Five Questions with Rita Mahaffey

1) Please share your story about how you came to work in the Breast Care Center.

 Prior to working at the Breast Care Center I have always been involved with women’s medicine.  I was an OB-GYN nurse and then a coordinator with the Department of Medical Education at the multispecialty office with OB-GYN, GYN Oncology, High Risk OB and Infertility.  Once that office separated on the campus at Orlando I looked for another position.  Beth Emsley, who previously had the Breast Diagnostic Center was leaving and interviewing for a replacement.  I interviewed and thankfully got the job.

2) What do you remember as one of the most gratifying moments for you while working at the Breast Care Center?

I think some of the best moments come after a patient has been diagnosed and are in treatment or have completed treatment.  The patients come back to the Breast Care Center to sort of report to us on how things are going.  They seem to have earned a sense of power.  They realize that breast cancer is not a walk in the park but they have survived the diagnosis, surgery and treatments and are ready to move on.    

3) What words of wisdom would you share with women and or their families who have recently been diagnosed with cancer?

Having been through different cancers myself, I encourage patients to think positive, ask for help – don’t wait for friends and relatives to offer, keep a sense of humor, try not to solve problems before they come to meet you, most of us can realistically handle one day at a time.  In addition, talk to your doctors, have faith in the medical care given and if not satisfied find the care needed.  A good support system is essential whether from friends, relatives or the medical community while under care.

4) Do you feel that Cancer will be defeated in your lifetime?

 I wish I had a crystal ball.  It seems with all of the research being done, cancer should have been defeated years ago.  I know it will not be defeated in my lifetime and most likely not in my daughters but who knows after that.

 5) What are your plans now?

 I have not completely retired.  I am still working pool at M. D. Anderson at the Breast Care Center.  I will be spending some time in my home town in New York, not the city but out in the country.  I will be working with my church, the retired nurses association and of course being a taxi for my grand daughter.

6) Bonus Question - What thoughts would like to share with the volunteer organization - Women Playing For T.I.M.E.?

 I admire all of the volunteers who have such a sense of commitment.  If it were not for all of the wonderful volunteers with WPFT I would not have had the great job I have had during the past several years.  I realize that they work on a much larger scale than that of the Breast Care Center but I have been truly honored to get to know many of the members.

I hope this information will be helpful.  I have been so very lucky to have had the position I have had and to have been associated with such a wonderful  staff of physicians and nurses while employed.