Division Team Helps Patients Rebuild Lives

In the winter of 1999, Patricia Nini sought treatment for infertility. Before any medical intervention could begin, her reproductive endocrinologist recommended the removal of a small cyst on her ovary that had been viewed during a routine ultrasound. That day she was given a referral to Robert Taylor, M.D., one of the gynecologic oncologists at the Medical Center’s Division of Gynecologic Oncology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery. Two days later she had an office visit and a few days after that Dr. Taylor operated to remove her cyst.

The result of the surgery was terrible news for Ms. Nini and her family.

“I woke up from the anesthesia to learn that I had Stage 1 ovarian cancer,” she recalls.

Early Diagnosis Benefits Patient
Despite the upsetting revelation, Ms. Nini learned that she was among the more fortunate cancer victims in that her cancer had been discovered at such an early stage. Ovarian cancer is difficult to detect, especially in the early phases, due to the fact that the ovaries are deeply embedded within the abdominal cavity. Because symptoms of ovarian cancer - changes in bowel or bladder habits, weight loss or gain, fatigue and abdominal discomfort or bloating - are often vague, only 10 percent of ovarian cancers are found in the early stages.

“Unlike those diagnosed after the disease has reached an advanced stage, women diagnosed with early stage disease have an overall five-year survival rate approaching 90 percent,” says Dr. Taylor.

Sensitive Cancer Care
After removal of her right ovary, Ms. Nini followed Dr. Taylor’s recommendation and had a course of chemotherapy. She was impressed with Dr. Taylor’s commitment to tailoring her treatment to both preserve her fertility and insure that the disease did not return.

“There is really a special bond there with Dr. Taylor,” says Ms. Nini. “He came to visit me every time I came to Saint Barnabas for the chemotherapy and was very sweet, kind and reassuring.”

During her surgery, Ms. Nini gave Dr. Taylor some index cards with sentences to say to her while she was under anesthetic. The cards contained phrases like, “You will have a speedy recovery,” and “The surgery was a complete success.” Also, after reading an article about the possible healing properties of music, she asked Dr. Taylor to play a Mozart tape during the surgery.

“Our practice does everything possible, even small gestures such as playing the Mozart tape, to help patients feel more comfortable in their fight against cancer,” relates Dr. Taylor. “Every patient’s cancer is personal and demands individualized care and sensitivity.”

With her cancer in remission, Ms. Nini is thankful for the physicians at The Division of Gynecologic Oncology, for the care she received and the chance to live her life to the fullest. Since her diagnosis, Ms. Nini and two other cancer survivors founded a not-for-profit organization called Kaleidoscope of Hope that raises money to support early diagnostic treatment
and research programs for fighting ovarian cancer. In September 2001, the organization held its second annual walkathon and has raised over $100,000 to date.

“This kind of experience really helps you to take a look at what is important,” Ms. Nini adds.

An Experienced Group of Professionals
For over 30 years, the physicians of The Division of Gynecologic Oncology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery have been delivering the highest level of patient-focused, comprehensive medical care for women like Ms. Nini. With over 100 years of combined experience, the team of gynecologic oncologists has one of the highest patient volumes in this specialty area in the Northeast. Serving as a regional referral center for both gynecologic oncology and pelvic reconstructive surgery, the Division attracts patients from throughout New Jersey and the tri-state area.

The physicians are internationally renowned gynecologic oncologists with extensive experience and outstanding credentials. James L. Breen, M.D., Emeritus Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Caterina Gregori, M.D., Past Chairperson and Division Director, along with Associate Directors Thad Denehy, M.D., and Robert Taylor, M.D., work together to develop patient care strategies through a team approach.

The gynecologic oncologists are directly involved with all aspects of their patients’ care, including –– if needed –– surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other services. This relationship provides continuity of care for the patient, avoiding many of the potential problems associated with fragmented care.

Research and Teamwork
The Division has been awarded membership in the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG). The GOG is the premier cooperative research group sponsored by the National Cancer Institute for the specific purpose of offering current clinical trials to women affected with gynecologic malignancies.

The Division is part of Cancer Programs and Services at Saint Barnabas and works in close collaboration with the Department of Radiation Oncology in the treatment of patients with gynecologic cancer. Patients have access to a variety of resources, including reproductive (fertility) specialists, genetic counselors, dietitians, health educators, integrative oncology practitioners and social service specialists. Additionally, The Cancer Center at Saint Barnabas offers many cancer support groups.

About 350 walkers participated in the Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation’s second annual walkathon. The event raised $100,000 in support of ovarian cancer research. Celebrating the success of the event are the founders of the Foundation: Gail MacNeil, Patricia Nini, and Lois Myers (Shown above).