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continued from page 11 All work together to ensure the best patient outcomes. Your team at Augusta Health includes: • skilled surgeons. “We don’t dabble in breast surgery here,” says Dr. ranzini, who estimates about half the cases he and his partners handle are breast surgeries. They work not only with patients with cancers, but follow those with breast disease, cysts and benign growths as well. For women who have abnormal mammograms or biopsies, follow-up appointments are made quickly so they don’t have to wait. For a woman diagnosed with breast cancer, the surgeon is often the first person she has contact with. Together, they’ll discuss surgical treatment options such as lumpectomy and mastectomy, and the pros and cons of each. When it comes to treatment, “there are no black-and-white decisions,” Dr. Thompson says. “There are a lot of gray areas.” Women who face a high genetic risk of breast cancer will also be counseled about their options. • Outstanding oncologists. Two types work at Augusta Health: medical oncologists and radiation oncologists, both board certified. Medical oncologists oversee the care for a variety of breast cases, from those taking preventive measures to women whose breast cancer has spread. radiation oncologists treat patients who benefit from radiation therapy. “There’s more than one way to treat cancer,” says 12 HealthMatters Spring 2011 ❝ we offer a comprehensive program. we all work well together—we’re like a big family.❞ —MaYa gHaeMMagHaMi, M.D. Maya ghaemmaghami, M.D., a medical oncologist at Augusta Health. “And we stay up to date on the latest research and participate in clinical trials.” Dr. ghaemmaghami discusses treatments with patients and can help them make a decision. • Remarkable radiologists. “Breast imaging is an important part of diagnosing breast cancer,” says Patricia Buchanan, M.D., a radiologist and director of Augusta Health’s Women’s Imaging Center. “It’s skill and practice when you’re searching for things 1 centimeter or less in size.” Dr. Buchanan says that 60 percent of the cancers that the hospital’s breast-cancer screening picks up are either in situ (noninvasive) or are less than 1 centimeter in size, and are considered minimal cancers. That means Augusta Health radiologists are adept at finding cancer early. And, 84.6 percent of the cancers that are found on screenings are stage 0 to stage 1 cancers, which are Meg sHRaDeR, R.n., b.s.n., anD williaM tHOMPsOn, M.D., Facs, Review a cHaRt.
cancers that haven’t spread to the lymph nodes, exceeding national standards. Dr. Buchanan credits the technicians doing the testing with Augusta Health’s success at finding cancers early. “Our techs are superior at getting patients through the screenings, comforting them and knowing just what to do and say,” she says. • Proficient pathologists. These people behind the microscopes never lose sight of the fact that a person is on the other side of every specimen. “We understand that the period between having a biopsy and getting the results is filled with anxiety,” Dr. Plumbley says. “We try to get the answer out as quickly as possible without compromising quality.” What they find will ultimately drive treatment decisions. Pathologists determine whether a growth is noncancerous, cancerous or undetermined; specific characteristics of a cancerous tumor; and if a cancer is invasive or noninvasive. They also have the privilege of making someone’s day. “It’s a Friday afternoon and a patient gets good news that her growth is benign. There’s no better gift to give someone,” Dr. Plumbley says. • nurturing nurses. All Augusta Health Cancer Center nurses are certified oncology nurses, meaning they’re specially trained to care for cancer patients. “Oncology nurses are some of the most compassionate people, with a genuine desire to help their patients,” Dr. ghaemmaghami says. • specialized support staff. Augusta Health Cancer Center’s support service staff includes a social worker; a nutritionist; and massage, physical and occupational therapists dedicated to handling the needs of cancer patients. When it comes to breast care, Augusta Health leaves no stone unturned. “We offer a comprehensive program,” Dr. ghaemmaghami says. “We all work well together—we’re like a big family.” we treat more than breast cancer Augusta Health can also provide you with the most comprehensive care for breast pain, nipple discharge, fibroadenomas, atypical ductal hyperplasia and papillomas, either in the hospital or as an outpatient. To get more information about our breast care services, call the Cancer Center at (540) 332-5960 in Staunton or (540) 932-5960 in Waynesboro. Deana tiPleR, Rt-RM-bD, gives a Patient a MaMMOgRaM. comprehensive breast services available at augusta health breast mri cancer-certified dietitian certified bra and prosthetic fitter for bras, camisoles and lymphedema garments chemotherapy dedicated social worker digital mammography (women’s imaging and Staunton outpatient locations) endocrine therapy genetic counseling lumpectomy and mastectomy lymphedema therapy mri-guided breast biopsy massage therapy medi-port placement physical therapy sentinel lymph node biopsy stereotactic breast biopsy support groups for patients and caregivers tai chi for cancer survivors ultrasound-guided breast biopsy www.augustahealth.com 13
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