10/09/2025 | Press release | Archived content
For 13 years, retired nurse Phyllis Zehms cared for mothers and newborns at Loma Linda University Health, and she never expected one day to rely on the same compassionate care she once provided. A simple decision to keep her annual mammogram appointment changed everything and likely saved her life.
"I almost canceled that day," recalled Zehms. "My knee hurt, my husband was watching the grandkids, and I just didn't feel like going. But something told me I should."
During that routine breast cancer screening in April 2025, Cherie Cora, MD, radiologist at Loma Linda University Cancer Center noticed something new, a small mass on the opposite side from where Zehms had been monitored before.
A biopsy confirmed breast cancer. The tumor was small but HER2-positive, a fast-growing and aggressive type that had appeared within just one year of her last screening.
"Phyllis did everything right; she came in for her yearly mammogram, and it worked," said Cora. "It caught cancer that couldn't be felt or seen. If she had waited, the outcome could've been very different."
Zehms is a retired Loma Linda University Health nurse and looks forward to enjoying retirement on her own terms.
To treat her breast cancer, Zehms was referred to Ami Patel, MD, medical oncologist at the Cancer Center, who confirmed the cancer was found at stage one; early, but fast-moving.
"Catching the tumor at stage one was critical," said Patel. "That early detection gave us a clear path to treatment."
Zehms was treated with chemotherapy and targeted therapy right away before surgery and breast reconstruction with the goal of shrinking the tumor and stopping it from spreading.
After six weeks of treatment, Zehms returned for a follow-up scan. What happened next brought tears to everyone's eyes.
"The mass was completely gone," recalled Cora. "I ran into her room and said, 'It's gone!' She burst into tears and so did I. That's the most rewarding part of what we do."
Patel said her resilience stood out from day one. "Phyllis came in with a positive outlook and a deep desire to understand every part of her care," she said. "Even through side effects, she stayed engaged and hopeful."
Zehms credits her resilience to her deep faith in God along with the support of her husband, children, and grandchildren, who continue to be her greatest motivation.
Phyllis Zehms found calm in her backyard with her husband, listening to the birds and reminding herself that every day was a blessing.
After completing chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and a year of targeted medication, Zehms is expected to make a full recovery.
With her treatment nearly complete, Zehms is looking forward to traveling, spending more time with her family, and enjoying retirement on her own terms.
Looking back, Zehms says she's living proof of the importance of preventive care. As a nurse, she used to tell her patients to get their screenings and now she is the example of why it matters. She offers heartfelt advice to other women going through breast cancer.
"It's okay to have hard days," says Zehms. "I used to think I had to be strong all the time, but real strength means letting yourself feel everything. You don't have to have it all together to keep going."
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Schedule a breast cancer screening for you or a loved one today.