Breast Cancer Survival takes a Dedicated Team

Throughout her 20-plus years as an oncology pharmacist, Rebecca Parrow has supported patients through their chemotherapy treatment. When she learned she had early-stage breast cancer, she said, “I resolved to control what I could and become a better person through the experience.

Rebecca’s insurance plan allowed her to seek treatment anywhere, and she chose Henry Ford Jackson Hospital. “As a former employee of the Hematology and Oncology department, I knew firsthand the care would be exceptional,” she said.

Rebecca’s cancer journey began in Radiology, where David Williamson, M.D., and Samir Parikh, M.D., read her mammograms, performed an ultrasound and biopsy, and discussed her case with general surgeon Shawn Obi, D.O. When Dr. Obi phoned Rebecca with the cancer diagnosis, she said, “He was kind and reassuring and recommended genetic testing right away to determine the best surgical approach.” Going over the results together, Rebecca and Dr. Obi decided on a lumpectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiation Dr. Obi understood it was important to Rebecca to also have breast reconstruction surgery. He arranged for her to meet with plastic surgeon Diana Flis, M.D., who would begin the reconstruction on the same day as surgery. “I was a little nervous about meeting the plastic surgeon, but Dr. Flis was lovely and beyond caring. She explained the various reconstructive options and was prepared to switch if I opted for a radical mastectomy instead of a lumpectomy, even up to the time of surgery.”

Medical oncologist Devin Malik, M.D., orchestrated Rebecca’s care and advocated for her before they ever met by consulting with the radiologists, surgeons and radiation oncologists on the care team. He discussed current breast cancer data and guidelines with Rebecca at every step in her journey and made recommendations personalized to her needs. Together they chose a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and hormonal therapy.

“The way I was treated and saw others treated exceeded my very high expectations,” Rebecca said. ”Dr. Malik and his staff not only provided great medical care, but they also helped me stay positive and even made me laugh.” Rebecca’s current job takes her to chemotherapy infusion clinics throughout Michigan. “I have not found one that has more compassionate staff or is better run than Henry Ford Cancer,” she said.

Having had no prior experience with radiation, Rebecca was a bit apprehensive about that part of her treatment. One day, the stress and worry related to having cancer hit her all at once. “I completely fell apart during my radiation consultation, but the team was there with kindness and compassion,” she recalled. Led by radiation oncologist Annette Kretzler, M.D., the advanced practice providers, nurses and radiation therapists “took the time to walk me through each step of the treatment and explained the strict safety measures in place,” Rebecca said.
While getting to know their patient, both the chemotherapy and radiation team members learned how important Rebecca’s faith is to her. “They truly met me where I was. They not only let me know they were praying for me, but several of them came to pray with me. That meant more than I can express,” Rebecca said.

Now fully recovered, Rebecca is reflective about her journey. “This experience has been surprisingly positive,” she said. “I look forward to better supporting those facing cancer, both as a pharmacist and a survivor. I intend to pay forward the support I received from family, friends and Henry Ford Health.”