Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/133443
Personal Cancer Struggle Becomes Catalyst for Community Outreach By Sandy Milman "I FOUND A LUMP in my breast, Dr. Wilks." These words were initially surreal to both patient and physician, but during the following days and weeks, reality hit. Joy was experiencing a recurrence of breast cancer. The subsequent journey took her through mammograms, a biopsy, blood tests, genetic counseling and testing, PET scans, and, eventually, mastectomy with reconstruction. Joy's anger and frustration at dealing with breast cancer again after 20 years of living cancer-free was palpable. The journey women with breast cancer face is challenging and often overwhelming. Joy had spent her last 20 years as a strong advocate with the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation, working long hours to help survivors face some of the challenges. She spent her days providing resources and lobbying for adequate care for the underprivileged; she created and sponsored an annual mentor program that is now part of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. Joy has been a patient of Sharon Wilks, M.D., FACP, for 20 years, and Joy's tireless effort has greatly influenced her 20 | San Antonio MD NEWS I MDNEWS.COM physician. In her interactions with Joy, Dr. Wilks began to realize that newly diagnosed patients and their families are starving for clear facts about breast cancer treatment and patient care. This led Dr. Wilks to found the nonprofit Alamo City Breast Cancer Council in 2005. The aim of the Alamo City Breast Cancer Council was to provide accurate information directly to those in need by sponsoring an annual Breast Cancer Update — a forum of medical experts providing simple explanations of current advances in breast research and therapy. The organization broadened its vision by creating booklets for patients with other cancers. These booklets review information about the cancer, highlight the work-up that is normally required at diagnosis, and introduce patients to current aspects of treatment options they may face. Due to this broader scope and vision, the organization was renamed in 2006 as the Alamo City Cancer Council. Joy and Dr. Wilks have worked together planning programs that focus on awareness, early detection, prevention and treatment plans. Both are looking forward to the 11th Annual Breast Cancer Update, a free event to be held at the JW Marriott San Antonio Resort and Spa this coming September. Its full agenda of cancer specialists includes world-renowned scientist and drug developer, Mark Sliwkowski, Ph.D. He will talk about the recent FDA-approved drug TDM-1, which offers improved efficacy and reduced side effects for patients. The principles of treatment and support being discussed at this year's conference were applied in helping Joy through her recent recurrence of breast cancer. Joy's golden rule for education is: "Know your breasts and never ignore any changes," even if they don't show up on a mammogram. Education can be empowering and sometimes life-saving. Both women will continue beyond this recent challenge to help others embrace that message and live beyond cancer diagnoses. For more information about Alamo City Cancer Council, visit www.alamocitycancercouncil.org. I