Cancer Care Close to Home:
Brandon Woman Benefits From Mercy’s Medical Oncology Outreach Clinic in Vinton
When Stacy Nabholz thinks about her cancer journey, she’s grateful not only for the care she receives, but also for where she receives it.
The Brandon, Iowa, resident was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024 after discovering a lump following a bicycle accident.
“On July 1 of 2024, I had my normal screening mammogram, which was clear,” Stacy said. “I had kind of a freak bike accident a week or two later, and I broke my elbow. I was massaging that area, and I kept feeling a lump and a bump.”
Further testing revealed breast cancer, and Stacy was quickly connected to a multidisciplinary team at Mercy’s Hall-Perrine Cancer Center, including Medical Oncologist Dr. Jasmine Nabi, General Surgeon Dr. Bradley Gordan and Plastic Surgeon Dr. Dominic Heffel.
“It was a very well-oiled machine,” Stacy said.
Following surgery and treatment, Stacy continues to see Dr. Nabi for follow-up oncology care. While some appointments take place at Hall-Perrine Cancer Center in Cedar Rapids, Stacy is able to receive much of her ongoing care closer to home through Mercy’s oncology outreach clinic at Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton.
For patients living in rural communities, those local clinics can make a significant difference with access and convenience.
Hall-Perrine Cancer Center Medical Oncologist Dr. Deborah Wilbur said Iowa’s cancer trends make local access to care even more important.
“Iowa now ranks second in the nation for new cancer incidence, and breast cancer rates are rising here faster than in many other states,” she said.
“When patients can receive follow-up care and support closer to home, it can help reduce barriers and keep them connected to the care they need.”
“Being able to go to Vinton instead of Cedar Rapids saves time and makes my appointments much more convenient,” Stacy said. “It’s one less thing to worry about.”
Mercy’s medical oncology outreach program brings specialized cancer care to communities throughout eastern Iowa with clinics located in Vinton, Anamosa, Manchester, Independence, North Liberty and soon Washington. Mercy physicians travel to these locations on scheduled clinic days, allowing patients to meet with their oncology providers without making frequent trips to Cedar Rapids.
Some locations also offer chemotherapy and infusion services, helping patients receive treatment closer to home while remaining connected to the full resources and expertise at Hall-Perrine Cancer Center.
Another option for patients who live farther away is Mercy’s multidisciplinary clinic at Hall-Perrine Cancer Center in Cedar Rapids, where they can see multiple members of their care team during one visit.
For cancer patients, reducing travel time can be especially important. Frequent appointments, treatments, and follow-up visits can require a substantial commitment from patients and their families. Receiving care closer to home means less time on the road and more time focusing on recovery, work, family and the activities they enjoy.
Today, Stacy is thankful for the team that guided her through diagnosis and treatment, as well as the continued support available close to home.
Mercy’s outreach clinics are designed to ensure that patients throughout eastern Iowa have access to high-quality cancer care, regardless of where they live. For patients like Stacy, that means expert oncology care is never far away.
“Cancer care is a journey,” Stacy said. “Having access to follow-up care closer to home makes that journey a little easier.”
