The Breast Center offers an intimate, spa-like environment — complete with herbal tea, soothing music and calming, inspirational artwork — that helps ease fear and anxiety as the nurse navigator, Milne, meets with breast cancer patients following diagnosis and helps them with all aspects of the treatment process: meeting with physicians and preparation for surgery.
Demeulenaere adds that it is critical to put a patient at ease before undergoing the mammogram, as they are likely to experience a lot of anxiety. “My goal is to have a great rapport with all patients,” said Demeulenaere, who has been with AVH for 41 years. “I treat everyone like my best friend. No patient is ever alone.”
Milne echoes that assurance, reminding patients that the Breast Center staff is always here for them — even after a patient has completed her screening or treatment. “If she has a question or needs help, she can always come and talk to us, without making an appointment,” Milne said. “We consider every patient part of our family.”
Other services such as nutrition counseling, lymphedema rehabilitation, reconstructive surgery and psychosocial support (as well as genetic counseling coming soon!) help patients regain strength and confidence to move forward and live well. For more information about the Breast Center at Aspen Valley Hospital, please call 970.544.1420 or visit aspenvalleyhospital.org/Breast-Center.
Annual screening mammography is recommended for women starting at age 40. For some women with elevated risk, such as a family history of breast cancer, screening should begin earlier, according to Milne and Demeulenaere. Please talk with your physician about your breast cancer risk. Remember, Aspen Valley Hospital offers a free mammogram for patients in their 40th birthday year.
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer or had a friend or family member touched by this disease, you are invited to a free Pink Yoga session every Sunday afternoon in Basalt throughout the month of October. Held in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the sessions offer restorative stretch yoga, meditation and support. We have invited many talented healers including yogis bringing gongs and Tibetan singing bowls for meditation and healing, acupuncturists and musicians. Each class will have something unique and different.
“The purpose is to release stress and anxiety in a supportive environment with other women,” Demeulenaere said. “These sessions can guide them both physically and emotionally to a much more positive direction of healing.”
No need to register. Just bring a yoga mat and be prepared to de-stress!
What: Pink Yoga
Where: The Vimana House, 23300 Two Rivers Road in Basalt
When: Every Sunday in October, 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free, no RSVP required