Patient Perspective: Anne Marie
As soon as I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May, 2016, I started keeping a medical journal. I honestly must say that the weeks following the diagnosis were some of the most stressful in my life. The medical journal helped me focus and gave me a sense of structure in my world, which seemed to be falling apart. Like many women, a cancer diagnosis took me by surprise. I lived a very healthy lifestyle and had a mammogram every year for the last 25 years. I’m sure every woman asks what could I have done differently to avoid this cancer diagnosis. When I asked the doctors, I was told there are many factors, so there was no definitive answer. After diagnosis there was so much information to digest, decisions to make, opinions to weigh, and doctors to see. The emotional roller coaster was not making things easy. Fortunately, I had a very supportive husband who was right by my side the whole time during the decision process. Once my medical course of action was decided, my stress level started to drop. In July I had breast surgery to remove my right breast, followed by radiation and hormone inhibitors. Soon after surgery, it became very apparent that physical therapy was very necessary because my range of motion was so limited and my upper body and abdominal strength was so diminished. I felt that I had aged 10 years. My plastic surgeon suggested TurningPoint. So, I made an appointment for physical therapy 7 weeks after surgery and started my 25 sessions of radiation therapy soon after. TurningPoint has made a difference in my physical and mental wellbeing. Not only did I receive excellent physical therapy, restoring my range of motion and abdominal strength, but I felt that I had entered a calming health spa each time I went. I really looked forward to my visits. Since then, I have attended TurningPoint’s free informational session concerning bone and joint health and a complimentary nutritional cooking class. I attended the 4 week Mindfulness course, where I saw my stress level come down from being practically “off the chart” to within normal range. This non-profit organization is centered on the physical and mental wellbeing of each breast cancer survivor who walks through its door. I’m glad they’re here for us!
Turmeric: What’s all the interest?
Q: What can you tell me about Turmeric? A: Tons of interest in Turmeric! Turmeric is a bright yellow aromatic powder used mostly in Indian cooking. It’s a member of the ginger family and is the key ingredient in curry. Turmeric has been used throughout history mainly as a condiment, but has also been used to color textile and as a natural health remedy. Today, turmeric is used as a dietary supplement for inflammation, arthritis, stomach, skin, liver, and gallbladder problems, cancer, and other conditions. The health benefits of turmeric come from curcumin. Curcumin gives turmeric its bright orange-yellow hue and is responsible for a whole host of health benefits. Curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is a very strong antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that protect the cell from cell damage caused by free radicals and environmental factors, https://www.cdhfinechemical.com/cdh_data/antibiotics-online/. Some studies have noted that curcumin has several therapeutic effects, one being the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. Studies are also being conducted showing the positive effects curcumin has when supplemented during chemo and radiation therapy. More research is needed but the benefits of curcumin have thus far shown positive outcomes, and nothing to date has shown a negative effect on cancer or cancer survivorship, especially breast cancer. Turmeric can easily be added to any run-of-the-mill dishes to give it an extra layer of flavor. It’s great sprinkled on fish, meat and poultry, and can liven up your mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower. Turmeric can also be sautéed with onions and garlic and added to your favorite soup or stew. You may even want to give it a try in your favorite tuna salad or egg salad recipe. Turmeric can also make a soothing tea. (Boil 4 cups water, add one teaspoon ground turmeric and reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and add honey and/or lemon to taste. Add a pinch of black pepper for increased absorption of the curcumin). If you prefer to take a supplement, make sure it contains a significant amount of curcumin. For a Turmeric Curcumin supplement to be effective, it has to have at least 1,300 mg of Turmeric, containing 95% curcumin PLUS 10 mg of piperine extract, (active ingredient in black pepper), for increased absorption and no additional fillers. Remember: Before you take any supplements during cancer treatment, you need to talk with your oncologist to determine if they are appropriate for you. Curcumin can interfere with some chemotherapies and Coumadin (generic: warfarin), an anti-clotting medication.
TurningPoint Interview on Top Docs Radio
Radio Interview covers organization overview, history and growth of TurningPoint. Top Docs Radio hosted an interview with Founder and Executive Director Jill Binkley. Check out the interview.
Patient Perspective: Elise
My journey with breast cancer began in the spring of 2015. I was diagnosed with invasive DCIS. I had a lumpectomy and fairly quickly returned to life as normal. That life included living in Macon, working as an elementary music teacher, enjoying special times with my Mom, and spending time with family and friends. In September 2015, my mother passed away after a brief illness. She had truly been my cheerleader and support through my initial journey with breast cancer. Life had now changed unexpectantly, and there was soon to be another bend in the road. In December 2015, following my six-month check-up from my lumpectomy, I was diagnosed with DCIS again in the same breast. In January 2016, I had a bilateral mastectomy with latissimus flap reconstruction. I was very blessed to have a breast surgeon and a plastic surgeon in the Atlanta area from whom I received outstanding care. The road ahead to recovery was not one I had anticipated. My plastic surgeon highly recommended TurningPoint for rehabilitation after my surgery. For the sake of convenience, since I live in Macon, I inquired about physical therapists in the Macon area, and there was nothing that compared with the specialized care and expertise of TurningPoint. I was assured that it would be worth it, and I was definitely not disappointed! Upon my first visit to TurningPoint, I found a warm, inviting atmosphere that immediately put me at ease. After I left my first appointment, I had a real sense of hope – hope that I would once again, in time, return to normal movement and activity. In the months that followed, sweet friendships developed with the staff. I was blessed with more than just highly specialized physical therapy care; I was blessed with a new circle of support, new cheerleaders who were caring, compassionate, and understanding of my specific needs from my particular surgery. I looked forward to my appointments at TurningPoint; they were worth every mile! The Lord has lovingly provided family and friends to help and encourage me in priceless ways. TurningPoint has been a vital part of that. I am so very grateful for the wonderful work of TurningPoint and how they have ministered to me and been an integral part of my journey with breast cancer!
