New program at Lowell General helps patients understand their diseases better
Lowell, Mass. — Joellen Scannell realized very quickly that her routine mammogram was different this time. Doctors told her they had discovered a stage 1 tumor in her right breast.
"It was very frightening," she recalled.
Scannell had a lot of questions for the staff at Lowell General Hospital. They answered them all -- and then had one for her.
They asked her if she would like to see her tumor up close?
The offer is part of a new program at Lowell General that has opened the doors of the pathology lab to patients who may be interested in confronting their diseases in person.
The lab tests body fluids and tissues that generate results critical to a patient's diagnosis, treatment and care.
"So we understand the enormity of that responsibility," said Dr. Lija Joseph, chief of pathology at Lowell General. "But we never were able to see that patient's joy or sadness or anxiety. We were always behind the scenes."
Last spring, Joseph decided to invite patients to see their biopsy in person under a microscope.
"Sometimes when you truly see something, things fall into place," she said. "And they really are visualizing what they're dealing with."
So far, 25 patients have taken a look. Joseph said all of them are ready for a fight.
"The most powerful statement was from a patient with breast cancer who said, 'I know I am on a long journey, but I'm here to see the dragon that I'm slaying,'" she said.
For Scannell, seeing her tumor cells up close was empowering.
"I thought it was kind of interesting that you're seeing cells and you're seeing what's happening," she said. "And they're yours! I thought that was kind of cool."
Today, Scannell has completed her treatment plan.
Doctors are optimistic about her long-term health -- and so is Scannell.
"Knowledge is power," she said. "And it gives me confidence. The more I know, the better I think my future will be."
Joseph said she has seen a diverse group of patients accept her invitation. The age range so far is 13 to 86 years old.
Joseph said she hopes other pathology labs will launch similar programs for patients. She said she's already received calls from hospitals around the country.