to the growing consensus that surgical de-escalation—when matched to appropriate tumor biology and patient profile— does not compromise outcomes. “Special thanks to the pioneering women who participated in this study and made this research possible,” says Holmes. With these advances, cryoablation for breast cancer is finally evolving from a fringe alternative to an increasingly legitimate option. Holmes, who offers cryoablation outside of trials for those who do not qualify, has written a book that launches this fall with pre-orders available at www.globepequot.com. His goal is to help patients understand the treatment and whether cryoablation is right for them. Lauren Del Sarto is founder/publisher of Desert Health. For more information on cryoablation for breast cancer, visit Dr. Holmes website at www.cryoablation.com. For more information on Lauren’s cancer journey, search ‘cryoablation’ at www.deserthealthnews.com. References: 1) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4805614/; 2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39283572/; 3) https://ir.icecuremedical.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/191/icecure-medicals-prosense-cryoablation-granted-fda-marketing-authorization-fortreatment-of-low-risk-breast-cancer-in-women-aged-70-and-above-significant-development-in-giving-women-with-breast-cancer-minimally-invasive-care; 4) Holmes DR, Manoian S, Layeequr Rahman R, et al. Cryoablation: A Minimally Invasive Alternative for Early-Stage Breast Cancer: 6-Year Outcomes of the FROST Clinical Trial. Ann Surg Oncol. 2026;33:3374–3382; 5) L.A. Breast Chronicles newsletter, Dennis R. Holmes, MD, F.A.C.S, January 18, 2026. www.DesertHealthNews.com July/August 2026 Medical News The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 6 www.movementforlife.com/desert • Orthopedic rehab with board certified PTs to restore mobility and strength • Sports performance to boost your game including pickleball • Work injury recovery to get you back on track Power up your game Cathedral City 35325 Date Palm Dr. Ste 131 Cathedral City, CA 92234 (760) 202-0368 Indio 81557 Dr Carreon Blvd. Ste C4 Indio, CA 92201 (760) 347-6195 www.hfhcv.org www.palmdesertsmiles.com The latest technologies for a healthier, more youthful smile Technology in dentistry is very exciting and evolves as new materials and equipment are introduced. We select only the most proven, effective, patient and comfort-focused technologies. • CEREC Same-Day Crowns • Implants • iCAT 3D X-Ray/Digital X-Rays • Modern Periodontal Care • Hard/Soft Tissue Laser • Mercury-free Practice • Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation • TMD/TMJ Support • Conscious Sedation • Fountain of Youth Dentures • KöR® Teeth Whitening Services and products we offer: 760.568.3602 44239 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert • PalmDesertSmiles.com Sarah A. Khoshniyati, DDS "Dr. Sarah" Nicholas S. Baumann, DDS "Dr. Nick" We select • iCAT 3D X-Ray/Digital Services 44239 Monterey Progress for Breast Cancer Cryoablation Continued from page 5 Non-Invasive Option for Osteoarthritis Continued from page 3 Imagine you’re in a meeting at work. A colleague interrupts you, dismisses your idea or makes a cutting remark in front of the group. You may feel embarrassed, hurt or even enraged, yet your mind goes blank. Hours later, you're still wondering, Why didn't I say something? Most of us focus on this reaction and assume something is wrong with us. What we do not always realize is that our reactions may have much deeper roots. Research in neuroscience has shown that a part of the brain called the amygdala helps store emotional memories and that severe stress can keep those memories emotionally charged long after the original experience has passed.³ These emotionally charged memories can give rise to what I like to call "recycled emotions." When something in the present reminds the brain of that earlier experience, the brain and body can react as though there is danger, even without us realizing it. To our brains, danger can be physical, emotional, relational, financial, social or even something as simple as saving face. These reminders, or "triggers," can bring up old feelings, like they did in that meeting. This is what we refer to as a trauma response. Many people associate the word "trauma" with abuse, war or major tragedies. But trauma responses can also develop from emotional neglect, housing instability, highconflict homes, chronic criticism, bullying or ongoing financial hardship. When these experiences happen repeatedly or during important stages of development, they can shape the beliefs we carry and the patterns we repeat. This may look like shutting down during conflict, avoiding speaking up, expecting rejection, or staying on high alert, to name a few. These knee-jerk reactions can leave us feeling Breaking Emotional Patterns with EMDR By Carolina Vasquez, LMFT stuck because they often happen automatically, even against our best efforts. In other words, knowing better does not always mean feeling or doing better. This is where eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) may help. EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps the brain process memories that may still feel emotionally "stuck," allowing room for healthier responses in the present. The therapy uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping or alternating tones, within a structured approach that targets specific memories and beliefs. It is one of the most researched trauma therapies with more than 30 randomized controlled trials demonstrating its effectiveness in adults and children.´ Although researchers are still studying exactly how EMDR works, one leading theory suggests that recalling a difficult memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation may help reduce the memory's emotional intensity over time.´ As those memories become less emotionally charged, the repeated patterns they once supported can begin to change. That is when the shifts begin to happen outside of therapy. People who spent years avoiding difficult conversations begin having them. Those who convinced themselves that a dream is out of reach start pursuing it. Situations that once felt overwhelming become manageable. We begin to respond to the present rather than react to the past. EMDR is not a quick fix, and it is not the right fit for every person. But if you have noticed repeated patterns in your life that you cannot seem to change, no matter how hard you try, EMDR may be worth exploring. It is not the only path to healing, but for many people, it becomes the one that finally opens the door. Carolina Vasquez is the founder and executive director of Desert Insight, a Coachella Valley group therapy practice. Visit www.desertinsight.com. (License #120906). References available upon request. Who is this treatment for? According to Dr. Lavaf, LDRT works best for patients who are 60 or older, who have exhausted other options, like medication, physical therapy and joint injections, and who aren’t currently candidates for surgery. The CCC reports that patients undergoing this treatment have reported significant improvement, with pain levels commonly dropping from 7 down to 4 on a 10-point scale. “This therapy is meant to work as an anti-inflammatory, not a cure,” Lavaf notes. What is the cost? Good news: this treatment is covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans. The CCC handles securing prior authorization before treatment begins, so patients don’t have to navigate that process alone. It’s also worth noting that undergoing this therapy doesn’t rule out joint replacement later if a patient ultimately qualifies and opts for surgery. Those suffering from shoulder and or knee osteoarthritis and curious about whether LDRT could help are encouraged to schedule a consultation. During the consultation, the CCC care team will review treatment history and any existing imaging or X-rays, so patients are encouraged to bring them to the initial appointment. Lauren Del Sarto is the founder/publisher of Desert Health. To learn more, visit www.desertcarenetwork.com/services/oncology. References: 1) https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/low-dose-radiation-therapy-reemerging-for-osteoarthritis; 2) https://www.cdc.gov/ arthritis/osteoarthritis/index.html; 3) https://www.astro.org/news-and-publications/news-and-media-center/news-releases/2025/low-doseradiation-therapy-offers-substantial-relief-to-people-with-painful-knee-osteoarthritis
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