Breast Cancer Survivor Appreciates Sylvester’s Holistic Approach to Cancer Care
“Choosing the right cancer center is so critical,” said Madeline Mordarski, who turned to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center when diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer.
Madeline Mordarski was only 32 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite her young age, it did not come as a complete shock. Her mother is a two-time breast cancer survivor.
Having served as her mother’s caregiver, Mordarski understood the full impact of a cancer diagnosis and how it affects every aspect of your life.
“Cancer doesn’t stop when you walk away from your chemotherapy appointment. It’s with you every moment of every day. That’s why choosing the right cancer center is so critical,” said Mordarski, who was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer and underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy, followed by mastectomy and then a full year of immunotherapy. “The moment I walked into Sylvester it was immediately apparent that this is where I needed to be. The level of care, compassion and medical expertise was incomparable.”
Holistic Cancer Care
One of the things Mordarski appreciates about Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth – University of Miami Health System, and South Florida’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, is its holistic approach to cancer care. The multidisciplinary team is committed to providing the highest level of patient care before, during and after treatment.
“I was in my early 30s when I was diagnosed and cannot express how valuable it was to have a reproductive medicine specialist as part of my cancer team, someone who was committed to helping me attain my long-term goal of having a family. We discussed oncofertility treatment options including egg preservation,” said Mordarski. “You don’t get that at just any hospital.”
Mordarski also took advantage of Sylvester’s cancer support and survivorship services, including the adolescent and young adults (AYA) program. While undergoing treatment, she found a community within this group and has since registered to become an AYA program mentor.
Patients are Sylvester’s Focus
Patient-focused care such as this is the hallmark of a comprehensive cancer center and something Sylvester excels at.
Mordarski finished treatment in January. She is now in the surveillance phase and continues to see her breast medical oncologist, Frances Valdes, M.D., an assistant professor of medical oncology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, every three months for scheduled follow-up appointments.
“Triple-negative breast cancer is very aggressive, and the first five years out are critical,” said Mordarski. “One of the things I love most about Dr. Valdes, and Sylvester, is that when I finished treatment, I wasn’t just pushed out the door. Dr. Valdes maintains an open line of communication and is always quick to respond whenever I have a question or concern.”
“Ms. Mordarski is an exceptional woman who has courageously confronted and overcome her diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer. She exemplifies the positive and strong spirit of so many women who have and who are battling this disease,” said Dr. Valdes. “Madeline and our team at Sylvester worked together to design her individual treatment plan, one that would ensure her wellness. Our mission is to make sure Madeline, and all of our patients, have the support and best treatments possible throughout their journey.”
In addition to being exceptional care providers, Sylvester physicians are also world-renowned scientists. Financial donations help equip Sylvester physician-researchers with the cutting-edge technology and resources needed to advance cancer care through novel treatments like precision medicine, immunotherapy and experimental therapeutics.
Support Breast Cancer Research
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Join us by supporting breast cancer research at Sylvester.
Tags: breast cancer, cancer research, Dr. Frances Valdes-Albini, philanthropy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center