In The News

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Vijian Dhevan M.D., MBA, FACS, Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–Harlingen, discussed mastectomies and breast cancer, emphasizing how mastectomies can reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence.

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.

A diagnosis, treatment plan, or return of breast cancer can impact all aspects of your life. As you adjust to the physical, emotional, and psychological changes that come with cancer, you also must decide when and how to tell your family, friends, and broader support system. Tanyel S. Williams, LMSW, ACSW, CHW, ACHP-SW, OSW-C, Texas Oncology–Palestine Cancer Center, educates readers on how to approach conversations with loved ones after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Vijian Dhevan, M.D., MBA, FACS, a surgical oncologist at Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–Harlingen, provides tips on cancer screening during KVEO-TV's (NBC, RGV) morning broadcast. Dr. Dhevan said the most important thing to keep in mind is early detection.

Southeast Texas cancer care is rising to new heights with the opening of the new Texas Oncology Center in Beaumont. The facility doubles the capacity of its former treatment center, while bringing in state-of-the art equipment that will keep care local for patients and their families. 

Casey Matthews, a 34-year-old wife and mother of four who was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer on April 25, 2023, urges young women to notice the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and to act quickly if there are abnormalities. Her physician, Anne Doughtie, M.D., surgical oncologist at Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–Amarillo, further emphasizes the importance of regular self-examinations, genetic testing, and healthy lifestyle choices to reduce breast cancer risk.

Delco Trailers is collecting donations and supplies during Breast Cancer Awareness Month for patients at Texas Oncology–Paris. "We are so grateful that Delco Trailers would do this for our patients,” said Caryn Resnick, RN, MSN, FPN, Texas Oncology–Paris, as she explained what donations like these mean to patients.
 

When it comes to breast cancer, good news is always welcome.Texas Oncology–Paris has some good news, in fact, it has great news. “At Paris Texas Oncology, we are part of a service called the genetic risk evaluation and testing (GREAT) program which provides testing for cancer associated hereditary gene mutations,” said Denim Ervin, who is a nurse practitioner at Texas Oncology in Paris.

Jessica Sikazwe, nurse practitioner at Texas Oncology–Odessa West Texas Cancer Center, shared why screening and early detection of cancer is important, along with examples of patient stories in which screenings helped patients treat their cancer early. She emphasized that Texas Oncology offers different treatments for various types of cancer – such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy – and that patients do not have to travel to another city to receive treatment.

What should we look for when getting screened for breast cancer and what should we ask our physician during this visit? Aimee Mackey, M.D., FACS, Texas Breast Specialists-San Marcos and South Austin, joined In Focus Texas (Spectrum News 1, Austin) to answer these questions.