October 2016 Best Self
TurningPoint Executive Director featured Check out the October issue of Best Self Atlanta to see TurningPoint’s Executive Director Jill Binkley featured on the cover and featured in the article “Beyond the Pink”.
Patient Perspective: Ashley
This spring, two months after my diagnosis and three weeks after my mastectomy, I called to make an appointment with TurningPoint to begin my physical therapy. I knew I wanted to have my Physical Therapy with TurningPoint for two reasons. First, my good friend Ashley had told me that TurningPoint was the only answer to assist me in the best recovery experience. Second, I wanted to be with a practice that focused entirely on breast cancer patients. I wanted the best of the best (don’t we all?). I had started to develop some pretty intense cording and knew I needed help to gain relief. I have been so impressed with Grayson and Anita who provide a personalized experience, always checking on my family and recent doctor appointments. They were very understanding when chemo, fatigue, or a PICC line got in the way of my progress. In a world where one can feel like just another patient and in and out of so many doctor’s appointments it was such a sweet breath of fresh air to be a part of the TurningPoint family–where you looked forward to the appointments instead of having anxiety; where you left feeling relaxed and encouraged instead of defeated. I never left feeling sore or tense. It was always the exact opposite. I looked forward to my PT appointments because I knew my therapist would release tension; not cause it. I was declared cancer free on June 29. I have now completed chemo and have just finished my reconstructive surgery August 4. Overall, as I’m coming to a close on this part of my breast cancer journey and starting the new journey of a survivor I can look back and say confidently that there were five things that supported me through these 6 months: my faith in my Savior Jesus Christ, my Browns Bridge Church community, my family and friends, my amazing doctors and TurningPoint. These five all go together. Not one of them is the weakest link. I would not be where I am today without each of them working together.
Nutrition Q&A: Best for Your Breast
What can I do to increase my chances of survival from breast cancer? October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis and the second most frequent cause of cancer mortality among women. In 2016, an estimated 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 61,000 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer. About 1% of those diagnosed with breast cancer are men. During the month of October we celebrate prevention and survival.  It’s also a time to address new strategies and research that increase both survival rate and foster increased prevention. I feel more research is always needed to get closer to finding a cure, but at the same time I realize the dire need to understand the cause. Though the exact cause has not yet been determined there has been a lot of research on ways to both decrease our risk of both developing breast cancer and of breast cancer recurrence. Research has directly linked excessive body weight, unhealthy lifestyle and physical inactivity to certain types of cancer. Recommendations may seem simple, but reinforce important day-to-day advice: Maintain a healthful body weight – According to a wide scope of research, those who carry excess body weight, particularly in their midsection, are at greater risk for cancer and recurrence. Obesity-related diseases are linked to heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers like breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy body weight can significantly reduce cancer risk and chance of recurrence. Maintain a healthful diet – A poor diet, one high in refined grains, saturated fat, fast food and low in fruits/vegetables and whole grains can increase your risk of developing cancer. Be physically active – According to scientific literature, exercise promotes decreased cancer risk and decreased risk of recurrence, not to mention overall well-being. The good news is, it doesn’t take hours of running uphill to reap the benefits. Simply standing instead of sitting, walking, gardening, stretching, or practicing yoga and meditation are ways to restore health. The well-known cancer organization, The American Institute for Cancer Research, http://www.aicr.org/foods-that-fight-cancer/ offers solid recommendations for cancer prevention and their web-site offers a wealth of information on the most current research in the field of cancer.
Nutrition Q&A: Importance of Exercise
I try to eat right and watch my weight in order to prevent recurrence of breast cancer. What else can I do? It’s great that you are interested in what you can do to manage your weight and prevent cancer recurrence. Nutrition and Exercise go hand in hand, kind of like salt and pepper. Being a breast cancer survivor, how often have you heard that exercise is important to help decrease your chance of recurrence?  Hopefully most of you’ve heard it at least once, and if you haven’t, you’re hearing it now. The latest research has shown that regular exercise has a huge beneficial impact on your health, especially being a breast cancer survivor. Not only has it been linked to decreased breast cancer mortality (dying from breast cancer) but it also lowered the risk of overall mortality (dying from any other cause). So how much exercise do you need to reap the benefits? The American Cancer Society (ACS) Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Survivors recommend that breast cancer survivors AVOID BEING INACTIVE.  American Cancer Society recommends you start exercising as soon as you possibly can post surgery and/or treatment. Even during treatment I encourage light activity (short walks) to help combat fatigue and clear the mind. Once treatment is complete, and you’ve been given clearance from your physician, it is recommended that you gradually work up to 30 minutes or more of moderated aerobic activity (brisk walking or riding a stationary bike) on five or more days of the week. Results presented from a large study of over 13,000 breast cancer survivors found that women meeting or exceeding the 150 minutes per week guideline had a TWENTY FIVE percent lower risk of dying from breast cancer and 27% lower risk of dying from any other causes. This was compared to breast cancer survivors who were less active. It’s also recommended to add strength-training exercises twice per week for added benefits. This can be done via lifting weights, using exercise bands or other means. But, before attempting strength training, talk with your TurningPoint Physical Therapist. Your therapist can guide you in the right direction based on your current physical abilities.
