A Story of Survival - Dana Sanders

My experience with cancer began at age 40, when I discovered a lump in my breast during routine breast self-examination. I immediately contacted Asheville Women's Medical Center, and during the next several days, a needle biopsy and a series of exams were performed. I needed a lumpectomy to determine if the lump was cancerous.

After the lumpectomy, the test results revealed that I had three types of cancer, including early invasive cancer. My doctor and the staff of Asheville Women's did a wonderful job of explaining my options and supporting my husband and me during this difficult and traumatic time.

As a very close family, my husband Joe and I included our two young children in our discussions and decisions. After thoroughly examining my diagnosis, we decided to undergo a bilateral mastectomy procedure. I felt at peace with this decision.

While preparing for surgery, the nurse sent a note letting me know that she was thinking of me. I still have that note. I felt very safe going into the procedure because the doctor prayed with Joe and me before the surgery.

My post-op care was wonderful. The follow-up at Asheville Women's Medical Center is so thorough. Never once did I feel like a patient with a number. Asheville Women's always provided help, understanding, and support as I faced a life-changing disease. The doctor guided me to an oncologist for a regime of chemotherapy, followed by five years of tamoxifen. Now I receive six-month checkups at Asheville Women's with the same care and concern.

It has been almost seven years since I have been free of breast cancer. I like to help others deal with cancer. I visit women with breast cancer through the Reach to Recovery Program. Also, for the last four years I have been involved in Relay for Life to help raise money for The American Cancer Society.

I feel that the Lord led me to Asheville Women's. With each visit, my doctor and the staff go out of their way so that I feel safe. It is a unique office. If you are dealing with breast cancer, I can honestly recommend Asheville Women's Medical Center.

Breast cancer is a life-changing experience, and I feel I am a better person after cancer. It makes you refocus your goals and can change your life. I now realize that God and my family are the most important aspects of my life. Breast cancer may be a part of my past and possibly a part of my future, but for now I have today -— and each day is precious.

Philosophy
Asheville Women's Medical Center supports a comprehensive view of women's healthcare through The Comprehensive Breast Center. We have two physicians with special training and interest in the management of breast disorders. Your chance of healing greatly increases with early detection, and our objective is to make these high-quality diagnostic and treatment services conveniently available to you.

The Comprehensive Breast Center has state-of-the-art mammography and diagnostic breast ultrasound equipment. Having these capabilities on-site to assist in your routine breast care screening adds to your personal convenience. When you call for your regular annual health maintenance checkup, be sure to indicate your need for a screening mammogram and it can be scheduled at the same visit. If you have a special breast problem, you may receive complete care in familiar surroundings with people whom you know and trust.

Breast Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment
The Comprehensive Breast Center doctors remain on the leading edge in our community and region in the use of advanced technology for the diagnosis and management of breast disease. This combination of technology and personal care by the doctors brings clear answers to your serious questions.

Breast Diagnostic Services
Mammography
A mammogram is an low-dose X-ray picture of the breast. It is used to screen for and potentially diagnose lumps in your breast. The American Cancer Society, the American College of Radiologists and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advise a yearly mammogram starting at age 40.

Breast Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a useful supporting tool for the diagnosis and management of breast disorders. Breast Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to achieve this objective. X-ray is not used with this method.

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
This office-based biopsy technique accurately obtains a core tissue sample from a troubled area in the breast. A generous local anesthetic is used to improve personal comfort. This method is used for lumps that are seen on mammography but not easily felt during regular physical examination. Usually clinical decisions can be confidently be made using this information without having an open hospital-based excisional biopsy.

Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy
Occasionally breast masses cannot be easily visualized with mammography. Ultrasound is then used to locate and guide the biopsy needle to the troubled spot in the breast. A local anesthetic is used for personal comfort.

Ductography
A Ductogram assists us in the diagnosis of nipple discharges. Any nipple discharge that is bloody or clear is of clinical importance and interest. This study allow us to see tiny intraductal growths that may be bothersome. Small benign papillomas are most commonly the cause of the discharge, and these usually do not visualize well with regular mammographic or ultrasound methods. The ductogram uses an opaque liquid in the duct to highlight the problem on X-ray film. Treatment decisions can then be based on the information from this study.