Rewind to spring 2022, Rachel felt a lump in her breast. She talked to her health care provider, and they recommended to take a wait-and-see approach, primarily because she was so young and did not have a family history of breast cancer. As the months went by, the lump remained, so it was time to take action. By September, Rachel started the process of having a mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy and even an MRI — making sure her health care team had a good understanding of the tumor and could develop a treatment plan specifically tailored to her. The diagnosis was official: She had triple-positive breast cancer, and treatment would start right away.

Fortunately for Rachel, her care team was close to home. She consulted with Matthew Golden, M.D., general surgeon at Norton King’s Daughters’ Health, about the lumpectomy. Together with Ajay K. Kandra, M.D., medical oncologist with Norton Cancer Institute – Madison, the team established a treatment plan for Rachel. She would start with chemotherapy in an effort to shrink the tumor and it did.

“My scans showed the tumor shrinking after the first dose of chemo,” Rachel said. “And by the sixth and final dose there had been such a radical response, the tumor was reduced to scar tissue.”

“This type of response is called complete pathological response, and can be seen in patients with HER2-positive breast cancers with the right combination of chemotherapy and targeted therapy” Dr. Kandra said. “Patients with this type of response typically have the highest cure rates.”

HER2 is a protein that makes cancer fast-growing but also more responsive to treatments that attack the protein.

The successful response to chemotherapy made the lumpectomy, the next step in Rachel’s treatment plan, somewhat easier. Dr. Golden was able to remove the scar tissue along with a sampling of lymph nodes that would be tested to see if the cancer had spread. It had not, and Rachel was ready for the next step in her care plan. She started radiation, which would be followed by hormone therapy. The extended plan is to continue with a total of five years of hormone-blocker, a pill she takes, while continuing to undergo scans looking for any traces of the cancer returning. Coupled with the other therapies for Rachel, Dr. Kandra feels this will give her the best chances of remaining cancer-free.

A celebration like no other

Rachel has a tribe of support all around her. Her large family includes three brothers and three sisters who stepped in to help her with chores, treatment and moral support. She also had the support of a best friend who “never stopped showing up,” according to Rachel. Taylor Cruz and Rachel have been friends for nine years. Taylor, a registered nurse, was with Rachel at many doctors’ appointments and chemo treatments.

“She helped me celebrate every step and every little victory,” Rachel said. “I asked her to walk with me in the parade. So I can’t wait to celebrate the Oaks Survivors Parade with Taylor.”

The two are looking forward to the Oaks Day festivities. They have selected outfits —including hats —and are looking forward to meeting other survivors and hearing their journey too.

But for all of Rachel’s tribe and support system, the celebration truly began in November 2023 when she completed her final round of active treatment. After 17 infusions, she was finally done and got to ring the bell, a rite of passage for patients completing their active cancer treatment journey.

“It was a scary journey, but I got to meet so many amazing people and do so many wonder things along the way,” Rachel said.

A journey that kept her close to home

For many people, comprehensive cancer care could mean having to drive hours to receive treatment. For Rachel, everything was right in her hometown.

“Rachel received the best level of care at Norton King’s Daughter’s Health, including cutting-edge radiation therapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy,” Dr. Kandra said. “Having those resources close by is important to the overall health and wellness of the patient. It improves tolerance for the treatment and ability to complete all the recommended treatments.”

Rachel felt a strong connection to so many of the people on her care team and remembers small gestures that really made an impact on her. For example, one time Parag R. Sevak, M.D., radiation oncologist with Norton Cancer Institute, stayed late at the clinic in Madison to make sure all of her questions were answered and she was comfortable after enduring a radiation treatment.

“It was that kind of attentiveness and compassion that helped carry me through this journey,” Rachel said.

Oaks Survivors Parade

This is the 16^th year for the Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade featuring survivors of breast and ovarian cancer. Survivors, including men, submit their names and are chosen at random to participate. The Norton Healthcare Foundation, along with Horses and Hope of the Kentucky Cancer Program, is a charitable sponsor of the Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade. Churchill Downs Foundation donates funds to support Norton Cancer Institute through the Norton Healthcare Foundation.

The post Breast cancer survivor recalls journey to celebrate appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

“I was devastated by the news and thought this can’t be happening,” Sara said. “To be 40 years old and told you have breast cancer.”

While early testing indicated Stage 0 pre-cancerous cells for Virginia, her family was rallying support  from Kentucky to New York and several points in between. They were sending love, support and prayers to Virginia every step of the way.

One of those steps was the recommendation by Virginia’s doctor for her to have BRCA gene mutation testing. This is a blood or saliva test that looks for DNA changes that increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.  Virginia’s test was positive for the BRCA gene mutation. When she shared the news with her family — mom, aunts and cousins — she encouraged them to get tested for the BRCA gene mutation too.

Sara also tested positive for BRCA-1 so she decided to move her routine mammogram up two months.   Following this imaging, Sara was diagnosed with Stage 2 triple-negative invasive ductal carcinoma. It was  an aggressive form of cancer. Tiffany S. Berry, M.D., breast surgeon with Norton Surgical Specialists – Breast Health, encouraged Sara to start chemotherapy  immediately to shrink the tumor as much as possible and A the mastectomy could wait.

“Starting treatment quickly, especially for more aggressive forms of breast cancer, is vital for having the best possible outcomes,” said Laila S. Agrawal, M.D., medical oncologist with Norton Cancer Institute. “Sometimes that means starting with chemotherapy first, before surgery.”

Paths running parallel

Virginia and Sara were both undergoing their treatments while their cousin, Katie Kannapell Ryser, was making a hard choice of her own. Katie, 42 years old, tested positive for the BRCA gene mutation as well. She was faced with the decision of having multiple surgery to remove the risk or taking a wait-and-see approach. Katie chose to have a hysterectomy and oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries),bilateral mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

Having lived in New York for several years, Katie looked at all her options for surgery, including major cancer centers nationwide. In the end, Katie chose Norton Healthcare, feeling that after her research and consultations with medical teams, in her words, “Norton was where I felt most comfortable.  As soon as I met Dr. Matt Brown, I knew. ”

“The surgical nurses I met during my surgery were  wonderful,” Katie said. “They were the most intelligent and compassionate nurses I have met. Everyone I encountered was top-notch.”

A week following her double mastectomy  C. Matt Brown, M.D., with Norton Surgical Specialists – Louisville General Surgery. Tissue samples reviewed by pathology afterward revealed that there were precancerous cells in Katie’s breast tissue. She learned from her surgeon that she ”dodged a bullet” by having the surgery before the cancer had a chance to grow.

One year later

Within the span of 12 months, Sara started chemotherapy, underwent a double mastectomy, continued chemotherapy, had breast reconstruction surgery and had her access port for treatments removed.

“The entire year was a roller coaster, and I couldn’t have done it without the love and support of my husband, Bruce,” Sara said. “He was my rock! And my son Alex is a gifted home chef and prepared many healthy and delicious meals for our family.”

She is also very thankful to her medical team and the caregivers she encountered along the way. She kept notes and remembers most of their names.

Katie, who was several months into her recovery when her cousin Sara underwent her double mastectomy, supported Sara in a unique way.

“I passed along my pillows, robe that holds drains, and other things that helped me through my surgery and recovery to Sara, who in return passed them on to her sister, Katherine ‘Kak’ Doll Crawford, who also chose to have a radical mastectomy after testing positive for the BRCA gene mutation,” Katie said. “Our bond is much deeper than first cousins — we are like a sisters now.”

Branches of the family tree

Sara went through Norton Healthcare’s genetic counseling services for the blood test for the BRCA gene mutation.

Sara’s other sister, Rebecca Graves, a gifted artist in New York City, also tested positive for the BRCA gene mutation.

When Elizabeth S. Doll, M.D., tested positive for the BRCA gene mutation, that meant that two of Katherine’s daughters carried the genetic high risk of breast cancer (the other being Virginia, the New Yorker diagnosed with Stage 0 breast cancer at age 40.)

“And when we shared the news with more family members, they sought testing and more came back positive,” Sara said.

Their uncle on their mother’s side, N. Allen Kannapell, along with two of his children, Katie (who chose to have a radical mastectomy and hysterectomy) and her brother, Clay Kannapell, as well as an at least one adult grandchild all have tested positive for the BRCA gene mutation.

“In total, nine of us have tested positive for the gene mutation. Luckily, no one else except Virginia and I have developed cancer,” Sara said. “Virginia truly saved my life. I am religious about getting my mammograms, but it wasn’t time for my yearly mammogram yet. Because of the gene mutation test coming back positive I was able to go early; it was detected and I was in treatment very quickly.”

According to Dr. Agrawal, genetic testing provides information that can help a person weigh their options when it comes to their health.

“Individuals who learn they carry a genetic mutation, but have not been diagnosed with cancer themselves can then make personalized choices regarding screening and steps to reduce the risk of cancer, which may include surgeries to remove breasts or ovaries, called prophylactic surgery.”

Bringing awareness through celebration

Sara and eight other members of her extended family will be recognized as part of the 18^th annual Derby Divas event, an evening of fashion and fun with a mission to help fund mammograms for underserved women in the community through the Norton Healthcare Foundation. Over the past 17 years, the Derby Divas event has raised more than $2.05 million for Norton Cancer Institute in support of breast health initiatives. This includes funding for the Norton Prevention & Wellness Mobile Prevention Center, and providing mammograms and health screenings for underserved areas of the community.

Derby Divas is supported by Myriad Genetics with additional support by Churchill Downs, Brown-Forman, the Diaz Family Foundation and Northern Trust.  Derby Divas will be held Thursday, April 18, 6:30 to 9 p.m., at Rodes For Him and For Her, 4938 Brownsboro Road.

Derby Divas features Derby fashion, food and refreshments. Tickets are $70 in advance, $80 at the door or $40 for young professionals (ages 30 and under). The first 50 people to pay a special $140 admission fee will receive an exclusive gift bag full of beauty products and other goodies. Proceeds benefit breast health at Norton Cancer Institute through the Norton Healthcare Foundation.

The post Breast cancer journey for 1 becomes a family affair appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

What is breast density?

Breast density is determined by how much fibrous and fatty tissue you have. The more fibrous tissue you have, the denser your breasts are. Dense breast tissue can be seen on a mammogram, which is an X-ray picture of your breast tissue. It appears white, while fatty tissue appears black.  

Having dense breasts is a common condition. The CDC divides breast density into four categories:

A. The breasts are almost entirely fatty tissue (about 10% of patients).

B. A few areas of dense tissue are scattered through the breasts (about 40% of patients).

C. The breasts are made up of even amounts of dense tissue and fatty tissue, which is evenly spread throughout (about 40% of patients). This may be called “heterogeneously dense” on the mammography report.

D. The breasts are extremely dense (about 10% of patients).

The Relationship Between Breast Density and Breast Cancer

There is a connection between dense breast tissue and cancer. Research suggests that in general, the more dense breast tissue you have, the higher your breast cancer risk. It’s important to remember that most women are in the middle two categories of breast density (category B and C). For the 10% of women with extremely dense breast tissue (category D), breast cancer risk is about two times higher than for women who have dense breast tissue that is scattered throughout the breast (category B). For women who have consistent breast density (category C), the risk of cancer is about 1.5 times higher than that of a woman with scattered density (category B). 

These estimates also don’t take other personal breast cancer risk factors into account such as family history or lifestyle factors such as smoking. High breast density by itself isn’t enough to put you into a high-risk category for breast cancer. Your health care provider will look at your overall health to help you understand what your risk for developing breast cancer is with dense breasts.

There does not seem to be an increased chance of death from breast cancer in women with dense breasts. Even though you have denser breasts, you are not more or less likely to die from breast cancer than women without dense breasts. 

Importance of Annual Breast Cancer Screenings

Breast density can change somewhat over time. It can be affected by:

• Age: Older women tend to have lower breast density than younger women.
• Menopause: This is the most common time for breast density to change.
• Hormone therapies: These can affect breast density in most women.

All these changes can impact how your health care provider reads your mammogram — it can be difficult to see tumors growing in dense breast tissue. 

Yearly mammograms are especially important for women with dense breast tissue. Breast cancers can be seen on a mammogram, but some cancers are more difficult to catch if you have this type of dense breast tissue. Mammograms combined with regular breast self-examinations can help you know what your breasts normally look and feel like, so it’s easier to see and feel changes. 

If you have other risk factors for breast cancer, such as the presence of a genetic mutation or strong family history of breast cancer, your health care provider may want you to start having mammograms earlier than age 40 or more often than once per year. 

Talk to your doctor about your breast cancer risk. Be sure to go to annual checkups with your health care team, and see which breast cancer screenings are right for you. 

Best Imaging Techniques for Dense Breasts

A mammogram typically uses X-rays to get a picture of the breast, but dense breast tissue makes it difficult to see tumors with regular mammography. Fibrous tissue appears white on an X-ray, as do masses or clumps of cancer cells.

• 3D mammogram: Also called breast tomosynthesis, 3D mammography is the most advanced imaging technique available. It uses X-rays to capture thin images of the breast, which are then combined to create a detailed three-dimensional image.
• Breast ultrasound: This test uses sound waves and their echoes to make computer pictures of the inside of the breast. It can show certain changes, like fluid-filled cysts, that can be harder to see on mammograms.
• Breast MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging is usually reserved for women at increased risk, including those with certain genetic mutations or a strong family history of breast cancer.

Communication With Health Care Providers

Most states require your provider to tell you in your mammogram report if you have dense breasts. Talk to your health care provider about:

• Family history of breast cancer
• Family history of dense breasts
• Results of any genetic testing you have done
• What breast cancer screening would be best for you

Lifestyle and Risk Reduction

Research shows there is a definite link between dense breast tissue and cancer. While there is no cure for breast cancer, there are things you can do to reduce your breast cancer risk, even if you have dense breasts, including:

• Diet: Eating whole grains, vegetables, fruit and lean meats is a good way to reduce cancer risk, especially if you have dense breasts.
• Exercise: Moderate physical exercise most days of the week for about 30 minutes can reduce your risk for breast cancer.
• Alcohol: Limiting or eliminating alcohol reduces your chance of developing breast cancer. Studies suggest limiting alcohol to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men or less can reduce the risk for several types of cancer.
• Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight decreases cancer risk by reducing the body’s exposure to certain hormones. 

Your breast health is important. Talk with your health care provider about scheduling a mammogram, practice monthly breast self-exams and make positive lifestyle changes. Breast cancer screening is the best way to detect cancer in dense tissue and stay on top of your health.

The post Dense breasts: What they mean for you and your mammogram choices appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Breast self-awareness is a way to improve overall breast health and make it more likely you will notice if something changes that could be a reason to talk to your primary care provider.

“It is so important for women to be aware of their breasts to know if there are any concerning changes that could be a sign of breast cancer.” said Laila S. Agrawal, M.D., a breast medical oncologist with Norton Cancer Institute.

About half of all cases of breast cancer in women 50 and older, and almost three-quarters of breast cancer cases in women under 50 are detected by women themselves, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Looking for changes in your breasts includes checking under each breast, underneath each arm and under the nipples. Breast tissue extends from armpit to armpit and from the collarbone to the top of the abdomen.

Breast self-awareness is important for women who aren’t old enough or at high enough risk for screening mammograms.

How to check for breast cancer

In the mirror

To check your breasts, stand in front of the mirror with your shirt and bra off and your hands at your side.

• Look for any breast change — size, shape or symmetry.
• Check the skin for redness, soreness or itchiness, for puckering or dimpling of the skin, for the nipple pulled inward, and for nipple discharge or scabbing over the nipple.

Raise your arms over your head with your palms pressed together and look for the same things. Put your hands on your hips and flex your chest muscles and look one more time.

In the shower

Next, do a manual check in the shower, using the pads of the middle three fingers of the left hand to check the right breast, and the vice-versa. Use a circular motion about the size of a quarter, varying pressure to feel breast tissue at different depths. Take your time and make sure to hit every spot.

You are feeling for lumps, thick spots, or other changes.

Lying down

Finally, check your breasts lying down. With a pillow behind your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head, use your left hand to check your right breast. When you’re done, switch the pillow to your left shoulder and repeat the process with your left breast.

A breast check should be done at least once a month. If you menstruate, choose a time in your cycle when your breasts are the least tender, usually a week after your period ends. Women who are postmenopausal should check their breasts on the same day of each month.

What to do if you feel a lump

If you feel a breast lump, do not panic. Eight out of 10 lumps are not cancerous.

Don’t ignore it either. Call your provider if you feel or a lump or other change in how your breast feels, if there is dimpling, redness or swelling on the skin, if there are changes in the direction of your nipple, or if there is irregular or bloody discharge from your nipple.

Inflammatory breast cancer, which is rare, can cause redness, swelling, dimpling and changes to the nipple. The cause of the symptoms can be the result of cancer cells blocking the lymph vessels and making them appear inflamed.

Breast self-awareness does not replace visits to your health care provider or an annual breast cancer screening. Screening mammography usually can detect breast cancer before it can be felt.

The American Cancer Society no longer recommends self-exams as a screening method because there is no evidence they reduce overall deaths from breast cancer, but many breast cancer survivors say they discovered their breast cancer themselves.

Knowing your risk

Risk factors for breast cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, include

• Aging. Breast cancer risk increases with age, and most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50.
• Inherited genetic mutations. Changes to certain genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 are associated with higher risk for breast and ovarian cancer.
• Menstrual history. Starting menstruation before age 12 and starting menopause after age 55 increases exposure to hormones, increasing breast cancer risk.
• Dense breasts. Having more connective breast tissue than fatty tissue — dense breasts — increases likelihood of breast cancer. Breast MRI screening may be appropriate for some people with dense breast tissue.
• Personal history of breast cancer. New breast cancer diagnosis — not a recurrence of a previous diagnosis — is a risk in women who have had breast cancer previously.
• Family history. Having a mother, sister or daughter with the disease increases risk for breast or ovarian cancer, as does having multiple family members on either your mother’s or father’s side who have had breast or ovarian cancer.
• Radiation therapy. Radiation treatment on the chest or breasts before the age of 30 increases the risk of breast cancer.
• Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES). This drug was given to some pregnant women in the United States between 1940 and 1971 to prevent miscarriage. Women who took the drug and their daughters are at higher breast cancer risk.

The post A breast self-exam is no substitute for a screening mammogram, but has benefits appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Heather had experienced this once before. A small lump discovered in 2015 during a routine mammogram resulted in a lumpectomy. Fortunately, the cancer was stage 0 and no further treatment was needed. In November 2021, she discovered a new lump in her breast. She recalls thinking, “Here we go again.”

“I was getting in the shower and noticed a lump when my hand grazed the side of my breast,” Heather said. “I wasn’t sure. I remember checking again, and again, even later in the day checking again hoping it was a mistake or something different.”

Heather contacted Gigi L. Girard, M.D., OB/GYN with Associates in Obstetrics & Gynecology, a Part of Norton Women’s Care. Dr. Girard, a breast cancer survivor herself, had Heather come in immediately.  

“With her history, Heather is at increased risk for developing cancer, and any lump needed to be evaluated quickly,” Dr. Girard said.

After an in-office breast exam, Dr. Girard wanted to get Heather in for diagnostic testing that same day.

“I remember telling her, ‘I have a lot of meetings today,’ and Dr. Girard’s response was, ‘You don’t anymore,’ and we walked directly from her office to get the mammogram and ultrasound,” Heather said.

The staff at the Derby Divas Breast Health Center at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital jumped into action, getting a mammogram and ultrasound for Heather quickly. And within a day, Heather had her diagnosis of breast cancer. There was a large tumor in the left breast and smaller spots in the other. She would need a double mastectomy and to start a medication, tamoxifen, an estrogen blocker that would help treat her cancer.

Feeling the embrace of care

Throughout her treatment, Heather felt the embrace of care, support and hope from everyone she encountered at Norton Cancer Institute.

“I felt it for myself; I witnessed it in the interactions with others around me,” Heather said. “It was a part of who they (the care team) are in every interaction.”

Heather appreciated the compassion, and she felt more than just support for her clinical care.

“The Norton Cancer Institute Resource Center set me up with a social worker who helped me with applying for Medicaid. Being self-employed, my insurance benefits were terrible, and I was so afraid of accumulating unending debt from the medical expenses. It was a process, and I had lots of questions along the way, but the social worker helped me and I was on Medicaid before I had my surgery. It was such a relief.”

A social worker is just one aspect of the support available through the Norton Cancer Institute Resource Centers. The five centers provide personal attention to address patients’ physical and emotional needs before, during and after cancer treatment. The centers’ offerings range from support groups to monthly classes and seminars to therapies such as reiki, tai chi, art and music — even pet therapy. Heather was particularly fond of the art therapy and the opportunity to use art to work through her emotions.

Being enrolled in Medicaid before her surgery in January 2022 helped with the financial burden ahead of Heather. The Norton Cancer Institute Resource Center social worker played a huge role in assisting Heather with the process. And by end of that same year, Heather’s cancer was considered in remission. She and her doctors will continue to monitor for any cancer closely over the next five years, a time that is considered critical for all cancer survivors.

The honoree and what it means

Over the past 17 years Derby Divas has transformed from a small gathering of 20 or so to more than 400 people raising money and awareness for breast cancer detection. To date, the Derby Divas event has raised more than $1.78 million for Norton Cancer Institute in support of breast health initiatives. This includes funding a new Norton Prevention & Wellness Mobile Prevention Center and providing mammograms and health screenings for underserved areas of our community. Every year they select an honoree, this year was Heather.

“Derby Divas is enabling women of all walks of life the ability to get their mammogram,” Heather said. “The work and dedication this group of women puts into raising money and awareness of breast cancer screenings just amazes me.”

The annual event is presented by Churchill Downs and supported by Brown-Forman, The Diaz Family Foundation, Myriad Genetics and Northern Trust.

The post Louisville woman recounts her breast cancer surgery from small lump to fast and compassionate care appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

What to do if you find a lump in your breast

1. Notify your OB/GYN.
2. Don’t ignore it and expect it to go away. Call and make an appointment.
3. Prepare for your appointment by considering the following questions.
4. Where is the lump located?
5. How big is the lump?
6. When did you first notice the lump?
7. Are you experiencing any pain or swelling?
8. Have you noticed any other changes to the breast? (such as changes in size or shape, skin dimpling, newly inverted nipple or discharge, itchiness, redness)
9. Does the lump move upon touching it?
10. Do you have a family history of cancer? (especially the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation)

After your exam, your provider may order additional testing. This could include a mammogram, ultrasound or MRI. Based on the results of imaging, a biopsy could be needed.

Causes of lumps in the breast

Some women naturally have more breast lumpiness than others. If the texture you feel is consistent throughout the breast, then it could be normal breast tissue. For premenopausal patients, it’s worth noting that some breast lumpiness and/or tenderness is normal before and during a menstrual period. If the pain does not go away after the period ends, then it should be evaluated by a medical professional. Other benign causes include breast cysts or fibroadenoma.

The post What to do if you find a lump in your breast appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

While preparing for surgery, Sara discovered pillows designed for patients who have this surgery. Sara’s mom, Betty, is a retired home economics teacher and promptly created a version of the pillow for her daughter’s recovery.

“The pillow was a huge help on the car ride home from my surgery and during my post-surgery care,” Sara said. She learned that appropriate body position is very important post-surgery. Tissue expanders, which are placed in the chest to create more tissue for the reconstruction, can cause tenderness while healing.

Betty now makes and donates these recovery pillows for other patients.

“My mom was my rock during my time of need,” Sara said. She wants caregivers to know how important they are during recovery. Sara said, “Caregivers really step up when those of us who are going through it are down. They help fit the puzzle pieces [of our lives] back together.”

Sara’s aunt also had breast cancer and was a source of information and advice. Sara was surprised to learn that her aunt had championed insurance coverage for mammograms and other breast care services, including reconstruction.

Sara has felt inspired by her mom and aunt. She now volunteers with a nonprofit organization that provides research funding for metastatic breast cancer treatment and provides patient support. Reaching out to other people going through a difficult time is an activity that lifts Sara up.

Sara enjoys delivering recovery pillows, and the staff at Norton Cancer Institute Resource Centers appreciate Sara and Betty’s thoughtfulness. Sara feels a bond with her care team at Norton Cancer Institute after their support throughout her treatment. She appreciates her doctor’s guidance in choosing the best care plan for herself and her family.

“Norton is a great community for me. My services, whether it is an exam, or the screening mammograms I had before my diagnosis, the staff has always been caring. My doctor is always watchful. They understand that I am an individual. I have gained friendships through these experiences,” Sara said.

“I guess you have to walk through the rain to see the rainbows.”

Karen A. Allen R.N., BSN, OCN, is an oncology nurse navigator at Norton Cancer Institute.

The post Mother and daughter’s pillows provide unique comfort to breast cancer patients appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

“I want other cancer patients to be as blessed as I am. I want them to have that little something special that they can use more than once,” Rhonda said.

It started when Rhonda’s sister was diagnosed with breast cancer over ten years ago.

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery can leave skin hypersensitive, especially in the breast areas. Rhonda’s mother made flannel washcloths that were very gentle on her sister’s skin.

Her sister shared the washcloths with other patients, who found them helpful during chemotherapy and radiation.

The family was surprised at how this simple gift was treasured and used by others. Now Rhonda’s mother handcrafts the cloths as well as cheerful, soft pillows for use after surgery. Rhonda brings them to the Norton Cancer Institute Cancer Resource Centers, where they are given to patients going through cancer treatment.

Rhonda also consults with other organizations that provide gifts to patients. She offers suggestions on items patients will find helpful such as mints, crosswords, seek-and-find puzzles and lip balm.

When asked what the biggest change in her journey has been over the years, she didn’t have to think for long – her answer was immunotherapy. Rhonda recently completed her immunotherapy at Norton Cancer Institute – Brownsboro. Immunotherapy was still experimental and in research at the time her sister was treated.

“I am so blessed with the whole Norton Cancer Institute staff. They are absolutely fantastic. Fantastic. There is not one person I have met who is not friendly, compassionate and kind. It’s been kind of wonderful. That is why I feel like I want to give back to other patients.”

Karen A. Allen, BSN, R.N., OCN, is an oncology patient navigator for Norton Cancer Institute.

The post Breast cancer ‘thriver’ offers practical comfort to other patients appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Schedule Your Mammogram Today

We’ve made it easy to schedule your mammogram with:

• Easy online scheduling
• Same-day results for most patients, at no additional cost
• Multiple screening locations, including a mobile prevention unit
• State-of-the-art 3D mammogram technology
• Extended hours

Commit to Monthly Self-exams

• The best time to do a self-exam is the week after your period ends.
• Begin by standing in front of the mirror with your hands on your hips. Look for any unusual swelling or changes.
• Raise your arms over your head and look for changes.
• Lie down — or while in the shower when your skin is more slippery — and use one of these techniques to check for lumps or other changes.

Breast Cancer Fast Facts

• One in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
• About 1% of men are diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Early detection reduces deaths from breast cancer.
• Women over 40 should get a mammogram yearly or as directed by your provider.
• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women.
• Over 3 million people are breast cancer survivors.

How to Reduce Your Breast Cancer Risk

• Be active by exercising most days of the week (walking, jogging, yoga, etc.).
• Maintain a healthy weight. Know your body mass index (BMI), and if you are in the obese or morbidly obese range, lose weight.
• Don’t smoke. If you do, stop.
• Limit how much alcohol you drink.

The post It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month — remember to schedule your mammogram appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

“She said, ‘You’re young. You just have dense tissue,’” Laura recalled.

After moving to Louisville a year later to work as an art therapist, Laura went to an urgent care clinic for an ear infection. She mentioned the lump and was referred for a biopsy. Laura was 28 when she learned she had breast cancer.

“It was definitely a shock,” Laura said, though the diagnosis didn’t feel real until she had made the difficult calls to family and friends to give them the news.

Patients under 40 like Laura make up 5% of breast cancer cases.

“The numbers aren’t growing significantly. I think we’re doing a better job screening. Our screening has helped us find it earlier,” said Blakely Kute, M.D., medical oncologist at Norton Cancer Institute Women’s Cancer Center.

If you’re not old enough for a mammogram, self-exams can aid early detection

Yearly screening mammograms are not recommended for most until age 40. According to Dr. Kute, most patients under 40 who learn they have breast cancer usually sought an exam because they have felt a lump or have some other reason to suspect the diagnosis.

Dr. Kute’s advice to those under 40 is to talk to about breast cancer with their health care provider, who has sophisticated calculators for determining risk. Monthly self-exams to check for lumps are an important part of early detection that can significantly improve the chance of surviving breast cancer.

If a patient goes to their health care provider with a palpable lump, breast pain or nipple discharge, often they are evaluated by a primary care provider first and then would have breast imaging, including a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound, according to Dr. Kute. If a specialized breast radiologist is concerned with the imaging findings, then a biopsy or additional imaging may be recommended, since not all breast masses that can be felt are cancerous.

Lifestyle also plays a role in breast cancer, and only 10% to 15% of breast cancer is hereditary, according to Dr. Kute. While there are certain risk factors that can’t be changed, she recommends reducing risk by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a well-balanced diet, exercising 2½ hours per week and consuming no more than one alcoholic drink per day.

Younger patients diagnosed with breast cancer are in a different place in their lives than those who are older, according to Dr. Kute. Many are starting new careers, are newly married or in new relationships, haven’t yet had children or have small children — all posing a different set of challenges.

Edie Wooton was 40 when she felt a lump high up under her rib cage. Edie’s children were 7 and 5 when she began her treatment at Norton Cancer Institute.

“They were little bitties. It was rough,” said Edie, who underwent chemotherapy followed by surgery.

Never too young to check on yourself

Even though Edie’s mother had died of breast cancer not long before her diagnosis, Edie learned her breast cancer was not hereditary. Edie’s treatment was successful, and the self-employed grant writer is now more than five years cancer free.

“I’m just trying to take care of myself and do the best I can,” said Edie, now 47.

To stay in shape and have fun, she has joined a competitive dragon boat paddling team, made up of fellow breast cancer survivors.

Her advice to others: “I don’t think you’re ever too young to be checking on things. I don’t think you can be vigilant enough. I think you really need to understand your body and find people to talk to so you have that support system.”

Laura, who underwent a double mastectomy at age 29, said some people are more likely to dismiss symptoms or second-guess themselves when they’re young. Like Edie’s, Laura’s breast cancer was not genetic.

Laura used art to help herself relax and stay grounded through the trauma, anger and grief at being diagnosed with cancer so early in life. Now 38, Laura works as an expressive art therapist at Norton Cancer Institute.

“There’s this pressure to be a ‘cancer warrior’ — to be brave and do it with a smile,” Laura said. “People don’t need that added pressure. We don’t say that about heart disease or diabetes.”

Through art, Laura hopes to help patients process feelings like those she experienced as a young breast cancer patient with an uncertain future.

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