WILLIAMSVILLE – Laura knew something was wrong, so seven months after having a normal screening mammogram she called Windsong Radiology to say she felt a lump. She returned for testing and within two days she was told she had breast cancer.

Laura said, “I met Dr. Katherine O’Donnell, and my journey began.”

As part of the Windsong Comprehensive Breast Care program, Dr. O’Donnell is among the many supportive partners involved with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.

Shortly before Laura was diagnosed, Windsong Comprehensive Breast Care was accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), making it the area’s first and only fully accredited program. This accreditation is only granted to those centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest level of quality breast care and the group of physicians and supportive staff that are specifically trained to care for breast cancer patients.

The program leaders, Windsong Radiology Group and CCS Oncology, work closely with their supportive partners; Cancer Counseling Services, the Center for Plastic Surgery, Kaleida Health, X Cell Laboratories, Orthosports Physical Therapy, WNY Nutrition and AuNaturel, to provide a full spectrum of resources and care for patients with breast disease.

Laura shared that having all of her doctors in one location made it easier. If she needed a scan after having her doctor’s appointment, she could walk next door to Windsong Radiolo-gy. “Wasting time was not a part of the plan,” she said.

“The breast patient navigators were awesome,” Laura added.

After receiving the breast cancer diagnosis, Laura, like other patients, was in a state of shock. The navigators helped her with scheduling appointments, and helped her to know what to expect next. They kept Laura on track.

Laura added, “I can’t say enough about the navigators – they were a huge help with taking care of things.”

Breast surgeons within the program participate in a weekly one hour medical conference to discuss newly diagnosed breast cancer cases with the radiologist, pathologist, medical and radiation oncologist. This enables the team to determine appropriate staging and the best individualized plan for the patient. Knowing all of the doctor’s stay in touch was very reassuring to Laura.

She said, “Having Dr. Yap and Dr. Krabak in the same building made everything easier.”

The medical campus on 45-55 Spindrift Drive in Williamsville includes radiology, surgical offices, medical and radiation oncologists, an infusion center and the radiation treatment facilities.

Additional satellite facilities are located throughout Western New York.

In Laura’s mind, one of the best parts of the experience was that when she arrived for her appointment she felt like everybody knew who she was and she was not just a number.

“It’s not a big institution; you park right in front and come right in. Being surrounded by people that really care helped to make a difficult time so much less stressful,” she said.

The team of supportive partners truly believes “it takes a team to fight breast cancer.”

To learn more about the team, call 631-2591 or see the website at www.windsongbreastcare.com.