The Team

Please pray for my medical team. Pray for wisdom as we make treatment decisions. Thank God for their knowledge and skill.

Dr. Sabah Hamad was an undergraduate student at UNC during two of my four years as an undergrad. She grew up in Rocky Mount and specializes in breast cancer, breast disease, and breast surgery. She performed my biopsy on August 4 and gave me the pathology report and cancer diagnosis on August 12. She will perform my surgery.

Raleigh Radiology are the folks who did my mammogram on July 20, a sonogram on August 2, and an MRI on August 19. Digital mammogram technology made early detection possible in my case. These folks are the reason my tumor was discovered while it is still quite small. Raleigh friends, call them (877-5400)! Get your girls checked annually! Do not procrastinate.

Dr. Andrew Kennedy is the radiology oncologist who will be the supervising physician if radiation therapy is an appropriate treatment option for me. He’s the doc who called my tumor “tiny” as opposed to “little” or “small.” He said that, on a scale of one to ten, one being quite small and ten being huge, my tumor is a 0.5! “Highly curable lesion.”

Dr. P. J. Singh is the general oncologist for my case. He has scheduled what sounds like a multitude of scans (CAT, bone density, and more) and lab tests. He’s a bit like the Sikh version of Santa Claus; he’s warm, kind, friendly, gentle, and compassionate. I am praying to escape this adventure without chemo, but I suppose if it’s absolutely necessary, he’s a great guy to have on the team.

Dr. Donald Hanna is the plastic surgeon who would perform the reconstructive surgery if we decide to pursue a mastectomy. I’m sincerely hoping I don’t have to “throw the baby out with the bathwater.” Dr. Hanna did suggest that he thought I would “enjoy” a lift, whatever that’s worth.