Coordinated Care at WakeMed Saved Nurse Lois Bockmann's Heart — and Her Life

Born with a congenital bicuspid aortic valve condition, Lois Bockmann has been accessing care to monitor her heart throughout her life. 

In 2015, she was diagnosed with a heart arrhythmia. Later, when she began experiencing worsening shortness of breath and heart rhythm problems, she knew something wasn't right. 

A retired nurse who practiced for nine years of her multi-decade career as a WakeMed operating room nurse and lead nurse for the WakeMed North Surgery Center, she understood her condition and recognized the warning signs. 

From September 2025 through February 2026, she sought care for the symptoms, but medical professionals at another healthcare system from which she retired were very focused on her arrhythmia, ignoring her concerns about shortness of breath. With a prolonged lack of access to timely care, she knew she needed a different path.

"My husband had his coronary bypass surgery at WakeMed Heart Center with Trevor Upham, MD, FACS in April 2022 and received excellent care," Lois recounts. "He also had an ST‑Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) prior to the bypass in 2012 and has been a patient with WakeMed for quite a while. We decided to seek a consultation for me with WakeMed as well and connected with Bryon Boulton, MD, FACS."

Answers through WakeMed after Months of Waiting

An echocardiogram on February 9 finally revealed the cause: severe aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the heart's aortic valve that can become life-threatening if left untreated.

From her very first interaction with WakeMed, she noticed a difference.

"In the first contact with Dr. Boulton's office, I was able to talk to a person and schedule an appointment right away," Lois shares.

During her consultation, Dr. Boulton carefully explained her condition and recommended a minimally invasive aortic valve replacement.

"He spent time explaining everything, and I felt so comfortable moving forward."

His team quickly coordinated her preoperative testing at the WakeMed Raleigh Surgical Evaluation practice. Testing included labs, an electrocardiogram (EKG) and a computed tomography (CT) scan of her chest and abdomen. Her surgery was scheduled for March 10.

An Unexpected Discovery

The day before surgery, Lois completed her required evaluations.

"Everyone was wonderful, and the teaching at the Heart Center regarding post operative care and breathing exercises in the intensive care unit as well as details about the day of surgery, which included chest tubes and arterial lines were excellent," recalls Lois.

Later that afternoon, after returning home, she logged into WakeMed MyChart to review her test results.

What she read stopped her in her tracks.

A CT scan of her chest and abdomen noted a highly suspicious mass on her pancreas.

"As a nurse, I honestly was petrified," Lois remembers. "I fully understood the seriousness of that report."

Compassion When It Was Needed Most

Lois immediately contacted Dr. Boulton's office.

Rather than leaving her to navigate the frightening news alone, Dr. Boulton returned her call in the evening shortly after finishing a long day in the operating room. Before calling her back, he had spoken with his surgical partners, and they all agreed with Dr. Boulton's recommendation to move forward with her planned cardiac surgery. He reassured Lois and her family that by proceeding with her heart surgery, they could expedite the work-up and evaluation of her pancreatic mass.

Lois reflects, "He took the time to talk with us. He reassured my family and me that consultations would be arranged while I was still in the hospital."

That compassionate conversation helped calm her fears enough to focus on the surgery ahead.

"Dr. Boulton and his surgical team were wonderful and so empathetic about everything I was dealing with."

Two Critical Diagnoses, One Coordinated Team

On March 10, Lois had her three-hour, minimally invasive aortic valve replacement procedure at WakeMed Raleigh Campus. 

Following her successful procedure, Lois recovered in the cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU), before transitioning to the cardiac surgery floor and heading home six days later. 

"My care in the CVICU and my step-down care were amazing," Lois shares, smiling. "Even once I was home, the Tele Heart Care video visits were so reassuring."

WakeMed Surgical Oncology and Gastroenterology Step into the Picture

Meanwhile, Dr. Boulton ensured that the pancreatic mass was evaluated without delay, personally contacting fellowship-trained surgical oncologist Joshua Herb, MD, MSCR.

While still hospitalized, Lois met with Dr. Herb as well as gastroenterology specialists. She underwent a magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), followed by an endoscopy and biopsy.

The results brought unexpected relief.

Instead of an aggressive pancreatic cancer, Lois was diagnosed with a slow-growing malignant neuroendocrine tumor that was completely removable with surgery.

"I was relieved to find out it was fully resectable."

Dr. Herb carefully explained the diagnosis, answered every question and developed a surgical plan for the months ahead.

"Dr. Herb walked in while my family was with me in the ICU, and he introduced himself as a surgical oncologist. He sat down with us and showed us the CT scan. He was very honest, professional, compassionate, soft spoken and incredibly calm. He shared it was most likely a neuroendocrine tumor, and in great detail, he explained that these are typically slower growing. He informed us that the team needed to do another scan to confirm the findings along with an upper endoscopy and biopsy of the tumor."

Preparation for a Second Surgery

Before undergoing pancreatic surgery, Lois focused on rebuilding her strength through WakeMed Cardiac Rehabilitation – Raleigh.

"Dr. Herb was most concerned that I would be strong enough to undergo surgery."

Lois initially did two days a week of cardiac rehab, but when her surgery was moved from July to June, she asked if she could go three days a week. She completed six weeks of cardiac rehab and graduated on June 3. 

Lois remembers, "The cardiac rehab team was excellent. I enjoyed working with them."

She worked diligently, and after three months, both Dr. Herb and Dr. Boulton agreed she was ready for her next procedure.

More Surgery, Less Fear

On June 15, Lois underwent a robotic distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy at Raleigh Campus, and she was discharged home on June 19. 

Once again, she experienced the same level of compassionate, coordinated care she had received throughout her journey.

"My preoperative visits were efficiently scheduled, and my nurse navigator stayed in contact, making everything so much easier," notes Lois.

Following surgery, Dr. Herb personally updated Lois and her husband with encouraging news.

"He made sure to notify us immediately that the pathology report was excellent."

Throughout her recovery, Dr. Herb and Dr. Boulton remained in communication about her progress, ensuring every member of her care team stayed informed.

Dr. Herb comments, "Lois was diagnosed with a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. This is, generally speaking, a less aggressive type of pancreatic cancer. Even though it is less aggressive, this type of tumor still has a risk of enlarging and spreading to nearby lymph nodes or other organs (metastasizing). Because of this, surgery to remove it is usually recommended. Fortunately, we were able to catch her tumor at a very early stage and cure it with surgery. She recovered very well, and we will watch closely with imaging studies and follow up visits to make sure it doesn't return. Lois had an excellent outcome, and I want to acknowledge our surgical oncology team members who also helped her before, during and after surgery. Our clinic team including Bob O'Brien and our nurse navigator, Kristin Kleber as well as our physicians' assistants, Allie Gordon and Sarah Fernandez, are critical to our surgical oncology team and in helping patients like Lois along her recovery." 

Care That Lasts Beyond Surgery

Looking back, Lois believes the quality of care she received extended far beyond the operating room.

Lois tears up: "Words cannot express my gratitude for the excellent care I received at WakeMed."

She credits the multidisciplinary approach between physicians, nurses, navigators and the care teams for helping her navigate one of the most difficult seasons of her life.

Lois explains, "It is crucial for patient outcomes to have people who truly care — from the first phone call through postoperative care. That has not been my experience at other large healthcare facilities, where patients often struggle to access care."

Lois' Life Today

This health journey was so meaningful that Lois has since transferred all her healthcare to WakeMed.

Today, she is doing well and remains grateful that one consultation for her heart led to the early discovery and successful treatment of a pancreatic tumor.

"I am doing great," Lois comments. "I'm amazed by the fabulous care I received during a very difficult season. I also give thanks to God for his hand in my healing."

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About WakeMed Heart Center

When it comes to matters of the heart, there's nothing like experience. Wake County's first open heart surgery was performed at WakeMed in 1968, and we continue to be a leader in innovative cardiovascular care delivered by highly trained, board-certified physicians and staff who take a team approach to patient care. At WakeMed, patients always come first.

About WakeMed Surgical Oncology 

Skilled cancer surgery team, close to home. Our board-certified surgical oncologists care for cancers and complex tumors of the pancreas, liver and bile ducts, stomach and intestines, skin and soft tissue (including melanoma and sarcoma), and endocrine system (including adrenal and thyroid). We focus on safe, effective treatment with compassion and clear communication. 

About WakeMed Cardiac Rehab

At WakeMed, cardiac rehab isn’t just about recovery – it’s about rediscovering confidence, gaining strength and knowledge to live a heart-healthy life. Our program is tailored for those recovering from cardiac events such as a heart attack, heart surgery (including bypass or valve repair/replacement), angioplasty or stent placement, heart failure or stable angina. Whether you join us in person or virtually, our expert team guides every step of your journey.