Johns Hopkins Health - Fall 2009 - US - (Page 9)
e Johns Hopkins Difference Seventy percent of women undergoing mastectomy in the U.S. are not offered advice by their surgical team on breast reconstruction. “That doesn’t do anyone any favors,” says breast specialist Lillie Shockney. “We do it differently at Johns Hopkins. We make sure we’re counseling our patients about all options—no matter what the treatment—every step of the way.” the course of treatment for Hamill, when mastectomy—or complete removal of a breast—is the decision, Tsangaris adds that skin and nipple-sparing procedures have become so technically proficient, it’s hard to see a difference. Where differences are seen, Hamill hopes they will be identified in breast cancer clinical trials. When she learned of one at Johns Hopkins for an aromatase inhibitor, a type of breast cancer drug that blocks estrogen production for tumors that are considered estrogen-sensitive, it took little to persuade her to participate. “Being part of a clinical trial, that’s been very meaningful,” she says. “It’s a duty for me, to further the study of breast cancer treatments to help others. How can you not do that?” Now, Back to the Action It’s been more than a year since Hamill’s diagnosis and surgeries, and she’s as busy as ever. Has her diagnosis changed her? Absolutely, she says. Physically, Hamill tires easily and she often has achy joints—but you’d never know that if you met her in person. And although she’s always been close to her daughter, she’s even closer now. She’s also an advocate for breast cancer screenings, talking to other women about her experience. Mentally, Hamill is ever the performer who gets back up after she falls. “You can’t worry about what’s happened,” she says. “You have to move forward.” The earlier br east cancer is found, the bett the chances ar er e for treatmen t. The American Cancer Societ y recommends that you: Have a digital mammogram annually starting at age 40. Have a clinical breast exam ev ery three years in your 20s and 30s, an d annually after age 40. Know how yo ur breasts no rmally feel an report change d s promptly to your doctor. Breast self-ex ams are an op tion for you beginning in yo ur 20s. Consider MRI if you have at least a 20 to 25 percent lifetime risk of breast cancer, includ ing a strong fa mily history of breast or ov arian cancer or treatment for Hodgkin’s disease. DETECTION CHECK LIST hopkinsmedicine.org | 800-547-5182 fall 2009 johns hopkins health | 9 |
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Johns Hopkins Health - Fall 2009 - US
Johns Hopkins Health - Fall 2009 US
Contents
Avoiding Accidents
Abusing the System
Personal Best
Second Chance
Ode to Joints
Johns Hopkins Health - Fall 2009 - US
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