When a mass was found in her right breast during an annual mammogram in December 2016, Joanna Ihde decided to go to surgeon Sara Glassgow at OSF HealthCare Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee.
A Mission Partner who has worked in patient access at the hospital since 2013, Joanna had heard excellent things about Dr. Glassgow. And, getting her care in Kewanee was a quicker option for her than going to a provider in the Quad Cities, she said.
“Dr. Glassgow did an initial exam and decided we were going to do a biopsy, which we did,” Joanna said.
Once biopsy results were back, Dr. Glassgow decided to remove the mass. While it didn’t show cancer, the mass was “complex” as it was a mix of solid and liquid.
“She was very proactive because I have a family history of breast cancer,” Joanna said. “She didn’t want to take a chance with me. She was very adamant about getting the ball rolling as quickly as possible.”
‘I felt like I was being cared for by family’
Joanna’s surgery took place February 3, 2017.
“The care I received was excellent. She was very, very kind and caring. Very proactive – she wasn’t willing to take chances with my health,” Joanna said of Dr. Glassgow. “She said some physicians might have said ‘Let’s just watch it.’ But she didn’t feel OK doing that. I was glad about that. I would not have been very comfortable with waiting.”
Beyond the surgical care, Dr. Glassgow also took time to understand the anxiety Joanna was experiencing leading up to and on the day of the surgery.
“I had a lot of anxiety due to a previous experience somewhere else. Dr. Glassgow and all the staff made sure when I came in for the procedure that they took extra precautions to get me to relax. The whole team was fantastic,” Joanna said. “I felt like I was being cared for by family. I have recommended (Dr. Glassgow) and continue to do so. I’ve actually recommended friends of mine from out of town that if they need any kind of general surgery, to go to Dr. Glassgow.”
Last Updated: May 31, 2024