Patient Perspective: Christy Woods
My breast cancer journey began in March 2014 with the detection of a lump in my left breast. A biopsy yielded DCIS and an ultrasound indicated 3 tumors. I let family and friends know and I got lots of love, care and support through my 8 chemotherapy treatments, mastectomy, and 30 radiation treatments. While in radiation, my doctor and nurse practioner recommended I enlist TurningPoint to learn about lymphedema, improve my range of motion, and increase my overall well being. Along my journey, I was introduced to other survivors and all of them sang TurningPoint’s praises. Finally, I took everyone’s suggestion and came to TurningPoint and what a positive difference TurningPoint has made in my journey! The care, courtesy, and consideration of the staff made me feel like a woman capable of recovering as opposed to just another patient in a sterile medical environment. I met other survivors blossoming post treatment and felt like I could, too! Cathy and Jyoti provided personal attention and physical therapy increasing my range of motion and reducing the swelling in my arm and hand. Meera helped me feel pampered with massages. Lauren lovingly kicks butt in Pilates classes and the whole staff provides positive support all the way around. I am truly blessed to have found TurningPoint and now sing their praises to every breast cancer patient I meet! TurningPoint continues to be one of the positive gifts of my breast cancer journey—helping me discover rehabilitation and healing post treatment! My rehabilitation option through my insurance amounted to only one visit with a printout of exercises to perform at home. Through the generosity of TurningPoint’s donors and the financial assistance program, I have been able to receive the care I need. Thank you for all that you do to put the joy in fighting cancer and living! Christy Woods
Nutrition Q&A: Does Winter Squash have much nutritional value?
Q. I love to eat winter squash now that the weather is getting cooler. Does it have any nutritional value at all? A. It’s more than just a pretty starch! Most people don’t realize winter squash is packed full of nutrients. Most think winter squash provides us with nothing but carbohydrates, but what they don’t realize is that winter squash is a phytonutrient powerhouse. Winter squash, unlike summer squash, has a hard skin, (a little firmer than a watermelon rind) and is peculiar-looking, to say the least. Winter squash comes in many sizes, colors, textures, and flavors and the popular varieties include butternut, spaghetti, and acorn. Other varieties such as hubbard, buttercup, banana, turban, or delicata aren’t as popular, but worth a try if you happen to come across them in your grocery store. Winter squash is rich in carotenoids. Carotenoids are the plant pigment that gives winter squash, along with other fruits and vegetables, their bright red, yellow, and orange color. Carotenoids are a class of phytonutrients that possess the antioxidant function of protecting the cell from free radicals. Carotenoids also have anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits and have been associated with the prevention of cardiovascular disease as well as several types of cancer, http://www.health-canada-pharmacy.com. Orange-hued winter squash has beta-carotene and alpha-carotene which act as antioxidants in our body. Our bodies convert these carotenoids to Vitamin A which boosts immune function and aids in keeping cells healthy. Yellow winter squash contains higher amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin which are responsible for keeping our eyes healthy by protecting them from ultraviolet rays. Winter squash is also an excellent source of Vitamins A and C, is a good source of fiber, and is lower in calories than most think. A half-cup serving has only 34 calories and provides roughly 10 grams of carbs. Fall is the peak season for winter squash, but it can be bought year-round at any grocery store. Click here for a Butternut Squash Soup recipe.
Patient Perspective: Dianne Campbell
I never thought that it would be me. After discovering a small lump in 2013, the ultrasound didn’t show anything abnormal. One year later, I noticed the same lump growing in size, and now was very painful. At the age of 41, I had never had a mammogram. I kept putting it off because of all the stories I’ve heard. My Mum convinced me to go because the lump didn’t feel right. My first mammogram wasn’t as uncomfortable as I thought it would be. I regretted not going earlier when I found out the results. Being told that I had not one but three lumps was very disappointing. The biopsy showed two as cancerous and required a lumpectomy. Following the lumpectomy, it was devastating to hear that I had Stage II cancer and needed to have a mastectomy. As I sat in the Doctor’s office, I never cried so much in my life. A voice kept saying “You’re STRONG, You’ll FIGHT this!” The good news was, it was caught early and I would be okay. Through the grace of God, doctors, prayers, love, and support from family and friends I made it through this difficult procedure. I Am Cancer Free—Thank You Jesus!! I decided against Chemotherapy and believe that alternative and homeopathic medicine, along with good nutrition and exercise, are the key to healthy living. The pain after the surgery is really a dim memory. I recall that it was the most painful thing I’d ever experienced in my life. I had mobility problems with my left arm, shoulder, and chest. The aggravating pain was very discouraging and caused by a condition called cording. The therapists at TurningPoint are helping me be free of this crippling feeling. I heard about TurningPoint from a friend, who also had breast cancer and then from my doctor. They’ve truly been an inspiration to me. They provided information about nutrition, counseling, physical therapy and massage. Their Pilates class and routine stretching really has me on the right track, back to being able to do all the fun things that I love doing. I can’t express how much everyone at TurningPoint has encouraged me and given me a positive outlook on life. Thank You TurningPoint!!
Evidence Update: Massage Therapy Helps Relieve Cancer-Related Pain
Pain related to cancer and its treatment is a common problem among patients with cancer. Conventional treatment does not always relieve cancer pain satisfactorily. A recent publication analyzed and published research on the effect of massage therapy and cancer pain. Twelve available studies that included 559 total participants were reviewed. The authors found significant reductions in cancer pain with massage, especially for surgery related pain. Comparing massage therapy with no massage treatment or conventional care, massage therapy was effective in relieving pain in cancer patients. The analysis suggests that massage therapy has significant positive effects for cancer pain relief, particularly for the short term. Further well-designed, large studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to be able to draw firmer conclusions regarding the effectiveness. Lee S, Kim Jy et al. Meta-Analysis of Massage Therapy on Cancer Pain. Integrative Cancer Therapies 14 (2015): 297-304.
