Helen Heathcote of Hawk Run, center, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2006, received both chemotherapy and radiation therapy at the Nathaniel D. Yingling, M.D., Cancer Center, located on the Clearfield Hospital campus. With Mrs. Heathcote, from left, are Dr. Joseph Padolick, medical oncologist, and Kelley Hoffmaster, RN, director of medical oncology.

For more information about mammograms, the Mammogram Voucher Program or breast health, please contact Darlene Rowles at 814.768.2033.

Information about the Nathaniel D. Yingling, M.D., Cancer Center may be obtained by contacting Kelley Hoffmaster, director of medical oncology, at 814.768.2132, or Rose Campbell, administrative manager, radiation therapy, at 814.375.3535.

At the time of her regularly scheduled mammogram at Clearfield Hospital in August 2006, Mrs. Heathcote, a retired registered nurse, wasn’t having problems. She performed monthly breast self-exams and hadn’t felt any lumps. No lumps were found during a clinical exam either, she explained.

However, the mammogram showed calcifications in her right breast. Biopsy of the tissue followed in early September and confirmed Mrs. Heathcote’s fear: cancer.

She learned that two types of cancer cells were present, and that one of those types contained a protein, HER-2, that is aggressive and likely to spread. Several lymph nodes also tested positive for cancer.

At the time of the diagnosis, Mrs. Heathcote was caring for her husband who was battling lung cancer. He passed away in October 2006. Needless to say, it was a difficult time for the Heathcote family.

After consultation with surgeon Dr. Douglas B. Yingling, Mrs. Heathcote made the decision to undergo surgery to remove her breast. She was also scheduled for treatment at the Nathaniel D. Yingling, M.D., Cancer Center of Clearfield Hospital.

About the Yingling Cancer Center

The cancer center houses Clearfield Hospital’s state-of-the-art medical oncology/chemotherapy department, which is led by Dr. Joseph Padolick, medical oncologist.

Radiation therapy is provided at the Clearfield center through a collaborative relationship with Hahne Regional Cancer Center of DuBois. Dr. Joseph Pedersen serves as radiation oncologist.

The latest technology, Image-Guided Radiation Therapy, is provided. Because of its improved targeting, IGRT allows for more aggressive treatment of many types of cancer.

Treatment at the Cancer Center

Mrs. Heathcote received chemotherapy once every three weeks from January through March, and every week from April to July. She also underwent several weeks of radiation therapy at the Clearfield center.

“The staff is wonderful. They all made me feel comfortable. Drs. Pedersen and Padolick are caring and down to earth. I’m thankful I could have my treatments here and didn’t have to travel. The atmosphere is so pleasant,” Mrs. Heathcote said.

Though her prescribed course of chemotherapy and radiation therapy is now behind her, Mrs. Heathcote will continue to have follow-up care at the center and receive intravenous medication to help prevent the cancer from recurring.

Kelley Hoffmaster, RN, director of medical oncology, said Mrs. Heathcote possesses a positive and upbeat personality.

“It was a joy to take care of her. She was a part of the Clearfield Hospital family for many years (as an employee), and when she developed cancer, she decided to stay close to home for treatment. Here, at the Yingling Cancer Center, Helen was surrounded by friends who gave her the care and support she needed,” Mrs. Hoffmaster said.

Mrs. Heathcote, who has a daughter, twin granddaughters and a step-grandson, said she has a lot to look forward to, especially her step-grandson’s wedding in Florida later this fall.

“The past year has been hard, but I’m starting to feel like myself again. A routine mammogram saved my life,” she said.

The Key to Mammograms

Darlene Rowles, imaging supervisor for Clearfield Hospital, said women should have yearly mammograms starting at age 40. She said women should also have a clinical breast exam during a periodic health exam, every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over. Monthly breast self-exam is also important.

“The key to mammography screening is that it be done routinely. A screening mammogram can find cancer when it is still too small to be felt by a woman or her doctor. Finding small breast cancers early dramatically improves a woman’s chance for a good outcome,” Mrs. Rowles said.

Clearfield Hospital also participates in the Mammogram Voucher Program, an initiative of the American Cancer Society, which provides free mammograms and follow-up diagnostic services to medically underinsured and uninsured women in central, northwestern and western Pennsylvania.

Find Out More

For more information about mammograms, the Mammogram Voucher Program or breast health, please contact Mrs. Rowles at 814.768.2033.

Information about the Nathaniel D. Yingling, M.D., Cancer Center may be obtained by contacting Kelley Hoffmaster, director of medical oncology, at 814.768.2132, or Rose Campbell, administrative manager, radiation therapy, at 814.375.3535.

The cancer center’s medical team is available for community presentations about cancer prevention, detection and treatment. Please contact Mrs. Hoffmaster or Mrs. Campbell at the above phone numbers to make arrangements.

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