Joann Bazos went for her annual breast mammogram....the results didn't look too good and she [had to] go back and get a spot digital mammogram and a sonogram. The results came back...that there was a [likely] cancerous growth on her right breast. We did not know whom to turn to so we asked Dr. Riva [her PCP]. She recommended Dr. Håkan Charles-Harris. We brought all our paperwork that we had to see Dr. Harris. A biopsy was performed on her right breast and other tests were taken at the hospital. After all these tests were completed we proceeded to go back to Dr. Harris' office where he explained that there was a 1.5cm mass in her right breast and it was cancerous. Dr. Harris explained that she had two options: one was a complete removal of her right breast and the second option was a partial removal of the cancerous mass. Joann selected the second option.
It would be an in and out operation done on [the] same day and later in the afternoon Mr. Bazos was [called up by] Dr. Harris who gave him the OK sign that everything was all right. What a relief that was to me! Dr. Harris inserted a Mammosite device in her right breast for radiation therapy that [would] be perfomed that following week. Before going to radiation therapy Dr. Harris examined her to make sure everything was all right. Joann then went to G. Gordon Griffith Cancer Center twice a day [for 5 days and then] removed the Mammosite device. Dr. Harris examined Joann and told her that everything looked good and follow-up exams will be forth coming to see her progress.
Dr. Håkan Charles-Harris recommended that Joann see a medical oncologist. He told her that she should get a bone density test to see if the radiation therapy did any damage to her bone cells (calcium.) She did get that test and everything was negative.
Dr. Harris told Joann for the next 3 years she would be taking a breast mammogram twice a year as a preventative measure. Joann and her husband William Bazos say that all women should examine themselves and have their annual breast mammogram. Also, if there are any questions on the results they should immediately see their doctor.
Dr. Harris' staff was excellent and professional in all matters concerning my wife's breast health. Everyone is to be commended on an excellent job. Thank you Dr. Håkan Charles-Harris and your staff. We will be seeing you periodically!
William & Joann Bazos, March 2011
