Building a strong support network helps one woman face down breast cancer
Surrounded by Hope
For Roxana Guerra, the diagnosis came unexpectedly. Last October the legal assistant first noticed a dimpled area on her right breast, but didn’t think much of it. She was only 41 and no one in her family had ever had breast cancer. Still, a baseline mammogram at a nearby women’s clinic revealed a small tumor in her right breast.
Roxana was immediately referred to Sara Bruce, MD, a breast surgeon at Inova Alexandria Hospital, for further testing. An ultrasound, an MRI and a biopsy painted an even more serious picture. Roxana’s tumor was much larger than it had appeared on the mammogram and it was malignant. Although two lymph nodes were cancerous, a full-body scan provided reassurance that the disease had not spread.
Despite an overwhelming diagnosis, Roxana knew she had found a doctor who could help. “Dr. Bruce was very informative and very caring,” says Roxana. “She said, ‘we’re going to get you in and knock it out.'”
Team Approach
Dr. Bruce performed a nipple-sparing mastectomy and removed the large tumor in addition to 13 lymph nodes.
At the time of surgery, a plastic surgeon inserted a temporary expander to prepare for a permanent implant. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments would round out Roxana’s treatment plan.
“Ms. Guerra needed to see a lot of physicians very early on,” says Dr. Bruce. “We offer a team approach with a tight group of physicians who work together, meeting frequently at regular tumor conferences where we discuss the best course of action for each patient.”
Taking Charge
With the support of oncology nurse navigator Gerry Higgins, MSN, RN-BC, OCN, and oncology therapist Michelle Ferretti, MSW, Roxana reached out to those who could guide her through the healing process. Early in her treatment, she met with a geneticist to determine appropriate genetic testing. She discussed a new dietary approach with a nutritionist and she joined two support groups. She also enrolled her 7-year-old son in a “Curious about Cancer” support group for kids offered through Life with Cancer®, the psychosocial arm of Inova Schar Cancer Institute.
“Roxana demonstrated an amazing ability and drive to seek out and utilize resources at Life with Cancer and in her community to support herself and her family,” says Ms. Ferretti.
Life with Cancer Supports All
To help patients and their families navigate the cancer journey, Life with Cancer provides a wide range of support services.
“For all individuals coming into the cancer center, my job is to explore how their experiences of cancer are affecting other aspects of their lives including the ongoing adjustment to their illnesses, the impact on their relationships and families, and their internal emotional and spiritual experiences,” says Ms. Ferretti.
Oncology navigators are available to address medical questions and concerns, aid in navigating the healthcare system and assist in the transitions from one aspect of treatment to the next, including the transition from treatment to survivorship.
Answering Your Questions
Learn more about the Inova Breast Cancer Program at inova.org/breast.