Patient Continues with Everyday Activities while Getting Treated for Breast Cancer

MIAMI - Oct. 25, 2013 - PRLog -- It is estimated that a total of 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 64,640 new cases of carcinoma in situ (earliest stage of breast cancer) will be diagnosed in 2013. Currently, there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors.

This story is about Monica Hasty, an Office Manager for a Machinery company in Florida, who tells the tale of continuing with her everyday life activities while preventing the return ofbreast cancer, alongside Dr. Beatriz Amendola and the latest in radiotherapy technology.

It was just another of Monica’s routine check-ups, including a mammography. There had never been any symptoms or indications to worry about. This time, however, the mammography results showed a lump in her breast. Early stage breast cancer was diagnosed. Monica was devastated, but after thinking about her 3 daughters and how they still needed her, Monica decided to take on a positive outlook and chose to change her lifestyle for a healthier one, helping strengthen her immune system for the treatments that would lie ahead.

Since the cancer was in its early stage Monica was able to opt for breast conservation surgery. Four days after the diagnosis, a lumpectomy was performed and, because she was pre-menopausal, a systemic chemotherapy treatment ensued. It was then recommended by Monica’s surgeon that she visit Dr. Amendola, world-renowned Radiation Oncologist in Miami, Fl.

“Dr. Amendola, and her team, welcomed me into a positive environment which is what one needs at this time. The last thing that you need is someone saying “oh, poor thing”. No! You need their positive energy and their professionalism. They let me know, in detail, how and what they were going to do.”-  Monica says enthusiastically about her experience as a patient at the Innovative Cancer Institute (ICI, for short) where Dr. Beatriz Amendola is the Founder and Medical Director.

“We performed whole breast radiotherapy sessions for 6 weeks. Monica endured the treatments very well, never having to miss going to work and continuing with her daily activities. This new volumetric modulated (VMAT, for short) radiotherapy allows for the personalized planning of the targeted treatment, sparing normal tissue of radiation. It kept Monica’s skin, rib cage, lungs and heart out of harms way. This innovative radiotherapy technique was approved back in 2008.” – confirms the doctor.

ICI is one of a few private centers in South Florida to implement VMAT technology. This innovative technology offered Monica an intensive modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) that is 2 to 8 times faster than conventional IMRT treatments. Monica, who had to lie down on her tummy completely still, for the duration of each treatment, appreciated this speed. Not only was it more comfortable for her but, there was better targeted precision because there was less movement of her body.

“They also don’t just limit their care to the treatment. Dr. Amendola is, to this day, concerned about my health, not just focused on my cancer but on my health as a whole. The (ICI) team has really made a difference in my life.”- says Monica.

“After Monica’s treatment was over, she came back for her 3 month check-up and now comes in to see us every 6 months with great results each time. I am very happy because the long-term results are looking great! Follow-up is imperative. All patients must make sure to keep following up with their primary doctor, their surgeon or their oncologist. We, here at ICI, are always here for you too!”- affirms Dr. Amendola.

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Beatriz Amendola, M.D., F.A.C.R., FASTRO is Board Certified in Therapeutic Radiology by the American Board of Radiology.  She completed her residency in Radiation Oncology at the Medical College of Virginia, in Richmond, Virginia in 1980.  Dr. Amendola was an Assistant and then Associate Professor at the Department of Radiation Oncology of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She was Acting Chairman of the Department of Radiation Oncology for four years. In 1985, she moved to Philadelphia where she was Director of Residency Training in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Hahnemann University. In 1989, she moved to Miami, FL where she was appointed Associate Professor and Director of Residency Training at the University of Miami, Department of Radiation Oncology.

Currently, Dr. Amendola has an independent practice in Radiation Oncology, and she has privileges at multiple South Florida hospitals. She is a member of many professional medical societies in USA, Europe, and Latin America. In 1999, she was awarded the Fellowship from the American College of Radiology and in 2009 the Fellowship of the American Society of Radiation Therapy and Oncology (ASTRO). She serves on several national and international cancer committees. Dr. Amendola has written 56 scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals and 12 book chapters. She has extensive experience in the use of radiation therapy for cancer as well as the use of radiation for the treatment of benign diseases. Her main areas of expertise include breast cancer, prostate cancer, brain tumors, head and neck cancer, and pediatric radiation therapy. She has extensive experience in radiosurgery using Gamma Knife and CyberKnife.

For further information or to make your appointment call the Innovative Cancer Center at 305- 669- 6833 or email ici@katalystmarketinggroup.com or visit www.innovativecancer.com