At the St. Mary Mercy Hospital Comprehensive Breast Center we provide personalized, quality, professional and compassionate care. Experience holistic care from a dedicated specialist committed to making a difference. Put your trust in those who can provide not only gold standard care of the breast but also that which is state of the art and leading edge.

Philosophy of Care

The central goal of medicine is to make and keep patients healthy.

Our model of medical care is based upon an educated partnership between the patient and physician. We consider the needs of the whole patient, providing direct medical care, education, and preventative services. Patients are encouraged to be active partners, working along with their doctor, pursuing common goals.

Illness affects body and mind, emotions and spirit, the individual and the family. For many serious illnesses full recovery requires addressing all of these: the physical effects on the body, the psychological effects on the mind and the impact on the family.

The diagnosis of cancer precipitates a tumultuous state of events. There are tests, surgery, often chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or hormonal therapy. Often at times, there is an overwhelming sense of being out of control with one's own mortality. Patients and families all need a guide to assist them successfully through this process.

We believe that cancer should be treated according to the following principles:

1. There is always hope. No matter how dismal the prognosis, there are always cases where patients proved their doctors wrong and outlived expectations.
2. The wound of cancer is far more complex than a surgical incision. The whole person and their family and friends are affected physically, emotionally and spiritually. A comprehensive treatment program understands this and addresses one's unique needs treating the patients as well as the disease.
3. Work smarter, not just harder. Developing a strategy to deal with cancer requires knowing not only what treatments to use but when to use them. Fighting cancer alone is exhausting; patients should use all their resources and support.
4. Each person's healing is unique. Although not everyone is cured, the potential for becoming whole again is possible for all of us. Each of us has the potential to become a hero or to grow wiser. We need to take care of ourselves, honor what is most precious within us, and at the same time become more forgiving of our own humanity. What makes cancer a heroic journey is the style in which it is done.
5. Hospice care and palliative care are important options. There may come a time when the struggle to prolong life becomes undesirable and the quality of life takes precedence. We honor that decision and continue to provide the very best possible supportive care.