For Immediate Release
September, 25, 2001
Contact: Maria E. Ramos
(219) 865-2141, ext. 45321
Maria.Ramos@ssfhs.org

HAMMOND/DYER -- Every woman breathes a sigh a relief when her mammogram report comes back with a negative result. But, when the results are termed “questionable” and require additional testing, she gets a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.

It’s during this period in a woman’s life that a Breast Health Coordinator can offer compassionate support, as well as, valuable information to questions on available treatment programs. Saint Margaret Mercy’s Breast Health Services, launched on Sept. 10, offers this type of support base and helpful resource that a woman facing breast health issues needs.

Who are breast health coordinators?

Breast Health Coordinators are registered nurses who specialize in breast health. They partner with a woman who has a breast problem, assisting her each step of the way. The role of the breast health coordinator is to educate patients and their families on breast health related issues, to provide community education and educational materials to physician offices.

If a mass is found and is not malignant, the breast health coordinator guides the patient in subsequent follow-ups and mammograms, and instructs her in how to perform breast self-examinations.

If cancer is diagnosed, the breast health coordinator assists the patient with scheduling appointments and coordinates her overall care. She provides a shoulder to lean on and helps the patient through times of anxiety and adjustment.

“The breast health coordinator is the prepared coach who can help meet the patient’s coping needs,” said Loretta Juskiw, RN, and breast health coordinator. “She helps the patient to deal with overwhelming fears and understand available treatment options.”

“The breast health coordinator helps the patient make an informed decision that is right for her,” Juskiw added.

Saint Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers currently has three breast health coordinators:

• Marla Hoyer-Lareau, RN, MS – 17 years oncology nursing experience, including nine years as administrative director of The Oncology Center
• Loretta Juskiw, RN, BSN – 30 years nursing experience, including 24 years in oncology
• Doreen DePalmo, RN, MSN – certified breast health specialist with 28 years nursing experience, including nine years in oncology

Diagnostic services

Breast Health Services of Saint Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers offers a full-range of diagnostic services with state-of-the-art equipment and knowledgeable healthcare professionals. Services include:

• Mammograms – an x-ray of the breast
• Ultrasound – detects whether a mass contains fluid (cyst) or is solid
• Needle aspiration – removes fluid from a cystic mass
• Fine-needle aspiration biopsy – withdraws cells and fluid from a mass using local anesthetic
• Core-needle biopsy – removes a sample non-surgically

Specially trained female technologists – licensed and certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists – perform all mammography examinations.

Surgical Services

If surgery is necessary, our services include:

• Stereotactic Core Biopsy – a biopsy that combines digital stereotactic imaging and minimally invasive instruments to locate and remove breast tissue specimens.
• Breast biopsy – surgical removal of suspicious breast tissue for testing
• Axillary node dissection – removal of lymph nodes through an incision in the armpit.
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy – removal of the sentinel nodes (those closest to the tumor) to determine need for additional surgery or treatment
• Breast conserving surgery (such as lumpectomy) – removal of breast lump, including a margin of normal tissue
• Mastectomy – surgical removal of the breast
• Breast reconstruction – recreates the appearance of a normal breast following a mastectomy
• Cosmetic surgery – breast enlargement or reduction procedures

For more information on Breast Health Services and the Breast Health Specialist program at Saint Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers, call (219) 932-2300, ext. 32130 or 1-888-784-2100.