Care, Answers, Support

It’s just a cyst, Cathy thought of the imperfection in her breast. But when it grew into a lump she became concerned and went to see her primary care physician who referred her for a biopsy.

Cathy was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and referred to Joyce Eaker, M.D., a surgeon at Sutter Cancer Center and part of the Breast Tumor-Site Team.

“Dr. Eaker immediately took charge,” said Cathy. “She laid out my options, but told me I was in charge of the decisions.”

After reviewing Cathy’s imaging results, Dr. Eaker concluded that the tumor was too advanced to begin with surgery and immediately ordered additional tests and referred her to Nitin Rohatgi, M.D., oncologist and Medical Director of the Breast Tumor-Site Team at Sutter Cancer Center. Dr. Rohagti educated Cathy about her upcoming radiation and chemotherapy regime, the port she needed in order to expedite her infusion and the opportunity to participate in clinical trials.

“I felt very thankful that I had many options and so much information,” said Cathy. “I consulted with the Cancer Center’s dietitian and started an all-vegetarian diet and Mary, the breast cancer navigator, helped me understand the changes in my body and told me things I wouldn’t find in books or online.”

Because Cathy’s breast cancer had metastasized to her lymph nodes and neck she was faced with a surgical dilemma – she could move forward with radical surgery to remove all positive lymph nodes and potentially lose some function of her left arm, or she could have a less invasive surgery that might not remove all the cancerous tissue.

Thankfully, Cathy didn’t have to make that decision alone. Her case was brought to Sutter Cancer Center, Sacramento’s tumor board – a group of specialists from oncology, pathology, surgery and radiation dedicated to the treatment of breast cancer. The team reviewed Cathy’s case and recommended that she undergo chemotherapy to help shrink the tumor. After completing the chemotherapy the tumor board recommended additional testing to evaluate the tumor’s response to the chemotherapy, and then decided less aggressive surgery would be needed to remove all the remaining tumor.

“Everyone was so helpful following surgery,” said Cathy. “Mary and Dr. Eaker visited me in the hospital. The dietary staff sent me special menus and helped me find foods that worked with my diet. I felt like they were treating me like I was a part of their family.”

Following surgery, Dr. Rohatgi and the tumor board reported to Cathy that her pathology reports were the best they could have hoped for following her infusion, radiation and surgery.

“I felt so blessed,” said Cathy. “To have a dedicated breast cancer team coordinating my care. For my husband and mom to not only help me with my healthier lifestyle, but for them to also adapt it as their own. And for Dr. Eaker and Dr. Rohatgi to give me the tools and knowledge to take charge of my own health.”