Breast Cancer Care – Curative and Restorative
“You have breast cancer.” That is the last thing you want to hear from your doctor. No matter your level of understanding, being told you have breast cancer can suddenly turn your whole world upside down. During this time, you may find it difficult to listen, understand, and even remember discussions with your physician. Our combined clinic team, including surgeons from the Portneuf Surgical Specialists and oncologist from the Portneuf Cancer Center, is here for you. We partner with our patients because we know the value and importance of having an experienced and supportive team with you during every step of your cancer journey.
Our goal at Portneuf Surgical Specialists is not just to treat your breast cancer using up to date research and recommendations, but also to treat the psychosocial aspects of breast cancer. Our surgeons are trained in Oncoplastic surgery, which brings traditional plastic surgery techniques to the operating room to provide superior cosmetic outcomes to patients with breast cancer.
The odds of surviving breast cancer with appropriate treatment are very good. However, traditionally, surgical options often cause long term scars and deformities that can negatively impact the survivors’ mental wellbeing, quality of life, sexuality, and body image. With these new techniques, we can completely resect the tumor while preserving normal breast tissue. In addition, the use of local or regional reconstruction, at the time of surgery, can be both curative and restorative and thereby reduce deformity. Providing a symmetry procedure to the unaffected breast can also improve the feelings of wholeness and well-being. Oncoplastic surgery provides as much peace of mind as is possible for women with a breast cancer diagnosis while providing beautiful cosmetic results. Our results greatly improve the body image and sexuality related to quality of life.
Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients schedule one appointment to meet collectively with their surgeon, radiation oncologist and medical oncologist. During our Combined Breast Cancer Clinic, experts from all three disciplines talk to you about appropriate treatment options and develop an individual treatment plan tailored to meet your specific diagnosis and unique concerns. Our surgeons work closely with Portneuf Cancer Center team to answer questions concerning surgery and post-operative care, radiation and oncology treatments, as well as to provide other necessary resources.
Collectively, our highly skilled multidisciplinary team recognizes that the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of breast cancer is very personal and effects both body and mind. Like other major cancer facilities, Portneuf Cancer Center follows the published guidelines for cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment as established by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Surviving breast cancer no longer means surviving with deformity.
To reach Portneuf Surgical Specialists call 208-239-2620. To reach the Portneuf Cancer Center call 208-239-1720.
Katie J. Fritz, M.D. is a board certified general surgeon, a Fellow of The American College of Surgeons, and member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. She attended Creighton University School of Medicine and completed her residency training at Baylor University of Medical Center in Dallas.
Hannah Caulfield, MD is a board certified general surgeon and member of The American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Breast Surgeons. She attended the University of Vermont College of Medicine and completed her residency at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Phoenix.
Mara Additon, MD is a board eligible general surgeon and member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. She attended University of Colorado School of Medicine and completed her residency at University of Colorado in Denver.