The Rex Healthcare Foundation exists to support Rex Healthcare as it delivers the most advanced care for patients in our community.
A Patient’s Path
Cancer has been described as a
by Kenneth Zeitler, M.D.
the patient is typically referred for a
journey - both medical and emotional.
medical oncology evaluation, discus-
for a second opinion is also available at
Many patients who come to Rex for
sion and treatment plan.
UNC. This relationship is advantageous
cancer treatment are unaware of the
to both patient and physician. Patients
extensive medical team that will ac-
meetings are held to determine the
receive the best of care without having
company them on that trek. Join me as
best plan for each patient. These meet-
to travel to Chapel Hill, and physicians
we meet the members of this intricate
ings include surgeons, pathologists,
have access to educational opportuni-
network on a typical breast cancer
radiologists, radiation oncolo-
ties and clinical trials.
patient’s path:
gists, plastic surgeons, a research
team, a navigator and a tumor
Rex’s cancer registry which com-
registrar who consider all available
pares results with those generated na-
methods of treatment and followup.
tionally and documents the excellence
of our care team.
When a breast lump is detected, a
radiology technician and a radiologist evaluate the mass, looking for signs of malignancy and determining if the abnormality should be treated, dismissed or simply followed.
If x-ray and ultrasound suggest
cause for concern, the patient is referred to a surgeon for further evaluation and possible biopsy.
If a biopsy is performed, a pathol-
ogist and pathology technician examine the specimen to determine if malignancy is present and its specific nature.
Weekly multidisciplinary team
Because the pathway can some-
Consultation for unusual cases or
Finally, all patients are tracked by
times feel like a maze, a breast cancer navigator is assigned to all
patients – guiding them before, during
is less daunting when you know you
and after treatment.
are not alone. At Rex, we consider it
an honor to join patients on their very
The patient may also receive ancil-
Traveling into unknown territory
lary care from physical therapy,
personal cancer journey.
occupational therapy, speech
therapy, career counseling, finan-
an exceptional example of this compre-
cial counseling, peer and family
hensive approach to care and is proud
support, psychological counsel-
of its certification of excellence by the
ing, and nutritional support.
American College of Surgeons.
Rex is proud to be recognized as
If malignancy is confirmed, the pa-
tient discusses their options with their surgeon. Should surgery be the chosen course, a team of anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists work to provide a procedure that is as safe and pain free as possible.
Lab work conducted prior to sur-
gery is performed in the Rex Laboratories under strict quality control. After surgery, a pathologist makes a final evaluation, categorization and surgical staging (extent of disease).
Once the evaluation is complete,
Kenneth Zeitler, M.D., retired Rex oncologist, is a member of the Rex Healthcare Foundation, serving as Development Officer for the N.C. Cancer Hospital at Rex. Contact him at Kenneth.Zeitler@rexhealth.com or (919) 784-7689