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Sharing a Special Bond Between Doctor and Patient
One in eight women is at risk of developing breast cancer. For those who are diagnosed, it is
important to turn to an expert who can provide the medical care that will help fight the disease.
Patients who choose Phillipa Woodriffe, M.D., as their surgeon — such as Mary Murphy and Kathy
Brown — not only receive more than 27 years of experience and knowledge, but they also find a
woman who can truly relate to their diagnosis. She, too, faced the fight against breast cancer.
 Phillipa Woodriffe, M.D.
4 Year Survivor
Dr. Woodriffe practices what she preaches. As a surgeon specializing in breast cancer, she knows
the importance of early cancer detection and undergoes a routine mammogram each year. In 2004,
her routine visit led to a diagnosis of breast cancer.
Because of her medical training, Dr. Woodriffe approached matters factually and was confident
she could beat the disease. Out of concern for her future health, she decided to have a double mastectomy
to ensure a cure. She also chose to be treated by physicians at Riverview Medical Center
— the best team of doctors she knew.
"I could have gone to New York City, but I had full confidence in the care that I would receive
from my colleagues at Riverview," says Dr. Woodriffe. "I counted on that exceptional level of care
for my fight against cancer, and I count on it for my own patients."
 Mary Murphy
2½ Year Survivor
One of these patients is 85-year-old Mary Murphy. With no family history of the disease, Mary
was surprised to learn that she had breast cancer after a routine mammogram. She immediately
met with Dr. Woodriffe and discussed a plan of care. "I was so encouraged to be treated by
Dr. Woodriffe," says Mary. "She was very optimistic and reassuring."
Mary underwent a lumpectomy, and then promptly started radiation treatment at Riverview
Medical Center. "It was devastating to hear that I had breast cancer, but the doctors and the staff at
the cancer center were so nice and helpful."
Throughout the process, Mary relied on her faith and the love and support of her family to get
through each day. Mary's fight changed the behaviors of three generations of women in her family,
and they all have committed to getting regular mammograms. "I've had routine mammograms
for more than 25 years, and this caught me by surprise," notes Mary. "I'm amazed at the number of
people who don't get regular mammograms, and I certainly think it is a great idea to get it done."
 Kathy Brown
6½ Year Survivor
At age 48, Kathy Brown was an active runner, ate well, had an annual mammogram, and conducted
breast self-exams on a regular basis. When she noticed a dimple develop in one breast, she went to
her OB/GYN immediately. Kathy then called upon Dr. Woodriffe, who had treated her in the past,
and further testing confirmed breast cancer.
Kathy weighed her options with Dr. Woodriffe, and also received a second opinion from a physician
in New York City. When Kathy brought up the idea of having a double mastectomy, she had a
very heartfelt and honest conversation with her doctor. "It was a painful decision-making process, but
I trusted Dr. Woodriffe completely," says Kathy.
Kathy has no regrets about her decision and feels she received top-notch care at Riverview
Medical Center. Several years later, she learned that Dr. Woodriffe underwent a double mastectomy
as well. "Dr. Woodriffe spoke to me from the heart when I needed to make my decision, and she
made the same decision for herself," reflects Kathy.
Words to Live By
Dr. Woodriffe and her patients Mary and Kathy agree that it is important to know and listen to your body,
commit to an annual mammogram and self-examinations, and be proactive in your care. And, if the need
arises, great care can always be found close to home at Riverview Medical Center
 – Donna Sellmann
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