Bastrop In The News
We are pleased to keep you informed on the latest news related to our practice in Bastrop.
Publication: Austin American-Statesman
3/16/2025 - Susana Wellman, a 46-year-old mother of two, was diagnosed with stage III rectal cancer during her first routine colonoscopy in 2023, but under the care of a comprehensive team at Texas Oncology, she underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, ultimately becoming cancer-free. Now, Susana emphasizes the importance of routine cancer screenings and shares her story to offer hope and awareness about colorectal cancer, especially for those under 50.
Publication: Spectrum News' In Focus Texas
10/13/2024 - As breast cancer rates among women who are younger rise, experts emphasize the importance of preventive screenings. Julie M. Sprunt, M.D., FACS, Texas Breast Specialists-Austin Midtown and Bastrop joined Spectrum News' "In Focus Texas" segment to discuss routine screenings and other developments on the horizon in the battle against breast cancer.
Publication: KTBC-TV (FOX, Austin)
10/9/2024 - According to the CDC, each year about 270,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. To raise awareness on why it’s important to get screened, Julie M. Sprunt, M.D., FACS, Texas Breast Specialists-Austin Midtown, Bastrop, joined KTBC-TV’s (FOX, Austin) “HealthBeat” to discuss. Within this segment, Dr. Sprunt also spoke to the FDA’s new requirement of mammography reports notifying patients about their breast density and why this matters.
Publication: Austin American-Statesman
10/6/2024 - After discovering she had BRCA2-positive breast cancer, Alejandra Perez, 35, underwent chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation under the care of Beth Hellerstedt, M.D., medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Round Rock, and Julie M. Sprunt, M.D., FACS, breast surgeon at Texas Breast Specialists–Austin Midtown and Bastrop. Alejandra also encouraged her family to undergo genetic testing, which led to her sister Perla's early-stage diagnosis and treatment. Today, Alejandra and Perla advocate for regular health screenings, hoping to inspire more Hispanic women to prioritize preventive care.
Publication: Austin American-Statesman
5/22/2024 - In light of new breast cancer screening guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force that recommend biannual screening starting at age 40, Julie M. Sprunt, M.D., FACS, of Texas Breast Specialists–Austin Midtown and Bastrop, shared the advantages and disadvantages of starting screening at 40, how often women should receive mammograms, and other ways for women to detect signs of breast cancer, such as self-checks.
Publication: Austin American-Statesman
11/5/2023 - Over the past 23 years, Mike Rasnick has been diagnosed with three separate types of cancer: cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. With the help of Bartlomiej Posnik, M.D., Texas Oncology–Bastrop, Krishna Patel, M.D., Texas Oncology–Georgetown and Round Rock North, and Courtney Sheinbein, M.D., Texas Oncology–Round Rock North, Mike received several forms of treatment to treat his cancers, including surgery and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Despite a complex and challenging triple cancer saga, Mike’s outlook is remarkably positive. “I wouldn’t be alive were it not for Texas Oncology,” says Mike. “The staff was incredible, and I can’t speak highly enough of them – I am profoundly grateful.”
Publication: Austin American-Statesman
10/16/2023 - Brooke Hasty discovered a lump in her breast on Mother’s Day in 2021. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Brooke saw medical oncologist Mathew Meeneghan, M.D., Texas Oncology–Bastrop and South Austin. Brooke’s cousin, Allison Gorrebeeck, M.D., Texas Oncology–Austin North, suggested the need for a breast surgeon as part of her care team and referred Brooke to Caroline Coombs-Skiles, M.D., FACS, Texas Breast Specialists–Austin Downtown. Brooke started chemotherapy and subsequently underwent a lumpectomy followed by 21 rounds of radiation. Brooke’s last mammogram came back all clear, and she has a hysterectomy scheduled to finish her treatment. Brooke says she now feels great and is thankful for her friends, family, and care team at Texas Oncology throughout the process.
Publication: Austin-American Statesman
3/12/2023 - In 2021, following a decade filled with devastating losses and challenges, Anita Rentfro received yet another piece of bad news...
Publication: Austin Business Journal
6/17/2022 - A cancer diagnosis is not necessarily the death sentence it once was–yet there’s no denying that the personal and professional challenges can be immense. Medical professionals Debra Patt, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, executive vice president, public policy, payer relations, and strategic initiatives, Texas Oncology, Julie Sprunt, M.D., FACS, Texas Breast Specialists–Austin and Bastrop, Michael Teneriello, M.D., FACOG, Texas Oncology–Austin Central and South Austin, and Ryan Tierney, M.D., Texas Oncology–South Austin joined the Austin Business Journal to discuss the Cancer Moonshot Initiative and share about their work to reach a singular goal: to deliver care to cancer patients so they can live their lives on their own terms. The resulting article relays how the four physicians perceive the future of innovation and access to quality cancer care for patients, as well as what Texas Oncology is doing to deliver high-quality, innovative care in a community setting as an example of how Austin physicians can become involved with national initiative.
Publication: Austin Medical Times, Fort Bend Herald, Houston Medical Times, Palestine Herald-Press
5/1/2022 - While excessive stress is detrimental to everyone, it presents additional challenges for those who are immunocompromised, such as cancer patients. Shail Dalal, M.D., Texas Oncology–Palestine Cancer Center, Jorge Darcourt, M.D., M.H.C.M., Texas Oncology–Houston Medical Center and Sugar Land, Kelsey Espinosa, LMSW, Texas Oncology–Austin Lakeway, Bastrop and South Austin share five tips on how patients can make themselves a top priority and reduce stress while battling cancer.