Diane Bourget who has been with us at Breastnet for 17 years as our lead Mammography Technologist, alias Office Manager, alias 'Technology Department', alias Interior Designer has retired. Sadly her husband took a position in Flagstaff last year and Diane has been braving the freeway at night even through winter snowstorms (which had been terrifying us all) for nearly a year! We miss her terribly and wish her all the happiness she deserves after so many years of dedication to making the experience of having a mammogram the best it can be.
We are delighted to welcome Regine Culberson who has many years of experience in mammography. She shares the Breastnet philosophy of respect kindness and caring and is a skilled mammographer. Tracey and Sheri, who have been performing your mammograms at Breastnet for 15 years are happy to have her join our team!
On another note nearly two weeks ago we performed a cryoablation on 3 patients with low grade, small (less than 6mm) invasive breast cancers using a probe that is cooled with liquid nitrogen. The procedure was performed instead of surgical removal of the tumor (lumpectomy) under local anesthetic only. The tumors were literally frozen to death in our ultrasound room under ultrasound guidance. The procedure is very similar to an ultrasound guided needle biopsy of a breast tumor. The procedure took 30 minutes. All 3 patients left in excellent condition with no pain and of course no wooziness from general anesthesia.
As we diagnose smaller and smaller cancers with improved breast imaging, such as automated screening whole breast ultrasound, the concept of less invasive treatment options is so exciting to me. It is very early days as yet but I believe we will be treating a significant portion of early, small breast cancers in 5 to 10 years this way.
The Arizona Foundation for Women luncheon will be at the Westin Kierland this year on Thursday April 14th. Our speaker is Maria Shriver which will be delightful.
Here is to a happy healthy 2016!
Belinda Barclay-White
Ask me about AFW's 20th Anniversary Awards
Luncheon on April 14, 2016
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