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Living life after cancer

Mary Ellen Martin says a cancer diagnosis changed her life. And, she credits the specialists at Virtua with saving it. "I spent 50 to 60 hours a week at the office," says the 49-year-old South Jersey resident. "When my doctor told me I had breast cancer, my life was changed in an instant."

Martin quit her job, and decided it was time she set her goals on health, not a career. Together with her personal team of breast specialists, she was determined to get her health back on track.

"Breast cancer is not a death sentence," explains Maureen Kling, MD, Virtua Health breast surgeon. "Virtua specialists can detect cancer earlier than ever before. A personalized treatment plan helps patients battle cancer and win." The first step in Martin's treatment was to shrink the tumor using chemotherapy. Dr. Kling then performed a partial mastectomy, removing the tumor while preserving the shape of the breast at the same time. For Martin, this was just the beginning.

Targeted treatment
For seven weeks after surgery, Monday through Friday, Martin had a standing date with the radiation oncologists at the Fox Chase Virtua Health Cancer Treatment Center at Virtua Memorial.

"I approached my therapy like it was my job," remembers Martin. "I had a detailed treatment plan that was designed by my oncologists. I knew what to expect and what my journey would look like every step of the way."

For Martin, that meant targeted external beam radiation treatments. "Treating the entire breast decreases the chances that cancer will return because it destroys cancer cells that may be present after surgery," says Catherine Kim, MD, Virtua Health radiation oncologist. "Planning treatment using a computed tomography (CT) scan, lets us deliver targeted radiation therapy without damaging healthy surrounding tissue."

Another type of radiation therapy, called MammoSite, delivers radiation from within the space where the tumor was removed. Patients who have had a lumpectomy — a surgery in which only the tumor is removed from the breast — or those with early stage breast cancer may receive this type of treatment.

Getting the look
Through it all, Martin's spirits were high. But on the outside, even strangers could recognize her struggle.

"Handfuls of my hair were falling out," recalls Martin. "It was like screaming to the world, 'I have cancer!'"

The physical signs of her fight would be short-lived, thanks to the "Look Good…Feel Better" program hosted by Virtua Health and sponsored by the American Cancer Society. The program teaches women ways to improve their self-image with makeup, wigs and scarves.

"Chemotherapy can rob women of their hairstyles, eyebrows and eyelashes," says Pauline Sundell, RN, an oncology-certified nurse from the Fox Chase Virtua Health Breast Care Program. "This program offers women the tools they need to look good."

Life — back on track
One year later, thanks to her treatment at Virtua, Martin is cancer-free and making every effort to stay that way.

Priya Gor, MD, MSCE, Virtua Health medical oncologist who specializes in breast disease, says it's an exciting time for treatments in breast cancer.

"Identifying the genetic make up of a tumor helps us select the most appropriate, personalized treatment for patients," says Dr. Gor. "We treat the disease, but we also want to prevent cancer from coming back. We want every patient to live a long, healthy life."

Today, Martin has a new appreciation for life. Rekindled friendships, time with family, reading and gardening have replaced her career-driven ways. "I'm enjoying all the moments I was too busy to enjoy before. I'm living life and loving it."

Meet the Physicians

Catherine Kim, MD, is a board certified radiation oncologist. She earned her medical degree at Jefferson Medical College. Dr. Kim completed an internship at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City and residency in radiation oncology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

Priya Gor, MD, MSCE, is a boardcertified hematologistoncologist. She earned her medical degree from UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr. Gor completed an internship, residency and fellowship in internal medicine, a fellowship in hematology-oncology, and a master's degree in clinical epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania.

Maureen Kling, MD, is a boardcertified surgeon. She earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania. Dr. Kling completed an internship, residency and fellowship in general surgery at the University of MassachusettsMedical Center.