MaineGeneral Breast Care Program
Kennebec Valley women have a collaborative team centered around their care at the MaineGeneral Breast Care Program. Here are some of those talented people patients may meet along their journey.
Mammography and Ultrasound Technologists
Many women gain familiarity with their mammographers from routine mammograms. The technologists guide the patient to get accurate readings of the breast tissue, which a radiologist then compares to past images to see if anything new and concerning appears.
“We are the first person a woman sees, so it’s important to put our patients at ease,” says Michelle Stonier, who’s worked as a radiology technologist at MaineGeneral for 24 years. Michelle understands firsthand the importance of screening, as she’s lost family members to breast cancer. She’s often sought by medical staff to help patients who are worried or confused.
If something of concern shows up on the mammogram image, the patient is called back for mammography and/or ultrasound special views.
“If we don’t know the results by the time a patient leaves, I want to make sure the patient leaves with clear expectations,” says Heather Goodwin, ultrasound technologist.
Breast Care Navigators
At any point, a breast care navigator, or coordinator, can help a patient through the process, from special views, to biopsy and beyond.
Their role is to be there for the patient, answer questions and provide information and support along the way. They can advocate for you, get you information and be your connection to other parts of the health care system.
Surgery
Biopsies and surgical treatment are done by MaineGeneral Surgery’s general surgeons. MaineGeneral Plastic Surgery then can provide reconstructive surgery. Surgeons meet with patients and their families to help determine the next best steps in their treatment journey.
MaineGeneral Surgery's Connie Lutkevich, MD, and her team are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of patients.
“I take great pride in working at the MaineGeneral Breast Care Program,” Dr. Lutkevich says. “I have had the privilege of being part of many women’s journeys through one of the most challenging times in their lives. I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in their lives and to continue to advance the field of breast surgery.”
Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care (HACCC)
After a surgical consult, MaineGeneral breast navigators connect the patient to Sacha Genest, RN, point-of-entry nurse navigator for oncology, who arranges needed medical and radiation consults at the cancer center.
“I gather any additional records needed for our physicians, request consults and call the patient to give them their appointments. I also assess any barriers to care they may have and discuss support services available at the HACCC such as transportation, financial, social/emotional support, smoking cessation and dietitian access,” Genest says. “We work hard so our patients can feel as comfortable as possible as they move through their cancer journey.”
Your Team
Everyone involved with MaineGeneral’s Breast Care Program understands the anxiety and need for individual attention each patient deserves. That’s why they work so hard to ensure that every patient feels they have the most compassionate and skilled team in their corner.
