Breast Cancer Patient Shares Lessons Learned After Three Cancer Diagnoses

Karen Weeks, 69, has had a cancer journey with multiple twists and turns. During the past 17 years, she has had a lumpectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy, two mastectomies, and many diagnostic tests — all performed at two different health systems in West Michigan. Now she has this wisdom to share with others: 

“If I have anything cancer related in the future, I will only go to Trinity Health Richard J. Lacks Sr. Cancer Center in Grand Rapids.”

Her first and second diagnoses

Karen’s journey began in 2008 when she was diagnosed with cancer in her left breast. She had a lumpectomy and a sentinel node biopsy performed at another health system then received her chemotherapy and radiation at Lacks Cancer Center. She describes her chemo nurse as “phenomenal” and her experience at Lacks Cancer Center as “very personalized.” 

Twelve years later, when Karen had a mammogram, she was diagnosed with a second breast cancer unrelated to the first. Due to the difference in the cancers, Karen underwent genetic testing to assess her risk, which turned out to be negative.

“The breast care team at Trinity Health’s comprehensive breast center in Grand Rapids took really great care of me when I had a mastectomy on my left breast in 2020,” Karen said.

She then returned to regular health exams after five years of follow-up.

Timing is everything

At the end of February 2026, Karen again had an abnormal mammogram at another West Michigan health system. 

“I was not impressed by the radiologist. I don’t think he read my entire history,” Karen shared. “He probably was just trying to reassure me when he said, ‘There is probably nothing to worry about.'"

He recommended that Karen return in six months (August 2026) to redo the diagnostic mammogram with an ultrasound. 

“For him, there was no sense of urgency,” Karen said. “He seemed to dismiss my concerns. I felt like a number.” 

Frustrated with the wait for follow-up from her abnormal mammogram, Karen contacted her primary care provider who ordered an MRI. On June 21, the MRI revealed two pea-sized carcinomas. Karen would now need an MRI-guided breast biopsy to confirm her cancer.  

“When I called the other health system to schedule the breast biopsy for an appointment in July, I explained that I am a large person,” said Karen. “I even shared my weight and bra size. When I arrived for the appointment, my husband and I had to wait a long time. Finally, the tech came out, took one look at me, and said I wouldn’t fit in the machine. I would have to reschedule. It was a total waste of our time.”

The earliest the imaging lab could reschedule Karen’s breast biopsy appointment was two months later. Karen informed the scheduler that she was also going to check availability at Lacks Cancer Center.  

She called Lacks Cancer Center

One of the most difficult aspects of the cancer journey is waiting for a confirmed diagnosis. To Karen’s delight, the Trinity Health Grand Rapids schedulers were able to get her on the MRI-guided breast biopsy schedule in July, not August, reducing her wait time. 

The biopsy confirmed Karen’s fears: It was cancer in her right breast. 

Karen recalls: “A member of the breast center team called me immediately, and she got me right in for an appointment with Dr. Caughran.” 

Karen noticed the difference immediately. 

“When I went to Lacks, everything was handled with so much more kindness and efficiency. Everything was done in a timely manner.” 

Meeting Breast Surgeon Jamie Caughran, MD, was a notable step up for Karen.

“Dr. Caughran is so warm and intelligent. I don’t think you can present her with anything she isn’t familiar with, but if you did, she would find the answers. Dr. Caughran and the people in her office are so responsive. They make you feel warm and welcome … at every level.” 

“Being evaluated for a possible cancer diagnosis and starting treatment are very stressful times for patients,” said Dr. Caughran. “We have designed our program to minimize scheduling delays to allow patients to get the answers and plans they need. We are proud of our timeliness metrics and are a designated center of excellence, one of only 36 in the nation with this certification.”

“I wanted my daughter with me during my surgery, so Dr. Caughran worked around my daughter’s schedule. She cared about my peace of mind,” said Karen. 

Dr. Caughran performed Karen’s mastectomy on Aug. 26 — right around the time Karen would have been going to the other health system for her MRI-guided biopsy to confirm her cancer.

“When a woman has three primary breast cancers, there is concern for a genetic cause. Karen does not have any genetic mutations explaining why this would happen,” said Dr. Caughran. “Her prognosis is excellent and Karen’s experience highlights the value of annual screening and advocating for yourself.” 

“Everyone at Trinity Health Grand Rapids Breast Center makes you feel seen and like you are a person,” said Karen. “They hear you. Even my husband was included in the care. You feel like you can ask any question.” 

In addition to her advice about choosing Trinity Health for companionate, personalized, comprehensive care, Karen wants readers to remember this: 

“It’s incredibly important for women to examine their breasts regularly. And trust your instincts. Choose a provider who respects you and treats you like a person.”

Trinity Health offers personalized cancer care and expert oncology specialists who can see you sooner.

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