Be Proactive with Your Breast Health, Schedule a 3D Mammogram

Anna Jaques Hospital Breast Care Center

A simple itch revealed a strange lump in Annemarie Morris’s breast. Annemarie wasn’t in the habit of performing monthly self-breast exams though she was diligent about having routine mammograms
and visiting her gynecologist. Like many women who don’t have a family history of breast cancer, she wasn’t concerned about her risk.

Though she did consult with her husband in the morning and together they decided she would call her gynecologist, Dr. Susan C. Newhouse at Women’s Health Care. Annemarie was seen the same day and scheduled for an ultrasound that afternoon. The next day, she had a mammogram and biopsy.

“All of this was completed within two days from my initial phone call,” explained Annemarie. “I didn’t worry over the weekend. I’m a pretty optimistic person. I didn’t consider that I could have a cancerous tumor.
I figured that worst case scenario it was a cyst and I may need surgery.”

The following week, Annemarie met with Peter Hartmann, MD, FACS, Medical Director of the Gerrish Breast Care Center at Anna Jaques Hospital, which is affiliated with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

“I casually walked in, told my husband to wait and that I’d be out shortly,” recalled Annemarie. “Soon after, he walked into the exam room.” That’s when she learned that it was more than a cyst. “Dr. Hartmann explained that the lump was breast cancer, stage 1,” said Annemarie. “Some things you just don’t believe. But I wasn’t afraid. I just moved forward.”

A lumpectomy was an option, yet it wouldn’t leave much tissue. “I immediately thought, ‘I don’t need
my breasts. They’ve been nothing but trouble and survival is my goal.’ I decided then to have a double mastectomy.” Annemarie opted not to have plastic surgery. “My husband was very supportive. My health, recovery and survival were what mattered to both of us. There was going to be absolutely no affect on my quality of life. That’s a very fortunate place to be when making this sort of decision.”

Her surgery was scheduled for May 7th, her youngest son’s birthday. “It was a very happy day and I figured it should be a lucky day.”

From Diagnosis to Treatment

From her first appointment to the time of surgery, everything moved very quickly. “It’s very scary to hear you have cancer but I knew that survival was my priority. I have family and I enjoy my life. That puts everything in perspective. I have no regrets.”

Immediately after her first appointment she met Kathy Porter, RN, OCN, CBCN, Patient Navigator
at the Center. In her role, Kathy provides support to women throughout their care for breast cancer or non-cancerous conditions.

“My goal is to minimize stress, provide emotional support, be available to answer questions and ease concerns. Should there be a diagnosis, I am here for that woman every step of the journey and through recovery,” explained Kathy.

“I could tell Kathy anything,” said Annemarie. “She was a great help to my husband and me. She was always there through the ups and downs and helped me work through everything. There was a lot to understand in

a short time and Kathy was able to explain the entire process. We knew what to expect and knew that we could come to her with anything.”

“The whole crew at the Gerrish Breast Care Center
and Anna Jaques and the care they provided was unbelievable. They’re such a strong support team and they spread such calmness. It was easy to be strong and courageous,” said Annemarie. “They helped me have faith and I never got scared.”

Be Proactive with Your Breast Health, Schedule a 3D Mammogram
Now available in Newburyport, Amesbury and Haverhill

Call 978-834-8210 to schedule a mammogram or visit www.ajh.org/breastcare for more information. And don’t forget, you may self-refer for a screening mammogram. Initial screening results are provided within two business days.

*Anna Jaques mammography possesses a valid license and certificate of inspection issued by MDP

Photo: Annemarie (right) meets with Kathy Porter, RN, OCN, CBCN, Patient Navigator. After being diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer, Annemarie found great comfort in knowing that Kathy was always there to help her and her husband.

 

Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts offers farm-based Summer Programs for kids ages 5-15

Maudslay in Bloom Self-Guided Walk

 Maudslay in Bloom self guided walk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts.
Maudslay State Park in Newburyport, Massachusetts, offers a delightful self-guided walk that is perfect for families with children. The park's 480-acre expanse, once the Moseley Estate, is rich with historical charm and natural beauty. Families can embark on a self-guided tour through lush...
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

StoryWalk Series at Maudslay

“Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser Storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Enjoy this pre-school StoryWalk® at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time in nature! “Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser is featured in this StoryWalk Series. Younger kids will love this gentle, richly illustrated children’s nonfiction book aimed at preschool–third grade...
7:00 am to 8:00 pm

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Saugus Iron Works Park Grounds & Estuary Walk

Take a hike along the Saugus River Estuary ande explore the Saugus Iron Works Park grounds in Massachusetts
Learn about the natural world in Saugus while ecploring the park ground ast the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Massachusetts.
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

Swan Boat Boston North Shore Parent, North Shore Parents Summer Activities Guide
The Public Garden may be one of the most ideal picnicking locations in Boston. Well-groomed and overflowing with tulips, cherry-trees, with willows cascading over the duck pond, the Boston Public Garden is a great place to relax during Boston's most beautiful season.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Saugus Iron Works House Tours

Free Ranger guided tours of the Saugus Iron Works House in Massachusetts
Join National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a 30-minute tour of The Iron Works House.
11:00 am

Saugus Iron Works Tours

Free Ranger guided tours at Saugus Iron Works Colonial Industrial Site in Massachusetts
Join the National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a tour of the colonial industrial site. On select days, you may be able to stick around and witness pop-up molten iron pour, blacksmithing, waterwheel demonstrations, and take part in hands-on river stewardship activities.
2:00 pm

Salem Farmers' Market

The Salem Farmer's Market bring the goodness of local farm to downtown Salem!
The Salem Farmers' Market brings fresh local produce and other foods from North Shore farms and other local resources to downtown Salem every Thursday at  Bentley Academy Charter School!
3:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Salisbury Farmers' Market

Salisbury Farmers Market is a great source of local produce.
The Salisbury Farmers' Market offers a vibrant community experience with a variety of fresh, locally sourced produce, unprocessed honey, farm-fresh eggs, and maple syrup. Enjoy music, local market creations, and engage with local farmers. The market also features monthly craft markets, cooking...
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Summer Concert Series at Lynch Park

Free Summer Concerts hosted by Bev Rec at Lynch Park in Beverly Massachusetts
Enjoy free concerts this Summer at Lynch Park in Beverly, Massachusetts!  Families are encourages to grab a chair and a blank and head to the park for a free concert at Lynch Park's ampitheater.
Where: Lynch Park
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Castle Hill Picnic Concert - Soul City

Soul City will perform at the Trustees of Reservations' Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts. You will dance. Resistance is futile.
Looking for a fun family outing on the North Shore of Massachusetts? Don't miss the Thursday Night Picnic Concerts at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich! These concerts offer a perfect opportunity to enjoy quality time with your loved ones in a beautiful and exclusive setting on the North...
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Friday, July 25

StoryWalk Series at Maudslay

“Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser Storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Enjoy this pre-school StoryWalk® at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time in nature! “Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser is featured in this StoryWalk Series. Younger kids will love this gentle, richly illustrated children’s nonfiction book aimed at preschool–third grade...
7:00 am to 8:00 pm

Saugus Iron Works Park Grounds & Estuary Walk

Take a hike along the Saugus River Estuary ande explore the Saugus Iron Works Park grounds in Massachusetts
Learn about the natural world in Saugus while ecploring the park ground ast the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Massachusetts.
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Maudslay in Bloom Self-Guided Walk

 Maudslay in Bloom self guided walk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts.
Maudslay State Park in Newburyport, Massachusetts, offers a delightful self-guided walk that is perfect for families with children. The park's 480-acre expanse, once the Moseley Estate, is rich with historical charm and natural beauty. Families can embark on a self-guided tour through lush...
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

Swan Boat Boston North Shore Parent, North Shore Parents Summer Activities Guide
The Public Garden may be one of the most ideal picnicking locations in Boston. Well-groomed and overflowing with tulips, cherry-trees, with willows cascading over the duck pond, the Boston Public Garden is a great place to relax during Boston's most beautiful season.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Olde Ipswich Days

Olde Ipswich Days brings art, crafts, food and music to the S. Village Green in Ipswich Massachusetts!
On the last weekend of July, artisans and fine craftsfolk from all over New England will show and sell their work on the South Village Green in Ipswich, MA. Olde Ipswich Days is a favorite for all to meet and greet old friends and new, browse the booths and do some early holiday shopping, or make...
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Annual National Sand Sculpting Festival

Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting is a free event open to the public and draws crowds from all around the world to Massachusetts.
The Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival is a renowned annual event that transforms the shores of Revere Beach into an awe-inspiring boardwalk and open-air festival. This festival gathers world-class sand sculptors who showcase their incredible talents to hundreds of thousands of...
10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Saugus Iron Works House Tours

Free Ranger guided tours of the Saugus Iron Works House in Massachusetts
Join National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a 30-minute tour of The Iron Works House.
11:00 am

Greek Food Festival in Newburyport

Newburyport Greek Food Festival - a Yankee Homecoming tradition at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Come to the Greek food Festival at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Chruch in Newburyport during Yankee Homecoming week! We proud to serve traditional homemade Greek entrees, such as gyros, lamb shanks, chicken and lamb kabobs, keftethes (meatballs), spinach pie, pastichio, moussaka, Greek salad as...
11:30 am to 8:00 pm

Saugus Iron Works Tours

Free Ranger guided tours at Saugus Iron Works Colonial Industrial Site in Massachusetts
Join the National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a tour of the colonial industrial site. On select days, you may be able to stick around and witness pop-up molten iron pour, blacksmithing, waterwheel demonstrations, and take part in hands-on river stewardship activities.
2:00 pm