Lake Country This Month

By Christopher Bennett Special to The Freeman WAUKESHA — Unlike many illnesses and other forms of cancer, breast cancer is easily detected by one sim- ple test. The single most important step in breast can- cer detection is getting a mam- mogram. "It's the best defense for the early detection of breast can- cer," said Dr. Gary Beyer, a radiologist at Waukesha Memorial Hospital. "A mam- mogram images the breast and shows us signs of early can- cer." The ideal age for a mammo- gram is 40, Beyer said. Forty is the age recommended by both the American College of Radi- ology and the National Cancer Institute. After an initial mammo- gram at age 40, woman are rec- ommended to get annual screening mammograms. The mammogram is, in simplest terms, an X-ray of the breast. "It's taking an X-ray of your breast in two dimensions," Beyer said. "Two views are obtained of the breast, and the radiologist reviews the images." Beyer said the radiologist, who reviews the results of the mammogram, is looking specifically for signs of cancer. Beyer started at Waukesha Memorial in 1992, and is the first doctor in Wisconsin to use three-dimensional (3-D) mam- mography. Waukesha Memori- al is the first hospital in Wis- consin to utilize 3-D mammog- raphy, and one of the first 50 nationwide. "We started (screening) patients in 2012," Beyer said. "We were early adapters." In Lake Country, ProHealth Care Medical Associates in Pewaukee and Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital offer 3-D mammography. A game-changer In an endeavor where time and accurate information are prized commodities, 3-D mam- mography is a game-changer. "As soon as we saw our first images, we knew this was going to be something special," Beyer said. A 3-D mammogram allows the radiologist to view the breast in sections 1 mm thick. It enhances detail and gives the radiologist more informa- tion than is obtained in a 2-D mammogram. Beyer used viewing a pond as an example of how 3-D mammography differs from its 2-D counterpart. Beyer said a 2-D view of a pond shows murky water, weeds and other dark, nondescript matter. "If you cut through that water at 1 mm-thick sections, you start to see fish, weeds, turtles," Beyer said. Beyer said a 2013 study from Norway cited a 40 percent higher detection rate of cancer using 3-D mammography. "We have plenty of examples where we've only seen the can- cer on 3-D," Beyer said. "We didn't even detect it on the 2-D. Those cases are mounting." At Waukesha Memorial, Beyer said the process will typ- ically start with a 2-D mammo- gram and move to a 3-D mam- mogram, if needed. In addition to detecting can- cer at a higher rate, the 3-D mammogram also allows a radiologist to determine soon- er if cancer is not present. Beyer said if radiologists saw abnormalities after a 2-D mammogram they would run additional tests using spot films and ultrasounds. They would schedule close-interval follow-up appointments where the patient returned in six months, and the patient would continually be in doubt. "Now, with 3-D technology, we're able to answer those questions the same day," Beyer said. "Additional images call- backs and follow-up studies decreased by 40 percent." Use of 3-D expected to become common Beyer said all mammo- grams will likely be done in 3- D within the next five years. Call 262-928-3000 to schedule an appointment for a 3-D mammogram at a ProHealth Care facility. "A mammography depart- ment will not be complete without offering that, and it's getting close," Beyer said. Judy Pelt, a volunteer lead- er in Waukesha County with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, cannot stress enough the importance of breast screening and mammograms. "Early detection saves lives," Pelt said. Pelt is a Volunteer Leader for the Kohl's Conversation for the Cure, a Komen initia- tive. "What we encourage is that women between the age of 20 and 39 get a clinical breast exam every three years," Pelt said. "We are really trying to encourage women that are over 40 to get a mammogram every year." Pelt said Komen will work to ensure a woman in need can get a mammogram if she does not have insurance. "If you do not have health insurance, call," Pelt said. "All they have to do is call and ask for help. We will find a health care provider so they can get a mammogram. "There is no reason not to get one if you're a woman over 40." Pelt, who has never suffered from breast cancer, said a dear friend of hers endured through breast cancer 12 years ago. Her friend's experi- ences spurred Pelt, a retired Waukesha County Technical College instructor, to get involved. "I'm always amazed women don't take the time for them- selves," Pelt said. "They're so busy taking care of their fam- ilies and working. They don't take the time to get screened." Pelt delivers a roughly 45- minute presentation in which she discusses screening and mammograms. The partici- pant receives a card. After receiving either a screening or mammogram, the doctor must sign the card. The card is then mailed to Komen, and the participant receives a $20 Kohl's gift card. For more information, con- tact Pelt at 262-255-0339 or the Southeast Wisconsin branch of Susan G. Komen for the Cure at 414-389-4888. BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Reduce Inflammation increase mobility ease pain ACCELERATE TISSUE REPAIR Complimentary Laser Consultation MLS CLASS 4 LASER Mention this ad when scheduling your appointment. Here is what you need to do now. Call our office at (262) 785-5515 to set up your FREE CONSULTATION to see if the MLS Class 4 Laser Therapy is right for you. . Evans Chiropractic & Pain Laser Clinic 15720 W. National Avenue • New Berlin, WI 53151 • 262-785-5515 HOURS: Open 6 Days A Week To Serve You Better. 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Patient Testimonial September 2014 "Before seeing Dr. Evans for the neuropathy in my feet that started after I received chemotherapy for breast cancer, I was miserable. I had done every- thing they told me to do when I was sick and when I came down with CIPN, I tried pain killers, acupunc- ture, massage, TENS and nothing worked. The MLS Laser at Dr Evans office made the difference. Today I am back to all the activities I enjoyed before I got breast cancer! I definitely recommend Dr Evans' MLS Class 4 Laser to anyone suffering from Chemo related neuropathy." Pam O. Are You or a Loved One Experiencing the Pain and Disability of Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy? Expires 11/15/14 Get Rid of Peri phe ral N eur opathy wit hout Drug s and Sur gery 240333004 Page 4A • FREEMAN & ENTERPRISE LAKE COUNTRY OCTOBER 2014 2 4 0 4 6 2 0 0 2 By Christopher Bennett Special to The Freeman Aug. 20 did not go well. I cannot think of a day in my life that went worse. I got a speeding ticket. I discovered a leak in the roof of my house. The starting running back on my three fantasy football teams got arrested for pos- session of marijuana. On Aug. 20 my wife, Rachel, learned she has breast cancer. She went through her first round of chemothera- py on Sept. 11. She noticed the beginning of her hair loss on Sept. 25, the day of her second chemotherapy treatment. Her stylist shaved Rachel's head on Sept. 27. The time since Aug. 20 is a blur. It is more than a month since confirmation of the diagnosis. It feels like years. We caught it early. It is localized and hormone receptive. The cancer is not in her bones, brain or vital organs. Our insurance is excellent. We are young enough that we will work long enough to handle any financial hardship and come out ahead in the end, though we would both feel better if my post-graduate school job search soon ended. I know all will be well in the end. According to the American Cancer Society, Rachel stands a 72 percent chance of being alive in five years, unless her cancer is in Stage 5. It is not, as best as we know. Getting to that positive end is my concern. Uncer- tainty and a life with cancer is our new normal, until it is not. I will tell you we are prepared with as much con- viction as I can muster. My primary focus is Rachel's comfort and well- being and that of my chil- dren. Our three daughters — Amelie, 15; Margaret, 12; and Eleanor, 2 — must know as little disruption as possi- ble. I told the oldest two to keep on keeping on. Go to school, go to ballet, pray for Mom. I asked them to be patient with their 2-year-old sister. I told them to talk to me if something is on their mind. We are growing clos- er. My perspec- tive and think- ing are also changing. For the first time in years, all other troubles feel like small change. They are. My wife is in a battle for her life. That battle is bringing us closer. Telling people became a continuous, emotional gut- punch. I felt relieved to tell my barber, Nick, at the New Berlin Barber Shop, because it could just be two guys talking. Rachel knows I penned this column. I told her she could read it in print, as you are doing. She is modest. You are not going to see my wife bald on the front of "People," like Joan Lunden. My wife's cancer will not become a series of eye- opening news stories, which happened with Robin Roberts. This is by no means my first column, but it is one with which I am uneasy. The opportunity to spread awareness and open eyes trumps any trepidation, or so I tell myself. At the time in my marriage when I feel most helpless, this is what I can do. According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, one in eight women will be diag- nosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Think of the eight women closest to you. You may connect the dots on your own. Cancer is largely blind to color, creed, race, gender — any of the markers by which society is parsed. You would not know Rachel is fighting such a wicked foe if tomorrow the two of you meet. Typical of most women, she is overwhelmingly con- cerned for others. She is concerned for her students — she teaches kindergarten — her children, her parents and for me seemingly more than she is concerned for herself. Please be concerned for her. Please keep in mind my wife and all others who rise each morning, don their bravest face and go forth in defiance of their cancer, breast or otherwise. Uncertainty and a life with cancer is my family's new normal, until it is not. Mammograms best tool for finding breast cancer early Breast cancer diagnosis means new normal for family Bennett

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