Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital celebrates Expansion of Breast Center

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital continues their legacy of Leading Medicine by expanding the Breast Center to provide complete care for patients – from screening and diagnosis to survival – all in one comfortable, convenient location.

 In response to the increasing demand for our services, the Breast Center recently moved to its new location off Town Center Blvd, still on the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Campus. The larger space features a warm, comforting ambiance and more comfortable, spa-like furnishings to put patients at ease.

(Photo) Melissa Roca, Finance Director; Lowell Stanton, CFO; Marlene Gonzalez, Business Office Director and Frances Goerlich, Cancer Center Director

To celebrate the new expansion of the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Breast Center, the Fort Bend Community, Fort Bend Junior Service League and Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance members joined Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s staff and physicians in an open-house. Over 300 guests attended the event and had a chance to tour the Breast Center, meet the physicians and hear about the expanded services now available in the Breast Center.

“It was great to see so many community members and business leaders at the event. I now hope that those who attended can spread the news that this Breast Center is right in their community and offers everything from dedicated, highly trained breast radiologists, the latest technology and a focus on personal, compassionate care all in one convenient place,” said Sandra Templeton, M.D., board-certified surgeon specializing in breast surgeries and on staff at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

(Photo) Laura Taylor, FBJSL; Janet Leatherwood, CNO; Chris Siebenaler, CEO; Stephen Phillips, M.D., Breast Radiologist; Lowell Stanton, CFO; Brigit Engleman, FBJSL and Cari Middaugh, FBJSL

Since opening our doors on August 1, 2009, the Breast Center rapidly outgrew its original facility. "We are meeting a very real need in the community," says Stephen Phillips, M.D., board-certified breast radiologist. "The center is staffed by a multi-disciplinary team of breast care specialists, working together to provide the most comprehensive care possible in one convenient location. That is a combination that is difficult to beat and one our community is taking advantage of and using."

Our full-time breast radiologists are exclusively dedicated to breast care and read every image taken in the Breast Center and perform procedures with the use of state-of-the-art technology. Having this full-service expertise available to patients everyday is unique to Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. When choosing a Breast Center to meet your needs, it does make a difference where you go.  

(Photo) Sandra Templeton, M.D., Breast Surgeon; Gail Parker and Stephen Phillips, M.D., Breast Radiologist

Patients who choose the Breast Center at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital can undergo a mammogram and, if necessary, an ultrasound or MRI often on the same day. In addition, all biopsies are sent to our on-site pathology department.  “We are providing the full continuum of care – from screening all the way through surgery or radiation – all in one place. Having a dedicated center enables our physicians to communicate with one another more effectively and coordinate care more efficiently, which means the women are able to begin treatment immediately,” Phillips said. 

In addition to providing the only full-service breast cancer screening and care in Fort Bend County, the Methodist Sugar Land Breast Center’s technology is second to none.  The powerful whole body 3 Tesla MRI machine – typically found only in the nation’s top academic medical centers – provides state-of-the-art image resolution and features bilateral breast imaging and computer assisted detection.  “No other Fort Bend County hospital has a 3T MRI,” Phillips said.

(Photo) Tracy Boone, Heidi Trento, Teresa Lindamood, Lisa Lewis Smith, Jennifer Simoneaux, Sammie Durden, Kiri Seliger, Chasity Norris, Chitra Vigneswaran

“We were very pleased to see the overwhelming support of the community at the open house. With over 300 people attending the event we were able to spread the word about the importance of mammograms and the Breast Center that is second to none. We have been Leading Medicine in Fort Bend County since 1998 and look forward to continuing on that path for years to come as we serve this great community,” said Janet Leatherwood, CNO at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

To schedule a mammogram at the Breast Center, please call 281-242-PINK (7465). For more information on Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit www.MethodistSugarLand.com or call 281-274-7500 for a physician referral.

Fact vs. Fiction - Heart Care Emergencies

FICTION: If you think you are having a heart attack, it is best to go to a freestanding emergency room and then be transferred to the Medical Center.

FACT: During a heart attack, timing is everything. Methodist Sugar Land Hospital's cardiac rapid response team is available 24/7 and cardiovascular surgery, if needed, is also available. Our hospital routinely exceeds national standards for rapid response in heart attack situations.

If you experience any of the following, go to the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Emergency Department:

• Chest pain or pressure (may radiate down your arm)
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea, vomiting and/or severe indigestion
• Breaking out into a cold sweat

Survivors Offering Support at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

Dates are throughout the rest of 2011 at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Breast Center Open House

Cancer Diagnosis—Explore Your Options

A cancer diagnosis is an all-too-familiar reality these days. Approximately half of all men and one-third of all women in the United States will develop some form of cancer during their lifetimes. “Often coming without warning, a diagnosis of cancer is sure to bring feelings of denial, anxiety and fear,” says Alexander Wong, M.D., board-certified hematologist/oncologist on staff at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “It also may become necessary to make important decisions about treatment options in a short amount of time.”

Here are some suggestions to help you or a family member through this difficult process.

Ask detailed questions. Find out the name of the cancer and its stage, size and location. Where did it start, and has it spread to other areas? “Some cancers are slow-growing, while others are more aggressive,” Dr. Wong says. “Depending on which type it is, you may be facing different treatment options. Ask about the success rate of each option and possible side effects. Do not be misled by statistics, as each individual is unique and so is survival.”

Enlist a support system. Consider bringing someone you trust with you to appointments when the diagnosis and treatment options are explained. This advocate – someone who can understand the information and ask more questions – is valuable at an emotional time when it may be hard to comprehend everything coming at you.

Explore your options. If you’re best at making decisions when armed with lots of information, consider researching more on your own. The National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov, is a good starting point for learning about surgery options, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and integrative therapies. Your doctor can also supply you with patient education materials. If too much information overwhelms you, let your doctor know. He or she can recommend evidence-based treatment strategies appropriate for your situation.

Consult an oncologist. A cancer specialist or oncologist has information about the latest treatment options and also clinical trials that you may want to consider. Care provided by an oncologist in the local community can significantly reduce the hazard of traveling while going through treatments. Each treatment has its own set of side effects. Complementary therapies like acupuncture, acupressure and herbs are available to help improve side effects. Your oncologist can help you evaluate options and explain realistic expectations.

Maintain a positive attitude. “It is normal to go through denial, fear and even depression,” Dr. Wong says. “You have to forget about what is behind and focus on what is ahead.” Ask for help from your family, friends, spiritual advisors and health professionals.

For a referral to Dr. Wong or another oncologist in your area, please call 281-274-7500.

Photo Caption: Alexander Wong, M.D.

FREE SEMINAR!

Join Dr. Alexander Wong as he presents Integrative Cancer Treatments and answers your questions on July 13 at 6 p.m. The free seminar will be held in Conference Rooms AD at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Seating is limited. RSVP required, please call 281-274-7500. Refreshments will be served and FREE acupuncture trials offered.