Local Cancer Survivor Reminds Women About Breast Cancer Awareness

PALATKA, Fla. - Nov. 13, 2014 - PRLog -- Putnam County resident Sharon Blankenship, 60, had her world turned upside down when doctors noticed an abnormality on her annual mammogram that needed further inspection. After hearing the news, Blankenship went straight to her daughter’s employer, a physician she considered family, Anand Kuruvilla, M.D., Board Certified Radiation Oncologist with Cancer Center of Putnam and Senior Partner with First Radiation Oncology Group (FROG).

“I walked through the door and my daughter met me – not knowing why I was there,” says Blankenship. “You go into a tailspin when you hear something like this, but Dr. Kuruvilla sat us down and assured me that I’d get the best care possible.”

Fearing she would lose her breast through treatment, Dr. Kuruvilla informed Blankenship about breast conservation therapy, removing only the tumor through a lumpectomy. He then provided whole breast radiation therapy, followed by an additional radiation treatment called AccuBoost®.

“AccuBoost® allows us to pinpoint the radiation delivery more precisely than ever before,” says Dr. Kuruvilla. “By using a machine that combines breast imaging to guide the radiation directly to the tumor, we are able to avoid the surrounding healthy tissue, including the heart, lungs and chest wall.”

“The treatment was wonderful and quick. I was in and out in about 10 minutes,” says Blankenship. “After each treatment, I was able to change my clothes and go right back to work as normal. I felt supported, as if they carried me and my whole family through this process.”

Being diagnosed with breast cancer changed the way Blankenship views her life. She doesn’t get depressed, but instead embraces the fact that she is a survivor and is proud of it. She encourages women to listen to their doctor when they are told to get yearly mammograms.

“If you think something is wrong don’t be afraid to tell your doctor,” Blankenship said. “Since breast cancer is so prevalent, it’s our responsibility to ourselves, as women, to watch out for it. If something is wrong, don’t panic, just listen to your body and follow through with it. Above all, don’t lose hope. You have to keep your spirit up and realize your doctors can help you fight it.”

Cancer Center of Putnam is a 21^st Century Oncology affiliate. The center is located at 600 Zeagler Drive, Suite 1, Palatka, FL 32177.

For more information about our services, visit www.21cOncologyJacksonville.com or call (386) 325-8140.

About 21^st Century Oncology:

21^st Century Oncology is the largest global, physician led provider of Integrated Cancer Care services. The company offers a comprehensive range of cancer treatment services, focused on delivering academic quality, cost-effective patient care in personal and convenient settings. The company operates 175 treatment centers, including 140 centers located in 16 states. The company also operates 35 centers located in six countries in Latin America. The company holds market-leading positions in most of its domestic local markets and abroad.