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“I never thought I fit the profile of a person likely to get cancer,” explained Nancy Drew.Physically fit, a yoga enthusiast and vegetarian, Nancy is well known local musician and popular hair stylist with a very positive outlook on life. Nancy considered herself to be in fine health. Her only health concern was a micro-calcification in her breast that she had checked on an annual basis by her doctor. In addition, since Nancy was not fully aware of her family’s health history, she began having baseline mammograms at the age of forty.In November of 2008, during her scheduled mammogram, a change was detected in her breast. Dr. Brigitte Ala, recommended further investigation and suggested Nancy undergo a precautionary biopsy. Nancy took the news in stride, realizing that not all biopsies result in a cancer positive diagnosis. Although she had some reservations about the test’s possible outcome, she was concerned about the timing of the procedure, and whether it would impact her scheduled performances with her band Citywide Vacuum at two fundraising events for local charity.In December, both the biopsy and the concerts went on as scheduled. Dr. Ala performed the procedure using Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital’s Mammatome Breast Biopsy System. Dr. Ala championed the procurement of this key piece of medical equipment because in her words, “it is the standard of care for breast biopsy.” Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital was the first hospital in our region to be able to offer women needing a breast biopsy the Mammatome procedure.A breast biopsy using the Mammotome System assists doctors in making highly accurate diagnosis of a breast abnormality without the need for open surgery. With the Mammotome System, a breast biopsy can be performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. The advantage of the Mamatome over traditional full surgical or core needle breast biopsy procedures is that it allows the doctor to obtain a larger sample because of its vacuum assisted technology, providing a surgical grade sample for analysis. As a result, the doctor is able to make a precise analysis of the sample with minimal pain, scarring and recovery time for the patient. The biopsy procedure takes less than an hour, and patients can return to their normal daily activities immediately.Going into the biopsy Nancy was understandably nervous and anxious, but Dr. Ala was quick to put her at ease and credits her with making a stressful procedure bearable. “I was shocked by the relative ease of the biopsy, Nancy explained, “Dr. Ala was very reassuring and compassionate, she should be a yoga teacher she is that calming!”However, the news coming out the biopsy was not as reassuring. Nancy did indeed have small tumor that needed to be removed. Prior to scheduled surgery Nancy was the first patient at Hôtel Dieu Grace to have her breast examination performed using the hospital’s state-of-the-art Breast MRI coil. This specialized piece of diagnostic imaging equipment is an attachment to the hospital’s existing magnet and assists doctors to better stage a cancer diagnosis and assess the extent of the disease. The dedicated breast MRI coil with its dedicated software and dedicated CAD system is specially designed for breast imaging and provides superior, high resolution studies and rapid scanning images of the breast’s anatomy. As a result of the enhanced imaging afforded by the breast MRI, surgeons are better able to locate and remove the tumor and affected surrounding tissue with a much greater degree of certainty. In addition, the patient may experience fewer post-operative complications and side effects.In January 2009 Nancy underwent a modified radical mastectomy. Today, she is cancer free, and does not revisit the past, living each day full of zest and energy. Much to the joy of her clients she is back styling and cutting hair and has also returned performing with her band Citywide Vacuum.Nancy credits the diagnostic care she received at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital as a key factor in her successful treatment. She encourages friends and clients to have regular breast exams and if outpatient follow-up is needed, have it done at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital.“Early detection is the key, and the resources available from the breast MRI coil to the Mammatome, to the skilled doctors, nurses and technicians in diagnostic imaging are the reason I am well. I am grateful, totally grateful that my cancer was caught so early. Surgery was my only treatment, thanks to Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital and Dr. Ala,” Nancy said sincerely.This past spring, Nancy was able to give her gift of music at a family wedding. It was a song she dedicated to the bride and groom but no doubt performed with added emotion and joy, for performer and audience alike.How can you say thanks to Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital?All of us are touched in some way, either directly or indirectly, by medical challenges. When it happens, we appreciate having access to the extraordinary care exemplified in the true stories told in these testimonials.
If you or your family would like to say "thanks" to the inspired caregivers of Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital for the care they deliver every day, we'd be pleased to discuss how your donation can help us continue to grow as one of Ontario's leading healthcare providers. Call us today.
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