Lakeside Health System's Dr. John Risolo spent two hours with the Brockport Breast Cancer Support Group on Thursday, June 7 discussing advances in treatment. "When you find out you have breast cancer, your mind goes in a million different directions. It's hard to focus on the specifics of treatment when you're so scared," says Anne Klein, a breast cancer survivor and leader of the support group. With many forms of cancer, including breast cancer, the patient must continue to learn about treatment options even after having been successfully treated. Recurrence can be a possibility and a patient has to be informed. "One change in the chemotherapy protocol, for patients who qualify, is to begin the chemo regimen prior to surgery. This can potentially shrink the tumor and improve the patient's outcome including their post-surgical appearance," Risolo said. Risolo also explained the difference between the grade and stage of breast cancer. The group meets at Lakeside Hospital from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month. "If you or someone you know is living with breast cancer, please call me," Klein said. Her number is 964-3415. © June 24, 2007 - Westside News Inc. |
