Update: We’re saddened to share that, after a 4-year battle with cancer, Devora passed away in 2022. She was an inspiration to us and made a lasting impact on our community. We’re grateful to have had the opportunity to care for her.
After Devora Ascott Black discovered the triple negative breast cancer she was diagnosed with in 2018 had progressed while receiving treatment at another institution, she decided to seek care at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s Comprehensive Cancer Center.
“I did some research and discovered that Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s Comprehensive Cancer Center has a Second Opinion Program,” said Devora. “I knew I needed to get another expert opinion on my cancer and what a better place than an academic medical center, close to home.”
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s Comprehensive Cancer Center is the only NCI-designated cancer center in the region. The NCI designation highlights the highest levels of expertise and a commitment to patient care, cancer research, including clinical trials, and education.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers give patients early access to the latest therapies and treatment options, sometimes months or even years before non-NCI cancer centers.
Cancer Second Opinion Patient - Devora Ascott Black
After finding out her triple negative breast cancer had progressed while receiving treatment at another institution, Devora decided to seek care from the experts at Wake Forest Baptist.Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s Cancer Second Opinion Program offers accelerated access, and Devora was scheduled and evaluated quickly when she called for an appointment.
“When you or a loved one receives a cancer diagnosis it can be frightening and overwhelming,” said Dr. Doris Brown, radiation oncologist. “The decisions you make about your care and treatment are some of the most important decisions you will ever make. It is wise to seek a second medical opinion from experts specializing in your type of cancer; it may provide you with treatment options you didn’t know were available. It is important to ensure that you receive an accurate diagnosis and the best treatment options available for your specific disease.”
“Devora presented with stage 3 triple negative breast cancer. Triple negative breast cancer is more advanced and aggressive and it is more likely to have spread by the time it is found. It is also more likely to come back after treatment than other types of breast cancer. Triple negative breast cancer accounts for 10-15% of all breast cancer cases,” said Dr. Brown.
Feeling confident in her second opinion and care team, Devora chose to receive cancer treatment at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s Comprehensive Cancer Center.
“They took what I call the Colin Powell approach. They brought all the big guns to the table. They brought in the whole team and wanted to kill the cancer as much as I did. They didn’t come with any fluff. They laid everything out and told me what I was going to be facing and how they could handle it,” said Devora.
“We have a multi-disciplinary approach to all cancer cases,” said Dr. Brown. “We have something called Tumor Board, where a team of specialists; including radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, other care specialists meet to discuss the standard treatment for a particular cancer case, cutting edge therapies and clinical trial options. There is also a dedicated team of cancer navigators and others for patient care and support. This helps us treat the patient as a whole rather than just treating the disease.”
“Going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. My amazing support system of friends and family and my faith in God always keeps me going. My care team is there when I need them the most, offering compassion, excellent care and peace of mind.”
“Devora decided to participate in a clinical trial and has used her situation and turned it into something positive,” said Dr. Brown. “She is so optimistic and is always giving back to the community. She has even take it upon herself to inspire others to seek care and is a great advocate for clinical trial participation. We are honored that she is on our Patient Advisory Board and helps us make decisions that affect current and future patients.”
“Clinical trials are a great way to get access to the latest and greatest treatments that may not be widely available yet,” said Devora. “Findings from clinical trials will help women, just like me, who are diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in the future.”
“When diagnosed with cancer, I knew it wasn’t a death sentence,” said Devora. I kept telling myself God would use me for something bigger.”