Nixing Cancer In Natchez: Pamela’s Diagnosis

When Pamela Juneau saw a Facebook post advertising a free breast cancer screening in Natchez, she jumped on the opportunity. The Prevention on the Go community screening event offered by Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center had recently expanded to the area. Pamela felt a lump in her right breast several months prior and knew it was time to make the appointment. “The lump was getting bigger and quickly,” she said. The Cancer Center’s mobile unit provided convenient access for screening.

The Mary Bird Perkins Team Stays With You Every Step

Pamela’s initial screening determined further testing was needed. The Cancer Center’s nurse navigator helped Pamela schedule a mammogram and additional scans at a nearby facility. When the results were received, the navigator then set up Pamela for a biopsy with Dr. Cecilia Cuntz, at the Breast and GYN Cancer Pavilion in Baton Rouge. Pamela expressed appreciation for the Pavilion – a partnership between Woman’s Hospital and Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center – which brings experts together to provide the highest quality breast and gynecology cancer care for each patient. “Everyone has been extremely helpful throughout the process,” Pamela said. “Everyone is knowledgeable, and they took time to explain everything and make sure I was comfortable.” After the biopsy confirmed a cancer diagnosis, Pamela’s team of doctors worked together to ensure the best treatment plan for her. “They got the ball and kept it rolling,” she said. “They had everything I needed in one place, and everyone has been so wonderful.” Pamela had a full mastectomy of her right breast. “It takes a toll on you when you look at yourself in the mirror,” Pamela said. “But I knew it had to be done, and I’m glad I got it out of the way.”

The Pavilion Team Provides Support

Pamela is now undergoing chemotherapy and will follow with radiation therapy. Her journey is not complete, and she still has some concerns about the future. However, Pamela said the Cancer Center team and Dr. Cuntz, along with her oncologist, Dr. Lauren Zatarain, have helped ease her worries throughout the process. “I know Dr. Zatarain, and the entire team, is going to do everything they can to help me get past this,” she said. “I try to think positive and do positive.” Pamela encourages others to make screening a priority, pointing out the Cancer Center’s mobile unit is a convenient option for preventive care. “If the mobile unit had not come to Natchez that day, I probably still wouldn’t know anything,” she said. “It was Godsent and I’m glad I made the call.” Learn more about the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Prevention on the Go program and find a screening near you at https://marybird.org/services/get-screened/. Woman’s has been recognized on Newsweek’s list of World’s Best Hospitals 2021, one of only 16 specialty hospitals in the United States to earn this distinction. The recognition is for oncology care provided at Woman’s Hospital and the Breast & GYN Cancer Pavilion, a partnership with Mary Bird Perkins-Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center.