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.
Patient Perspective: Maria
January 2016 got here quite calmly – until January 26th – the day of my breast cancer diagnosis. Why me? I did things the “right” way. I breast fed my five children, I sort of eat okay and I sort of exercise. My husband and I were settling in to our fifth year of marriage and combining our family of eight children. On top of that, I was eight months in to my favorite job with the Jekyll Island Authority. I am way too busy for this. I spent about a minute contemplating “Why me”? I have a family to take care of – my number one priority! I reluctantly changed my thoughts to “Why not me?” God’s plan is not my plan and this was another moment in my life where I prayed my breath prayer…..”This too shall pass, God how do you want to use me on this journey?” I pray that a lot! With the all-important support of my faithful husband, our four parents, our children, my brother and sister and the rest of our extended family and friends, I underwent a double mastectomy and removal of the right sentinel node on February 12th. With the help of my gynecologist who delivered my five children, I met an amazing cancer surgeon and plastic surgeon who scheduled me quickly and that was a blessing. An integral part of my journey has been the team at TurningPoint – they truly were my turning point. I heard about TurningPoint from both of my wonderful surgeons and their assistants. The day I left my first physical therapy appointment, I cried in the Roswell Road parking lot and thanked God for placing the TurningPoint team in my life. I knew I had found the answer to prayers. I left my first appointment with Lauren and for the first time since January 26th – I felt like I would be normal again – a new normal, but normal. Beyond feeling normal, they helped me to feel so much better physically and emotionally. Lauren and Anita were so patient with the myriad of questions and incredibly reassuring. As women, mothers and full time employees – we take care of others first. The most important thing to do during this time in your life is to take care of yourself first. I didn’t do it – none of us do – but make the time for TurningPoint and encourage others that you meet in our fight to do the same. Let others cook your meals. I didn’t cook for two months. For my family, this was the best part of having Mom down for a while. The prayers will be felt and you will meet people you never knew existed that will enhance your soul. I have been so blessed by the angels that have crossed my path. Would I take back everything that I have been through? Absolutely, because I am not a fighter. However, I have learned that I can fight this because I want to be here for my husband and my children. I want to love on my grandchildren and be with our parents for years to come. I can’t wait to go to my first TurningPoint Pink Affair on March 11, 2017. That night, I will celebrate with other cancer survivors and embrace that I am just over one year cancer free. To all of the newbies out there, be strong, be brave and lean on those us who have “been there, done that”. Know that each journey is individual and frightening, but remember, “THIS TOO, SHALL PASS!” Thank you TurningPoint Team for being part of my team and continue to do your wonderful work inspiring your patients to be survivors.
Patient Perspective: Lorie
Patient Perspective: Lorie For the most part cancer has been good to me. I had some misconceptions about life after treatment; but, now I know better. Because I did well during treatment, I thought after treatment I would jump right back into life where I left off. I didn’t realize I would face a “new normal,” at least for a while, of having to live with discomfort and live a lesser life than the “old normal.” I am very thankful that Jill had a vision for a place like TurningPoint – a place that not only rehabs the physical body but serves to educate and renew the mind and spirit. When I first heard about TurningPoint I thought “Great!”…until I thought about having to drive the distance from my home to the clinic. The emailed intro form stayed in my inbox for two months before I filled it out and returned it. I spent most of that time trying to decide whether I was willing or wanting to drive the distance from Morrow. Since TurningPoint specializes in breast cancer rehabilitation I decided to at least give it a try – to see if they offered anything different than a physical therapist close to home. THEY DO!! I couldn’t believe I needlessly hurt so bad, for so long, and was ready to accept it as my “new normal.” Along this journey I have met many wonderful people and have had access to great resources. It is not enough to have resources available; in order to work they have to be utilized. I am still learning from this journey. I am thankful to be a lifelong learner. TurningPoint, like Dunkin’ Donuts, is worth the trip.
