Theresa Timbario and her husband
When Theresa Timbario and her husband moved to Lancaster County to be near family, they never anticipated that within a year she would be facing breast cancer, much less a global pandemic.
Timbario had beaten breast cancer 10 years earlier after undergoing a lumpectomy and the removal of affected lymph nodes. She was diligent about follow-up care.
“I’ve always continued to get my yearly mammograms,” said Timbario, who was alarmed to find a lump in her breast in late 2019.
Timbario’s physicians at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute—Drs. Aaron Bleznak, Pamela Boimel and Shanthi Sivendran—were thorough in diagnosing her cancer and developing a treatment plan. They recommended a bilateral mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiation.
After Timbario’s second chemotherapy treatment, COVID-19 began spreading across Pennsylvania, and new safety measures were put in place by Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.
“We’re taking every precaution to help people safely get the care they need, when they need it,” said Randall Oyer, MD, medical director, Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute.
“Our outpatient cancer services have remained open. All staff and visitors are screened for COVID-19 symptoms and required to wear face masks. We’ve rearranged our furniture and processes to support social distancing, and are rigorously cleaning throughout the day,” he added.
Timbario appreciated the safety measures, as well as the support from her providers, nurse navigator Julie Justice, and teams at the Infusion Center and Image Recovery Center.
“The staff explained everything to me and answered all my questions," Timbario said. “I felt very relaxed and safe."