You At Your Best

4 | YOU AT YOUR BEST | NWADG.COM/YOUATYOURBEST OCTOBER - DIABETES | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2017 SPECIAL TO NWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE Sue Murray, a retired nurse, was startled to learn in mid-September 2017 that she had breast cancer. However, she says she isn't the type to feel sorry for herself. She just wanted to get it taken care of. "There's always a chance of cancer in anybody's life," she says. Murray said she felt better after learning that the form of cancer she had was the least aggressive of all the forms. Murray's surgeon used new technology during her lumpectomy on Sept. 28, avoiding many of the challenges posed by the guidewire localization procedure. Surgeons and radiologists use the new technology to precisely locate and direct the removal of a tumor within 1 mm of accuracy during a lumpectomy or surgical biopsy procedure. "This precision can help preserve healthy breast tissue, increase the rate of complete cancer removal and decrease the potential for follow-up surgeries which are huge advantages for breast cancer patients," says Dr. Christopher Menendez, board-certified fellowship-trained breast surgeon. Willow Creek Women's Hospital is the first hospital in the state of Arkansas to use a non-radioactive wire-free localization system during breast conservation surgeries, building on its commitment to offer the most advanced treatments for breast cancer patients. The system features a small device called a reflector, which can be placed into the tumor days prior to surgery, and a wand-like tool that emits a tiny radar signal to locate the reflector during surgery. "Breast cancer surgery can be physically and emotionally distressing for women, and we strive to find ways to create a better experience — and better outcomes — for our patients," says Sharif Omar, Chief Executive Officer of Northwest Health. The wire-free radar localization system uses non- radioactive, radar technology to provide real-time surgical guidance during breast surgery. Traditionally, patients would arrive several hours prior to their scheduled surgery to have a radiologist place a locator wire in the breast which stuck out externally. The wire guided the surgeon to the lump being removed. There was also a risk that the wire could move, making it harder to remove the cancerous tissue resulting in the need for a second surgery and a less pleasing cosmetic result. Prior to the lumpectomy or surgical biopsy, a reflector is now placed in the target tissue under ultrasound or mammogram guidance, up to seven days prior to surgery. Thus, eliminating the patient undergoing two procedures on the same day in addition to reducing patients' anxiety and stress. Murray says this method is more comfortable and protected than the wire method. With the new device, a reflector is implanted in the breast, which replaces the guidewire and eliminates the concern of the wire moving. "I just think this device is so much more convenient," she says. Murray was under local anesthetic when the reflector was implanted at Northwest Breast Imaging at Willow Creek. She says she didn't feel any pain, but did feel some pressure. "I had absolutely no trouble," she says. The system uses safe and non-radioactive radar waves to detect the location of the reflector within the breast, which allows the surgeon to precisely pinpoint and remove the tumor and the reflector. Murray had peace of mind knowing that the surgeon knew exactly where to remove the cancerous tissue. "They knew exactly where to look, what they were looking for," she says. Murray also says that her experience at Willow Creek was a good one. She says the nurses were excellent, friendly and knowledgeable. "They knew what they were doing," she says. While Murray will still need to undergo hormone and radiation therapy, she does say that she is recovering well from her lumpectomy. To schedule a mammogram, call 479-757-4165 or visit NorthwestHealth.com for more information. Improved surgical experience for breast cancer patients

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