Patient Perspective: Shirlene
As a high school principal, I loved every minute I walked in the school to support teachers and students. I am now retired and assist my daughter and her husband a few days a week with their business. I am an avid reader and love to travel and entertain. Being diagnosed with breast cancer has changed my entire outlook about life. Devastated, shocked, infuriated, bewildered and overwhelmed are all expressions of how I felt when I received a diagnosis of Invasive Lobular Carcinoma in my left breast and Invasive Ductile Carcinoma in my right breast simultaneously. Thoughts of dying and wondering if would ever feel normal again handicapped my mind. I did not hesitate to let my family and friends know of my diagnosis. Their support helped me manage every hill I had to climb during this journey. I also enjoy attending monthly breast cancer support group meetings After the completion of chemotherapy, I felt abandoned; I asked myself, “now what?” I needed additional support with my range of movement and the stiffness I felt in my upper body, as well as emotional support with my confidence to re-start an exercise program again. I was filled with anxiety; I needed help obtaining a baseline for a new normal. TurningPoint provided the physical therapy I needed to gain my range of motion. The therapist knew exactly what I was going through as I expressed my physical and emotional concerns. The exercise routines were tailored according to my needs. The prescribed exercises relieved my stiffness, which made it easy for me to start back with the exercise routine (with modification) I had before the breast cancer diagnosis. I’ve noticed a significant difference in the tone and strength of my upper body. I am continuing the daily exercise routine my Physical Therapist gave me. I feel one hundred percent better since receiving physical therapy at Turning Point. I’m so happy I found out about the program!
Evidence Update: Why is Exercise Important for Breast Cancer Survivors?
Establishing a consistent and comprehensive exercise routine that involves upper and lower body strengthening as well as a cardiovascular component should be a goal for all individuals. This is especially important for breast cancer survivors who may benefit from interventions that can offset the side-effects related to breast cancer treatment. A recent study confirms the findings that exercise after cancer-related treatments may improve physical and emotional well-being, maintain bone health, improve balance, reduce risk of recurrence, reduce body mass index, and manage and prevent lymphedema. Participating in aerobic exercise programs for as few as three weeks may have an impact on the health and well-being of survivors. In addition, whole body resistance training programs pose numerous benefits for breast cancer survivors to regain strength and improve body composition. Participating in a regular exercise routine not only has an impact on health, but helps empower individuals with a sense of accomplishment and involvement in their own self-care. Dieli-Conwright CM, Orozco BZ. Exercise after breast cancer treatment: current perspectives. Breast Cancer: Targets and Therapy (Dove Med Press) 2015; 7:353-362.
Patient Perspective: Shannon
As the Registered Nurse in the family, I was the one that took care of my family and friends by phone or in person. I was studying and preparing for the Certified Diabetes Educator Certification Exam. My stress releaser from studying for my exam was Spin and Step classes. My favorite pastime was relaxation baths. When I heard the words ‘you have breast cancer’ on Jan. 21, 2015, it changed my world completely. I became the first generation of breast cancer in my family. My support included my husband and a lot of extended family and very good friends. It was recommended that I have a lumpectomy. However, having some history with breast issues, I opted to have a bilateral mastectomy. I noticed weakness in my core very early on and the inability to do the walk-the-wall exercise. My surgeon sent me to physical therapy, but I became very frustrated with another clinic’s lack of experience in caring for a patient with breast cancer. After the implant exchange surgery, I noticed that it was difficult opening jars and containers, taking off clothes over my head, reaching overhead… and the worst part was having a difficult time getting out of my bath tub. My arms were weak and so was my core. I asked my friend who is a Physical Therapist if this was going to be my “new norm?” She urged me to ask my doctor for a referral for physical therapy. A friend had used TurningPoint and recommended I give it a try. TurningPoint was out of network with my insurance but the financial assistance program, made possible through grants and donations, made it possible for me to receive the care I needed. TurningPoint was a world of difference! I learned new information on lymphedema that went beyond just looking for it in the extremities. I spent my first 3 weeks of therapy addressing my lymphedema and then working on my core and arm strengthening. After each session I felt like I had been to a health spa and I did not want to leave because my team was the bomb. I am now back in the gym with spin classes and have picked up kickboxing and added yoga. My new favorite class! Another positive experience from my breast cancer journey: My life dream was to be a fashion model and I had the opportunity to walk on the runway in a Breast Cancer Survivor fashion show with a local department store in October 2016. Thank you TurningPoint for helping me get moving and get my journey back on track!
Evidence Update: Why is Posture Important?
Posture is a term used to describe how your body is positioned when you are standing, sitting or lying down. Posture can change after injury, surgery or other treatments such as radiation. A research study in which a post-mastectomy group was compared to a control group found a significantly higher incidence of faulty body postures which was observed among women after treatment for breast cancer. Faulty posture puts more stress on your muscles, tendons and ligaments. Poor posture after breast cancer treatment can lead to increased discomfort and injury. Good posture allows your joints to have less stress and work more effectively while helping your vital organs remain in the best position and your nervous system to be able to function effectively. Being aware of good posture is the first step to breaking poor postural habits and reducing stress and strain on your body. Malicka I, Barczyk K, Hanuszkiewicz J, Skolimowska B, Wozniewski M. Body posture of women after breast cancer treatment. Ortop Traumatol Rehabil. 2010 Jul-Aug;12(4):353-61
