• KOMU: Breast Cancer Awareness Goes Beyond Early Detection for Missouri Woman Living With Advanced Cancer

    • KOMU: Breast Cancer Awareness Goes Beyond Early Detection for Missouri Woman Living With Advanced Cancer

    After a shocking breast cancer diagnoses and severe chemotherapy complications, a Columbia woman turned to Saint Luke's Hospital in Kansas City for a second opinion.

    1 minute

    In 2024, Kathy Hanandeh was diagnosed with two different types of breast cancer and experienced serious complications from chemotherapy that led to a two-week hospitalization.

    Seeking additional guidance, Kathy sought a second opinion from Dr. Timothy Pluard, medical director of the Saint Luke’s Koontz Center for Advanced Breast Cancer in Kansas City.

    Kathy found new hope at the first center in the region dedicated exclusively to the comprehensive care of Stage 4 breast cancer—not only through advanced medical care, but also through emotional support and connection at the center's Journey of Courage and Hope Retreat.

    Kathy and Dr. Pluard talked with KOMU about her journey through breast cancer treatment and the important work carried out at the Saint Luke’s Koontz Center.