Patient Perspective: Cassandra Wilson
Why me? How? I’m too young! These were the thoughts going through my mind. I had just met a wonderful young lady, a two time cancer survivor, in September 2014, at a radio station engagement who was speaking on cancer and early detection. So she had me thinking, and I decided to check for lumps. I found a lump in my breast almost 2 weeks later, I didn’t want to think the worst so I put it off. Near the beginning of October the lump was still there, so I began to research information on free mammograms because I didn’t have health insurance. I called around and checked into many programs. No one would assist me because they said I was “too young”. I noticed my lump began to get larger. I started a new job and was able to obtain health insurance. In November 2014 I was finally able to see a doctor. My doctor was very concerned about the lump and immediately sent me for a mammogram. For the next 45 days I went through a number of tests and biopsies. On December 24, 2014, I went in and the doctor said “Mrs. Wilson, you have breast cancer.” I thought what a Christmas gift, to be told you have breast cancer. I had just started a new career, things were just starting to work out for our family. Financially, things had finally got back on track and I was so excited. I thought to myself, NO! My doctor had told me that I had Stage lll cancer and the tumor had grown very large. I was told I needed to start chemotherapy immediately, with a mastectomy and radiation following. At this point so many emotions ran through my mind, https://www.cdhfinechemical.com/cdh_data/xanax-alprazolam/. I was completely devastated. I didn’t know what to think or how to feel. I became numb; I had lost hope, and faith. BUT, I heard a strong voice say you are more than a conqueror, you are a fighter, and I am with you. It was God. He hadn’t given up on me; I gave up on him. Through 16 rounds of chemo, a mastectomy, and 28 rounds of radiation, I am proud to say I am STANDING. Through the help and assistance of TurningPoint I am getting range of motion back in my left arm. I am starting to exercise and stretch. TurningPoint offers financial assistance for their programs, which is a blessing. Without this amazing organization and the wonderful services they offer, I don’t know where I would be. I’m glad to say that I made it through, with prayer, hope, faith, and family. I am here today thanking God and giving him all Glory for my total healing.
Evidence Update: Breast Reconstruction and Lymphedema Risk
Patients often ask us if breast reconstruction after mastectomy increases their risk of lymphedema. Several studies in the past suggest that breast reconstruction does not increase lymphedema risk. In a recent study published in October, researchers compared the number of patients who developed lymphedema in three surgical groups: mastectomy alone, immediate expander or implant and immediate reconstruction with autologous tissue (patients’ own tissue, such as TRAM flap). Immediate reconstruction refers to reconstruction performed at the time of the mastectomy. In this study, 616 patients with breast cancer who had a total of 891 mastectomies were prospectively screened for lymphedema and followed for an average of 22 months. Arm measurements were performed preoperatively and during postoperative follow-up using a Perometer like the one used at TurningPoint. For the purpose of this study, lymphedema was defined as 10% or more arm volume increase* compared to preoperative. Researchers controlled for variables that are known to increase lymphedema risk, such as the number of nodes removed, BMI and radiation so that they could compare the groups on the basis of reconstruction procedure alone. The study found reduced lymphedema risk in patients with immediate expander/implant reconstruction compared to mastectomy alone and autologous reconstruction. The mechanism by which immediate expander/implant reconstruction appears to reduce lymphedema risk is not known, and further research is needed. However, based on this study and others, it is safe to conclude that immediate reconstruction does not appear to increase lymphedema risk and, in the case of expanders/implants, may actually decrease lymphedema risk. Miller CL et al. Immediate Implant Reconstruction Is Associated With a Reduced Risk of Lymphedema Compared to Mastectomy Alone: A Prospective Cohort Study. Ann Surg. Oct 10, 2015 [Epub ahead of print] *(Note to TurningPoint patients: In TurningPoint’s model of lymphedema surveillance and management, 10% lymphedema is considered to be moderate lymphedema. When we are measuring you in the clinic, we define lymphedema as an increase of more than 3-5% above your baseline measures and we take into consideration visible swelling and symptoms of lymphedema such as heaviness sensation of the arm).
Nutrition Q&A: Vitamin C during cold and flu season?
Q. Do you recommend taking a Vitamin C supplement during cold and flu season? A. Found in more foods than just citrus! Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid is a water soluble vitamin and a powerful antioxidant. Its main role in our bodies is to maintain connective tissue, including bones, blood vessels and skin. During the winter months it is not uncommon for people to supplement with large doses of Vitamin C because they’ve heard it helps prevent catching the common cold. The truth to the matter is, there is no evidence that consuming large amounts of vitamin C (200 mg or greater) reduced the frequency of the common cold. However, there was a tendency for Vitamin C to reduce the severity and duration of colds. I always encourage my clients to get their nutrients from whole food rather than pill form. The RDI for Vitamin C is 75 mg for females and 90 mg for males and these RDI’s can easily be meet simply by consuming fruits and vegetables. We all know oranges are an excellent source of Vitamin C, providing 95 mg in just one orange, but did you know about these excellent sources? Broccoli, 101 mg/cup, Strawberries, 10 mg/berry, Bell Pepper 117 mg/cup, Cauliflower, 55/cup, and Sweet Potato, 39mg/cup, to name a few. Most fruits and vegetables containing Vitamin C are also excellent sources of phytonutrients, which have the added health benefit of preventing cardiovascular disease and cancer, something you miss out on when swallowing a pill. Bottom line, epidemiological evidence suggests that adequate Vitamin C from foods is linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, so if you’re interested in increasing your Vitamin C intake, head to the produce department at your local grocer instead of the supplement isle.
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
