Teamwork Conquers Cancer
Through funding requests and compassionate care, John C. Lincoln's Breast Care Center staff helped Euda Morazan overcome a rare cancer
Euda Morazan faced a big decision. The 65-year-old Guatemala native felt lumps in her breast, which needed immediate attention. Where, she wondered, should she go for treatment?
Would she journey to Belize, where her daughter—a pathologist—could guide her medical care? Or would she stay in Phoenix with her three other children and seek treatment at John C. Lincoln’s Breast Health and Research Center?
Euda decided to leave for Belize. She picked up her films from John C.
Minutes after leaving, however, she turned around and returned to the center. Handing back her films, she said, "If you’ll help me, I'll stay!"
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Mercy Abbato and Euda Morazan. |
Collaborative Care
Euda's decision likely saved her life. It set into motion a collaboration that reached throughout the Valley and beyond.
As Euda's diagnosis became more complete, and her treatment plan evolved, the team at the Breast Health and Research Center set upon a search for funding.
Under the watchful eye of dedicated breast radiologist Corliss Chun, MD, Euda's examinations were funded by two organizations. The Komen Foundation funded Euda's digital mammogram and ultrasound. Her breast biopsy was funded by a John C. Lincoln community grant.
Because the community grant was limited to diagnostic services, Breast Health and Research Center staff returned to the Komen Foundation to find funding for treatment.
A Rare, Aggressive Cancer
"The breast lumps were very suspicious," said Sherry Gage, director of the John C. Lincoln Breast Health and Research Center. "After examining her and seeing her past mammogram, we were extremely concerned.
"During the biopsy, it was discovered that Euda had an aggressive type of cancer called anaplastic carcinoma. Our wonderful pathologists—Drs. Clarke Lambe and Blair Reuben—utilized their expertise and vast network to help us through this stage of the diagnosis.
"They then reached out to a pathologist at Vanderbilt University who was familiar with this rare cancer and provided us with a complete diagnosis at a very reduced price."
Finding funding for treatment posed challenges in every direction, in terms of dollars and paperwork. Undeterred by these obstacles, the Komen Foundation's Phoenix chapter and the Breast Health and Research Center staff found ways to help Euda through two surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Family Support Makes the Difference
At the one-year mark since her initial diagnosis, a happy and relaxed Euda shows off her new head of hair. She once again looks after her grandchildren and relaxes with music, books, magazines and Sudoku puzzles.
The Breast Health and Research Center team credits Euda's family for much of the success.
"They were absolutely amazing!" said Sherry. "Her family did whatever they could to support Euda through the process and help her care providers. They attended consultations, served as translators, worked with insurance companies, answered questions and paid bills. They were always available to us and it made everything possible!"
"I was so surprised that everyone here cares so much," said Euda through John C. Lincoln translator Mercy Abbato, who has stayed in close touch with Euda’s family. "When all this happened, my kids were crying and I was too.
"This hospital is filled with nice people," she continued, as she named additional members of her care team—including Drs. Kasper, Lee and Castillo. "I cannot imagine what would have happened if I would have returned to Guatemala. This hospital, it is perfect. The people, they are excellent!"
Learning From Every Patient, Looking Toward the Future
The experience also has left a lasting impact with the Breast Health and Research Center's staff.
"This was a complex case and it taught us a great deal," said Sherry. "We learn from every patient and this was especially true with Euda and her family.
"The experience has spurred us on to pursue more than just screening dollars from the Komen Foundation and other breast cancer foundations. Once you detect an abnormality, you need funds to treat the problem."
It also made the team even more eager for the opening of the new comprehensive breast center in May 2009.
The center will house outpatient services, physician offices, radiation oncology, chemotherapy and diagnostics including an MRI. In addition, the center will include a large library to help educate patients and their families, room for support group meetings, and a wig and prosthetics area that will be overseen by an expert fitter.
"To have everything under one roof is not only exciting for us, it's also essential for patients and families," Sherry added.