Patient Perspectives: Robyn
Patient-Volunteer-Board Member-Patient…Life is a circle Two weeks ago, I was honored to be invited to join the Board of TurningPoint. It is my hope that as a Board Member I can supply creativity and energy to this wonderful non-profit organization that does so much to help women (and men) after breast cancer treatment. We all arrive to TurningPoint with different perspectives. I arrived with the hope of being able to use my arm again after my mastectomy. What I got was so much more. Yes, I regained arm movement and my lymphedema improved. I thank TurningPoint out loud each time I reach for my morning coffee. But I got so much more. I was taken in by an organization that provided me with such loving care and such professional expertise mixed with kindness and genuine concern for my overall wellbeing, that even as I compose this, I am reduced to tears. I come across as a bubbly, upbeat, easy-going kind of gal. But the therapists magically knew about my act. They intuitively felt my silent depression and fears, and massaged both my arm and my emotional health simultaneously. I fell in love. I fell in love with this wonderful, caring place and became personally commanded to give back to them somehow. I asked to join the acquisitions committee for auction items for the 2018 gala and was so inspired by the dedication of the Chair and the passion brought to each meeting. I asked to be on the Board, where my personal goals are many. Two weeks ago, I fell and broke my wrist. As a result, I have lymphedema yet again. My surgeon suggested that I go to TurningPoint again for massage, massage, massage!!! So here I am again, a Patient!!!! Tears stream from my eyes as I write. I am so very lucky to be able to know about TP as a solution to a new set of scary problems. I am so thrilled to be a Board Member and I am excited about using my skills to make more and more people aware of this unique and life-saving organization.
Patient Perspectives: Amena, Ashley and Mary Lynn
This month we are sharing a video featuring three patients describing the impact TurningPoint has made in their lives.
Patient Perspective: George
“You have Breast Cancer”! Those words strike fear in the hearts of women who hear it – and the men too! While less than 1% of men get breast cancer, the diagnosis is no less devastating! In my case, it was even more shocking for me because the breast cancer diagnosis came 10 months after I had a robotic prostatectomy to address prostate cancer. Even though my mammogram (I can appreciate what you go through, ladies) only showed a mass on my right side, because both my nipples had inverted, and at the urging of my surgeon, I decided to have a double mastectomy. As it turns out, there was cancer in the left breast also. I feel so fortunate because so many men who find out they have breast cancer are in the later stages because they have no symptoms. When I was first diagnosed, I spent a lot of time learning about breast cancer, particularly in men. I found myself, in one breath, cursing my body for this disease, and in the next breath, thanking it for inverting my nipples. That is how I knew something was wrong. The message here is “Listen to your body!” I told my wife, “I beat prostate cancer, and I will beat breast cancer”. Even though I was confident in saying that, a cancer diagnosis has a way of making you look at life differently, including starting to think about getting your affairs in order and realizing that some things you thought were important are really not so important. The other thing I realized after both of my diagnoses, is that your life becomes a series of important decisions. What kind of treatment will you have? Who is the doctor or team of doctors to treat you? When will you start treatment? What happens after treatment? I found it so helpful to have a strong support system headed by my wife. She has been so important in both my recoveries. After my double mastectomy, my surgeon recommended TurningPoint and I am so glad he did. The staff is warm, welcoming and accommodating. Both of my therapists were great! They were knowledgeable, kind and caring, (but they still made me do the work)! My range of motion is very good and I continue to do my exercises at home (I can still hear my therapists’ voice checking on my progress)! I highly recommend TurningPoint for anyone after breast cancer surgery!
Patient Perspective: Amy
I am a stay at home mom, and when not on homework/bus stop duty, I enjoy walking with friends for exercise and company, creating photo books of family adventures, and hanging out with my husband to catch up on our similar tastes in tv and movies. I also like reading all the survivorship stories and learning of upcoming events at TurningPoint. My story started like this: After waiting a few months to get an appointment, I saw a doctor in December of 2015 to have my right breast looked at as there was some unusual swelling. After an ultrasound, I was told to find a breast surgeon who then gave me recommendations for an oncologist. After a painful biopsy, I learned I would most likely have to go through chemo, a mastectomy, and radiation (in that order). I stayed positive even though it would be a tough year of treatments. My children, now 7 and 10 years old, were a little worried but enjoyed having extra playdates and lots of yummy food that friends and neighbors brought us. My wonderful husband supported me and never showed worry or stress on his part, and even was my nurse and took care of me by having permission to work from home. After the mastectomy in the summer, the radiation doctor told me I’d need to be able to move my arms up for the radiation beams and suggested a referral for physical therapy. A few people suggested TurningPoint and I was glad to find them! My therapists taught me lots of stretches to regain movement and I improved dramatically and was able to get back to my normal range of motion. The following summer I had tissue expanders filled and returned to TurningPoint for massage therapy to help with stiffness. Everyone at TurningPoint is caring, positive, and rooting for you to improve.
