CANCER
AWARENESS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2018
Mission Hope Cancer Center Mission Hope Cancer Center is celebrating six years of serving residents of the Central Coast.
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2 | September 30, 2018
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
Santa Maria Special Section1
LEN WOOD STAFF PHOTOS
Cancer survivor Lise Pawley, left, talks with phlebotomists Mariah Voss, center, and Teri McNeil, at Mission Hope Cancer Center in Santa Maria.
Orcutt teacher Lise Pawley lauds Mission Hope Cancer Center for support Technology, caring atmosphere made all the difference in cancer recovery GINA KIM
gkim@leecentralcoastnews.com
L
ise Pawley hadn’t taken time off from her teaching duties at Orcutt Union School District in 20 years, including the first time she was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in 2013. However, a routine mammogram four years later changed that when it showed that the cancer in her right breast had returned, requiring her to undergo much tougher, extensive treatment which included radiation, chemotherapy and eventually a mastectomy. “I was looking into different services provided at Mission Hope Cancer Center at Marian Regional, specific to the cancer that I had,” said Pawley, adding that treatment resulted in lymphedema, a known complication of the disease. “When I had my mastectomy, doctors removed 11 lymph nodes which caused me to develop lymphedema,” she said. Lymphedema refers to swelling that generally occurs in limbs, ei-
ther the upper or lower extremities or sometimes both when excess fluid builds up. It can be caused by either removal or damage to lymph nodes as part of the cancer treatment process. Removing lymph nodes causes blockage in the lymphatic system which is part of the immune system. Blockage stops lymph fluid from draining properly leading to swelling. “They had to remove more lymph nodes to ensure the cancer didn’t travel,” said Pawley. “Thankfully all my nodes returned negative, and the cancer didn’t spread.” The resulting lymphedema in her arms, however, required Pawley to undergo follow-up care after going through her breast cancer treatment. It included physical therapy classes, and going through the recently acquired L-Dex machine every three months. “Prior to my treatment, I had no idea what an L-Dex machine was,” Pawley said. “There were a lot of things related to my cancer journey I wasn’t aware about until the second time I was diagnosed.” The L-Dex machine helps patients detect breast cancer-related lymphedema by measuring lymph fluid changes. After the L-Dex machine measures and tests bioimpedance spectroscopy, it allows doctors to develop a score
Cancer survivor Lise Pawley, left, talks with her breast cancer nurse navigator Lindsey Boschen, at Mission Hope Cancer Center in Santa Maria. for the patient; that score is kept as a baseline for the patient each time they return to the hospital to compare their surgical arm to their non-surgical arm. Today, Pawley is cancer free and lymphedema free, and credits Mission Hope’s L-Dex machine as the biggest blessing and newest medical technology in her cancer journey. “The Mission Hope Cancer Center is already so advanced, upto-date and amazing as is,” said Pawley. “The entire staff was so amazing, and not only that, their
and has returned to teach at Joe Nightingale Elementary for the 2018-19 school year, she says she still has to return to Mission Hope every three to six months to test her L-Dex scores, “as there’s always a chance my lymphedema can return,” she said. “Thankfully the L-Dex machine is super easy when it comes to testing patients,” she said. “It takes longer to hook your limps up to the machine than it actually does to take the test — you just put little sensors in my arms, ankles and then you’re done in a few moments.” Pawley said that it has been amazing returning to the classroom to teach her third graders after missing an entire school year in the fall of 2017. The support from her colleagues, the Orcutt Union School District and her family “have been nothing short of amazing,” she said. “They all became my family, including the staff at Mission Hope Cancer Center,” said Pawley. “I urge everyone in this area to come here for treatment, because everything is here in one place, and they’re so up-to-date with their technology for patient care.”
cancer center has everything in one place as a resource for cancer patients. You have the breast care center, then oncologists on the third floor, and everything else, which makes it easy for patients to access.” The treatment Pawley underwent in 2017 when her breast cancer returned was much tougher than the first time she was diagnosed in 2013 because of the mastectomy, chemotherapy and Gina Kim covers crime and courts follow-up complications with for Santa Maria Times. Follow her on Twitter @gina_k210 lymphedema, she said. While Pawley is cancer-free
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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
Santa Maria Special Section1
September 30, 2018 | 3
HEIDI JENSEN GRUETZEMACHER
Steven Sonnabend, M.D., with one of Dignity Health’s new General Electric 3D Mammography imaging machines.
Dignity Health hospitals offer the most technologically advanced 3D mammography Latest installation of final two 3D imaging systems provides a clearer, more accurate view for breast exam CONTRIBUTED
ignity Health Central Coast, D which includes Arroyo Grande Community Hospital (AGCH), Marian Regional Medical Center (MRMC), and French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC), has installed the final two of four new General Electric 3D Mammography imaging machines at two outpatient imaging centers on the Central Coast. Marian Breast Imaging Center, located in Santa Maria, and Coastal Diagnostic Center, located in Pismo Beach, each have the new 3D Mammo capability and are now accepting patients. These new machines are due to the generosity of community donors whose donations totaled $75,000 to the AGCH Foundation as well as donations to the MRMC Foundation that continue to benefit the Marian Cancer Care
Center. General Electric’s SenoClaire 3D Mammography, also known as Breast Tomosynthesis, is a three-dimensional imaging technology that uses a low-dose short X-ray sweep around the compressed breast. The SenoClaire detector delivers high quality digital imagery at low dose that delivers greater accuracy in finding size, shape, and location of any breast irregularities. A side-byside comparison of breast imaging technology demonstrates that the GE SenoClaire is superior in the following areas: Offers the lowest X-ray dose available in 3D Mammography. Contains “step-and-shoot” technology which mitigates repeat exams. Results in superior detection of breast abnormalities and calcifications.
Uses a high resolution detector system. “Dignity Health Central Coast offers the safest, most advanced technology available today for our patients” says Charles J. Cova, senior vice-president of operations, Dignity Health. “These new 3D Mammography technology additions are the continued steps we are taking to provide our Central Coast community with enhanced patient care.” These two latest GE SenoClaire 3D Mammography machines are the final two of four 3D imaging technologies installed at Dignity Health Central Coast over the last six months. These locations are: Coastal Diagnostic Center; Marian Breast Imaging Center; French Hospital’s San Luis Diagnostic Center; and French Hospital’s Women’s Health & Imaging Center. Both the Arroyo Grande Community Hospital Foundation and the Marian Regional Medical Center Foundation are non-profit, public benefit organizations with the purpose to raise funds through
charitable contributions for the betterment of community health care. Both Foundations rely on the generosity of the community to help support the hospital’s efforts to provide quality health care for local programs and services. “The Foundation’s ability to fund this new technology is made possible through the generous support of our San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County communities,” said Montisa Lopez, AGCH vice president of philanthropy. “The GE SenoClaire Breast Tomosynthesis technology is a great example of how community support continues to drive the advances in quality, safety, and service at Dignity Health Central Coast.” Individuals interested in supporting each foundation’s health care mission, programs, and services for patients and families of the Arroyo Grande Community Hospital and Marian Regional Medical Center can contact the AGCH Foundation at 805-994-5421, SupportArroyoGrande.org and MRMC Foundation at 805-739-3595, SupportMarianMedical.org.
Dignity Health Central Coast Dignity Health Central Coast is comprised of five hospitals, all recognized for their quality of care, safety and service, primary care offices, premier ambulatory surgery centers, technologically advanced imaging centers, outpatient services and comprehensive home health services. Hospitals in the Dignity Health Central Coast region include Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo and St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard. Each hospital is supported by an active philanthropic Foundation to provide additional funding to support new programs and services, as well as to advance the community’s access to health care. For more information, visit: www. dignityhealth.org/centralcoast
Marian Regional Medical Center named Innovative ® Hidden Scar Center for Breast Cancer Surgery CONTRIBUTED
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he Marian Breast Center at T Marian Regional Medical Center has announced that Monica Rocco, MD, Medical Director— Breast Cancer Program, Mission Hope Cancer Center, has been recognized as a Hidden Scar Trained Surgeon for Hidden Scar Breast Cancer Surgery. Marian Breast Center is the only location on the Central Coast to perform this advanced approach to breast cancer surgery that hides scars, minimizing the emotional daily reminder of a breast cancer diagnosis. Dr. Rocco is expanding options for Central Coast women in with a procedure that effectively treats the cancer while also optimizing cosmetic results.
Each year, approximately 253,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer that requires surgery. This provides a substantial alternative for women diagnosed with the disease, many unaware of all the surgical options available, including less invasive approaches that can help restore their self-image. Five-year survival rates for breast cancer are high. As such, Survivorship is becoming increasingly important. Scars have a significant impact on Survivorship in that they impact the survivors’ body image, intimacy, confidence, and mental health. “We are excited to make available this precise and unique surgical technique for women in
This advanced approach to breast cancer surgery allows preservation of breast tissue in women requiring mastectomy or lumpectomy after a breast cancer diagnosis. need of mastectomy or lumpectomy following a breast cancer diagnosis,” said Dr. Rocco. “This procedure preserves the structure of the breast, allowing women to maintain their confidence, and lessening the emotional burden
of additional stress after a difficult cancer journey.” Hidden Scar Breast Cancer Surgery allows Dr. Rocco to remove the cancerous tissue through a single incision made in a hidden area, preserving the natural shape of the breast while reducing visible scarring. Patients who undergo this approach experience optimal clinical and cosmetic outcomes, and are at no higher risk of recurrence than patients who undergo any other surgical technique. At Marian’s Breast Center, we are committed to enabling our surgeon to perform complex, in-demand surgeries with greater confidence, giving more women access to transformative options. Performing breast cancer
surgery through a smaller incision requires consistent illumination throughout the surgical cavity, so the surgeon can clearly see and effectively remove the tumor. The Marian Breast Center is using Invuity’s Intelligent Photonics technology to improve visibility during procedures such as lumpectomy and nipple sparing mastectomy – enabling us to perform complex, in-demand surgeries with greater confidence, and give more women access to transformative options. For additional information on this recent designation, visit www.dignityhealth.org/centralcoast/locations/marianregional/ services/cancer-center/hidden-scar-center
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
4 | September 30, 2018
Santa Maria Special Section1
Dignity Health Central Coast hospitals recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month Breast health is important to consider all year long CONTRIBUTED
Arroyo Grande Community Hospital (AGCH), French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC), and Marian Regional Medical Center (MRMC), which are Dignity Health Central Coast hospitals, recognize the significance of October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and urge women to schedule their annual breast exams. Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of death for women in the United States. While most people are aware of breast cancer, Dignity Health Central Coast wants to emphasize the importance of women to take the necessary steps to detect this disease in its early stages, and inspire others to do the same. October serves as a gentle reminder of an annual mammogram, but breast health is of great importance to us all year long. Early breast cancer usually does not have any symptoms. It is important for women to understand the role of breast self-exams in helping each woman become more familiar with her breasts, which may help identify abnormalities or changes. It is also essential that women receive their regularly scheduled screening mammograms beginning at age 40 and continuing annually. If there is a family his-
tory of breast cancer, consulting a physician regarding the appropriate age to begin screenings could be life-saving. Dignity Health has partnered with many local organizations to offer free screening mammograms year round to those who may otherwise not afford them. Dignity Health Central Coast is at the forefront of breast cancer screening and has acquired the latest in breast imaging technology, GE’s SenoClaire Breast To-
mosynthesis. This three-dimensional imaging detector delivers high-quality digital imagery at a low dose, delivering greater accuracy in determining the size, shape, and location of any breast abnormalities. This innovative breast imaging equipment captures multiple images of the entire breast, which allows our specialized radiologists to see through layers of breast tissue and examine the breast from all viewpoints. Dignity Health Central
Coast has received four of these devices, supported in large part by our hospital philanthropic entities. The units are located at Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, French Hospital Medical Center, Marian Regional Medical Center, and San Luis Diagnostic Center. Additionally, Dignity Health Central Coast offers the area’s only Nurse Navigator program. When a patient receives a breast cancer diagnosis, it is vital to quickly coordinate all aspects
of care. Our highly-skilled navigators guide patients and their families through a cancer journey, serving as an important source of information and support. Our qualified Nurse navigators are available at no cost to our patients and can: Help patients understand a cancer diagnosis and treatment options Coordinate communication between patients and their health care team Inform patients and their families about financial counseling, clinical trials, genetic counseling and other services Help patients and their families connect with our many programs as well as community services Mammograms catch up to 90 percent of breast cancers, even before symptoms appear, and breast cancers caught in their earliest stages have a 98 percent survival rate. Our Dignity Health Central Coast facilities offer renowned specialists in mammography, radiology, and breast cancer treatment to care for you this month, and every month. A busy life should not get in the way of early detection. To schedule a mammogram today, please call: AGCH Coastal Diagnostic Center: 805-481-4705. FHMC Women’s Health and Imaging Center: 805-597-6700. FHMC San Luis Diagnostic Center: 805-542-9700. MRMC Breast Imaging Center at Mission Hope Cancer Center: 805-346-3490.
Ladies! You are invited to attend our eighth annual
Girls G irls Night Night Out Ou t Please join us for an evening of music, cocktails and featured guest speakers as we gather to empower and inform.
Interactive Session: Ask the Experts featuRing OuR Panel
April Kennedy, MD, Medical Oncologist/Hematologist Kristen W. Kieley, MD, Radiologist
April Kennedy, MD, Medical Oncologist
Kristen Kieley, MD, Radiologist
Monica Rocco, MD, FACS, Breast Surgeon
Gisele Rohde, MPAP, PA-C, Cancer Risk Program
Monica A. Rocco, MD, FACS, Breast Surgeon Gisele R. Rohde, MPAP, PA-C, Cancer Risk Program Our panel of experienced female medical professionals will return to share their knowledge and expertise in women’s health. Women have particular concerns regarding cancer and its effect on their lives: this question and answer format will allow participants to discuss the topics they’re most interested in. this is a great time to get the facts about early detection, prevention strategies, treatment advances and survivorship techniques. Make plans now to attend this fun, free community event!
program highlights: • Live music by Mike Madden and his Trilogy Trio • Cocktails and light dinner • Followed by interactive discussion Get your gal pals together and join us as we commemorate October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Wednesday, October 24, 2018 • 5:00 p.m.
like us on facebook: Mission Hope Cancer Center
Mission Hope Cancer Center, 1325 east Church Street, Santa Maria
Reserve early as seating goes fast! Please call Mission Hope to register: 805.219.HOPE (4673)
AN AFFILIATE OF
1325 east Church Street, Santa Maria, California | 805.219.HOPe (4673) | www.missionhopecancercenter.com 00 1