St. Louis Area Woman Participates in Brain Metastases Trial at NOHC

Highland, Il. resident and respiratory therapist Kathy Southwick is participating in a unique clinical trial that may change the way breast cancer patients are treated. Southwick was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer in February of 2006 and sought treatment from an accredited breast cancer center at the Site man Cancer Center at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

While undergoing aggressive cancer treatment there, she received a call from her sister-in-law, who is a physician in Indiana. Southwick's sister had learned about a clinical trial being conducted at the Chicago Institute for Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch to screen breast cancer patients for the spread of their cancer to the brain.

Neurosurgeons at CINN have learned over the years that cancer that starts in the breast often spreads to the brain. However, until recently many oncologists didn't recommend screening for this possibility. This Spring, CINN's Dr. Gail Rosseau began a clinical trial to determine if MRI screening of breast cancer patients detects tumors before patients are symptomatic, which may improve quality of life.

Southwick came to Chicago this Spring for her first MRI, which turned out to be positive and CINN neurosurgeons targeted and obliterated (by definition, using the Gamma Knife is not removing) the small, one centimeter lesion using Gamma Knife technology.

Southwick didn't let the tumor stop her from getting on her bike and completing a 30-mile ride within 48 hours of her procedure. The Lance Armstrong Foundation delegate believes it's important to share her story with others.

"There are many Stage I, II and III cancer survivors who I can help," she said. "Even though it is hard to hear some of the information doctors give you (like the risk of cancer spreading to the brain) its important to have all the facts and be CEO of your own care."

Southwick returns to Chicago in September to get her four month follow up at CINN. She is optimistic but realistic too.

"Life is to be lived and not controlled," she said. "I have deep faith and believe that flowers grow out of dark moments."