A simple itch revealed a strange lump in Annemarie Morris’s breast. Annemarie wasn’t in the habit of performing monthly self-breast exams though she was diligent about having routine mammograms and visiting her gynecologist. Like many women who don’t have a family history of breast cancer, she wasn’t concerned about her risk.
Though she did consult with her husband in the morning and together they decided she would call her gynecologist, Dr. Susan C. Newhouse at Women’s Health Care. Annemarie was seen the same day and scheduled for an ultrasound that afternoon. The next day, she had a mammogram and biopsy.
“All of this was completed within two days from my initial phone call,” explained Annemarie. “I didn’t worry over the weekend. I’m a pretty optimistic person. I didn’t consider that I could have a cancerous tumor. I figured that worst case scenario it was a cyst and I may need surgery.”
The following week, Annemarie met with Peter Hartmann, MD, FACS, Medical Director of the Gerrish Breast Care Center at Anna Jaques Hospital, which is affiliated with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
“I casually walked in, told my husband to wait and that I’d be out shortly,” recalled Annemarie. “Soon after, he walked into the exam room.” That’s when she learned that it was more than a cyst. “Dr. Hartmann explained that the lump was breast cancer, stage 1,” said Annemarie. “Some things you just don’t believe. But I wasn’t afraid. I just moved forward.”
A lumpectomy was an option, yet it wouldn’t leave much tissue. “I immediately thought, ‘I don’t need my breasts. They’ve been nothing but trouble and survival is my goal.’ I decided then to have a double mastectomy.” Annemarie opted not to have plastic surgery. “My husband was very supportive. My health, recovery and survival were what mattered to both of us. There was going to be absolutely no affect on my quality of life. That’s a very fortunate place to be when making this sort of decision.”
Her surgery was scheduled for May 7th, her youngest son’s birthday. “It was a very happy day and I figured it should be a lucky day.”
From Diagnosis to Treatment
From her first appointment to the time of surgery, everything moved very quickly. “It’s very scary to hear you have cancer but I knew that survival was my priority. I have family and I enjoy my life. That puts everything in perspective. I have no regrets.”
Immediately after her first appointment she met Kathy Porter, RN, OCN, CBCN, Patient Navigator at the Center. In her role, Kathy provides support to women throughout their care for breast cancer or non-cancerous conditions.
“My goal is to minimize stress, provide emotional support, be available to answer questions and ease concerns. Should there be a diagnosis, I am here for that woman every step of the journey and through recovery,” explained Kathy.
“I could tell Kathy anything,” said Annemarie. “She was a great help to my husband and me. She was always there through the ups and downs and helped me work through everything. There was a lot to understand in
a short time and Kathy was able to explain the entire process. We knew what to expect and knew that we could come to her with anything.”
“The whole crew at the Gerrish Breast Care Center and Anna Jaques and the care they provided was unbelievable. They’re such a strong support team and they spread such calmness. It was easy to be strong and courageous,” said Annemarie. “They helped me have faith and I never got scared.”
Be Proactive with Your Breast Health, Schedule a 3D Mammogram
Now available in Newburyport, Amesbury and Haverhill
Call 978-834-8210 to schedule a mammogram or visit www.ajh.org/breastcare for more information. And don’t forget, you may self-refer for a screening mammogram. Initial screening results are provided within two business days.
*Anna Jaques mammography possesses a valid license and certificate of inspection issued by MDP
Photo: Annemarie (right) meets with Kathy Porter, RN, OCN, CBCN, Patient Navigator. After being diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer, Annemarie found great comfort in knowing that Kathy was always there to help her and her husband.
Location:
