Silver Cross Hospital Provides Comprehensive Breast Care on One Campus

By Tracy Simons | Silver Cross Hospital

From routine mammograms to breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery, Silver Cross has brought together advanced technology and specialized physicians so women can receive comprehensive care close to home.

Care starts with a 2D digital or 3D screening mammogram in the spa-like Silver Cross Center for Women’s Health. The American Cancer Society recommends women have one every year if age 40 and older and symptom-free. Scheduling is easy.

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Patients don’t need a doctor’s order and they can now schedule a screening mammogram appointment online at www.silvercross.org. Of course patients can always call (815) 300-7076. And Silver Cross rewards patients for getting this important test with discounts at over 100 local businesses through the free I Matter™ program. Sign up at IMatter.silvercross.org.

Coordinated Care from Team of Specialists

If additional imaging is needed, Silver Cross’ dedicated staff will help schedule any recommended tests such as a breast ultrasound or MRI. If a biopsy is recommended, breast nurse navigator Neda Zelahovitis will help patients coordinate the next steps in care.

She can also coordinate with the patient’s physician to have the medical information reviewed at Silver Cross’ weekly Multi-Disciplinary Breast Conference.

A team of specialists representing general surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, plastic/reconstructive surgery and pathology gathers in one room to look at images and discuss the patient’s test results and other health information.

Led by general surgeon Dr. Mark Danielson, and medical oncologist Dr. Grace Suh, the group provides the patient’s doctor with a consensus recommendation within 24 hours so that patients can make an informed decision and begin treatment immediately.

Access to Clinical Trials

For patients needing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, medical and radiation oncologists with The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross Hospital have access to over 300 clinical trials. Many of these investigational therapies are available on the New Lenox campus. Several breast cancer patients have benefitted from Dr. Anne McCall’s experience with prone breast radiation therapy. This unique treatment protects the surrounding healthy tissue, heart and lungs while delivering precisely targeted radiation to the patient’s breast. It’s a great option for women with larger breasts and a tumor on the left side that hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes.

If the treatment plan calls for surgery, there are several experienced breast surgeons on the Silver Cross Medical Staff trained in the safest and most advanced techniques available including the DIEP Flap to reconstruct a patient’s breast following a mastectomy. During this intricate surgery, Dr. Matthew Endara uses the patient’s own abdominal skin and fat to reconstruct a natural, soft breast while minimizing the impact on the abdominal wall and muscles.

Lymphedema Therapy

After surgery, sometimes patients experience lymphedema, which is a damaged or blocked lymph system that causes swelling in the arms or legs. At Silver Cross, therapists with the world-renowned Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago are available to help you find relief – both in the hospital and when you go home.

And through Silver Cross’ partnerships with The American Cancer Society and The Cancer Support Center, a variety of resources and support services are available for patients and their family members. This includes a monthly breast cancer support group, yoga and meditation, and counseling.

To learn more about Silver Cross Hospital’s breast care services or a referral to a specialist, visit www.silvercross.org or call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325).