Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Deborah Bostock-Kelley

Special to The Laker/Lutz News
In 2019, an estimated 268,000 new cases of invasive breast cancerwill be diagnosed in women living in the U.S. To reduce this sobering statistic, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel is using innovative diagnosis and advanced treatment options with state-of-the-art technology.

All patients at the hospital receive noninvasive, 3D mammography that helps the radiologist see issues that were hidden in its predecessor, 2D mammography.

“Three-dimensional mammography allows for better visualization of the breast tissue, and is becoming the new standard of care,” said Dr. Jahnavi Pastore, director of breast imaging at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. “It is our standard practice to perform mammograms as a three-dimensional study because it offers a more precise evaluation of the breast tissue, and is particularly helpful in imaging dense breasts.”

Dense breasts are more challenging for the radiologist to read in a mammogram, because dense tissue appears white in a black-and-white mammogram, as do tumors.

For patients with dense breasts, Dr. Pastore recommends a 3D mammogram, even if a patient has had a recent 2D mammogram. A 3D mammogram allows the radiologist to review the study, and if any concern arises, allows the patient to quickly do a follow-up mammogram with contrast, or an ultrasound.

Contrast-enhanced mammography uses an injection into the vein to increase the ability to see any abnormal breast tissue in the 3D mammogram. Using contrast makes any areas of concern light up in the mammogram, and helps the radiologist diagnose potential concerns.

“The contrast is injected a couple of minutes before having a mammogram. If a tumor is sitting in the breast, it will take up the contrast and jump out on the mammogram against normal background breast tissue,” says Dr. Pastore.

“This is not a routine study, but if we see something on the 3D mammogram for someone with dense breasts, a contrast mammogram may be recommended after a breast ultrasound. In addition, it can serve as an alternative for a breast MRI for patients with pacemakers or severe claustrophobia, who are unable to have a breast MRI,” she said.

A third advancement at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel is elastography — a tool used as part of breast ultrasound imaging to measure the stiffness of a breast lesion.

“If something is particularly stiff compared to the surrounding tissue, it is of greater suspicion and could warrant a biopsy,” says Dr. Pastore. “Sometimes, cysts can be complicated in their appearance, and elastography can be a helpful diagnosis tool, plus it is noninvasive with zero radiation.”

If a tumor is considered high-risk, or is determined to be cancerous and tissue removal is required, the hospital features new SCOUT technology. This technology places an infrared radar reflector the size of a grain of rice into the tumor before the surgery. The reflector emits a radar signal, which allows the surgeon to precisely locate and remove cancerous tissue during a lumpectomy or surgical biopsy using a probe hand piece.

Dr. Pastore relays the story of a young woman who had a family history of breast cancer. She started traditional mammogram screening in her early 30s, and then tried 3D imaging with Dr. Pastore, which led to the discovery of a distortion in the breast.

“There wasn’t an ugly mass. It was relatively small and subtle. We quickly got her in for a diagnostic mammogram, and with compression, the area stood out even more,” she explains. I did an ultrasound of that area and sitting in that tissue, exactly where it was on the mammogram, I saw a mass that was not visible on the 2D mammogram. I got her in the day after and did a breast biopsy, and it was positive for cancer.

“She had a breast MRI to ensure there weren’t any other areas of cancer, and then went on to a breast surgeon who did a lumpectomy and removed that area. The 3D imaging allowed a young cancer patient to have a relatively simple course of treatment. If this had not been detected with 3D mammography, eventually it would have turned into a true mass, and could have required a more extensive and prolonged treatment.”

Dr. Pastore says, “I am grateful to have the technology to do my job to the best of my ability. Radiologists know what to look for, but we are only as good as the tools that we have. To have this type of technology at my fingertips is fantastic.”

For more information: AHWesleyChapel.com, or Facebook.com/AdventHealthWesleyChapel

Published 10/30/19

By Deborah Bostock-Kelley

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

A full-time realtor for 15 years, including the past five years with Charles Rutenberg Realty, Beth Hibben understands the importance of communication. When someone calls, she picks up the phone seven days a week, and never sends her buyers and sellers to an impersonal, automated message.

“When people call me, I answer the phone, and it usually catches them off-guard,” said Hibben. “I believe lack of communication is where things fall apart, and communication is my biggest strength.”

Hibben carries certification as a member of the National Association of Realtors, and also as a Pricing Strategy Provider.

“The Realtor certification means you have ethical guidelines for your business, and you also have continuing education to keep updated on the changing market,” she explains.

As a Pricing Strategy Provider, Hibben has been taught how to price properties correctly.

“Whether you’re selling or buying a property, I can research and come up with pricing for either,” she says. “I also have a certification in negotiations.”

Specializing in homes in the $250s to $700s price range, Hibben is a one-stop shop for her clients, providing resources for a trusted title agent, home inspector, handyman, stager, and professional photographer.

“It’s funny. I have people who move here, and I help them find a house, then I help them find a car, and I help them get a cellphone. There are all kinds of things that I do, above and beyond,” she said.

To help the homebuyer find his dream home, Hibben does a thorough interview. She identifies the client’s priorities— such as a good school district, gated or non-gated community, HOA versus no HOA. She makes appointments to visit the homes that meet the client’s criteria.

“Sometimes I work with people, and I’m their second real estate agent because the first one didn’t listen,” says Hibben. “We go out, and they say ‘all these homes are exactly what we told you we wanted,’ and I say yes, because I do my homework.”

One of Hibben’s specialties is new construction, where her certification in negotiations comes into play. She negotiates on behalf of the homebuyer, as the builder rep is only representing the builder.

“What I love about being a Realtor is when I’m working with buyers and they find the home that they want, they are happy and excited. And, when I’m working with a seller, I love getting them a good price,” she pauses. “It’s the biggest investment that you’ll make in a lifetime, and I take that responsibility seriously.”

Hibben is proud to give back part of her commission to those whom she considers ‘hometown heroes” – firefighters, police, military and teachers.

Realtor Beth Hibben • (813) 244-3706 •

Charles Rutenberg Realty • Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

Published 10/30/19

By William Jacko

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

With several large RV dealerships in the area, Optimum RV in Zephyrhills has found its niche specializing in used recreational vehicles.

“We sell late-model, quality used products that are close to like-new condition, but priced dramatically less than what a new RV would cost,” said Zachary Crandell, general manager.  “All the big stores on I-4 are 85 percent new and 15 percent used. We’re the exact opposite — 85 percent used and 15 percent new.”

You will likely meet Crandall when you visit Optimum RV, because Crandall enjoys talking with customers — something that’s unusual for a general manager.

“When you go to one of the bigger stores, the customer is never going to see the general manager,” Crandell said.  “I talk to almost every single customer, and sit down with them and do a deal.  You can’t do that anywhere else.”

Another benefit to buying from Optimum RV is that customers sees the same friendly faces every time they visit.

“It’s nice when you come here, because you’re always going to see the same people,” said Crandell.  “At bigger stores, you will likely talk to a different person every time, whether it’s in sales or service.”

Optimum RV sells travel trailers, motor homes, fifth wheels, and towable trailers.  It sells more fifth wheels than any other types of RVs because east Pasco County is saturated with trailer parks and snowbirds, who want to pull their RV behind their vehicle. Small travel trailers are also in demand, and are especially popular with families with children who like to camp out and hunt.

Optimum RV takes care of its customers after the sale with a full-time service department that works on most makes and models. It also repairs generators, air conditioners and just about anything else found on recreational vehicles.

As a small, family-owned business, Crandell considers small businesses like Optimum RV important to keep market prices low and give people choices.

“Small business keeps the big guys honest,” Crandell said.  “Maybe some customers wouldn’t get a fair shake if it wasn’t for smaller stores like us. We’re only 15 miles from the big stores on I-75, and they often have the same exact make and model as we do, but their prices are $10,000 to $15,000 more.”

Who should consider buying an RV? “If you like being outside, and you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, you will probably enjoy owning an RV,” Crandell said.  “Traveling in an RV is a comfortable way of seeing the country, and there are a ton of nice RV parks everywhere that are clean and affordable.”

www.OptimumRV.com • 813-779-1010 • 813-629-3334

3332 Paul S. Buchman Hwy, Zephyrhills, FL. 33540

Published 10/23/19