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DRA DOC BECOMES NEW
CHIEF OF RADIOLOGY Duncan J. Belcher, M.D. has been na med the new Chief of Radiology at Waterbury Hospital replacing Gerald Berg, M.D., F.A.C.R. after serving 15 years as the department chair. Dr. Berg is not retiring from radiology, simply stepping back a little to enjoy his family and hobbies. "As the Chief of Radiology, I was responsible for ensuing that high quality care and service was available to all of our patients and referring physicians. I passed on the responsibility to Dr. D.J. Belcher, knowing that our Department will continue to strengthen and grow under his leadership."
Dr. Belcher, an Interventional Radiologist, joined DRA in 1997. Dr. Belcher completed his undergraduate studies at Fairfield University and received his MD degree from New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. He completed his residency in radiology at Yale-New Haven Hospital as well as a Fellowship in Vascular and Interventional Radiology from Yale-New Haven Hospital. Dr. Belcher is also the Director of the Connecticut Center for Advanced Vein Therapy. "It is an honor to be asked to follow Dr. Berg in this position. He and the group have set high standards for quality and patient safety in radiology. This is what drew me to the practice fourteen years ago and continues to bring in the loyalty of Waterbury area physicians and patients to our practice. I look forward to the opportunity to navigate the Waterbury Hospital radiology department into the future."
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NEW NAME - SAME GREAT INFORMATION
MAMMOGRAPHY QUESTIONS
ANSWERED
 In his monthly column, Eric Hyson, MD answers the most frequently asked questions concerning mammography, ultrasound and breast health. We have changed the name from Mammo Myths to Mammography Questions Answered because questions come up all the time from our patients. As always if you have a question you would like to ask Dr. Hyson please contact the DRA office at djohnson@draxray.com.
After a screening mammogram, how often is a biopsy recommended for suspicious findings? If the radiologist notes a suspicious finding on a screening mammogram, almost always there will be additional imaging (extra mammogram views, ultrasound) to determine if a true lesion is present and to better characterize it before a biopsy recommendation is made. This additional work-up usually will indicate that a biopsy is not necessary. About 2% of screening mammograms result in additional imaging and a biopsy recommendation. |
FINDING THE RIGHT WORDS 
I recently read an article in Real Simple magazine that struck a serious cord with me. The article was about the right and wrong words to say to a breast cancer patient. As I started reading the article I was hoping I had never said the wrong thing to any of the many people I come across that have had breast cancer.
One of the wrong things to say is "you don't look sick." It is meant as a compliment but it really shows a complete lack of understanding. Most cancer patients don't feel sick either until they start chemotherapy or radiation. Another fo paux is to blurt out horror stories about other people you know that have gone through cancer treatments. Their own horror is enough; cancer patients don't need to hear about someone elses.
The mention of "war metaphors" like "fighting the disease," "winnning the battle" were also enough to turn off cancer patients. It makes them feel as if they aren't trying hard enough if they are not doing well or if the cancer reoccurrs.
The depression and anxiety of dealing with cancer can be overwhelming and the best thing you can do for a person is to be there and offer any help that is needed. Simply say that you don't know what to say but that you are thinking of them is really the best thing to say. The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center has many support groups to help cancer patients, their families, and care givers. Just click onto their website for a complete listing. |
England winter this year! All you skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers must be very happy! I don't want to jinx anyone but in case any accidents happen while you are out there enjoying winter let me remind you that we are open for general x-rays in both our Middlebury and Waterbury 8:30AM until 5:30PM Monday through Friday and our Waterbury office is open on Saturdays 9:00AM until 1:00PM. No appointment is necessary for x-ray. Walk or hobble on in and see us! 