New Breast Cancer Approach

Yrene Bodenstein of Lower Macungie Township, Pa., benefits from oncoplastic surgery

Yrene Bodenstein had just turned 40 when she moved from New Jersey to Lower Macungie Township. She knew she needed her first mammogram, but put it off— she didn’t have a local doctor yet and was still breastfeeding her infant son.

A year later, Bodenstein got that mammogram and was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. It wasn’t good news for the busy wife, mother of three and business owner. Because of the tumor’s size, her first surgeon recommended a mastectomy (breast removal). But surgical oncologist Aaron Bleznak, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Health Network suggested a unique approach called oncoplastic breast surgery. It meant Bodenstein could receive the treatment she needed without losing her breast.

With oncoplasty, the surgical oncologist (cancer specialist) and plastic surgeon work together right from the start. They consider the extent of cancer surgery needed, the patient’s breast size and shape, and potential reconstruction techniques so the breasts will match. The result is an artful blend of plastic surgery and complete cancer removal.

“This is a major advancement in breast cancer surgery,” says Bleznak’s colleague, plastic surgeon Robert X. Murphy Jr., M.D. “It boosts our patients’ confidence and reduces their down time and emotional turmoil.” “I’m pleased with the cosmetic and medical results,” Bodenstein says. Evidence of her large lumpectomy is practically invisible. “Oncoplasty allows us to offer breast conservation to more women than ever before, with good cosmetic results and a very low risk for recurrence similar to that with mastectomy,” Bleznak says.

Bodenstein made it through the days after her surgery with the help of her husband and sister. “I was psyched to go to my follow-up appointment and get on with my life,” she says. At that appointment, she got an unexpected shock: the cancer had spread to one of her lymph nodes. She met with a team of cancer specialists and based on its recommendation, decided to have eight more lymph nodes removed. (All turned out cancer-free.)

In June 2008, Bodenstein completed seven weeks of daily radiation therapy. During that time she kept living her life—running her children to sports and activities, cultivating her online business and adjusting to life in a new state.

Her first follow-up mammogram showed the cancer hadn’t returned. “I breathed the biggest sigh of relief when I heard that,” she says. “I was so busy going through the motions of life, I didn’t even realize I was holding my breath.”

This page last updated 5/4/10 04:25 PM