One Appointment Offers Convenience, Peace of Mind for Breast Cancer Patients

Sandy Minnick, 70, had no family history of breast cancer. She completed her mammogram screening at Bryan Medical Center every year, but the scan in July 2022 looked different. After more scans and a biopsy, Bryan oncology nurse navigator Carmen Orr called Sandy to tell her about Bryan’s new breast cancer multidisciplinary clinic.

One Visit, Multiple Experts

In one appointment, Sandy met with a team of specialists, including breast surgeon Rachel Jendro, DO, FACOS, of Bryan Breast Surgical Specialists, and medical oncologist Haris Zahoor, MD, and Kam Chiu, MD, radiation oncologist, both of Cancer Partners of Nebraska. She left with a treatment plan and peace of mind.

“I’m so grateful for this approach to care,” Sandy said. “Having that team made a huge difference.”

Treatment Plan

In September, Sandy underwent a double mastectomy with Dr. Jendro. Because of the tumor’s genetics and that it was caught early, Sandy did not need chemotherapy or radiation treatments. Today, she has regular follow-up visits with Dr. Zahoor and uses Cancer Partners’ rehabilitation team for lymphedema therapy. She is cancer free.

“I’ve been lucky every step of the way, and it’s because of that team,” Sandy said.

Breast multidisciplinary clinics are the future of oncology, and we are fortunate to be experiencing it now. Cancer treatment is complex, and patients may need a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary approach. From the patient’s perspective, it gives them an opportunity to see all providers in one day and leave with a complete plan.

— Haris Zahoor, MD Cancer Partners Medical Oncologist

Patients nervous about getting a mammogram?

Share this new video for what’s involved, answers to common questions and ways to prepare for a mammogram.