Wendla K. Citron, MD

One woman's story: perseverance paid off

sadena resident Sandra Massey and Dr. , a radiation oncologist at UMD Baltimore Washington Medical Center's Tate Cancer Center, discuss Massey's clean bill of health 17 months after being diagnosed with a Stage 1 cancerous lump in her breast.

Pasadena resident Sandra Massey and Dr. Wendla Citron, a radiation oncologist at UMD Baltimore Washington Medical Center's Tate Cancer Center, discuss Massey's clean bill of health 17 months after being diagnosed with a Stage 1 cancerous lump in her breast. (Wendi Winters / Capital Gazette)

By: Wendi Winters

Riviera Beach resident Sandra Massey dropped off another one of her tasty casseroles just before lunchtime at the radiation oncology department of the Tate Cancer Center at University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie.

While there, the 61-year old celebrated a personal landmark with the staff: it had been slightly more than a year since her last radiation treatment on Sept. 17, 2015.
Despite her cancer and subsequent treatments in 2015, Massey kept up her busy schedule. Mother of three grown children, two sons and a daughter ages 33 to 25, she is the office manager for Academy Pest Control, owned by her husband Kevin Massey, and is also a domestic travel agent. Plus, she's a terrific cook.
Massey's family has a history of cancer. Her mother died at age 52 from breast cancer. Earlier, her father passed away at age 47 from kidney cancer. Her maternal grandmother was also felled by cancer at an early age.

In April 2015, Massey noticed a lump in her left breast. Two doctors said it felt benign and that it was too early to have a mammogram.

"You could feel the lump more than see it," Massey said.

Undeterred, Massey got a third opinion when she scheduled an appointment at BWMC's Advanced Radiology department at BWMC in mid-May. For four days, she waited nervously for the results.

They were positive. A lumpectomy was recommended.

Her next stop was the office of Dr. Cynthia L. Drogula, medical director of the Aiello Breast Center at BWMC and a breast surgeon.

"Dr. Drogula made me feel comfortable about the situation. The surgery was scheduled for June 15," said Massey.

Pre-surgery tests revealed a Stage I tumor that had not begun to spread. The Oncotype DX test, a genomic test that analyzes the activity of a group of 21 genes that can affect how a cancer is likely to behave and respond to treatment, was administered. The test also helped determine the degree of her chances of getting cancer in the future.

If the tests determined a low percentage of risk, she would have been treated with hormonal therapy instead of chemotherapy. A high risk meant she would have been advised to undergo chemotherapy.

Lady Luck was with her: Massey was given a low risk rating. Post-surgery, she was treated with hormonal therapy along with six and one-half weeks of radiation therapy.
"I had the therapy here – and I love everyone on the staff," she said.

Overseeing her therapy and recovery was Dr. Wendla (sic) K. Citron, a radiation oncologist. The doctor now sees Massey every six months, alternating with another team every three months. She expects Massey will be back to normal in a few more weeks.

The Aiello Breast Center is affiliated with the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center in Baltimore. Patients at the Aiello Breast Center may be eligible for participation in the Greenebaum Center's clinical trials.

"These people became my family and emotional crutch," said Massey. "During post-treatment appointments, I'll bring in lasagna and other treats."
"I appreciate every day," she said. "Sometimes, I think 'Thank God I'm breathing the air.' I'm grateful. The first six months, I was in the shadows of fear. But, coming here was therapeutic. I can't say enough about the treatment here."

Thanks to the genetic tests, Massey learned she tested negative for BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations.

"Do self-exams of your breasts," Massey advised. "If you find something, get it checked out until YOU are satisfied."

Citron suggested by the time a woman is 50 years of age, she should be having annual physical exams. "A lot of screenings start at 50, including colonoscopies and mammograms. Your primary care physician is in the best position to determine what screenings are appropriate – for both men and women - and when to start."
She noted Massey was able to avoid having a mastectomy with radiation, and, instead, had breast conservation therapy: a lumpectomy with radiation.

"Technical advances in radiation therapy have allowed us to treat patients properly, but with fewer side effects and less inconvenience in many cases," said Citron. "With radiation, patients are able to do normal activities during their treatment."

Story courtesy of: www.capitalgazette.com