Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. And surgery is the most common form of treatment.

In the Silver Cross Breast Center, patients can see a highly skilled surgeon for diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and other abnormalities.

Surgeons on staff at the Silver Cross Breast Center have specialized training and expertise to quickly diagnose disease, explain the range of treatment options available, and help you decide on a plan tailored to your needs and goals.

This may include breast-conserving surgery, mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

These highly skilled surgeons evaluate and manage patients with breast pain, benign lumps and cysts and abnormal mammograms, in addition to breast cancer.

They look at the stage of cancer, its characteristics, and what is the best individual treatment for the patient.

Oftentimes cases are reviewed by multiple specialists at Silver Cross Hospitals weekly multi-disciplinary breast conference to expedite diagnosis and treatment.

Convenient, comprehensive care

If it is determined that surgery is the best option, procedures are performed in Silver Cross state-of-the-art operating suites followed by a short stay in a spacious, private patient room; although some patients may go home the same day.

If chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or radiation therapy is recommended, the UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross is just steps away from the Breast Center.

It offers the latest clinical trials, genetic testing and counseling and advanced techniques including prone breast radiation therapy.

After surgery, sometimes patients experience lymphedema. Therapists with the world-renowned Shirley Ryan Ability Lab (formerly Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago) are available at Silver Cross to help patients find relief.

And through Siona Boutique, patients have access to a variety of specialized products to help improve their quality of life.

Certified breast care nurse

Neda Zelehovitishas a duel certification as anOncology Certified Nurse and Certified Breast Care nurse. She serves as a liaison between the patient, doctors, and family in the Silver Cross Breast Center.

With over 22 years of oncologyexperience, she provides each patient with personal and compassionate assistance in navigating through the health care system, ensuring that patients make informed decisions.

As a certified breast care nurse, Zelehovitis is responsible for assisting women who come to the Center for Womens Health with their care including:

Providing pre and post procedural nursing care for patients having biopsies

Explaining what will happen during the procedure and why the physician may have ordered the test

Obtaining physician orders for follow up testing, if recommended by the radiologist

Serving as a liaison between the patients primary physician and the radiologist to obtain information about the patients course of care and to help guide the patient in making decisions about the next steps in her care process

Providing nursing assistance to the technologists during procedures

Serving as a resource to the patient who may require additional assistance, including co-facilitation of the monthly Breast Cancer Support Group

Zelehovitis provides patients with education about breast health screenings, treatments, and recovery; coordinates follow-up care and consistently maintains this support through the continuum of cancer care all the way to healing.

The patient's well-being and health are a priority to Zelehovitis, and she is committed to providing patients with peace of mind as they seek medical care.

Get started at the Silver Cross Breast Center

Whether diagnosed at Silver Cross or elsewhere, call (815) 300-6350.

A certified breast health nurse will schedule the initial appointment and assist in coordinating the next steps in care.

This includes any additional diagnostic testing including breast ultrasound, breast MRI, or stereotactic breast biopsy to determine whether a lump is benign or cancerous.

For more information, visit http://www.silvercross.org

Continued here:
Breast cancer care close to home - The Herald-News

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