Aside from her Wednesday evening shifts as a hospitalist, the last time Kari Knodel Vettel, MPAS, PA-C, had spent time in the hospital was 22 years ago, when her second daughter was born. That all changed when her mother-in-law was admitted to our transitional care unit in late 2019, after becoming critically ill with strep throat that had traveled into her chest, causing a massive open chest wound.
That was just the beginning – over the course of the next year, Kari was treated for vertigo in our rehab department, her aunt suffered from a stroke and utilized our transitional care unit and rehab services to learn how to walk again, and Kari’s husband was admitted to our hospital after becoming seriously ill with COVID-19.
And between it all, Kari was diagnosed with breast cancer.
After her annual mammogram, the results came back with what appeared to be abnormal calcification. She returned for a diagnostic mammogram to follow-up on the results, followed by a core needle biopsy in the radiology department, which revealed abnormal cells. “It was actually pretty shocking,” said Kari. “I have no risk factors for breast cancer, and I have no family history of breast cancer at all.”
Kari took the news in stride, but admitted the most difficult part was sharing the news with her family.
“It was hard – I had to go home and tell my husband and kids. I felt sad, because now my daughters have a higher risk. That was probably the hardest part for me.”
The results initially indicated that the cells were pre-cancerous, which meant it was recommended that Kari have a lumpectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the dangerous tissue. She knew immediately who she wanted to perform the surgery: Chad Robbins, DO, FACOS.
“I know Dr. Robbins is a good surgeon, so it wasn’t even a question,” said Kari. “I just knew the quality was going to be good, and I wanted quality care.”
Looking back, Kari is glad she made that decision.
“I felt like Dr. Robbins cared about me as a person and a colleague – he understood I had daughters, he understood it was a pandemic, and he was empathetic. He was professional and got the job done. I knew I would have quality care with Dr. Robbins, because he’s very wise, he studies hard, and he knows what he’s doing. He makes sure people get the best care,” said Kari.
Dr. Robbins ensures all of his patients have an understanding of their diagnosis and care plan, and they feel comfortable having an open, two-way conversation with him.
“The litmus test I always use is: are the things I’m recommending to my patients the same as what I would expect to have recommended for my family members and friends?” said Dr. Robbins. “Having an understanding of what’s happening to your body and what we’re going to do to improve your health is a critical step in actually healing the patient.”
Kari’s surgery went off without a hitch – credit that she gives to the entire team who helped her through the process. After her surgery, Kari worked with oncologist Steven Rousey, MD, FACP, who developed a four-week treatment plan for radiation. Kari would undergo radiation in the morning, and then return to work at GRH, seeing patients after her own appointment for care.
“I was amazed by Kari and how she continued to care for her patients through her whole journey,” said Kristine Knudten, MD, Kari’s primary care provider and GRH’s Chief Medical Officer. “She set up her treatments so she wouldn’t have to cancel patient appointments. Kari is one of the most thoughtful and caring providers you will find.”
During Kari’s treatments, COVID-19 cases began to increase locally and nationwide, and a sick clinic for patients experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 was established. Kari noticed that she was not assigned to the sick clinic during her radiation.
“I know Dr. Knudten was trying to protect me from dealing with COVID-19 and breast cancer at the same time. I really appreciated that,” said Kari. “I feel like we’ve really worked together to support each other at GRH, and this was an example of that.”
Kari finished her radiation the week before Mother’s Day, and she and her daughter were committed to participating in the virtual Race for a Cure.
“I finished the entire thing. I was really proud of myself,” said Kari. “It was very cold out that day, but we were not going to be stopped!”
When she arrived at the Lester Prairie Clinic after her last radiation treatment, Kari was emotionally struck by a surprise the staff had put together for her. They had decorated the door with little hearts, saying “Last day of treatment! Congrats, Kari!” As a special treat, they brought her chocolate donuts.
“I sat in my car and cried a little bit,” said Kari.
“I feel really blessed by the support system I’ve had. This is a good place to work – it’s like a family,” said Kari Knodel Vettel, MPAS, PA-C.
Kari’s advice to others? Stay on top of your screenings.
“I didn’t have any risk factors, and I lead a healthy lifestyle,” said Kari. “I was not expecting a cancer diagnosis. That’s why people should do their screenings. You want to diagnose illness early so you have good outcomes and very little interruption in your life.”
