In the winter of 1999, Patricia Nini sought treatment for
infertility. Before any medical intervention could begin,
her reproductive endocrinologist recommended the removal
of a small cyst on her ovary that had been viewed during
a routine ultrasound. That day she was given a referral to
Robert Taylor, M.D., one of the gynecological surgeons at
the Medical Centers Division of Gynecologic Oncology and
Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery. Two days later she had an
office visit and a few days after that Dr. Taylor operated
to remove her cyst.
The result of the surgery was terrible news for Ms. Nini
and her family.
I woke up from the anesthesia to learn that I had Stage
1 ovarian cancer, she recalls.
Early Diagnosis Benefits Patient
Despite the upsetting revelation, Ms. Nini learned that
she was among the more fortunate cancer victims in that her
cancer had been discovered at such an early stage. Ovarian
cancer is difficult to detect, especially in the early phases,
due to the fact that the ovaries are deeply embedded within
the abdominal cavity. Because symptoms of ovarian cancerchanges
in bowel or bladder habits, weight loss or gain, fatigue
and abdominal discomfort or bloatingare often vague, only
10 percent of ovarian cancers are found in the early stages.
Unlike those diagnosed after the disease has reached an
advanced stage, women diagnosed with early stage disease
have an overall five-year survival rate approaching 90 percent,
says Dr. Taylor.
Sensitive Cancer Care
After removal of her right ovary, Ms. Nini followed Dr.
Taylors recommendation and had a course of chemotherapy.
She was impressed with Dr. Taylors commitment to tailoring
her treatment to both preserve her fertility and insure that
the disease did not return.
There is really a special bond there with Dr. Taylor, says
Ms. Nini. He came to visit me every time I came to Saint
Barnabas for the chemotherapy and was very sweet, kind and
reassuring.
During her surgery, Ms. Nini gave Dr. Taylor some index
cards with sentences to say to her while she was under anesthetic.
The cards contained phrases like, You will have a speedy
recovery, and The surgery was a complete success. Also, after
reading an article about the possible healing properties
of music, she asked Dr. Taylor to play a Mozart tape during
the surgery.
Our practice does everything possible, even small gestures
such as playing the Mozart tape, to help patients feel more
comfortable in their fight against cancer, relates Dr. Taylor.
Every patients cancer is personal and demands individualized
care and sensitivity.
With her cancer in remission, Ms. Nini is thankful for the
physicians at The Division of Gynecological Oncology, for
the care she received and the chance to live her life to
the fullest. Since her diagnosis, Ms. Nini and two other
cancer survivors founded a not-for-profit organization called
Kaleidoscope of Hope that raises money to support early diagnostic
treatment and research programs for fighting ovarian cancer.
In September 2001, the organization held its second annual
walkathon and has raised over $100,000 to date.
This kind of experience really helps you to take a look
at what is important, Ms. Nini adds.
An Experienced Group of Professionals
For over 30 years, the physicians of The Division of Gynecologic
Oncology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery have been delivering
the highest level of patient-focused, comprehensive medical
care for women like Ms. Nini. With over 100 years of combined
experience, the team of gynecologic oncologists has one of
the highest patient volumes in this specialty area in the
Northeast. Serving as a regional referral center for both
gynecologic oncology and pelvic reconstructive surgery, the
Division attracts patients from throughout New Jersey and
the tri-state area.
The physicians are internationally renowned gynecologic
oncologists with extensive experience and outstanding credentials.
Division Directors James L. Breen, M.D., Emeritus Chairman
of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Caterina
Gregori, M.D., Emeritus Chairwomen of the Department of Obstetrics
and Gynecology, along with Associate Directors Thad Denehy,
M.D., and Robert Taylor, M.D., work together to develop patient
care strategies through a team approach.
The gynecologic oncologists are directly involved with all
aspects of their patients care, includingif neededsurgery,
chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other services.
This supportive relationship provides continuity of care
for the patient, avoiding many of the potential problems
associated with fragmented care, says Dr. Breen, Division
Director.
Patients who come to the Division have conditions that encompass
three areas: gynecologic malignancies; pelvic reconstruction;
and complicated benign gynecological conditions. In addition
to the staffs dedication to meeting the needs of these individuals
and their families in a supportive way, physicians also foster
innovative clinical research to provide patients with the
most advanced early detection and treatment options.
Research and Teamwork
The Division has been awarded membership in the Gynecologic
Oncology Group (GOG). The GOG is the premiere cooperative
research group sponsored by the National Cancer Institute
for the specific purpose of offering current clinical trials
to women affected with gynecologic malignancies.
The Division is part of Cancer Programs and Services at
Saint Barnabas and works in close collaboration with the
Department of Radiation Oncology in the treatment of patients
with gynecologic cancer. Patients have access to a variety
of resources, including reproductive (fertility) specialists,
genetic counselors, dietitians, health educators, integrative
oncology practitioners and social service specialists. Additionally,
The Cancer Center at Saint Barnabas offers many cancer support
groups.
To reach the Division, please call (973) 322- 5280.
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