After completing treatment for early-stage breast cancer in 2011, Marites “Jing” Nieveras had put the disease in her rearview mirror. She moved forward with her life, working as a registered nurse in CentraState’s Pre-Admission Testing department and raising two teenagers with her husband, Mike.
Jing’s commitment to her annual mammogram and breast ultrasound at CentraState’s Star and Barry Tobias Women’s Health Center saved her life yet again in early 2024 when a lump was detected in the same breast. A needle biopsy revealed that the lump was a new stage 1 cancer, and a breast MRI confirmed there were no other lesions.
Reviewing Her Options
As part of her care plan, Jing chose CentraState breast surgeon, John Pellegrino, MD, as she knew he was highly regarded among his patients and the medical center’s clinicians.
“You have to trust your doctors,” says Jing. “Don’t let a diagnosis like breast cancer floor you. You have to do the research and then listen to your doctors’ best advice.”
Jing chose to undergo a mastectomy, complete removal of the breast, after discussing her options with Dr. Pellegrino.
“Jing’s left breast had received prior radiation therapy, and it couldn’t be radiated twice,” explains Dr. Pellegrino. “Removal of only the lump without radiation therapy carried a heightened risk of the cancer returning.”
Jing recalls that Dr. Pellegrino was patient in giving her the time and answers that she needed to make the decision to have a mastectomy. She did not want to live in fear that the cancer would return.
“I was not as anxious going into this surgery,” she says. “I knew I was in the best hands with Dr. Pellegrino. He treated me like a VIP.”
Jing chose to also undergo breast reconstruction, which her plastic/reconstructive surgeon A.K. Bhattacharya, MD, performed in tandem with Dr. Pellegrino during the mastectomy in April. Several same-day procedures will complete the reconstruction.
Moving Forward
Jing’s test results were encouraging: The cancer had not spread beyond the breast, and a genetic analysis of the breast tissue showed she could bypass chemotherapy. Her CentraState medical oncologist, Jeffrey Silberberg, MD, prescribed an aromatase inhibitor medication to reduce her risk of recurrence. Jing was happy to get back to her patients at CentraState, where she has been a nurse for 36 years. She will be monitored regularly by her team of cancer specialists and continue periodic mammograms and breast ultrasounds.
Dr. Pellegrino notes that Jing’s experience illustrates the importance of being aware of one’s health, scheduling annual mammograms and following up on doctors’ visits and other imaging tests if prescribed.
“At CentraState, we have every state-of-the-art technology available, skilled breast cancer teams and supportive services for those facing breast cancer, as well as screening mammograms and other breast imaging studies,” he adds. “We are here for everything a patient needs.”
To schedule a mammogram, call 732-294-2778 or visit centrastate.com/mammos. At CentraState, a prescription or referral is not required for a routine screening mammogram.
CANCER SERVICES AT CENTRASTATE
Learn more about the cancer services at CentraState.
