Advanced, Comprehensive Treatments for Breast Cancer at Sharp
Sharp Memorial Hospital’s nationally recognized Breast Health Center is dedicated to the prevention, early detection and advanced treatment of all breast conditions.
Each year, an estimated 240,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with breast cancer — the most common cancer in women after skin cancer. Sharp Memorial Hospital’s nationally recognized Breast Health Center is dedicated to the prevention, early detection and advanced treatment of all breast conditions.Anna Techentin, MD, a family medicine doctor with Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group, experienced occasional tenderness in her right breast for six months. Her primary care doctor ordered a diagnostic mammogram, which included an ultrasound. “The reality set in that this likely was the beginning of my breast cancer story,” says Dr. Techentin.From provider to patientThe mammogram detected a lesion (abnormal tissue) larger than a marble. A biopsy was performed, and several days later Dr. Techentin had an MRI scan. Hundreds of thoughts filled Dr. Techentin’s mind: How long can I continue to work? How soon can I begin my treatment? Will I survive?Her worries eased a week later during her breast cancer consultation with Noran Barry, MD, a fellowship-trained breast surgeon at Sharp Memorial and Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns. The diagnosis was invasive ductal carcinoma — the most common type of breast cancer — which affects the milk ducts and breast tissue.“I have explained breast cancer to my patients before,” says Dr. Techentin. “But now, being a breast cancer patient myself, I appreciate the process even more.”The journey to good health beginsDr. Techentin had multiple surgeries on the same day at Sharp Mary Birch. Dr. Barry first performed a bilateral nipple-sparing mastectomy, which removed all the breast tissue on both sides. She also performed reverse lymphatic mapping to spare the lymph nodes that drain the arms, and a sentinel lymph node biopsy to determine whether the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes. Thankfully, the cancer had not spread.
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Shortly after, Alfonso Camberos, MD, a plastic surgeon with Sharp Rees-Stealy, performed a tissue expansion surgery to prepare the breasts for future reconstruction. Dr. Techentin stayed for two nights at Sharp Mary Birch, which offers the latest surgical options for breast cancer and a special area solely for women recovering from surgical procedures — the only such unit in San Diego.“My final memory before waking up in recovery was Dr. Barry giving me a wink before my surgery,” Dr. Techentin says.Continued care for overall wellnessAlthough Dr. Techentin’s type of breast cancer can progress relatively slowly, it had estrogen and progesterone receptors — meaning either of these hormones can cause cancer growth. To address this, Dr. Techentin received a robotic-assisted bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy from Lisa Johnston, MD, co-medical director at Sharp Mary Birch. In this outpatient procedure, the ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed to reduce the production of estrogen and progesterone.Dr. Techentin has also received endocrine therapy from her oncologist. This treatment involves taking medication to block estrogen in breast cancer cells.Since her procedures, Dr. Techentin has taken advantage of Sharp’s full suite of support services available to patients with cancer, including support groups, classes, and integrative and complementary therapies, such as meditation.“Having breast cancer is humbling, and I know at Sharp I’m getting the best care,” says Dr. Techentin.Sharp has breast cancer specialists across San Diego County focused on helping people improve their health. To learn more, visit sharp.com/breastcancercare or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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SEPTEMBER 11, 2026
Vi at La Jolla Village – Senior Living in the Heart of Everything
At Vi at La Jolla Village, residents don't have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
Today’s seniors are more connected than ever, with a renewed focus on retirement as a time of discovery and enriching experiences. The ultimate reward for a retirement well-earned is the wisdom to appreciate it all, and what better place to enjoy that unique perspective than Vi at La Jolla Village, in the heart of San Diego.
All-access pass to good living.
As a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Vi provides access to a connected and fulfilling community while making it easy to plan for future care, should the need ever arise. With a care plan in place, residents enjoy greater financial predictability and long-term value, freeing them to focus on making the most out of retirement.
Resort-style amenities at the epicenter of a cultural hub like San Diego offer a retirement experience unlike any other. Paired with exceptional dining, spacious accommodations and dedicated staff, the best of maintenance-free living is all around. And with the introduction of Vista 360 Well-Being, Vi’s panoramic approach to wellness, there are more ways than ever for residents to access it all.
The harmony of mind, body and community.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
The key to longevity is striking the right balance in maintaining an active lifestyle with an active mind in a fulfilling community. With newly renovated community spaces and restaurants, Vista brings a variety of opportunities for residents to elevate their well-being through Vi-exclusive “Signature Experiences.”
Vista Enrich takes an evidence-based approach to brain vitality, keeping residents at the forefront of cognitive health through exergaming (exercising + gaming), nutritional plans and informative workshops. It is also home to The Brain Vitality Studio, an innovative facility dedicated to cognitive fitness that has garnered national recognition.
Vista Discover invites residents into stimulating educational experiences, from chef-led cooking demos and guided wine tastings to lectures at local universities and intimate lectures following cultural outings.
While Vista Enrich focuses on brain health and Vista Discover engages residents intellectually, Vista Explore cultivates a sense of adventure through curated travel and local excursions. But broadening one’s horizons doesn’t always require a plane ticket. One recent event brought a taste of the world right to the community: an onsite “jazz cruise” featuring live music and global cuisine served at a series of themed “ports” all within the community’s own ballroom.
“Location, location, location”
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
One of the biggest perks of life at Vi at La Jolla Village is its proximity to just about everything. With easy access to transportation and local attractions just steps away, residents can explore and engage with their community at their own pace.
“There are trolley and bus stops within a 5-minute walk that will get you to the beach, UCSD Campus, medical appointments, downtown La Jolla or San Diego, et cetera. We rarely use our car,” said resident Tom Yager.
With the best of San Diego just steps away, residents don’t just live in the city, they live within reach of everything that makes it special.
The best of all worlds.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
At Vi at La Jolla Village, retirement isn’t a chapter to slow down; it’s an invitation to discover more. Tailored community experiences created by Vista, paired with the vibrant pulse of San Diego just outside the door, mean that residents don’t have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
This is what an all-access pass to good living looks like: the comforts of an elevated lifestyle, a community built for growth and a city made for discovery – all in one place.
To learn more about Vi at La Jolla Village or for details on available floor plans, visit ViatLaJollaVillage.com/SDM.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common cardiac dysrhythmia, affecting more than 10 million people in the U.S. The condition, characterized by an irregular and often rapid heartbeat, raises the risk of stroke, heart failure and death. Advances in electrophysiology, a subspecialty of cardiology focused on the heart’s electrical system, are transforming how AFib and other dysrhythmias are diagnosed and treated. Scripps electrophysiologists use state-of-the-art therapies—some of which they helped develop. They were instrumental in the pre-FDA approval research for an effective new treatment, pulsed field ablation, and are on the forefront of other innovative treatments. Click here to learn more.
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A relatively new therapy called basivertebral nerve ablation (BVN) that uses radiofrequency to effectively burn the nerve pain away gave marathon runner and single dad Kenny Lopez his life back. Kenny suffered a debilitating injury in April 2024, while lifting his toddler out of his car seat. He described the pain as nothing he’d experienced before. While looking for an effective treatment option, Kenny met Scripps Clinic physiatrist and interventional pain specialist Kevin “Buzz” Barrette, MD, who recommended BVN. After some hesitation and pushing through the pain during two marathons, Kenny was ready to give it a try. He underwent the BVN procedure in October and relief was nearly instantaneous. Click here to read more about the procedure and how it helped Kenny hit the ground running.
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NewBridge School is San Diego’s only school dedicated to the education of students with dyslexia and related learning profiles. For 30 years we have successfully served students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, receptive/expressive language disorders, ADHD, executive functioning and memory deficits. Students transition successfully into academically rigorous high schools and colleges across the country. Why NewBridge? Training, training, training (plus intensive individualization, and comprehensive program design). All teachers are trained and retrained biennially in Orton-Gillingham, the only approach proven to remediate dyslexia based on Science of Reading research, and complete a year-long training program. Every aspect of our program is designed around our students’ learning styles and needs. Every class is taught by a highly-trained expert, and our Speech/Language and Occupational Therapy teams embed throughout the day. Our multisensory, multi-tiered math program has been developed in conjunction with sister schools and experts across the country. Don’t wait—early intervention is magic!
The Children’s School (TCS) is an independent school in La Jolla working with students from toddler through eighth grade. Rooted in the belief that every child has unique strengths and limitless potential, TCS provides a joyful, challenging education that inspires curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Experienced teachers know each student well and create meaningful opportunities for academic, social, and emotional growth through personalized instruction and hands-on, interdisciplinary learning. A culture of respect, inclusion, and collaboration encourages students to ask questions, take thoughtful risks, and develop a strong sense of responsibility to one another and the world around them. At TCS, learning extends beyond the classroom through meaningful connections with the local community and natural environment. Graduates leave TCS with a strong academic foundation, a sense of purpose, and the character to thrive in high school and beyond as engaged learners, compassionate leaders, and thoughtful citizens.
Enrollment: 240
Grades: Toddler – Grade 8
Tuition: $10,800 – $34,000
Deadline: Priority Application & Tuition Assistance for new students: Feb. 1, 2027
Gender: All-inclusive
Details Progressive, independent school. No religious affiliation
Growing up, Laika Nur, MD, Scripps Clinic sports medicine specialist, loved watching beach volleyball when the Association of Volleyball Professionals tour came to her hometown of Chicago. A talented volleyball player herself, she remembers sitting in the stands all day, and once, even got a couple autographs. Years later, Dr. Nur was attending a professional event focused on women’s sports, and the discussion turned to a new professional women’s volleyball league. The general manager and coaching staff for San Diego’s team, the Mojo, happened to be in attendance, and Dr. Nur took the opportunity to ask them if they needed a team doctor. Flash forward to the Mojo’s inaugural 2024 season, when Dr. Nur officially became the team physician. Click here to read more about Dr. Nur and how she incorporates lessons she learned on the court into her practice.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
