In December 2024, 60-year-old Hampton Bays resident Erin had suffered two spinal fractures when she noticed a lump in her breast. She brought her concerns to her primary care provider at the Meeting House Lane Medical office in Hampton Bays, who recommended that Erin receive a mammogram at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s Ellen Hermanson Breast Center.

The mammogram led to additional imaging and a biopsy, which determined that Erin had stage 4 metastatic breast cancer that had spread to her spine, causing the fractures.

Erin did not have a mammogram in several years. She does have a family history of breast cancer as both her mother and grandmother had been diagnosed with the disease. Erin’s mother was diagnosed at age 72.

As the cancer had already metastasized, Erin was not a candidate for breast surgery. Instead, her care team at the Ellen Hermanson Breast Center connected Erin with the treatment team at the Phillips Family Cancer Center (PFCC), located in Southampton—the east end location of Stony Brook Cancer Center. Under the care of PFCC medical oncologist, Dr. Anna Andrzejczyk, Erin began treatment.

“Erin presented with metastatic breast cancer involving the spine, which made her case particularly complex and required us to address both the cancer itself and the impact it had on her spinal health," said Dr. Andrzejczyk. "Through a multidisciplinary team approach across PFCC and the Stony Brook Medicine health system, we have been able to coordinate her care with specialists in medical oncology, radiation oncology and spinal surgery, while also providing access to a clinical trial and innovative targeted systemic therapy."

Patients such as Erin have access to the most advanced treatment options and clinical trials because Stony Brook Medicine is the first and only academic medical center on Long Island and is comprised of four hospitals, over 200 satellite locations and 1,400 physicians. After Erin completed participation in a clinical trial at PFCC, which used sound radiation to treat the spinal fractures, she needed spinal fusion surgery. Her surgical care was coordinated between her care team at PFCC and specialists at Stony Brook University Hospital where the surgery was performed by Dr. Ivan Zapolsky. Post-surgery, Erin transitioned to an FDA-approved targeted immunotherapy treatment plan at PFCC.

Today, nearly two years after her diagnosis, Erin continues to receive maintenance treatment at PFCC, allowing her to receive the most advanced cancer care close to home.

For Erin, having a system of coordinated high-quality care available close to home has made a meaningful difference. “I am amazed at the high-level of coordinated care Stony Brook Medicine and the PFCC provides to those who receive such a traumatic diagnosis.” Erin said.

“Administrative and clinical staff gently guide my daily care with exceptional expertise and endless compassion. Further wrap-around internal programs and community resources are available to support one’s social, emotional, financial, and family needs. The local, coordinated and continuity of care is truly a blessing to me and my family.”

Erin’s experience within the Stony Brook Medicine system highlights the importance of routine screenings, especially for those with family history, and the value of connected care that allows patients access to the right care at the right time, right here on the East End of Long Island.

To learn more about Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s Ellen Hermanson Breast Center call (631)726-8466. To learn more about the Phillips Family Cancer Center, call (631)638-7400.