Destinations

Recommendations

Info

MULTI- DISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO BREAST CANCER MAKES THE PATIENT PART OF THE TEAM Kathleen Graf says MedStar Union Memorial Hospital's team approach made her more involved in making decisions about her treatment. Mary (Kathleen) Graf had her annual mammogram in April and the results were normal. But a few months later at her yearly checkup, her gynecologist noticed a very small lump in her breast. “It was tiny,” the 69-year-old Towson resident remembers. “I could barely feel it even when my doctor put my finger directly on it.” Although her gynecologist didn’t think there was anything to worry about, especially since Graf had a normal mammogram just a few months before, she sent her for a 3-D mammogram, which did show a suspicious area. Her doctor referred her to Maen Farha, MD, FACS, breast surgeon and medical director of the Breast Center at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, for a needle biopsy. The biopsy and pathology confirmed that Graf had estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer, and Dr. Farha told her she would need surgery. “I felt more involved in the process.” Breast cancer patients receive care from a number of different specialists, including a surgeon, a radiation oncologist and a medical 10 <strong>Destinations</strong> MEDSTAR UNION MEMORIAL HOSPITAL Summer 2016
oncologist. Typically, a patient has a separate consultation with each doctor. That approach takes time and gives the patient three opinions about treatment, which can be confusing. The approach at MedStar Union Memorial is intentionally different, for that reason. “Studies have found that 70 percent of the information patients receive is forgotten if the appointments are spread out,” explains Dr. Farha. “At MedStar Union Memorial, we bring all three physicians, the pathologist, radiologist, and when appropriate, our staff social worker, genetic counselor, and patient navigator, together to discuss the case. Then we all meet with the patient as a team to discuss treatment options and answer any questions. This multi-disciplinary approach is more efficient for the patient, helps us develop a better treatment plan, improves communication between physicians, and makes the patient an integral part of the team and decision-making process.” Adds Graf, “In one visit, I talked with and heard from all the physicians. If there were differences of opinion, they spoke openly in front of me. With that open communication, I felt more involved in the process and understood my options.” A single dose rather than six weeks of daily radiation One of those options was to take part in a phase IV study of intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) being conducted at MedStar Union Memorial. Dr. Farha performed a lumpectomy to remove Graf’s tumor and placed the IORT device in the lumpectomy cavity. Paul Fowler, MD, chief, Radiation Oncology, then delivered lowerdose radiation directly to that area. “There are many patient benefits to IORT,” says Dr. Farha. “The treatment is Kathleen is feeling strong and enjoys walks with her husband Chuck at Hopewell Cancer Support. performed once during surgery, whereas external radiation requires six weeks of daily treatment. It also prevents Maen Farha, MD radiation of other healthy tissue in the breast, chest wall and lungs.” As part of the study, Graf will be followed closely, a big plus in her book. “It makes me feel more confident knowing that I’ll get regular follow-up as part of the study. If there is a problem, it’s more likely to be caught sooner.” Another resource Graf values is the binder the team put together that contains all the information about her surgery and radiation, the medication she’s taking to lower the risk of the cancer returning, contact information for every member of the team, and resources like MedStar Union Memorial’s Journey to Wellness program. “It’s my second bible,” she says. “Everything is right at my fingertips. Throughout the whole process, everyone on the team and the staff at the hospital have been wonderful. People were always happy to answer my questions and calm my fears. I feel good now and I’m back to walking and hiking with my husband.” To schedule an appointment with a specialist at MedStar Union Memorial’s Breast Cancer Center, call 877-715-HOPE (4673). <strong>Destinations</strong> MEDSTAR UNION MEMORIAL HOSPITAL Summer 2016 11
Page 1 and 2: Destinations A publication from MED
Page 3 and 4: WHO NEEDS A PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN?
Page 5 and 6: GETS KELLY ON HER FEET at MedStar U
Page 7 and 8: BETWEEN HOSPITAL AND HOME FOR PEOPL
Page 9: MEDSTAR UNION MEMORIAL HOSPITAL PAR
Page 13 and 14: Type 2 Diabetes Support Group Learn
Page 15 and 16: ORTHOPAEDICS You Don’t Have to Be

Destinations

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?