NWH: A Personal Message to Breast Cancer Patients

NWH: A Personal Message to Breast Cancer Patients

“We Are Here for You.”

from Dr. Ranjana Chaterji, Breast Surgeon at Northern Westchester Hospital

Please let me reassure you that, despite the current challenges, everyone at Northern Westchester Hospital is here to help you. Yes, we are open for treatment. Yes, your doctors are available to you. Most importantly, you will receive the care you need.

To make sure you receive care in the safest way possible, we’re taking steps to minimize your time at the Hospital. So every day your multidisciplinary treatment team comes together to reevaluate and possibly modify your treatment plan to make it safest for you in light of the changing coronavirus situation. Your modified plan is completely individualized for you, with input from each member of your team. We will continue to follow you as a team.

Maybe you’re wondering if you are safe at NWH. Yes, you are. We are strictly following Northwell Health protocols andCDC guidelines regarding sanitizing patient rooms and doors, disinfecting equipment between patient visits, following the mask mandate and screening visitors. We screen patients 24 hours before they arrive, upon arrival and during their stay here. Our staff and physicians undergo training and education several times a day on making our environment safe.

Of course you are worried and anxious. The nice thing is, there are some very effective yet simple ways to stay calm. Meditation is a great way — and by the way, there’s no right or wrong way to meditate. Even just listening to music is calming. Walking is another way to nurture your own capacity for calm. Eating nutritiously will also boost your positivity. Try these ideas — and please let me know how they work for you.

During this difficult time, connecting with others is more important than ever. Consider joining Support Connection, a monthly support group for women with breast, ovarian or gynecological cancer. Because of COVID-19, these meetings are virtual. You’ll receive directions for dialing in when you register. (Pre-registration is required.) To register or to learn more, call 914-962-6402 or 800-532-4290. Peer counselors are also available to provide individual support to women dealing with breast, ovarian or gynecological cancer. Find out more at the Support Connection website, supportconnection.org, or by calling the group toll-free at 800-532-4290.

Your doctors at Northern Westchester Hospital are here for you. Please call them with any symptoms, fears or concerns. If you are newly diagnosed, do call us for a consultation.

Remember:  You will receive the treatment you need. And we will get through this uncertain time together.

Warm regards,

Dr. Chaterji, MS, DO, Breast Surgeon

(914) 242-7640

nwh.northwell.edu/chaterji