different stories and knowing that there is a light at the end of the tunnel gave me the hope that I needed during my treatment.”

“I think my faith is what got me through my cancer journey,” Stacey said. “I had a great support system from my family, friends and coworkers. It also helped that I took my journey one step at a time. If I could give hope to anybody, it’s that you have to take it one step at a time.”

Bales reached a milestone in her cancer journey as she rang the celebration bell on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023 – marking her final radiation treatment.