Barb Bliefernich has dealt with breast conditions for decades. She gets all of her care at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.
“Over the last 30 years, I’ve had cysts in my breasts, which led to surgical biopsies and diagnostic mammograms,” she explained. “One of the biopsy results came back with precancerous cells. I was 45 years old, and it was terrifying.”
Barb’s doctor advised putting her on a five-year course of tamoxifen, which is generally used in post-cancer treatment but can also help prevent cancer in certain situations.
“During that time, I had diagnostic mammograms and MRIs every six months. After five years, I went back to regular mammograms, which was nerve-wracking, but I was hopeful that the tamoxifen worked, and I wouldn’t have any issues.”
However something suspicious showed up during a routine mammogram in 2018, and after further testing and a biopsy, Barb was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma.
“Because of my lengthy breast history, I was leaning very heavily on choosing to have a double mastectomy with same-day reconstructive surgery,” Barb said. “Upon meeting again with my breast surgeon, Dr. Joubin Khorsand, I asked him if it was his wife or daughter with my breast history, what surgery he would recommend to them. His answer was a lumpectomy, so I chose to take his advice.”
Lumpectomy surgery was scheduled in April of 2018 to remove the abnormal tissue in her breast. This was followed by 20 rounds of radiation treatment. The procedures were successful, and follow-up testing came back clear.
“My cancer was not in the form of a lump or tumor. It was calcifications. In all of my history with breast conditions, I had never even heard of that. That’s why mammograms are so incredibly important. I never would have found my cancer during a self-exam.”
Giving back
Barb is grateful for all the care she’s received over the years.
“The doctors are just amazing. I’ve been seeing Dr. Khorsand for 30 years. He has such love and dedication for his career. My oncologist, Dr. Sigrun Hallmeyer, and radiation oncologist, Dr. Tanya Powell, are also phenomenal,” she shared. “And there are not enough words to express how grateful I am to Dr. Todd Baker and his staff for taking over my reconstruction surgical process when my original plastic surgeon retired after performing two of my five required surgeries.”
Inspired by her journey and as a way to honor her late parents, Barb decided to include Advocate Charitable Foundation in her estate plans.
“Advocate Lutheran General is special to me. I was born there. It’s where I went for all of my breast and cancer treatment, and it’s where I’ll go forever because they know me and my history. In addition, I’m an only child and have no children of my own. A legacy gift that also honors my parents and helps other breast cancer patients is a very meaningful way for me to give back.”
During her conversations with the Foundation team, Barb learned about Advocate Lutheran General’s Cancer Survivorship Center, which is the first stand-alone, hospital-affiliated survivorship center in Illinois. It provides comprehensive, holistic support for patients, family members and caregivers throughout their care.
“My gift is earmarked for Caldwell breast cancer patient services, which provides financial assistance for those who could perhaps use some help with paying for items such as transportation, lodging, babysitting or even a wig if they don’t have insurance or insurance doesn’t provide coverage for it,” she explained.
What makes Barb’s gift unusual is her age. She’s only 62 years old.
“It’s pretty rare that someone my age would think about estate planning, but I’m the kind of person who likes to have a plan. It was important to me that if something happens to me, my wishes are known. I have my husband but no other family. Also, my father was very organized – he had everything planned for his death, so I didn’t have to think about it while I was grieving.”
It’s been more than five years since Barb’s cancer diagnosis, and she’s doing very well.
“Fortunately, I’ve had no issues. I have regular mammograms once a year. I’m hopeful that the worst is behind me,” she shared. “I’m very blessed to have had such an amazing team of doctors at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. Everybody was so amazingly helpful, kind, understanding and compassionate.”
How you can make a difference
Whether you want to make an impact today or support us in the long term, planned gifts are ways for you to express gratitude, demonstrate your values, provide us with long-term support and leave a legacy. Learn about planned giving or make a donation to support a hospital or program that’s meaningful to you.