OCTOBER 14, 2015 CUMBERLAND TIMES-NEWS
Debbie Fornwalt of Cresaptown (left) won the best-dressed award at last year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Western Maryland. She is a five-year breast cancer survivor who continues to crusade against the disease. Angie Brant/Times-News
Best-dressed breast cancer survivor honors friend now in heaven ANGIE BRANT CTN@TIMES-NEWS.COM
CUMBERLAND — Debbie Fornwalt of Cresaptown has achieved many accolades and distinctions throughout her life, but among her favorite is a best-dressed award for the 2014 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Western Maryland walk. While this may seem like a minor achievement, it has a far deeper meaning. This best-dressed award is a result of Fornwalt’s dedication to helping create a world without breast cancer — a world where no one fears those words. Decked out in pink tulle and glitter, Fornwalt demonstrated her determination to stop a disease that affects more than 230,000 women each year. Fornwalt is a five-year breast cancer survivor and will forever be a crusader against breast cancer. Fornwalt did not create a team for the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Western Maryland walk as a result of her own diagnosis, but rather to honor a dear friend who was facing that same diagnosis. Ronda Fuller was a
Angie Brant/Times-News
Debbie takes a moment with her friend Ronda Fuller (above right) during last year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Fuller was able to wintness the outlandish outfits of Ronda’s Rowdies, a team created in her honor, before she lost her battle against breast cancer. colleague of Fornwalt’s at the Western Maryland Health System in the labor and delivery department. “We created Ronda’s Rowdies in her honor and though she lost her battle against breast cancer we will continue to walk in her memory,” Fornwalt explained. Fuller was at last year’s event and was able to witness the outlandish outfits of Ronda’s Rowdies that earned the team its best- dressed distinction. “We wore all pink, complete with pink tutus and accessories — Ronda
SEE FRIEND HONORED — PAGE 2
2
Breast Cancer Awareness
PINK PAGES • OCTOBER 14, 2015
Friend honored: Ronda’s Rowdies CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 loved it,” Fornwalt said with a laugh. “We are going to be even more over the top this year, knowing that Ronda will be looking down on us. We will be wearing angel wings in her honor.” Fuller embraced the Making Strides event, cognizant of the important impact this local event has on research and support services for area cancer patients. However, she was also a realist and knew her fight might not have the same ending as Fornwalt. Sadly, she lost her battle against breast cancer in July. Several weeks before her death, Fuller asked Fornwalt to speak at her funeral. “If you know me, you know how seldom it is that I am speechless and her request left me speechless. But, she asked me to do something that would be fun and upbeat. She said she
wanted people to laugh and she thought I could make that happen,” Fornwalt said. “Ronda planned her death as she did her life and I was honored to be a part of that. I spoke about Ronda’s Rowdies and I think I was able to do what she asked.” Following the service, Fornwalt spoke with Fuller’s sons, asking if they would be joining the team at the 2015 Making Strides walk. “I told them they would have to wear our trademark tutus and they said they were in,” she said with a laugh. “I am so excited to have her father, stepmother, sister and other family members joining our team this year. I know she (Ronda) will be walking with us, laughing her butt off at all of us. Ronda had the best smile, it just lit up the room and when she laughed it was the greatest sound.” Fornwalt has also dedicated her time to exceeding the team’s fundraising goals for 2015. In 2014, she was named a
Ronda’s Rowdies poses for a photo at last year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. The team will return to this year’s event Oct. 17 at Canal Place. pace-setter for individually raising $2,000 for the American Cancer Society.
“I plan to do even better this year — I have to. I have been sending letters, begging, plead-
Stepping toward a cure for breast cancer!
ing and even threatening when
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
Help Support Breast Cancer Awareness and Research! With Every Purchase of Curebond™ Carpet Pad Live Pink With This Special Padding, a Portion of Each Sale Goes Towards the Fight to Find a Cure.
CUREBOND™ IS:
100% Recyclable 9 lb. Pad Hypo-Allergenic Luxurious Under Foot Made With Soy Contains a Moisture Barrier THINK PINK!!!
Burkey’s Furniture & Carpet 900 National Highway - LaVale, Md. 1-Mile East on Rt. 40 From McDonald’s Restaurant Mon. and Thurs. 10 am to 8 pm • Other Days 10 am-5 pm • Closed Sunday Phone: (301) 729-3636
Breast Cancer Awareness
Above all, this is about Ronda, that’s why we started this team.
“
”
– Debbie Fornwalt
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE I have to,” she said. Fornwalt’s enthusiasm and commitment are reflective of her outlook on the possibility of a cure for breast cancer being discovered. “I really feel like we are closer to a cure than ever. I need to know that my grandchildren and their children will never have to hear the words ‘You have breast cancer,’” she added. “Money raised for the American Cancer Society is used so judiciously and I really believe their research is close to finding a cure. Their work is good.” Fornwalt has seen the important advances made locally and credits the Schwab Family Cancer Center for her own recovery. A registered nurse at the Western Maryland Regional Health Center, she faithfully performed self-exams following a program on WUSA called Buddy Check 9, in addition to clinical exams and mammograms. Buddy Check 9 encourages every woman to perform a monthly self-exam and call a friend to make sure she follows suit. During one of these monthly exams, Fornwalt felt a lump on the side of her breast. It was unlike what she had heard described, but she knew there was some-
thing definitely amiss. “It was about three-quarters inch in length and about an inch wide. I immediately thought, this isn’t normal. Women do not think about checking the sides of their breasts, and finding lumps can be difficult for women who have larger breasts. The tissue can be so much denser.” She contacted her physician and a host of tests was scheduled, including a mammogram, an ultrasound and then a biopsy. Her worst fears were confirmed when she learned she had stage 3 breast cancer. “You do not need to leave Cumberland, Maryland, to get the best possible care. They offer cutting-edge treatment. Protocols for breast cancer are the same here as they are other places. Schwab offers everything you need right here — treatment, surgery and even clinical trials. We have everything you need right here in our back yard,” Fornwalt explained. “The staff there rocks, they really do. They care and they care deeply for each of their patients. I cannot say enough about the Schwab family, the cancer center and the wonderful people who work there. I feel indebted to them for what they do, what they did for me and what they do for every patient.” Though she has reached the magical five-year mark
PINK PAGES • OCTOBER 14, 2015
3
in her own recovery, it’s a number Fornwalt does not dwell on, knowing the fight remains at the forefront for many others. More importantly, Fornwalt is determined to continue to live her life to the fullest — spending each day appreciating the many gifts she has in her life and enjoying life. When Fornwalt learned she had cancer, she tackled it with her unique brand of humor and pledged to fight, armed with a raucous laugh and a deep faith in the Lord. “Keep a sense of humor, it will help get you through, even if it’s just the exam or even a diagnosis. I try to see the humor in most things and I really think that is what has gotten me through. Cancer will change you forever, but that’s not a bad thing. Most cancer patients will tell you that. It makes you consider your mortality and reminds you of what a gift life can be.” Fornwalt never shies away from sharing her story and considers her participation in Making Strides to be an honor and a privilege, and most importantly an opportunity to share her own story of hope and survival. “Do self-exams, get your mammograms, know your own body. And don’t be afraid to go to the doctor because you fear what could be,” Fornwalt said. “Breast cancer is the most difficult thing I have gone through but I made it and I can promise you that you can too.” As Ronda’s Rowdies prepare for the Oct. 17 walk, they will certainly miss their namesake, but take great solace in knowing that Fuller will be looking down from heaven, smiling as she sees Fornwalt leading the charge to a cure for breast cancer, and of course, a repeat win of the best dressed. “Above all, this is about Ronda, that’s why we started this team and we are not done with our work yet. She died too young, we have to find a cure. Ronda would want us to keep up the fight. Stay vigilant, please get your mammograms.” Angie Brant is a Times-News correspondent.
Anointed to Preach the Gospel to the Poor Luke 4:18
UNION RESCUE MISSION OF WESTERN MARYLAND, INC.
52 Years 1963-2015
A COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP A Great Big Thank You To All Our Friends And Partners. Because You Cared Enough To Share All We Have Done And Will Do Is Possible.
The Union Rescue Mission is truly a community project. We neither accept nor solicit government funds of any kind. Because you care enough to share, thousands of meals have been served in the URM dining room; food baskets have been delivered all over the Tri-State area and hundreds of men, women and children, who might have had no where to sleep, had found shelter at the URM; clothing, household goods, and a variety of other aid has been provided to our Needy Neighbors across the Tri-State area; and the Good News of Our Lord’s Saving, Changing Grace is being shared with all who would listen. And - if, you have not partnered with us we invite you to become a part of this important work. Send your gift today to the Union Rescue Mission, P. O. Box 1614, Cumberland, MD 21501-1614, 301-724-1585. Your heart will be blessed for it!!
LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THY SELF AND THEY WILL LOVE YOU TOO!! IN OTHER WORDS, BE BETTER TO YOUR NEIGHBORS AND Y’ALL WILL HAVE BETTER NEIGHBORS.
4
Breast Cancer Awareness
PINK PAGES • OCTOBER 14, 2015
Paint the Town Pink FROM STAFF REPORTS
CUMBERLAND — The Paint the Town Pink celebration being sponsored by the American Cancer Society continues throughout the month with a contest for area businesses that submit their photos in support of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event. Photos of storefronts decorated before Oct. 17 can be provided via email or social media for the Paint the Town Pink Photo Contest. The top three designers will be awarded a gift and recognized at this year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer to be held Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. at Canal Place. “We have seen many businesses in the past that have shown their pride for our event by decorating their business’ storefront,” said Katelyn Mock, specialist, community events at the American Cancer Society. “This year we want to recognize your efforts by having a challenge.” To enter: Like the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/strideswesternmd. Post a photo with the #PaintTheTownPink2015 or tag Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Western MD in the photo. Photos also can be emailed to Corey Ryan, volunteer online chair and “Paint the Town Pink” chair, at westernMDStrides@cancer.org. For more information, call 301-722-2145, option 3 or visit the ACS Cumberland Office at 1050 W. Industrial Blvd. in the South Cumberland Marketplace.
Study: Weight Lifting Helps Breast Cancer Survivors Stay Healthy STACY SIMON AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have found that weight lifting can help breast cancer survivors keep the physical fitness they need to perform everyday activities and live independently. Maintaining physical function can also help prevent falls, bone fractures, and disabilities, and might even help prevent premature death. The study was published in the July 1 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. According to the study’s authors, survivors of breast cancer are at a greater risk than the general population of developing frailty, defined as having problems that may include decreased muscle strength, weak bones, and becoming easily tired. For the study, researchers looked at data from the Physical Activity and Lymphedema trial to
determine whether slowly increased weight lifting could increase muscle strength among breast cancer survivors and help them avoid frailty and maintain physical function. The PAL trial was originally designed to test whether weight lifting was safe for breast cancer survivors who had or were at risk of lymphedema (severe swelling in the arm that can follow breast cancer treatment), and found that it was. The physical function study involved 295 survivors of breast cancer that had not spread (metastasized). Half the women took part in slowly progressive weight lifting twice a week. After one year, half as many women in the weight lifting group lost physical function as did women in the control group. Loss of physical function was defined as a 10-point decrease on a scale derived from a questionnaire. More specifically, 12 out of 148 women
in the weight lifting group, or 8.1 percent, lost physical function, compared with 24 out of 147 women in the control group, or 16.3 percent. According to the study’s authors, the findings are significant because each 10-point decrease in physical function among breast cancer survivors increases their risk of premature death by an estimated 6 percent. The study shows that weight lifting can be incorporated into physical therapy for breast cancer survivors to help them stay healthy. The authors say more research is needed to study whether other types of exercise, including walking, would achieve the same benefit. A careful approach According to co-author Justin C. Brown, women in the study started with very light weight, sometimes as little as 1 or 2 pounds, and perfected
SEE STUDY — PAGE 6
3D Ultrasound of the breastNow available OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Should your mammography screening indicate that additional follow up is recommended, PVH now has 3D ultrasound available to complete that follow up. Talk with your Doctor today, get an order, get a test, it’s as simple as that.
Potomac Valley Hospital Radiology Department 304-597-3692
6
Breast Cancer Awareness
PINK PAGES • OCTOBER 14, 2015
Study: Physical therapy for breast cancer survivors CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
their form and technique under supervision of a trainer before adding a little
PEAK PERFORMANCE ORTHOPEDICS
ROY J. CARLS, MD BOARD CERTIFIED • GENERAL ORTHOPEDICS • Sports Medicine • Foot and Ankle Injuries • Complex Foot Reconstruction • Supartz Injections for Knee Pain
• Knee Injuries • Arthroscopic Surgery • Shoulder Injuries • Total Knee Replacement • Carpal Tunnel Surgery
625 Kent Avenue, Suite 102 • Cumberland, MD 21502
301-777-7445
more weight. And even then, if they had pain, they backed off. “The mantra we followed was, ‘Start low; progress slow; listen to your body,’ ” said Brown. “If women had aches and pains that were new or worsening, we reduced their exercise. Women were not thrown into the deep end of the gym.” For women who do not have access to a professional trainer or equipment, Brown recommends finding very light
household objects to lift — such as a can of soup. Women in the study who had lymphedema were required to wear a compression sleeve when they lifted weights. Brown says women who have a lymphedema sleeve should wear one when exercising. Those who don’t may want to talk to their doctor to find out if they could benefit from a lymphedema compression sleeve.
8
Breast Cancer Awareness
PINK PAGES • OCTOBER 14, 2015
Thanks to all of our advertisers for their support! Funeral Home PA SCHADT PLUMBING TG Motors JUDY’S MOBILE HOMES, INC. Durst Serving The Frostburg & HEATING LLC 814-842-3233 NEW & USED Area Communities Learn The Corner of Market & Since 1904 Washington St. Hyndman, PA
Beware Of The Signs
Parts - Transporters P.O. Box 377, Shanks, WV 26761
(304) 496-7777 602 North Main St. • Moorefield, WV 26836
(304) 538-7066
Pre-Arrangements • Traditional & Cremation Services www.durstfuneralhome.com
57 Frost Ave. Frostburg 301-689-8833
Warning Signs of Cancer 301-777-1103
422 Furnace St., Cumberland
FRIDAY
Marc DiNola, D.D.S. Karen Clister, D.D.S. 122 Bedford Street, Cumberland, MD 21502
301-722-4933
Crab Legs It’s Worth the Drive
or OR FISH FRY AllSTEAMED You Can Eat SHRIMP Fish Fry or
Steamed Shrimp
SATURDAY
Crab Legs The Best Prime Rib in Town or
All You Can Eat Steamed Shrimp
CHAT-N-CHEW RESTAURANT & GAZEBO ROOM Route 220 South – McCoole, MD
3 01-78 6-4 3 82
3 01-78 6-4 3 82
Allegany County Task Force On Child Abuse & Neglect, Inc. 301-777-5903
“Everyone Has A Role To Play In Protecting Our Children” Report Suspected Child Abuse Or Neglect By Calling Dept. Of Social Sevices At 301-784-7122 Or “911” Reports Can Be Anonymous
ARTHUR BOND 306-310 N. Centre St. Cumberland, MD
301-724-9378 Mon.-Fri. 9:00-6:00 • Sat. 9:00-4:00 120 Days Same As Cash • SAME DAY DELIVERY •
Home Improvements
Specializing in Vinyl Siding, Replacement Windows, Seamless Gutters, Remodeling, Roofing, Additions. Free Estimates. MHIC • #1323 301-689-2100
Breast Cancer Awareness
PINK PAGES • OCTOBER 14, 2015
9
A percentage of all proceeds given to the Schwab Family Center for Patient Assistance Fund.
Rocky’s Auto Service Computerized Engine Analysis Foreign and Domestic Auto Repairs Custom Exhaust & Converters - AC Service
Failingers Take Home a Piece of History
Hotel Gunter
Rocky Stafford 11310 Christie Road, SE, Cumberland, Md. 21502
301-777-5430 email: rockysauto@atlanticbb.net website-rockys-auto.com
www.failingershotelgunter.com
11 W. Main St., Frostburg
301-689-6511
CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATES 1003 Oldtown Road
301-722-7763 LIL LIL
CORNER MARKET, INC.
215 Paca Street, Cumberland, MD 21502 301-722-5522 www.potomacfcu.org
Adams Family Funeral Home, P.a. 404 Decatur Street Cumberland
301-689-8733
301-722-5700
Ann and Marli Co-Owners
“Where Family Comes First”
217 East Main Street Frostburg, MD 21532
• Fresh Cut Meats • Groceries • Chips • Beer • Cigs • Sodas
Doug’s
Auto & Truck Repair
A Full Service Repair Shop • AES Certified Mechanics • ABS Brakes • Computer Diagnostics • Domestic & Foreign • Major & Minor Repairs 1011 Lexington Ave., Cumberland, MD
301-777-8577
10 Breast Cancer Awareness
PINK PAGES • OCTOBER 14, 2015
Thanks to all of our advertisers for their support! www.potomacvalleyrx.com
“The Drug Store At The Dingle”
Home Medical Care
Prescriptions • Accept All Medicare Plans And Most Insurances • Pharmacist Consultsations
686 Greene St., Cumberland
• Home Oxygen • Hospital Beds • Wheelchairs • Commodes • Walkers • Bathroom Safety Equipment • Seat Lift Chairs • Wide Variety Of CPAP Machines And Masks
2 convenient locations
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE • DELIVERY AVAILABLE
301-722-2342 • 501 N. Centre St., Cumberland, MD 814-842-3201 • Hyndman, PA.
CONVENIENT DRIVE-UP WINDOW FOR CPAP & BIPAP MACHINES & SUPPLIES!
State Farm Providing Insurance & Financial Service
301-724-4900 301 724-9378
WESTERN MARYLAND PAINTING
INTERIOR/EXTERIOR PAINTING PRESSURE WASHING PLASTER & PAPER REMOVAL LICENSED & INSURED
CHRIS HANNON Cumberland • 301-724-7683
Praying for you HIS promise from the WORD of GOD; I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Phil 4:13
Living Waters Ministries 210 S Centre St. Cumberland
306 N. Centre St. Cumberland
24 Hr. Ser vice
Health Matters Urgent Care Confidence Matters 14302 Barton Blvd. SW Cumberland, MD 21502 301.729.FAST (3278)
Monday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Last patient check-in time: 6:30 p.m. Health Matters Urgent Care NO APPOINTMENT
• Road Service Available • Local or Long-Distance Service • Light Service Towing Cumberland, MD (301) 777-3129
Breast Cancer Awareness “Quarries Of Quality Building Stones and Flagstone”
M&S
STONE
PINK PAGES • OCTOBER 14, 2015
11
A percentage of all proceeds given to the Schwab Family Center for Patient Assistance Fund.
QUARRIES, Inc.
Marble, Slate, Granite, Limestone
Grantsville, Md 21536 • 301-895-5151
J JO OL L LY LY R RO OG GE ER R Cashing Agent Up To $5,000 Per Ticket
Discount Liquors
David K. Moose, D.D.S., M.D. Suketu I. Patel, D.M.D., M.D.
Diplomats of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Dr. Moose & Dr. Patel practice the full scope of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, including:
• WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTIONS • DENTAL IMPLANTS • I.V. SEDATION
• ORAL PATHOLOGY • FACIAL SURGERY • CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY
Currently Currently Accepting Accepting Patients Patients // Most Most Insurances Insurances Accepted Accepted
440 National Highway, LaVale, MD • 301-777-8393 Monday - Thursday 8 am - 10 pm Friday & Saturday 8 am - 11 pm
JOIN US IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER. TEST DRIVE ANY CHEVROLET VEHICLE IN OCTOBER AND WE’LL CONTRIBUTE $10 TOWARD THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER PROGRAM.
SALES HOURS:
CHEVROLET
Mon., Thurs 9 am - 7 pm Tues., Wed. 9 am - 6 pm Fri. 9 am - 5 pm Sat. 9 am - 3 pm
FIND NEW ROADS
301-777-5115 10355 Mt. Savage Road NW Cumberland, MD
12 Breast Cancer Awareness
PINK PAGES • OCTOBER 14, 2015
Submitted photo
ABOVE: LaVale Pharmacy in the Burton's shopping center is celebrating "PINKtober" by showing their support for breast cancer awareness. Steve Bittner/Times-News
RIGHT : Mindy Wilkinson, owner of She’s So Pretty on Main Street in Lonaconing, dresses a manikin in her window display as part of the Paint the Town Pink effort during October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Steve Bittner/Times-News
ABOVE: Sally Horn, a customer service officer, is shown with the Cancer Awareness display at First United Bank on Harrison Street.
Breast Cancer Awareness
PINK PAGES • OCTOBER 14, 2015
Steve Bittner/Times-News
BELOW: Ellen Hill decorates the window display at PharmaCare Floral & Gift Shoppe at 198 N. Centre St. using the theme Harvesting Hope for a Cure in observance of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. PharmaCare employees have formed a team to participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. at Canal Place.
Steve Bittner/Times-News
ABOVE: This year the Country Club Mall is Painting Pink for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The mall has donated a kiosk for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer to not only promote the event but to interact with everyone who comes in contact with the kiosk. During October, the public can visit the kiosk and make a dedication card for family members and friends who have been touched by breast cancer and even attach a photo.
Steve Bittner/Times-News
LEFT: Crew member Hannah Johnson at Auntie Anne’s Pretzels in the Country Club Mall works on a display called the Wall of Fame for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The business is selling pink ribbon danglers as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and crew members are encouraged to wear pink to work.
13
14 Breast Cancer Awareness
PINK PAGES • OCTOBER 14, 2015
Promising advancements in radiation treatment
Thomas Slusser, The Tribune-Democrat
Michael Fesko and Beth Barry, radiation therapists, prepare the Varian Linear Accelerator, which is new to the John P. Murtha Regional Cancer Center in Johnstown, Pa. The radiotherapy, or radiation therapy, device has two goals: to control the growth of the tumor and to do so while minimizing exposure to the surrounding healthy tissue. LINAC can be used alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy. RANDY GRIFFITH RGRIFFITH@ TRIBDEM.COM
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — The single most important advance in breast cancer surgery would not be possible without effective use of radiation therapy. Studies over the past 30 years have shown that breast conserving surgery, or lumpectomy, is just as effective as full mastectomy — if it’s followed up by radiation therapy, said Dr. David F. Stefanik, radiation oncologist at UPMC Cancer Center, John P. Murtha Pavilion in Johnstown. “That’s the single biggest thing that has happened in breast cancer over the last century,” Stefanik said. Radiation therapy has had its own technological advances since it was first used in about 1900. “We have the ability to localize the delivery of radiation and more evenly distribute the dose,” Stefanik said. The latest advance at the Johnstown center helps target radiation therapy as never before. Although not typically
used for breast cancer, the system includes on-board imaging that allows therapists to take a CT scan of the patient and target the cancer tumor. “It verifies the accuracy of the patient position,” Stefanik said. “We can restrict the fields a bit more and know we can spare healthy tissue.” With breast cancer, the precision is not always as crucial. In fact, sometimes the whole breast and more is irradiated in case there is more cancer after the primary tumor is removed, he said. “We have to cover the volume that’s necessary, depending on the clinical situation,” Stefanik said. Typical treatment for early-stage breast cancer in women under age 50requires 20 treatments over five weeks, Dr. Subarna Hamid Eisaman,radiation oncologist, said at the Johnstown facility. “It covers the whole breast and the major lymph nodes,” Eisaman said. Lymph nodes are bean-sized structures connected to the body’s diseasefighting network of lymphatic vessels
and tissue. Cancer cells in a lymph node is the first sign the disease is spreading. Older patients and those with more lymph nodes involvement would receive 33 to 37 treatments, she said. Side effects often include some burning of the skin, or dermatitis. Most of the burns are minor. Eisaman had a patient who had to delay her radiation therapy because of a severe sunburn after a trip to an amusement park in Pittsburgh. That sunburn turned out to be worse than the radiation’s effect. “Many patients are pleasantly surprised at the amount of burning with the radiation,” she said. Patients also find they are more tired at the end of a treatment day. For some patients with no lymph node involvement, brachytherapy provides a shorter therapy regimen, Director Charles Shoemaker said at the Herbert L. Hanna Center for Oncology Care at Indiana Regional Medical Center. The treatment requires the surgeon
to place a catheter, or small tube, leading into the tumor bed after the cancer is removed. Radiologists at the Indiana Center then introduce radioactive pellets inside the breast to kill the remaining cancer internally. “The radiation source is in there for just a few minutes,” Shoemaker said. The option allows women to complete their radiation treatments in five days, he said. “We have had patients refer other patients because of the convenience of the service,” Shoemaker said. “It’s an alternative for those patients who are looking for an option instead of seven weeks of radiation treatments, if they qualify.” Indiana also offers standard intensity modulated radiation therapy similar to the Johnstown Center. Leaders at both centers stressed the convenience of having top-notch facilities close to home. “People don’t want to go to Pittsburgh for treatment,” Shoemaker said. Randy Griffith covers health care for The TribuneDemocrat. Follow him on Twitter @photogriffer57.
Breast Cancer Awareness
PINK PAGES • OCTOBER 14, 2015
15
What happens when mammogram is suspicious It may not be cancer, just a follow-up visit STACY SIMON AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
Most of the time, women getting their routine mammogram will receive a letter within 30 days saying the results were normal. But if doctors find something suspicious, they’ll call you back — usually within just five days — to take new pictures or get other tests. Getting that call can be scary, but a suspicious finding does not mean you have cancer. In fact, less than 10 percent of women called back for more tests are found to have breast cancer. What else could it be? A suspicious finding may be just dense breast tissue, a cyst, or even a tumor that isn’t cancer. Other times, the image just isn’t clear and needs to be retaken. Or, if this is your first mammogram, your doctor may want to look at an area more closely simply because there is no previous mammogram to compare it with. What will happen at the follow-up appointment? You are likely to have another mammogram called a diagnostic mammogram. (Your previous mammogram was called a screening mammogram.) A diagnostic mammogram is still an X-ray of your breasts, but it’s done for a different reason. Often, more pictures are taken during a diagnostic mammogram so that any areas of concern can be carefully studied. A radiologist is on hand to advise the technician (the person who operates the mammogram machine) to be sure they have all the images that are needed. You may also have an ultrasound test that uses sound waves to create a computer image of the tissues inside your breasts. For this test, you will lie on a table while a technician applies some gel and places a transducer — a small instrument that looks like a microphone — on your skin. The test is painless and does not expose you to radiation. This test is often used to look more closely at areas of concern found on a mammogram. In addition, some women will have an
MRI. For a breast MRI, you will lie face down inside a narrow tube for up to an hour while sensors capture information used to create a more detailed image of the tissues inside your breasts. The test is painless, but can be uncomfortable for people who don’t like small, enclosed spaces. You can expect to learn the results of your tests during the visit. You are likely to be told one of three things: • The suspicious area turned out to be nothing to worry about and you can return to having yearly mammograms. • The area is probably nothing to worry about, but you should have your next mammogram sooner than normal — usually in four to six months — to make sure it doesn’t change over time. • Cancer was not ruled out and a biopsy is needed to tell for sure. You will also get a letter with a summary of the findings that will tell you if you need follow-up tests or when you should schedule your next mammogram. What if I need a biopsy? Even if you need a breast biopsy, it still doesn’t mean you have cancer. Most biopsy results are not cancer, but a biopsy is the only way to find out. During the procedure, a small amount of tissue is removed and looked at under a micro-
scope. There are several different types of biopsies — most use a needle, but some use an incision. The type you have depends on things like how suspicious the tumor looks, how big it is, where it is in the breast, how many tumors there are, other medical problems you might have, and your personal preferences. The tissue sample will be sent to a lab where a specialist, called a pathologist, will look at it. It will take a few days, maybe even more than a week, for you to find out the results. Once you get them, it’s important to learn whether the results are final, or whether you need another biopsy. You may also decide that you want to get a second opinion. If the results are negative or benign, that means no cancer was found. Be sure to ask the doctor whether you need any additional follow-up, and when you should have your next screening mammogram. If the biopsy shows that you do have cancer, your doctor may refer you to a breast surgeon or other breast specialist. What if it’s cancer? If you do have cancer and you are referred to a breast specialist, use these tips to make your appointment as useful as possible:
• Make a list of questions to ask at the appointment. Download a list from the American Cancer Society or call 800227-2345. • Bring a family member or friend with you. They can serve as an extra pair of ears, help you remember things later and give you support. • Ask if you can record important conversations. • Take notes. If someone uses a word you don’t know, ask them to spell it and explain it. • Ask the doctors or nurses to explain anything you don’t understand. How can I stay calm while waiting? Waiting for appointments and the results of tests can be frightening. Many women experience strong emotions including disbelief, anxiety, fear, anger and sadness during this time. Some things to remember: • It’s normal to have these feelings. • Most breast changes are not cancer and are not life-threatening. • Talking with a loved one or a counselor about your feelings may help. • Talking with other women who have been through a breast biopsy may help. The American Cancer Society is available at 800-227-2345 around the clock to answer your questions and provide support.