Wednesday, July 30, 2003

Helping conquering the fear

Southern Regional offers free class for women having breast cancer surgery

Southern Regional Health System is offering a new, free class for a very specific group of women breast cancer survivors who are undergoing surgery. To help meet this need, Southern Regional's oncology, surgical and rehabilitation services departments created "Breast Expectations," a weekly class designed to provide education and support to women scheduled for breast cancer surgery.

"A diagnosis of breast cancer is a woman's worst nightmare. The worst part can be the uncertainty. With the 'Breast Expectations class,' we hope to curb some of that fear through education and going through the steps associated with surgical breast cancer and the treatments," said Marty Polovich, RN, oncology clinical nurse specialist at Southern Regional.

The American Cancer Society estimates that 5,400 women in Georgia will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. That means almost 250 women in Clayton, Fayette and Henry counties will be having surgery for breast cancer this year. For most women, the time between diagnosis and surgery is brief and extremely stressful. During this period, the need for information about the diagnosis and the surgery is considerable.

The class includes information on the different types of surgery, an explanation of pre-, intra-, and post-operative phases of surgery, post-operative exercise, psychosocial issues and supportive care. For more information on "Breast Expectations," please call Southern Regional's Cancer Information Line at 770.909.2099.

"Typically, there is only a week to 10 days between the diagnosis and the actual surgery. In order for us to help these women, we need to see them as soon as possible," explained Polovich.

Participants who attend 'Expectations' receive "Your Breast Cancer Treatment Handbook" by Judy C. Kneese, a well-known breast health specialist. The book addresses the emotional impact of breast cancer on the woman, her mate and her family, as well as information about the surgical experience, recovery and insurance issues. In addition, each woman who attends will receive a pink ribbon lapel pin and several American Cancer Society booklets, and a list of community resources for women with breast cancer.

"If they come, they'll be glad they did," Polovich promised.

Southern Regional Health System offers comprehensive health resources, including: Southern Regional Medical Center, a 406-bed, full-service hospital in Riverdale, featuring a state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center; The Women's Life Center; a Diabetes Resource Center and one of the busiest emergency departments in the state. Southern Regional also provides mental health, home health care, substance abuse treatment and surgery efforts through RiverWoods, Southern Regional Psychiatric Center; Southern Regional Homecare; and the Surgery Center at Mount Zion, located in Morrow.