Double Diagnosis: Teri's Life-Saving Mammogram and Kidney Surgery

After avoiding a mammogram for nearly 10 years, Teri Kaune of Maquoketa finally stepped foot in the UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital radiology department for her screening in April 2025. That decision saved her life in more ways than one, as she received a breast cancer diagnosis followed by a kidney cancer diagnosis. Kaune benefitted from UnityPoint Health’s network of comprehensive care, receiving treatment at UnityPoint Health – Wendt Regional Cancer Center in Dubuque and UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

Mammogram Catches Breast Cancer

Kaune’s primary care provider, Angela Hubanks, PA-C, UnityPoint Clinic – Multi-Specialty - Dubuque, called her when the results came in.

“She said they saw something, and I needed to have an ultrasound,” recalled Kaune. “They needed to get a better look.”

Further testing confirmed doctors’ suspicions, and Kaune was diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer.

Surgery and a Speed Bump

Kaune underwent surgery later that month. A mastectomy, a procedure that removes breast tissue from the breast to treat breast cancer, was performed in Finley Hospital’s advanced surgical suites by Phillip Bailey, MD, Dubuque Surgery PC.

Following a successful operation, Kaune met with Wendt Cancer Center Oncologist Mark Hermann, MD. They discussed her treatment plan, and through Oncotype testing, genetic testing to predict cancer recurrence and how your cancer will respond to treatments, Dr. Hermann recommended radiation.

Kaune had a break before radiation as she recuperated from the surgery. However, during this time, a scan revealed a new challenge — kidney cancer.

“They found a tumor on my kidney and recommended surgery right away,” she said.

Kaune traveled to St. Luke’s in Cedar Rapids for this procedure, which was performed by Jonathan Rippentrop, MD, urologist at Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa.

“Thankfully it was an encapsulated tumor (localized tumor that hasn’t spread), so all they had to do was remove half my kidney,” said Kaune.

Radiation Treatment with an Amazing Team

After another successful surgery in Cedar Rapids, Kaune returned to Dubuque for radiation treatments at the cancer center. Her treatment plan consisted of five weeks of radiation Monday through Friday.

“The team was amazing. I would come in between 8 and 8:30 a.m. and they were all happy and bubbly. If I was grumpy or scared, they had an answer for it all,” said Kaune. “You’re so vulnerable when you’re there, but somebody always had a hug or jokes. Somebody was always right there for me.”

“Don’t be too Busy to Take Care of Yourself.”

When it comes to screening mammograms, Kaune won’t be putting put them off anymore.

“I tell people, ‘Don’t be too busy to take care of yourself,’” she said. “Have your mammograms, do your check-ups, and if you’re diagnosed with cancer, surround yourself with supportive people during treatment and beyond.

“People don’t always realize when you ring that bell, it’s not really over,” she continued. “Your body still has to heal, so you need support. My cancer journey was amazing because of the people involved. I’m so thankful for everyone who supported me and the teams who cared for me in Dubuque and Cedar Rapids.”

Experienced Cancer Care

If you’ve been diagnosed with breast, kidney or any type of cancer, UnityPoint Health has experienced care teams throughout Iowa.