As
a newspaperman I have had the unique opportunity to meet and write about people
in various fields including presidential candidates, governors, senators,
congressmen, astronauts and just ordinary people who affected our lives in so
many ways. But one gifted person made a personal imprint. His name is Dr. Cary
S. Kaufman, MD FACS.
We
live near Bellingham, Washington State. The community sports little industry
but is home to Western Washington State University, a large shopping mall and
scattered businesses and small manufacturing companies. All in all the
population consists of about 50,000 and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and
islands including the 15,000 foot snow-capped Mount Baker.
Bellingham
sits on the edge of Bellingham Bay. The islands are home to folks who love to
live their own way of life and for them a visit to the “big city” is usually
only to buy provisions. You wouldn’t think that this small town (in comparison
to Seattle a major city some 90 miles to the south) would be home to one of the
nations most renowned breast cancer surgeons. Perhaps it is because of the
beauty and serenity of our area that attracted this uniquely skilled physician.
Regardless, welcome Dr. Kaufman.
According
to his staff personnel and colleagues, he is one of the best of the best
specializing only on breast cancer surgery. His services take him from the west
coast to Europe. He is a renowned lecturer and a prolific writer specializing
on his specific facet of work.
A
quiet, gentle man with an infectious smile he exudes confidence and trust. And
for someone who has need of his skill these are special benefits. I should
know—my better half had such a need recently.
It
was supposed to be an annual mammogram and honestly she wasn’t thrilled with
taking the time to go in for the examination. But her doctor pressured her into
going in and “getting it over with!” So, reluctantly, she obeyed.
About
a week later she got a call from her doctor’s office. They said that the film
was clouded and if she wouldn’t come in and have another ex-ray. Annoyed, she
did so. About another week went by and she received another call. This time
they wanted her to come in for a biopsy. Now little bells started to ring.
A
few days later her doctor called and asked her to come in—she had some
information she wanted to share with her. This was on a Friday and the weekend
went by slowly. On Monday my wife went in and was told the news that the
mammogram revealed two small tumors and the biopsy indicated cancer.
That’s
when we met Dr. Kaufman. Our first visit was short as he advised us of the
situation. Both tumors, he said, was in its early stages and one was benign. The
other, however, needed attention. Looking at the film you could see a small
white object—about the size of a dime—seemingly floating in its own heaven. It
looked so innocuous yet it could easily turn to a more horrific result. So,
surgery was scheduled for the following week.
As
for the benign tumor it should be removed at the same time as removing the
cancerous one the doctor advised. “This way we won’t have to go back three or
four years later if needed,” he explained. As for the malignant cell he
described what he intended to do.
“Picture
an egg,” he said. “The yellow yoke is the cancer and is surrounded by white
material. What we want to do is take out all of the white matter (which houses
the cancer).” By doing this he will not actually see the cancer since it would
be encased in the white substance. “If I see the cancer then I didn’t do my
job!” he said with a smile. To make sure all cancerous material that was
removed was sent to a laboratory for a more in-depth examination.
Incredibly
Kathleen didn’t need to be hospitalized. The operation was done in an
out-patient clinic and lasted for about 70 minutes. While she was in recovery
Dr. Kaufman came out to the waiting room all smiles. Everything went along
perfectly he said. There were no surprises and the prognoses are excellent he
said. In fact she may not even require radiation treatment. “As soon as she
recovers you can take her home,” he said shaking my hand.
It
has now been a week since the surgery. Other than pain from the incisions she
is doing remarkably well. For now, with rest and limited arm movement on the
right side, she will continue to heal. You wouldn’t think such a major
operation had been done.
To
think that just a few years ago such an operation wasn’t in the offering. Those
were the times when breast cancer was a ticket to the graveyard. But as
medicine advanced and new techniques were developed successful operations are
nearly routine. But that is only in the case of early detection.
Many
of these techniques were developed by this gifted surgeon. It is his passion.
And as far as time off is concerned everyone wonders when he does so. He sees
patients during the weekend—even on Sundays.
So,
given a scare like no other you can bet my better half will make sure to have
an annual mammogram as well as for our female readers should do as well.
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