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My breast cancer
PHOTO CREDIT: ERIN WHITE
A
routine mammogram suddenly brought life to
a halt for 38-year-old Erin White. With no
family history of breast cancer, the mother of
two was diagnosed with the disease.
"It was a terrifying diagnosis. I was in
shock," says White. "I couldn't believe that could happen to
me. It really stopped me in my tracks."
White's team of doctors at Swedish Medical Center
decided surgery and aggressive treatment were the best
options for her to beat the cancer. She underwent a
double mastectomy, with chemotherapy and radiation
treatments to follow.
"The treatments really took a toll on my body. But
I felt at peace with the options my surgeon and
oncologist gave me. I knew I was in good hands,"
White says.
Swedish Medical was recently accredited by the
National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.
This designation, administered by the American College of Surgeons, is only given to breast centers that
have voluntarily committed to providing the highest
level of quality breast care.
"I felt lucky to have such a great team of doctors,
nurses and staff to support me," says White. "They
would call and check up on me, I took advantage of
their support group, which was a great resource for me."
The Breast Cancer Care Program at Swedish Medical Center, in partnership with Invision Sally Jobe Breast
Networks, is a multidisciplinary, patient-focused team of care
providers who are dedicated to providing the highest quality
of breast cancer treatment to patients. This program offers
patients a full array of screenings, diagnostic exams and
personalized, innovative care.
"I'm feeling really good now. I'm so glad I chose the team
at Swedish," says White. "My advice to others with this
diagnosis is to take advantage of all your resources. This is a
time where the more support you have, the better." •
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