Bryan Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic Improves Convenience to Plan Care for Breast Cancer Patients
The Bryan Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic provides a personalized treatment plan from cancer specialists at one convenient time. During the appointment, patients meet with a team of experts to answer questions and determine the best course of treatment. A breast cancer surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, oncology nurse navigator, genetic counselor and oncology social worker develop detailed treatment plans specific to each patient’s needs.
One Stop Care
In most cases, after a patient receives a breast cancer diagnosis, consultations with specialists are spread out over multiple weeks and several different offices. This can lead to fragmented and delayed care. At the Bryan Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic, these appointments take place at one time and location. The clinic opened this summer at Bryan East Campus.
“We look at imaging, the pathology and discuss each case on an individual basis,” said Dr. Rachel Jendro, chief medical director, Bryan Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic. “We make sure we do what is best for the patient and provide a consistent, calming message about their treatment. We are very excited to be able to offer this type of care to breast cancer patients in our region.”
Becky Michael was diagnosed with breast cancer in late July. A small tumor was discovered after a routine mammography at Bryan Pine Lake Campus. Thankfully, her cancer was caught early. The diagnosis was stage one, meaning the nodule was smaller than two centimeters and had not spread outside the breast.
'Fortunate and Grateful'
In August, Michael met with the team at the Bryan Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic. She visited all her specialists at one appointment and left with a customized treatment plan. Last month, she underwent a successful lumpectomy to remove the tumor. She is now cancer-free and will continue with radiation to reduce the risk of recurrence.
As a working professional with travel requirements, Michael found the convenience of seeing her specialists at one appointment and location extremely beneficial. It also allowed her treatment to begin quickly and without delay.
“No one wants to hear the word ‘cancer’,” Michael said. “I had so many questions. I was sad, stressed, trying to run life like normal. I think I was in denial. But we got a plan spelled out. I felt like I was in very good hands. Now, I’m cancer-free. I consider myself very fortunate, thankful and grateful. And it was because of the quick work and team at Bryan.”
The Bryan Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic is located at Bryan East Campus. The clinic will move to the new April Sampson Cancer Center at the future Bryan South Campus when construction is finished in 2023.
