Fight Strong Get your Pink On SECTION
OCTOBER 9, 2014
MORGAN COUNTY CITIZEN
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS >>> Breast Self-Exams C4 • Examining Incidence Rates C4 & C5
By Tia Lynn Lecorchick Morgan Memorial Hospital (MMH) is encouraging women to have mammograms throughout the month of October by conducting the “Get Your Pink On,” promotion, which gives out a free pink scarf or pink lunch bag whenever a woman comes in to MMH for a mammogram. MMH is also selling “Get Your Pink On” tshirt to raise money for breast cancer awareness. Megan Morris, director of community affairs for MMH, explained MMH’s breast awareness strategy. “We are giving an insulated lunch tote to anyone having a mammogram during the month of October. We have been selling breast cancer awareness shirts with all proceeds going to our mammography fund to provide mammograms for the uninsured, We have partnered with out radiologists and primary care physicians to offer up to 30 free screening mammograms for individuals without insurance. Later this month Chick-Fil-A will have several promotions going on with proceeds coming to our mammography fund as well,” said Morris. Kaye Utley, head of the Radiology Group, believes “Get Your Pink On” is just one of the ways to raise awareness about breast cancer and give women extra incentive to have their yearly mammograms. “It’s so important to catch breast cancer early,” said Utley. “Especially women over 40, they should be having a mammogram
done once a year.” Utley noted that most insurance companies will cover one mammogram per year, but each person must ask their insurance agency the specifics of their plan. Several doctors in Morgan County have been given five free mammograms to give away to women without insurance. Those doctors are: Dr. Edwardo Cossio, Dr. Miguel Cossio, Dr. David Fletcher, Dr. Pamela Hall, Dr. Dan Zant, and Dr. Roseanne Weaver. “It’s a way to make sure more uninsured women get a mammogram,” said Utley. “It could save their lives.” “MMH will again offer free mammograms for up to 30 individuals without insurance during the month of October. We have partnered with our local radiologists to ensure that the reading services are offered at no charge as well. A physician's order is required for all mammograms at MMH. Individuals interested in obtaining a free mammogram should contact their local primary care provider,” explained Morris. Mammograms don’t come cheap. Utley estimated that one mammogram is over $200 and then there is a separate fee for the radiologist who then reads and diagnoses the charts. To schedule an appointment to have a mammogram done, contact MMH at: 706 752 2207. “Don’t wait until it’s too late. Have your mammograms and know what’s going on in your body. The most important part is catching breast cancer early,” said Utley.
The “Get Your Pink On” team from Morgan Memorial Hospital. From left to right: Kim Sitzmann, Megan Morris and Traci Home. PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN
This is the place to go... and these are the people to see. L-R: Radiology: Kaye Utley, Michelle Thurmond. Ultrasound: Tracy Bruce.
The Morgan County Citizen and Lake Oconee Living Proudly Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Follow us online for photo galleries and events!
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www.MORGANCOUNTYCITIZEN.com OCTOBER 9, 2014
Tale of Two Survivors Two sisters survive breast cancer and tell their stories to encourage others to be proactive about their health and aware of the signs for breast cancer. Melissa Ward, sister of Glenda Cofer, shares her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age and how she fought her way to overcome it. Sisters Melissa Ward and Glenda Cofer stress the importance of being proactive in diagnosing breast cancer. PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN.
y name is Melissa Ward and I am a cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with breast cancer on February 1, 2011. I would have never thought at the age of 31 that I would be told I had breast cancer. In January of 2011, I was scheduled to meet with the gynecologist to discuss having a second baby. The following month of February that same year, we were discussing dates for having a double mastectomy. Life definitely throws some curve balls. I found my lump on January 21st in my right breast after checking myself when we found out that my sister, Glenda, had breast cancer. It had to be a coincidence that both my sister and I had found lumps. When I met with the gynecologist he immediately said I needed to schedule a mammogram and/or ultrasound. The local hospitals of Rockdale and Newton weren't able to schedule my mammogram until Feb. 9 and knowing that my sister had already been diagnosed, I didn’t want to wait that long. With the help of my husband and mother-in-law,
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Athens Regional was able to see me on January 28th, only a few days later. After having a mammogram and ultrasound, the doctor was very concerned and ordered an immediate biopsy that same day. On February 1, 2011 I found out that I was positive for breast cancer. My diagnosis was infiltrating ductal carcinoma. Then the fight began. On February 2nd, I was already meeting with the general surgeon after hours to discuss all of our options. The doctors began to move us quickly through to our surgeries because the cancer was growing so rapidly and they had never experienced a case like ours. On February 17, I had a double mastectomy with eight lymph nodes being removed from my right underarm. Two of those lymph nodes were cancerous, which meant I had to have chemotherapy. I had eight rounds of chemo starting on March 21st, 2011 and ending on June 27th,. In November 2011, I underwent reconstructive surgery. Since my breast cancer was hormone positive, I have been able to take a "breast cancer preventative" pill to help prevent re-
occurrence for five years. I ended up getting lymphedema in my right arm after my surgery and had to wear a compression glove and sleeve for about two years to help with swelling. I did lose my hair and sported wigs and hats. When my hair grew back, I ended up with curly hair instead of my straight hair. The chemo also changed my eyes from hazel to blue. After chemo was completed my family and I wanted to ensure this would not happen again. Under the advice of my oncologist, I agreed to genetic testing to find out if I carried the gene for breast cancer. The results came back that I am a gene carrier and at a very high risk of developing ovarian cancer. Later, I decided to have my ovaries and tubes removed as a preventative measure. With the help of my family, friends, and prayer I was able to beat this horrible disease. I am happy to say that I do not have to be treated for the lymphedema, my eyes are hazel again, my hair is straight again and most importantly on February 17, 2015 I will be four years cancer free!
By the Numbers The American Cancer Society’s estimates for breast cancer in women in the United States for 2013 are: About 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer About 64,640 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the breast will be found (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer) About 39,620 deaths from breast cancer Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. There is a one in eight chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer during her life. The chance of dying from breast cancer is about one in 36. Breast cancer death rates have been decreasing, probably the result of finding the cancer earlier and better treatment. –American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org
The Morgan County Citizen and Lake Oconee Living Proudly Support Breast Cancer Month!
–American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org
Local Color C5
OCTOBER 9, 2014 www.MORGANCOUNTYCITIZEN.com
By Tia Lynn Lecorchick
As a woman, breast cancer are two of the most frightening words to hear. Glenda Cofer, a breast cancer survivor shared her story with the Citizen to encourage others to be aware of their health and to give hope to those battling the disease.
n December 2010 I was helping move some furniture. Afterwards my right arm grazed my right breast and it was a little sore. I assumed that I had pulled something. For a week if you messed with it (the lump) it would get larger and when left alone, well it would get smaller. After it had been there a week I called my gynecologist, who was on vacation so this had to be sometime before Christmas. They said they would get me in with some other doctor so I went ahead and made the appointment. After the first of the year I decided to call them back because I really wanted to see my doctor, Dr. Allen. So an appointment was made for January 7th. On that Friday I went to see Dr. Allen and she smooshed around my breast and said she felt a little lumpy area but it felt like a Cyst. It did not get larger while she was examining me and did not hurt at all. She insisted that I get a mammogram and ultra sound and possibly an aspiration just to be safe. A few days before the mammogram the “cyst” was hard and it hurt. January 21st I had my appointment to get the mammogram. I will tell you I was terrified of the mammogram. I had this idea in my head that they were going to smash my boobs like a pancake in-between two silver plates and it was going to hurt like hell. It actually was not that bad. The doctor decided to take a biopsy of the area. UGH! That was very painful even though they had numbed the area. On January 25th I received the call that it was positive for cancer, the lymph nodes were negative the lump is 1.7cm! The day after all of that fun with my mammogram, my sister came over and said she had a lump, same breast, Melissa's felt like a gumball. The following Friday she went in to have a mammogram and that following Tuesday received the call that her’s was positive for breast cancer. Now the whirlwind starts. I’ve never seen so many doctors at one time! Melissa and I both went to see Dr. Gunn, breast surgeon and we both decided that we would have bi-lateral mastectomies. My cancer was Grade 3, fast growing (growing@ 90%) I went to see Dr. Dhruva, an oncologist, was still seeing Dr. Allen, gynecologist, and at some point added Dr. Shah, radiologist and Dr. Moore plastic surgeon! February 18 I had the mastectomy; Melissa had her surgery the day before, and we were across the hall from each other! They tested the left breast tissue and there was a 3
mm mass that was cancerous! So glad I opted to have both breast removed. My right tumor had grown to 3.5cm by the time of the surgery. 14 lymph nodes were removed. 6 were positive and the sentinel node was negative. My cancer was triple negative, Infiltrating Ductile Carcinoma. Several weeks later we both started chemotherapy, 8 rounds, every two weeks. They put in tissue expanders at the time of surgery and every few weeks Dr. Moore injected saline to expand the tissue, muscle and skin. The chemo was AC/T (Adriamycin, Cytoxan and Taxal) At the second treatment I started losing my hair. That was worse than loosing my breast. The chemo ended in July and in August I started 31 treatments of radiation. Beginning of November the tissue expanders came out and implants were put in. 3 weeks later I got an infection in my right breast and had to have emergency surgery to have the implant removed. So, now I’m a one-breasted woman… and have been since then! This is when all the surgeries start… March 2012 I had a TRAM; they took the muscle out of my stomach and put it into my right breast. January 2013 began the fat grafting to help build up my right breast. In April I had a hysterectomy as a precaution. July and November had another fat grafting. The last one was in March 2014. I’m now going to a plastic surgeon in Augusta that is going to put another tissue expander in my right breast and then do a few more surgeries in hopes to help build my right breast area so that I can have another breast!!!! One day I will have two boobs!! WOO HOO!!! Advice I can give to people going through cancer of any kind is to STAY POSITIVE! When I was diagnosed I researched numerous things but one was how positive thinking people had better outcomes that those that thought negative. Cancer does not mean it’s the end of the road. I use this in everything in my life now. I know that is how I’ve made it through all of this. I don’t stress about any of it because… hey I can’t change it but I can be positive and believe me it has helped me get through the past nine surgeries.
Perform monthly breast self-exams
Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month. While mammograms can help you to detect cancer before you can feel a lump, breast self-exams help you to be familiar with how your breasts look and feel so you can alert your healthcare professional if there are any changes.
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www.MORGANCOUNTYCITIZEN.com OCTOBER 9, 2014
Incidence rates converging among white, African-American women
HONORING BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS
Special to the Citizen
However, incidence rates are now converging among white and African AmeriATLANTA – Breast cancer incidence can women, particularly among women rates increased slightly among African aged 50 years to 59 years. American women from 2006 to 2010, While the oft-quoted statistic is true that bringing those rates closer to the histori- a woman living in the United States has a cally higher rates among white women, ac- one-in-eight lifetime risk of being diagcording to a new analysis by American nosed with breast cancer compared to a Cancer Society researchers. The explana- one-in-11 risk in the 1970s, some of that tion behind the rise is unclear. increase is due to increased detection as a The ďŹ nding is published in “Breast Can- result of widespread mammography cer Statistics, 2013â€? published in CA: A screening and because women now have a Cancer Journal for Clinicians, a peer-re- longer life expectancy. Lifetime risk reviewed journal of the American Cancer ects the average probability of being diSociety. The report and its consumer ver- agnosed with breast cancer from birth to sion, “Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2013- death. 2014,â€? are published Mortality rates biennially and provide deBreast cancer death rates “Continued tailed analyses of breast canhave dropped by 34 percent progress in the cer incidence, mortality, and since 1990 in all racial/ethnic control of breast survival trends, as well as ingroups except American Incancer will formation on early detection, dians/Alaska Natives. Nevertreatment, and factors that require sustained theless, survival disparities inuence risk and survival. persist by race/ethnicity, with and increased An estimated 232,340 new eorts to provide African American women cases of invasive breast canhaving the poorest breast high-quality cer and 39,620 breast cancer cancer survival of any screening, deaths are expected to occur racial/ethnic group. diagnosis, and among U.S. women in 2013. Screening About eight in 10 breast In 2010, two in three (67 treatment to all cases and nearly nine in 10 percent) of U.S. women 40 segments of the breast cancer deaths will and older reported having a population.â€? occur among women aged 50 mammogram within the past years and older. two years. The mammograIncidence rates phy screening rate peaked in 2000, deIn the latest time period (2006-2010), in- clined slightly, and has been stable since cidence rates increased for estrogen re- 2005. The report also ďŹ nds that in general, ceptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers in the those states with higher rates of mamyoungest white women, Hispanic women mography screening had fewer late stage in their 60s, and all but the oldest African breast cancers diagnosed among non-HisAmerican women. In contrast, estrogen panic white women. Despite similar overreceptor-negative (ER-) breast cancers de- all screening rates, African American clined among most age and racial/ethnic women have remained more likely to be groups. In every age group, white women diagnosed with regional and distant stage have the highest rates of ER+ breast can- breast cancers compared with white cer and African American women have the women, which the authors say may reect highest rates of ER- breast cancer. These dierences in the quality of mammogradierences may reect racial variations in phy screening and delayed follow-up for the prevalence of risk factors that dier by abnormal mammography ďŹ ndings. ER status. For example, reproductive hisThe researchers conclude the report by tory and obesity appear to be more saying: "Continued progress in the control strongly associated with ER+ breast can- of breast cancer will require sustained and cer, whereas lower socioeconomic status is increased eorts to provide high-quality associated with an increased risk of ER- screening, diagnosis, and treatment to all breast cancer. segments of the population." –From the American Cancer Society, Historically, white women have had the www.cancer.org highest breast cancer incidence rates among women aged 40 years and older.
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October 23, 2014 CHOOSE ONE SERVICE FROM THE LIST BELOW THEN CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT
We would like to offer you a Complimentary service in Recognition of your courage!
~ A Classic Manicure ~ A 30 Minute Foot Reflexology Treatment ~ A 30 Minute Classic Facial ~ An Ayurvedic Scalp Treatment (includes face and neck massage).
We will be offering refreshments in one of our relaxation rooms so make sure you come early or have time to stay after your service!
706-342-7000
THINK PINK!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month Make sure you’re having all of your diagnostic exams, as early detection offers the best treatment. My mother was a 30+ year survivor and my wife Beth is in her 7th year post treatment.
Dr. Adrian Woodruff +DQFRFN 6W ‡ 0DGLVRQ
706-342-2155