"Joining the I-SPY 2 clinical trial was the biggest 'no brainer'."
When presented with the possibility of participating in a clinical trial, breast cancer patient Norine Bagate had no doubts about wanting to participate. She enrolled in the I-SPY 2 clinical trial, knowing she would play a part in helping shape the future of cancer treatment. "I was never fearful that I would not overcome this disease. I believed that I was in the right place, at the right time, being treated with the best tools known to humankind," Norine shares.
Norine's Story
Norine discovered a lump in her left breast on her own. Sensing something was wrong, she immediately scheduled an overdue mammogram. Her last appointment had been before COVID, more than three years prior.
"I have had the privilege of going to The Breast Center at the RWJBarnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center for about a decade," shares Norine. "I always liked that they were very helpful, and I walked away knowing more information than when I came in."
The Breast Center was able to get Norine in for a mammogram right away. Even with some complications from outside sources, the staff was persistent in coordinating all the necessary elements to get Norine the diagnostic mammogram she needed.
"I got the results of the mammogram back quickly, which confirmed I needed a biopsy, which was promptly scheduled," shares Norine. "Everything that they scheduled was done in rapid succession, which really matters because these tests confirmed it was cancer."
When hearing the news, Norine did not panic. "My reaction was – what is the next step? I knew freaking out was not going to do any good," she shares. "I said to myself, I don't know enough. I don't know the type, the stage, nothing. I went into fact-finding mode."
Norine then met with breast surgeon Janette McDermott, MD, at the RWJBarnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center, who recommended she enroll in the I-SPY 2 clinical trial. “Dr. McDermott told me that based on my MammaPrint® analysis, I would be a good candidate for the trial.”
The MammaPrint® indicates the efficacy of treatments based on the genetic makeup of the actual tumor and contrasts the results against the current standard of care. Norine focused on the stark contrast in prognosis based on standard of care treatment and I-SPY 2.
"Joining the I-SPY 2 trial was the biggest 'no brainer,'" shares Norine. If she passed the rigorous screening process, there was no doubt in her mind that she would participate.
"I was very pleased with how it all went, and I have a blueprint for my treatment. Everything was explained fully," shares Norine. "I felt like the doctors were open-minded to things other than just medical intervention. Nobody discouraged me from doing things I found personally helpful or practical things I could do. I have no complaints about the outcome, the treatment, the experience, or the care I received."
Norine continues, "I also just love MyChart (an electronic medical record). I'm not too fond of fragmented care, and with this integrated approach, they can all see the diagnostics, and I think it's huge. Everybody could share information and make relevant referrals for me. They treated me like I was one whole person. Everybody could see and understand what was going on."
Norine greatly appreciates the care, guidance, and tenacity of her oncologist, Jennifer Wagmiller, MD, at The Cancer Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, all those she has been referred to and everyone at the Rutgers Cancer Institute leading the investigative trials. She is grateful for the amazing nurses at The Cancer Center who suggested ways to mitigate and relieve the side effects of treatment.
Norine responded exceptionally well under her treatment plan and recently had surgery. "I never in this entire experience had a moment where I was so tired or physically exhausted that I couldn't go about my everyday routine. I am extremely grateful for that." Norine is working on home improvement projects, preparing to travel abroad, and enjoying the company of friends and family.
"From all of this, I understand how important it is to stay on top of preventative care and routine health screenings, even if you don't like doing them. Having your colonoscopy or mammogram is very important. Just stay on top of it. It's my new philosophy with everything in my life," shares Norine.