Cathy Mueller, RN, Radiation Oncology
John Stoddard Cancer Center
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I am a nurse in the Radiation Oncology and Brachytherapy Center at the Stoddard Cancer Center. I graduated from the University of Iowa College of Nursing and worked within the University hospital until moving to Des Moines in 1997. It is here that I have found my home.
I started my career in Oncology when I arrived in Des Moines. I worked on the Oncology inpatient unit at UnityPoint Health, Methodist campus. I worked in Surgical Oncology before coming to Radiation Oncology. I have learned so much working in both disciplines and I have been able to utilize my skills from both areas in the care of my current patients. There are many days that my patients teach me life lessons I can use in my practice, as well as my personal life.
I was born and raised in Iowa; my children live in the Des Moines area. We get together as often as we can. When not working I enjoy gardening, hiking and live music. My husband and I spend a lot of time on I-80W following the Supernovas professional volleyball team in Omaha.
We want to recognize Cathy for being named one of the Great Iowa Nurses of 2025!
Congratulations, Cathy!
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Pamela Banning recently attained her oncology social work certification (OSW-C). Pamela brings an advanced level of competence, commitment and experience to her work in the field of oncology social work. Congratulations, Pamela! | |
UnityPoint Health Genetic Counseling, located at Stoddard Cancer Center, achieved the highest NRC Net Promoter Score for Outpatient Services (NPS 100 – 100th percentile rank) for ‘Likelihood to Recommend Facility to Family and Friends’ in Q4 2024! Thank you for your clinic’s commitment to providing the best patient experience possible. Members of that team include Isabella Holland, Caroline Williams and Taylor Hoven. | |
Congratulations to Dr. Arshin Sheybani, Radiation Oncologist at Stoddard Cancer Center, for being named to the 2025 - 2026 UnityPoint Health Physician Leadership Academy (PLA). PLA offers physicians who have demonstrated great potential, a valuable opportunity to sharpen their leadership and business skills. | |
Happy 5-year anniversary to the EMPOWER Boutique and Salon! We are inspired by the joy and hope the salon brings to patients of the Stoddard Cancer Center. | |
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Podcast
Dish with Nish Podcast is a series exploring topics of interest in cancer prevention, the human spirit and how new ideas are changing cancer care. Dr. Andrew Nish, Medical Director at the Stoddard Cancer Center, hosts insightful conversations with doctors, health care workers and patients discussing various aspects of health and cancer care. To listen to his latest episodes, including Genetic Counseling and caregiving click here. Scroll to 'Dish with Nish Podcast'.
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Stoddard Cancer Center Free Cancer Screening Recap 2024
- Screened 116 patients through Pink Days free mammograms; 26 of those patients also received follow-up screenings and ultrasounds
- Screened 19 patients through Scope it Out free colonoscopies
- Screened 103 individuals with Free Skin Cancer Screenings at the Cancer Center, plus an additional 30 free skin cancer screenings at the Iowa State Fair
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Upcoming Classes, Programs & Events | |
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Hybrid Support Groups
Stoddard Cancer Center has transitioned most support groups to hybrid meetings, so participants have the option of attending in-person or virtually. For information on when groups meet and how to join, click here and contact the phone number listed for the group you are interested in attending.
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Writing Through Cancer | Select Mondays through April
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Virtual
Participants create a safe space, then write together for timed intervals to writing prompts. The writing circles are led by Founder and Executive Director of the Ames Writers Collective, Ana McCracken. Cancer patients and survivors are welcome to sign up. For more information on upcoming sessions visit johnstoddardcancer.org under Classes and Events.
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Art Therapy Support Group | Select Mondays through April
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
This support group is intended for cancer patients and survivors. Each session offers a different media and theme. The time together will encourage self-reflection and introspection, exploring ones own thoughts, emotions and personal narrative of cancer. This expansion of self-awareness brings a stronger foundation, resilience and personal growth. For more information contact Gina Mandernach at gina.mandernach@unitypoint.org or 515-241-8505.
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Breast Cancer Education Post Radiation | March 10 & May 12
12:00-1:00 p.m. | Stoddard Cancer Center, Suite 450
This class is free of charge and intended for individuals who have completed radiation to the breast tissue within the past 6 months. The class will provide general information regarding arm and chest movement following radiation therapy, along with basic information on monitoring your tissue and safe return to activity. For more information contact Gina Mandernach at gina.mandernach@unitypoint.org or 515-241-8505.
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Cancer Related Cognitive Dysfunction | Monday, April 14
5:30 - 7:00 p.m. | Virtual
Stoddard Cancer Center and UnityPoint Health Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Services – Penn Avenue are pleased to offer "Cancer Related Cognitive Dysfunction." This class is offered free of charge to cancer survivors affected by cognitive changes caused by a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Participants in the class will:
• Be educated on what CRCD is
• Learn to identify and recognize one’s own symptoms of CRCD
• Practice strategies to improve memory
• Learn exercises to train the brain
• Learn how to get more help if needed
A link will be sent to registrants prior to the class.
For more information or to register click here or call (515) 241-8505.
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Save the date!
We will be celebrating Cancer Survivors Day on Sunday, June 1 with the Iowa Cubs at Principal Park! Stay tuned for information on registration later this spring at johnstoddardcancer.org under Classes and Events. Also watch our Classes and Events page for information on upcoming Free Skin Cancer Screenings.
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Black Women 4 Healthy Living
Black Women 4 Healthy Living (BW4HL) hosts the Black Women’s Health Coalition at Corinthian Baptist Church on the third Saturday of each month. The focus is on Black women and their health and wellness. Health Assessments are given monthly to measure progress. The group engages in some low-impact physical activity and discusses a health-related topic unique to Black women. These events are completely free, and ALL Black women are welcome to join. For more information or to register, visit www.bw4hl.org.They also host a breast cancer support group for black women.
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Rooted in Nature
UnityPoint Health - Des Moines partners with Polk County Conservation to create health and wellness programs that are focused on improving health with a connection to nature. For a list of classes, click here.
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Intertwined
Forest bathing (also called forest therapy) is a wellness practice rooted in scientific research that helps individuals engage with the natural world using all the senses in order to reap positive physiological and psychological benefits. It’s more than a walk in the woods; it’s an immersion into the full experience of the forest and nature. For upcoming opportunities, click here.
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Cancer Support Community
Offers online support groups for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. Click here for more information.
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We have an amazing new tool to fight brain tumors at UnityPoint Health! Stoddard Cancer Center is the first in Iowa to treat a patient with GammaTile® Therapy. This Surgically Targeted Radiation Therapy targets tumor cells where recurrence is most likely and is designed to delay tumor regrowth while preserving more healthy brain tissue than traditional treatments. This targeted therapy approach minimizes side effects and ideally will allow patients to better maintain their quality of life. This collaboration with The Iowa Clinic is bringing new hope to people with life-threatening brain tumors. Read more here. | |
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Rally Against Cancer
Thank you to the record 730 attendees who attended the 25th Rally Against Cancer, presented by GreenState Credit Union. Together, our community donated a ground-breaking $540,000 for patients and families. Those in attendance were treated to a fantastic evening featuring America's Weatherman and Cancer Survivor, Al Roker.
At Stoddard Cancer Center, we believe healing goes beyond treatment—it's about nurturing the whole person. Thanks to your incredible generosity, our Charlie Cutler Healing and Wellness Program is able to provide life-changing services like massage, music, and art therapy, acupuncture, nutritious meals, and more. Support from Rally helps make this possible for patients like Jana.
Check out event photos and photobooth photos from Rally. A big thank you to all who attended and supported this year’s event!
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Thank you to the Des Moines Branch of Titan International for their recent donation to Stoddard Cancer Center. During their annual Ride to a Cure event, more than $34,000 was raised for patients and families and will ensure our care teams provide the best cancer care possible. We are so appreciative of your generosity. | |
Thanks to our friends with Team Blue - Prostate Cancer Awareness of Central Iowa for their generous $10,000 donation to Stoddard Cancer Center. They have many exciting events coming up this year, including a golf tournament, run/walk and awareness dinner. Click here to find out more details. | |
American Cancer Society Shares Their Generosity
American Cancer Society granted Stoddard Cancer Center $13,000 for patient transportation. This grant will help lighten their financial load and provide cancer patients with gas cards to and from appointments and treatments. More than 30% of patients travel significant distances to receive treatment that can add up to hundreds of dollars in gas and travel expenses.
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The Clear Creek Wranglers 4-H club from the Baxter, Iowa area chose the Powell 3 unit and it’s patients/families for a second year for their charitable donations through the Jasper County Festival of Trees this Christmas. Trees at the courthouse are decorated by groups during the Christmas season with their choice for where the donations will be going. Their club members and their families generously contributed many personal care items and entertainment items that can be used by patients in their rooms on the unit. We are so very grateful for these kids and their huge hearts in choosing our floor and patients for their donations again this year. | |
The Drake Women's Basketball Team visited patients and staff on Powell 3. | |
Stoddard Cancer Center was proud to sponsor the Drake Women's Basketball Pink Game on Saturday, January 18. Cancer survivors were recognized on the court. | |
The Stoddard Cancer Center team joined Shane Jacobson (CEO of the V Foundation) and Ray Cole (UnityPoint Health - Des Moines Supporter and event moderator) at Principal Financial Group’s World Cancer Day event. | |
Stoddard Cancer Center proudly supported the Iowa Wild Pink in the Rink game on February 15. Cancer survivors were recognized and the Powell 3 team was recognized as Heroes of the Game. | |
Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry | |
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YIELD: 2 servings
TOTAL TIME: 35 minutes
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INGREDIENTS
- 160g frozen leaf spinach (~5-6 oz)
- ½ a mug of basmati rice (150g)
- 1 onion
- 4 cm piece of ginger (1 ½ inches)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 heaped teaspoon curry powder
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 green chili (I used a jalapeño)
- 1 small sweet potato (200g or 7 oz)
- 1 can of chickpeas
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
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DIRECTIONS
1.Take the spinach out of the freezer and place on a plate to start defrosting.
2.Place the rice in a 8 cup microwave-proof dish or bowl with 1 mug of water (1 ¼ cup) and a pinch of sea salt and cover the bowl with a lid or a side plate. Cook in the microwave on a medium heat (400-500W) for 8 to 10 minutes (depending on the strength of your microwave), then remove and leave to steam with the lid on.
3.Meanwhile, peel the onion, ginger and garlic. Place a box grater in a microwave-proof dish and grate the onion and ginger on the coarse side, followed by the garlic on the fine side.
4.Add the tomato paste to the dish, along with the curry powder, a pinch of sea salt and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and stir everything together. Prick the green chili and sweet potato with a sharp knife, then add both to the dish and cover with a plate or lid. Set the microwave to high (800W) and cook for 10 minutes.
5.Carefully lift the dish out of the microwave and uncover. Using tongs, remove the sweet potato, place on your board and slice into 1-inch chunks, then stir back into the bowl. Add the chickpeas (juice and all), along with the frozen spinach, stir together, then cover and cook in the microwave on a high heat (800W) for another 10 minutes.
6.Carefully lift the dish out of the microwave, uncover and stir everything together, breaking up the spinach with your spoon. Carefully taste (it will be hot), season to perfection with salt and black pepper, then stir in the yogurt.
7.Remove the chili to your board, finely slice and stir back into the curry for added heat, to your taste, then fork up the rice, to serve.
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