April Cover Story: Backus launches breast health initiative
When a lump was found in Michele Flowers’ breast for a second time in 1996, she was told not to worry – it was likely a cyst and she could have a follow-up mammogram in six months, the doctor said.
That wasn’t good enough for Ms. Flowers. With her history of a lumpectomy in 1995, she wanted one immediately, and got it. The mammogram was inconclusive, so she had an ultrasound. Then came the bad news: The cancer was back.
It was a scary and complicated time. It was a straightforward decision to have a mastectomy, but that was only the beginning.
What about radiation therapy? Chemotherapy? Breast reconstruction? Tamoxafin?
And she had an undeniable urge to speak with others who have gone through similar situations, not just the expert clinicians.
"There was no one for me to talk to besides the surgeon and the plastic surgeon," said Ms. Flowers, a Niantic resident. "Then I found a support group at Backus, and those ladies were wonderful. They let me know what I was in store for, what I might be going through, how it all passes, it was so important for me to talk to someone who had gone through it, and was fine now.
"When you are diagnosed there is just so much."
Now, Backus Hospital is starting a new program that will help people like Ms. Flowers. The Breast Health Navigator Program, which is under development, will offer women help – from the moment they receive an abnormal mammogram – as they begin their journey to recovery within the complex healthcare system.
The program is designed to guide women through the process, eliminate barriers to care and ensure timely and high quality care from diagnosis to treatment.
Offering women this type of support and resources is a big part of Backus Hospital’s $3-million Breast Health Initiative, which focuses on early detection, excellence in treatment and improving patients’ healthcare experience.
"This is the right thing to do," said Dinesh Kapur, MD, Medical Director of Cancer Services at Backus Hospital. "Our mission is to improve the health of the community. As a Comprehensive Community Hospital Cancer Center, we offer a the latest technology, incredible medical expertise, clinical trials, education, support groups – everything a cancer patient needs, here in their own community. By helping to make patients aware of what we offer, and guide them through all the resources and information that are out there, we will have a positive impact on clinical outcomes, and their overall experience."
The Backus Foundation has pledged to raise $1 million toward this effort to improve the health of the community, which includes converting to digital mammography at all imaging locations on and off the hospital’s main campus.
"The Foundation will be conducting a variety of fund raising activities throughout the year, all of which will be fêted at a final celebration we are calling the ‘Pink Party,’" said Genevieve Schies, Director of Planned Giving for the Backus Foundation. "This event will be a most memorable evening, celebrating survivorship and recognizing the many generous donors who assist Backus in its efforts to provide the highest level of healthcare for our community."
Ms. Flowers urges the community to support the Backus Breast Health Initiative, so people can overcome their diagnosis and live long and fulfilling lives.
That’s what Ms. Flowers is doing. She found yoga during her recovery, and has since trained to become a yoga instructor. She has her own yoga business and offers programs through the Backus Center for Healthcare Integration. She also works as a receptionist at Eastern Connecticut Hematology and Oncology in Norwich, where she is involved in a mentoring program that matches newly diagnosed cancer patients with survivors.
"People with cancer need to understand that they have wonderful, wonderful lives in front of them," Ms. Flowers said. "What Backus is doing now will make this dream a reality for many other cancer patients."
"When you are diagnosed there is just so much."