Patient Perspective: Peggy
Cancer became my reality in December 2016. Nothing prepares you for going through cancer treatment and the impact it will have on you and your family. My husband Trevor works outside the home and I work part time from home and stay home to care for our two young children, Ella and Colton. Shortly after my diagnosis, I went through a double mastectomy and reconstruction before going through several rounds of chemo. I had significant fluid retention and impaired mobility in my arms and core. TurningPoint was crucial in helping me regain strength and mobility before I faced additional surgeries and treatment. After chemo, multiple surgeries, and a subsequent infection, I returned to TurningPoint with significant pain on one side. I was feeling defeated about the possibility of regaining full range of motion. The amazing therapists utilized targeted massage, laser, stretches and exercises to help me become pain free and able to get back to my normal “pre-cancer” activities. Recently, I took one of my dogs on a 3-mile hike! In addition, I benefited from visits to the massage therapist, counselor, and nutritionist. When you are going through cancer treatment, you are spending the majority of your time in doctor offices, labs, or the hospital. Coming to TurningPoint has been a breath of fresh air … the atmosphere is welcoming and peaceful and every staff member is kind and compassionate. I am so grateful there is a place like TurningPoint for people to go who have gone through breast cancer treatment.
Evidence Update: Emotional & Physical Sexual Health Needs for Women with Cancer
Recent research has shown that female cancer patients/survivors have unmet sexual and vaginal health needs that are not being traditionally met by their doctors and health providers. A study published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment surveyed women with a history of breast cancer and/or gynecologic cancer and found that 70% were somewhat to very concerned about sexual function/vaginal health, 55% reported vaginal dryness, 39% reported vaginal pain, and 51% experienced libido loss. Our experience at TurningPoint as your physical therapists and counselors absolutely confirms this, and we want to better meet your needs and educate our patients on the pelvic floor, how the pelvic floor can be impacted by cancer treatments, and how your emotional and relational health are impacted greatly as well. The study showed that improved communication, awareness, and educational resources can help women cope with treatment side effects. Come join us for this month’s community education event as we address and discuss these very relevant and sometimes taboo topics in a respectful and comfortable environment. Stabile C., Goldfarb S., Baser R.E., et al (2017). Sexual health needs and educational intervention preferences for women with cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat, 165(1), 77-84. doi:10.1007/s10549-017-4305-6.
Evidence Update: Added sugars and new food label
Sugar Sugar Everywhere As discussed in the November Newsletter the new nutrition facts label will be rolling out in 2018. Larger manufacturers have until July 26, 2018 to be compliant with labeling, but you may have noticed the new label already on some of your favorite food items, which is very exciting. The new changes to the label were made to help keep Americans healthy and informed. FDA Commissioner Robert Califf, M.D. states “The updated label makes improvements to this valuable resource, so consumers can make more informed food choices—one of the most important steps a person can take to reduce the risk of heart disease and obesity.” Obesity has been linked to increased risk of esophageal, pancreatic, colon/rectal, postmenopausal breast, endometrial, kidney, thyroid and gallbladder cancers. One of the changes in the new food label that I feel will be most beneficial for TurningPoint patients is the breakdown of sugar. The label will now list grams and a percent daily value (%DV) for “added sugars” to help consumers know how much sugar has been added to the product. The definition of added sugars includes sugars that are either added during the processing of foods, or are packaged as such, and include sugars from syrups and honey, and sugars from concentrated fruit or vegetable juices that are in excess of what would be expected from the same volume of 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice of the same type. The definition excludes fruit or vegetable juice concentrated from 100 percent fruit juice that is sold to consumers (e.g. frozen 100 percent fruit juice concentrate) as well as some sugars found in fruit and vegetable juices, jellies, jams, preserves, and fruit spreads. Why is “added sugar” something to be mindful of? To start, sugar has no nutritional value. It provides us with nothing but calories. Increased consumption of calories in the absence of physical activity can lead to weight gain, and increased weight, as stated above, can increase your risk for certain cancers. The American Institute for Cancer research states the following: “Foods and drinks that are high in refined carbohydrates, added sugar, and fat contribute to obesity, a major risk factor for cancer.” Eating too much refined sugar can also cause chronic low-grade inflammation which has been linked to increased cancer risk as well. The current recommendations for added sugar is 6 teaspoons a day for females and 9 teaspoons a day for males. This equates to 24 and 36 grams/day respectively. With the new label, consumers will be able to take control of their sugar consumption and choose where/how they spend their sugar budget. In the case of added sugar, it is important to remember less is always better. A few simple steps to cutting sugar is to eliminate/cut back on the obvious: pies, cookies, candies and eliminating sugary beverages such as soda, sweet tea, and sports drinks. Keep in mind, when talking about sugar consumption, it is refined sugar, not sugar found naturally in our food, (lactose in milk or fructose in fruit, etc.), so cutting back on these foods is not warranted. See how sugar is hidden in plain sight and a list of 61 names for sugar (scroll down, right column). Keeping refined sugar to a minimum is hugely important for overall health. American Institute for Cancer Research
Patient Perspective: Wyteria
I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 38. This was a shocker because I do not have a family history of breast cancer and considered myself a healthy person. In the past 1½ years, I have undergone multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment — which was an emotional journey for myself, my family and friends. I come from a very close family, and this made us even closer. They would take turns coming to visit me after major procedures. During a time when I was planning to extend my family, my husband and I had to redirect our thoughts and prayers to my survival. It was during this time that I appreciated my hobbies more than ever because they were a distraction from my medical concerns. I found myself wanting to be more active (when my body would allow it). Yet after my first major surgery, I was shocked to discover that I had limitation in my arms and range of motion. It was difficult to raise my arms, comb my hair, and perform simple tasks around the house. I also realized that getting dressed for the day was a major chore which resulted in wearing specific clothes that did not require reaching my arms above my head. When I was referred to TurningPoint by my surgeon, I was relieved that my condition was common among others who had similar procedures. The environment was welcoming and relaxing from the moment that I entered the office to my last visit several weeks later. The physical therapy that I received from my team was beyond exceptional. They were skilled in teaching exercises and educating me in ways to optimize my range of motion. Because of the treatment that I received at TurningPoint, I can happily report that I have regained my range of motion in my arms and have returned to my normal life, including experimenting with the newest exercise crazes! I am so grateful to have TurningPoint in my life during my most difficult journey.
