3D approach to care
Nancy Pallas
Jan, 2022
Physicians: Roy Winslow, MD; Peter Paximadis, MD
At age 79, Dowagiac resident Nancy Pallas still gets a yearly mammogram. Even though breast cancer does not run in her family, her primary care provider recommended she continue to get screened regularly.
In October of 2020, Nancy had her first 3D mammogram. This advanced technology allows radiologists to examine breast tissue one layer at a time, which makes fine details more visible. The imaging results revealed a tumor the size of a pea.
“Finding out I had cancer was very out of the blue,” said Nancy. “I truly believe the 3D mammogram made all the difference and allowed my care team to detect the tumor at stage 1A.”
Immediately following the diagnosis, Nancy’s care team was assembled to help her fight the cancer. Nancy met with general surgeon, Roy Winslow, MD, who would perform a lumpectomy surgery.
“Everything moved so quickly,” said Nancy. “My mammogram was on October 12 and I had surgery on December 3.”
On the day of her surgery, Nancy arrived at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph early in the morning. At the same time Dr. Winslow surgically removed the cancerous cells, radiation oncologist, Peter Paximadis, MD, also delivered a targeted single-dose of radiation to the site of the tumor using the ZEISS INTRABEAM® intraoperative therapy system. Shortly after the procedure, Nancy was discharged to heal in the comfort of her home.
“I couldn’t believe I didn’t have to stay overnight in the hospital,” said Nancy. “I felt that I had the knowledge and support to go home without any concerns. The following day my care team called me to ensure everything was okay and to see if I had any questions, which I really appreciated.”
One week after her surgery, Nancy went to a follow up appointment with her oncologist. She shared concerns about negative side effects she was experiencing from one of her prescribed medications.
“She really listened to what I had to say,” said Nancy. “She worked with me to find a different medication that I was more comfortable with and would still provide similar results.”
Nancy was happy with how quickly she recovered from surgery and was able to return to her regular routine.
“Even after my surgery I was able to finish Christmas shopping and go to all my favorite holiday events,” said Nancy.
During this stressful time, Nancy found that every staff member respected her, answered her questions, and listened to her concerns. She also thought it was helpful to have all her medical records and appointment information centrally located and easily accessible through MyChart.
“I value compassion and understanding, and I felt like I had that kind of relationship with everyone who cared for me,” said Nancy.
Since having surgery, Nancy continues to have a regular mammogram and was happy to hear everything came back clear.
Nancy is encouraged to share her story with others because she knows many people often stop getting mammograms as they get older.
“I think it is really important to continue getting all your health screenings done no matter how old you are,” said Nancy. “My tumor was so small it wouldn’t have been felt on a self-examination, but because I had a 3D mammogram it was detected early on and was easily treated at Corewell Health.”
Watch more of Nancy's story in the video below: