Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 3, 2019

6 By Andrea Nagel In 2004, at age 40, Kirstie Misquez was diagnosed with breast cancer—found after receiving her very first mammogram. “I lived in Denver at the time. My daughter was in second grade, and my son was 18. I thought I was going to die,” Kirstie said. “That first diagnosis was the most terrifying experience in my life.” Apersonalizedapproach Fast-forward 15 years and Kirstie is facing a similar diagnosis, but this time she’s not afraid. Last year Kirstie was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer, affecting her bones and soft tissue organs. Kirstie also learned that her cancer is HER2-positive and estrogen receptor positive. “I’m not afraid this time. I’m older and have a lot of fight in me,” she said. “I believe that treatment options have progressed in a way that’s more personalized. I’m able to have targeted chemotherapy this time, designed specifically for my cancer.” In addition to advanced treatment options, Kirstie said her care team has had a major effect on her outlook and experience this time around. Her providers, Kevin Mulvey, M.D., and Megan Whitmore, PA-C, Kirstie Misquez, of Coeur d’Alene, was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer and receives treatment at Kootenai Clinic Cancer Services. Cancer Care The Right Team Makes ADIFFERENCE have made a particular impression. “I met Dr. Mulvey for the first time when I was hospitalized for a bad case of the flu and had to receive blood platelets,” she noted. “Let me just say, he’s the man. He keeps me grounded and present in what’s going on right now, not worrying about what might happen in the future. Megan is the perfect blend of professional care and compassion—she absolutely cares and empathizes with her patients.” In addition to being treated at Kootenai Clinic Cancer Services, Kirstie found some other resources particularly helpful. During the first two months of her treatment, Kirstie and her parents were all able to stay in Kootenai’s Walden House, a low-cost home away from home for Kootenai Health patients and their family members.