Dr. John Cox, breast surgeon at AdventHealth Tampa.
For nearly a decade, 75-year-old Kathye Faries has trusted her breast health to the compassionate care team at AdventHealth Tampa. Even after moving from Tampa to Sarasota, she never hesitated to make the drive north because she knew the care, expertise, and personal attention she received were worth it.
“I knew Tampa was where I wanted to get my care and monitoring,” she said. “The team always made me feel safe and supported.”
Faries has always been vigilant when it comes to her health and under the guidance of Dr. Rachel Burke, a breast radiologist at the Kay Meyer Breast Care Center, she continued to get regular screenings. For years, her tests were routine until early 2024, when Dr. Burke recommended an MRI to take a closer look at a potential abnormality. While at that time everything appeared clear, it wasn’t long after that there was a major change.
By January 2025, Faries was diagnosed with stage one lobular breast cancer, a form of cancer that can be challenging to detect early. “It can be rare to find lobular breast cancer early,” said Dr. Burke. “Most patients are diagnosed at a more advanced stage, so her commitment to screening made all the difference.”
In April of this year, Faries underwent a lumpectomy performed by Dr. John Cox, breast surgeon at AdventHealth Tampa, using leading edge technology: the Clarix Imaging® VSI-360 system. This advanced imaging tool allows breast surgeons and radiologists to visualize the tissue removed during surgery in real time and in ultra-high-resolution 3D. The process helps to ensure every trace of cancer is gone before the patient even leaves the operating room and reduces the need for further surgeries.
During the procedure, Dr. Burke monitored the 3D images remotely while Dr. Cox performed the surgery. The two doctors worked as a team, communicating directly to guide the procedure.
“As is our custom in all breast surgeries, our radiologists work hand in hand with the surgeons,” Dr. Cox explained. “We review the lumpectomy specimen together and discuss the findings live. In this case, Dr. Burke was able to advise the need to take an additional posterior margin, which ultimately confirmed clear results. It’s teamwork that directly benefits our patients.”
The CLARIX Imaging system is now being used at AdventHealth Tampa and AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. By offering a full, 360-degree view of breast tissue during surgery, it greatly reduces the likelihood that patients will need a second or third procedure and helps them recover faster and with greater confidence.
“Kathye Faries is a lovely woman and definitely a success story for our CLARIX technology,” added Dr. Burke.
Faries met with Dr. Harvey Greenberg, radiation oncologist with AdventHealth, for follow-up treatment. Today, she’s recovering well and doing normal daily activities and even started Pilates. She is grateful for the advanced technology and dedicated team that helped her through.
“This experience reminded me why it’s so important to get checked frequently and to follow up if something feels wrong,” she said. “Dr. Burke, Dr. Cox, and everyone at AdventHealth gave me hope and comfort every step of the way.”
Dr. Cox says Faries’ story is exactly why AdventHealth invests in leading-edge technology like CLARIX Imaging. “We’re not just treating cancer; we’re empowering patients with better outcomes, shorter recovery times, and peace of mind,” he said.
To learn more about breast health at AdventHealth, click here.