Young mom receives surprising diagnosis: Kim Kockler’s breast cancer story

 

In August 2020, 30-year-old Kim Kockler of Cedar Falls, Iowa, was breastfeeding her newborn son, Rylan, and noticed a painful lump in her right breast. She thought it was a clogged milk duct and mentioned it to her MercyOne Cedar Falls Family Medicine primary care provider. 

Kim’s mother and maternal aunts had tested positive for an inherited BRCA gene mutation linked to a high risk of breast cancer, although they have never had breast cancer. For that reason, Kim’s provider, Paula Moore, ARNP, took extra precautions. After an ultrasound, biopsy and further testing, Kim learned she had a cancerous tumor, however, she had tested negative for a BRCA gene. 

Less than 5% of all breast cancers diagnosed in the U.S. occur in women under 40, says the National Institutes of Health. It’s still important for women in their 30s to be aware of the signs and symptoms and to discuss screening options with their doctor. 

Treatment journey begins 

Once diagnosed, Kim continued her health care journey at MercyOne, “Everyone was so supportive and caring and explained everything clearly.” A major source of support was Kim’s certified breast cancer navigator, Mary Kremer, who spent time explaining how Kim’s treatment plan would proceed. “It was overwhelming, but Mary helped me stay positive and answered all my questions,” Kim said. 

Kim met with her oncologist, Mukund Nadipuram, MD, or “Dr. Nadi” as he's called, along with a surgeon at MercyOne Waterloo Cancer Care. Although the cancer was detected early, the tumor was large, and they recommended chemotherapy and surgery. Because of the pandemic and Kim being a junior high teacher, Dr. Nadi told her she should take a leave of absence during treatment to avoid infection. 

One silver lining was that Kim only had to travel 20 minutes to MercyOne Waterloo Cancer Care for treatment. “It was great to be able to do everything close to home. My chemo treatments lasted two to three hours each week, and my husband, Paul, came to every appointment with me.” 

Kim knew the various side effects from chemotherapy, such as hair loss and feeling ill. “My hair began falling out in clumps, so I shaved my head. The biggest side effect for me was severe fatigue, which was sometimes hard on my husband because our sons Gavin and Rylan were very young at the time, and I couldn’t help him.” 

Ultimately, Kim went through 20 rounds of chemotherapy, shrinking her tumor. Then, it was time to decide what to do next. 

Decisions made with support and hope 

After discussing future treatment with her providers, Kim decided to have both breasts removed and then immediately begin the breast reconstruction process. 

On February 15, 2021, Kim had double mastectomy surgery, lasting seven hours, because after breast removal was complete, a plastic surgeon placed expanders to prepare her body for implants. Recovery was a little rough, but after a few weeks, Kim felt much better. Additionally, she was told her breast tissue had no cancerous cells, “Every year, I celebrate February 15 as the official day I was cancer-free.” 

In July 2021, Kim had her breast implant surgery, which she says wasn't a difficult recovery and is happy with the outcome. Once healed, Kim began physical and occupational therapy with Kate Eberle at MercyOne to build back strength in her chest and arms. 

Kim achieved her goal to be back to work for the new school year in August 2021. She faced cancer treatment with positivity and hope. She found it therapeutic to write a blog to chronicle her journey and to keep loved ones informed during the isolating time of the pandemic. “I did the work and never let fear take over.” 

Looking back, Kim credits her support system for managing her cancer journey, “I’m incredibly lucky my husband was able to come to my appointments. My family, friends and MercyOne medical team were so encouraging and helpful.” 

Special connections and celebrations 

When Kim's hair began growing back, she decided to go to a stylist, “Before I had cancer, I never went to a special salon, but I knew I needed someone to help me as my hair grew out.” When Kim arrived at the salon she explained to the stylist, Whitney, that she had just finished cancer treatment. 

Whitney asked Kim if she received her treatment at MercyOne, “I told her ‘Yes.’ Then, she asked me if I knew Mary Kremer, my breast cancer navigator. When I told her my special connection to Mary, she said, ‘Mary’s my mother-in-law.’ It just seemed meant to be, and I still go to Whitney to this day.” 

Kim concluded, “I thoroughly enjoy celebrating each year of being cancer- free. If you get a breast cancer diagnosis, trust the process, stay positive and hopeful. I listened to my medical team who were all there every step of the way. I have nothing but good things to say about my care at MercyOne.” 

Talk to your primary care provider about your risk for breast cancer and schedule your mammogram.