December 2, 2024
When faced with a life-altering diagnosis like Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), finding the right medical facility and team can make all the difference. For me, that place was the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital. From the moment I stepped into this state-of-the-art facility, I knew I was in the best hands.
The Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center is the first center dedicated solely to breast cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship in the Midwest. Designed with patient care at its core, the center offers comprehensive services under one roof. Each floor has a specific purpose, ensuring that patients receive seamless, holistic care throughout their journey.
Inside This Facility: Comprehensive Services
The center provides a full range of services, from screening and diagnosis to advanced treatments, surgeries, and survivorship care. Key offerings include:
- Breast Imaging Services (mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs)
- Medical and Radiation Oncology Clinics
- Surgical Consultations and Procedures
- Chemotherapy and Infusion Services
- Reconstructive Surgery Services
- Physical and Occupational Therapy
- Genetic Counseling and Testing
- Clinical Trials and Innovative Research
- Survivorship Programs and Support Services
These services are integrated across multiple floors, allowing patients to access everything they need in one convenient location.
A Floor-by-Floor Experience
Ground Floor: Comprehensive Imaging Services This is where advanced diagnostic tools like 3D mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs are used to detect breast abnormalities early. Early detection saved my life, and the expertise on this floor ensures precise and timely diagnoses.
First Floor: Multidisciplinary Clinics and Infusion Services On this floor, multidisciplinary teams of specialists, including medical oncologists, radiologists, and genetic counselors, collaborate to develop personalized treatment plans. Infusion services are also available here, providing a calm and supportive environment for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Second Floor: Reconstructive Surgery Services and Therapy On this floor, I had appointments with my plastic surgeon to monitor my progress following my double mastectomy (DMX) and DIEP flap breast reconstruction surgery. Additionally, this floor offers physical and occupational therapy services, which were instrumental in helping me regain mobility and strength during my recovery. This floor ties into the center’s Reconstructive Surgery Services, which help patients restore their physical form and confidence after surgical interventions.
Third Floor: Genetic Counseling, Preventative, and Survivorship Care This floor is where my journey began. It offers genetic counseling and preventative care for individuals with genetic mutations like BRCA2, PMS2, and others. Here, high-risk patients receive guidance on reducing their cancer risks through personalized care plans. It also houses survivorship programs for those transitioning to life after active treatment. The care provided here is comprehensive, addressing patients’ needs at every stage — before diagnosis, during treatment, and beyond.
Fourth Floor: Oncology Appointments and Chemotherapy This floor holds a special place in my heart, as it is where I had appointments with my oncology team and received my chemotherapy treatments. The compassionate care provided by the medical oncologists, nurses, and staff made a challenging experience manageable. This floor is dedicated to delivering personalized treatment, ensuring patients feel supported every step of the way.
Forever Indebted to This Facility
I will forever be indebted to the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center. The medical care I received there has supported me throughout my entire journey. Every member of my medical team—before, during, and after treatment has been critical to my care. I continue to rely on them for every aspect of my recovery, including cognitive support.
The doctors and nursing staff not only provide expert medical care but also offer emotional support at every turn. Whether you are working or on leave, they are by your side, cheering you on during the most important parts of your recovery. They hold your hand, give you hugs, and extend their compassion to you, your caregivers, and your family during your most vulnerable moments.
I cannot say enough about every person at this facility, down to the staff who greet and check you in for appointments. This isn’t just a medical center, it’s a family and a village. No one truly understands the impact of this disease on everyone involved until they experience it. Having this village in my corner at all times has been one of the reasons I am where I am today.
Virtual Tour of the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center
If you’re curious about what makes this facility so unique, I highly recommend taking the Virtual Tour. This interactive experience provides an in-depth look at the center’s state-of-the-art amenities and thoughtfully designed spaces that prioritize patient comfort and care. The tour showcases everything from the imaging and infusion areas to the collaborative spaces for multidisciplinary care teams, giving you a firsthand sense of what the center has to offer.
The Medical Dream Team
The Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center’s strength lies in its extraordinary team of experts. During my journey, I was fortunate to have a world-class care team:
- Dr. Sagar D. Sardesai, MBBS: A renowned medical oncologist specializing in breast cancer, particularly TNBC. His compassionate approach and dedication to cutting-edge treatments provided hope during the darkest times. (Profile)
- Jayme M. Roberts, APRN-CNP: A certified nurse practitioner specializing in internal medicine, offering personalized support and advocacy throughout treatment. (Profile)
- Dr. Albert H. Chao, MD: A plastic surgery specialist with expertise in reconstructive procedures, playing a pivotal role in the physical and emotional aspects of recovery. (Profile)
- Rachael M. Gourley, APRN-CNP: A certified nurse practitioner specializing in general surgery, providing essential care and guidance during surgical treatments. (Profile)
- Dr. Stephen P. Povoski, MD: A surgical oncologist specializing in breast cancer and related diseases, ensuring surgical procedures were handled with utmost precision and care. (Profile)
- Dr. Kevin Sweet, PhD: A dedicated genetic counselor who played a pivotal role in helping me understand the implications of my BRCA2 and PMS2 gene mutations. Dr. Sweet walked me through the complexities of genetic testing, provided critical information for my family to be tested, and worked to trace the potential origin of these mutations within my family. His empathetic and detailed approach helped me and my loved ones feel empowered and informed about our health. (Profile)
Why Choose the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center?
The Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center is more than a treatment facility—it’s a haven for healing, hope, and world-class care. By offering comprehensive services in one location and fostering collaboration among top experts, the center ensures patients receive the best possible outcomes.
If you or a loved one is navigating a breast cancer diagnosis, I cannot recommend this facility enough. It is a place where patients are seen, heard, and cared for holistically.
Contact Information
For those seeking comprehensive breast cancer care, the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center is located at:
Address: Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center 1145 Olentangy River Road Columbus, Ohio 43212
Appointments: To schedule an appointment or speak with a specialist, call 800-293-5066 or email jamesline@osumc.edu.
Mammography Services: For mammogram appointments, call 800-240-4477 or schedule online via MyChart.
Visit their website for more information: Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center.
Let’s Connect
As a survivor and advocate, I am passionate about helping underserved and underrepresented communities. I am available for collaboration on initiatives supporting local, national, and worldwide businesses, both in person and virtually. If you are interested in exploring ways to create meaningful change together, please reach out to me directly.
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Together, we can spread awareness, offer resources, and bring hope to those who need it most.
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