Tandem Treatment
Inova Breast Care Institute Helps Couple Fight Two Rounds of Breast Cancer

Elizabeth Daknis was first diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in 2008. Just four years later, her husband, Bill, received the same diagnosis. Both are thriving today as a result of the expert care at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital.

When Elizabeth Daknis was successfully treated for breast cancer in 2008, she didn’t know that her husband, a retired colonel, would undergo the same treatment four years later. Both Elizabeth, 75, and Bill, 77, were diagnosed with stage II invasive ductal carcinoma following the discovery of lumps in their breasts. Although Bill's diagnosis was difficult to receive last May, the couple knew they were in good hands given the expert care Elizabeth had received from breast surgeon David Weintritt, MD, Director of Inova Breast Care Institute at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital.

The Institute has received full accreditation in breast care from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers recognizing excellence in imaging, radiation and medical oncology treatments, surgery, survivorship programs, research, genetic counseling and the breast care navigator program.

“I felt well taken care of all the way through, from the minute I walked into Inova Mount Vernon Hospital where they first do the interview and put the bracelet on to the minute I walked out,” recalls Elizabeth. “My husband feels the same way. It’s very good care.”

For the Daknis family, having each other’s support and a hospital they both know and trust has helped them weather challenging circumstances. Having been married 55 years, the couple shares an upbeat attitude and a good sense of humor.

“Mr. Daknis’ support for his wife when she was diagnosed was eminently helpful with the success of her treatments and where she is today,” says Dr. Weintritt. “And I can see her giving that back to him now when they come into the office, and the difference that it makes is amazing."

	David Weintritt, MD David Weintritt, MD, breast surgeon, will present “Dispelling the Myths About Breast Cancer” on Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital. We’ve heard all the stories passed down from our grandmothers, to mothers, to us! Join us for a relaxing and enjoyable lecture on “the real story behind all the myths.” Bring your own myth/story to share. Also, enjoy a demonstration of healthy foods for a healthier you. Call 1-855-My-Inova (1-855-694-6682) or go here to register.

Early Detection

The specialists at Inova Breast
Care Institute were able to detect
and diagnose the couple’s breast
cancers at an early stage, when
treatment is most effective.
They each had a mammogram
and ultrasound to identify the
lesion, followed by a biopsy,
which confirmed a breast cancer
diagnosis.

“For the Daknises and for every breast cancer patient, an early diagnosis gives the best chance for successful treatment,” says Dr. Weintritt. “Having a focused breast cancer program is critical for early detection of breast cancer,” he says. Inova Mount Vernon Hospital offers state-of-the-art technology, including breast MRI, digital mammography and ultrasound, and will be the first Inova hospital to offer the newest 3-D mammography this fall. 

Healing Together

Elizabeth and Bill underwent surgery at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy to help prevent cancer recurrence.

According to Dr. Weintritt, “For Mr. and Mrs. Daknis, surgery was successful in removing their cancer. It was confined to the breast and the lymph nodes with no evidence of it having spread elsewhere. Surgical removal of breast cancer is critical in preventing recurrence and provides accurate staging of the cancer that is used to create the overall treatment plan.”

For Bill, having seen his wife undergo chemotherapy and radiation with few side effects and a successful outcome, he feels optimistic about his continued care.

“I’m feeling super,” he says. “I’m very confident because I’ve already gone through it with my wife, Bettie.”

Several weeks into his chemotherapy treatments, Bill embarked on a 10-day fishing trip in Alaska. Elizabeth continues to be active in her church and spends time with her 14 grandchildren. She attributes their well-being to the support that pours in from her friends and family and the compassionate care she received during their treatment at Inova Breast Care Institute.

Service-Oriented
To learn more about services provided by Inova Breast Care Institute at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, call 1-855-My-Inova (1-855-694-6682) or click here.

	Link to Pink Inova Breast Care Institute is hosting many events throughout October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Go here to sign up for our Link to Pink e-newsletter and to learn about events happening around Inova. Call 571-423-5400 to register for your free mammogram. The imaging staff at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital is giving each mammogram patient a free gift in October. Call today and schedule your appointment. A referral is required. Call 571-423-5400 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
	Know Your Genes     David Weintritt, MD, performed surgery on Elizabeth and Bill Daknis. Surgery was successful in both cases in removing their cancers, which were confined to the breasts and lymph nodes. The couple underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy to prevent recurrence. If you have concerns about your risk for hereditary breast cancer, Inova Breast Care Institute can provide you with genetic counseling to help you understand and possibly reduce your risk. “If someone carries a breast cancer gene, their lifetime risk of breast cancer is 60 to 80 percent, but if we can identify them as a gene carrier and intervene surgically, we can reduce that risk down to 2 percent,” says Dr. Weintritt. Genetic counseling may be helpful if you have a personal and/or family history of breast cancer. A genetic counselor can answer questions about your risk level and provide information about genetic testing. They can also provide testing if appropriate and offer follow-up counseling to help you understand your test results. High risk patients are regularly seen at the Breast Clinic at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital to discuss their risk and a personalized plan is made that includes advanced screening options and risk reduction methods.