W I N Y O U R F I G H T
Learn more about the complete
cancer care services at Kootenai
Health—visit
KH.org/cancer
.
without Dr. Mandel’s presence, Becky probably would
have had to have two surgeries.”
Dr. Mandel said this type of teamwork and collabora-
tion helps to ensure seamless, quality patient care.
“Ongoing communication, coordination and interac-
tion between providers is clearly a benefit for patients
in terms of outcomes and safety,” he said.
Shortly after Becky’s surgery, the Rennebaums heard
from Dr. Torgenson with good news.
“We rejoiced when he called us after hours to tell
us the pathology results showed that the surgery had
successfully removed the cancer and that it had not
spread,” Becky said. “I was cancer-free!”
R O A D T O R E C O V E R Y
Becky did not need chemotherapy or radiation, but
her treatment continues at Kootenai under the care of
medical oncologist Kevin Kim, M.D.
“Now the goal is to make sure the cancer doesn’t
come back,” said Dr. Kim.
For the next five years, Dr. Kim will monitor Becky’s
treatment with an aromatase inhibitor, a drug that
lowers the body’s levels of estrogen, which fuels
tumors. Becky is also completing the final stages of
breast reconstruction, along with physical therapy to
redirect the flow of her lymph system, improve mobil-
ity and rebuild strength. Dr. Kim, Dr. Torgenson and
Dr. Mandel continue to keep each other informed on
Becky’s progress.
“As I continue on this journey of healing, I thank all
of my doctors and other health care providers for the
quality of life they have given me,” Becky said. “Koo-
tenai Health has given me great care through imaging,
surgery, hospitalization, reconstruction and oncology.
We are fortunate to live in an area with such knowl-
edgeable physicians and wonderful facilities.”
Dr. Torgenson said Becky’s experience exemplifies
the benefits of the continuity of care between Kootenai
Health and the Kootenai Clinic physicians.
“Efficient, expeditious, high-quality care—that’s
what serves our patients best, and that’s the way it
should be done,” he said. “When we all work together
toward the same goal of exceptional care, our patients
can get through the system efficiently and quickly, and
they receive the top-notch care they need right here in
their own community.”
B
R
E
A
S
T
C
A
N
C
E
R
:
K
N
O
W
T
H
E
F
A
C
T
S
Myths and misinforma-
tion about breast cancer
can cause confusion and
unnecessary fear.
Here are a few of the
facts about breast
cancer from the National
Cancer Institute and
the American Cancer
Society.
National numbers
◗
Based on current rates,
about 1 of every 8
women born today will
get breast cancer dur-
ing her lifetime.
◗
More than 232,000
women per year are
diagnosed with breast
cancer.
◗
The median age at
breast cancer diagnosis
in the U.S. is 61.
◗
Breast cancer is the
second leading cause
of cancer death for
American women. Lung
cancer is No. 1.
◗
It is estimated that
nearly 40,000 women
in the U.S. will die of
breast cancer in 2013.
The risk
◗
Race affects breast
cancer risk. White wom-
en have a higher risk of
the disease than black,
Asian, American Indian
and Hispanic women.
◗
Breast cancer risk
increases with age.
◗
Women who have never
given birth or who have
their first child later in
life (after age 30) are at
increased risk of breast
cancer.
◗
Bumping, bruising or
pinching the breast can-
not cause breast cancer.
◗
Breast cancer is not
contagious.
◗
Taking hormone therapy
drugs after menopause
may increase the risk of
breast cancer.
◗
Having cancer in one
breast increases the risk
of developing cancer in
the other one.
What you can do
Talk to your doctor if you’re
concerned about your risk
for breast cancer. Regular
mammograms are your
best screening tool for
finding cancer early.
You may be able to
reduce your risk of devel-
oping the disease if you
maintain a healthy weight,
get regular exercise and
don’t drink alcohol.
KH . ORG
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