Jump to content

  • Set Your Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
Set Your LocationSet Your Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Patient Stories
  • Detailed Research Leads to Quick Recovery After Breast Cancer
Content

PATIENT STORIES Detailed Research Leads to Quick Recovery After Breast Cancer

Sutter Roseville Medical Center

An engineer by profession, Gwen is gifted with a detailed-orientated, type-A personality. And she expects the same level of precision in her personal life, especially when it comes to her health.

Both Gwen's mother and sister succumbed to breast cancer in their late 50s. And with another sister currently fighting the disease, Gwen took a proactive approach to her own breast health with yearly mammograms and pap smears.

Last year, after a mammography and biopsy, she was given the news that she, too, had breast cancer and was referred to cancer surgeon Elizabeth (Min Hui) Kim, M.D., FACS at Sutter Roseville Medical Center. Sutter Roseville Breast Center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program For Breast Centers (NAPBC) and dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered and state-of-the-art breast care.

"Dr. Kim was very detailed and thorough," Gwen says. "She presented me with a lot of statistics around current treatments, and I found it very informative and reassuring with her fund of knowledge."

Gwen began her own research as well. Talking to her sister who had recently gone through treatment, interviewing her oncologist, medical oncologist, reconstructive surgeon and a genetic counselor.

"After taking in all the research I had done and talking to Dr. Kim about all my options, speaking with a rest of the breast multidisciplinary team including the medical oncologists, genetics team, and plastic surgeon, I decided it was important for me to move forward with a double mastectomy," Gwen says.

Dr. Kim and Gwen's reconstructive surgeon Jonathan R. Freed, M.D. worked together to perform her nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction so she would only have to undergo one procedure.

"My family and friends that had been through similar experiences were all surprised how fast I recovered," Gwen says. "I attribute that to doing my research and having a treatment team that supported my goals. And I really believe that being in good shape and health before surgery contributed to my remarkable recovery as well."

Now that Gwen is on the recovery track, her focus has switched to making sure she has expanded genetic tests available, so her teenage children are aware of their risk and options in the future. She's also looking forward to competing in a few long-distance, swim races later this year.

Related Stories

Beating Breast Cancer Close to Home

When Pamela learned she had breast cancer, an amazing care team came together to support her and her family on their journey.

Minimally Invasive Surgery Helps Active Grammy

After having surgery to remove a large, malignant kidney tumor, Marilyn Mowrer is once again enjoying the active, busy life she’s always lived.

Blood and Marrow Transplant Saves Patient's Life

Constance Cole, 67, of Roseville, received a bone-marrow transplant in 2014 after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.

Comprehensive Care with a Broad Reach

Cancer survivors Jan Soderstrom and Mike Moone are grateful for decades of high-quality care from PAMF.

Ensuring Healthcare Excellence

Learn why long-time philanthropic board member, Darrell Sooy, supports the ABSMC.

See all Patient Stories

Disclaimer

Each individual’s treatment and/or results may vary based upon circumstances and the healthcare provider’s medical judgment. Testimonials or statements made by any person(s) within this site are not intended to guarantee outcomes or substitute for medical advice.

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

  • Contact Us
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Request Medical Records
  • Make a Gift
Sign in to My Health Online

Billing and Insurance

  • Pay a Bill
  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Estimate Costs
  • Medicare Advantage

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Community Benefit
  • Annual Report
  • News

Our Team

  • For Employees
  • For Medical Professionals
  • For Vendors
  • For Volunteers

Careers

  • Jobs at Sutter
  • Physician Jobs
  • Graduate Medical Education

Copyright © 2023 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

  • ADA Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • LinkedIn Opens new window
  • YouTube Opens new window
  • Facebook Opens new window
  • Twitter Opens new window
  • Instagram Opens new window
  • Glassdoor Opens new window

Cookie Policy

We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences