Staff Spotlight: Meera Solomon, LMT, CES
Meera is an oncology massage therapist specializing in breast cancer rehabilitation. She has been a licensed massage therapist since 2007. Meera combines her experience working in both spas and clinical settings to provide an experience that blends the best of both worlds—relaxing and therapeutic, safe and effective. Prior to joining the staff at TurningPoint in 2014, Meera provided massage therapy to patients at radiation oncology offices in the Atlanta area, as well as helped prepare and instruct continuing education classes on massage for people living with cancer. Meera is the only massage therapist to have completed the American Physical Therapy Association Oncology Section’s Certified Edema Specialist training program. Whether your goals are to find relief from pain and tightness, manage lymphedema, post-surgery swelling, or relaxation, Meera will customize each session to your needs. Outside of TurningPoint, Meera is active in animal rescue and enjoys reading, practicing yoga, and running and hiking with her dogs.
Patient Perspective: BJ
Hi my name is Betty Jane (BJ) and I live in Marietta, GA. In March of 2015 I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer. Since everyone in my immediate family has had cancer, I decided to have a double mastectomy. After my operation, I was told by my surgeon and oncologist that I needed physical therapy and they recommended TurningPoint. Initially, I thought TurningPoint was just physical therapy, but as I was going through the program, I found out that TurningPoint was so much more – a place that understood what I had gone through emotionally, as well as physically. My experience was so positive that I asked how I can give back to TurningPoint. They recommended that I volunteer on the Auction Committee because my previous background was in Sales. I have served on the Auction Committee for four years and made friendships with other people who also share my passion for TurningPoint. As I’ve done this, I’ve learned that they have a financial assistance program for uninsured and underinsured patients. This showed me how important it is to raise money for TurningPoint. For my birthday this year, I decided to have my friends donate to TurningPoint in lieu of presents. In a two-week period, I raised $2,200 by setting up a donation page on Facebook. Now I’m on a mission to support TurningPoint by encouraging my friends to attend The Pink Affair and to help the Auction Committee by getting experiences/trips/adventures donated for the live auction. TurningPoint is always on my radar to spread the word to women that have had and are going through breast cancer. The organization is much more than physical therapy, it’s an emotional and physical safe haven.
Patient Perspective: Delphyne
… Only problem was the breast removal had left her with a pretty bad case of lymphatic cording and limited mobility of her right arm. As luck would have it, someone told me about TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, a Sandy Springs nonprofit that provides clinical and evidence-based rehabilitation for women with breast cancer, including physical therapy, massage therapy, and counseling. “They were fantastic. They really helped with the healing process and movement of my right arm.” Read all of Delphyne’s story from the AJC.
Patient Perspective: Dianne
This past summer I was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive breast cancer. It was a shock to me and my family. But my two daughters and my husband were with me every step of the way – from deciding on a surgeon, lumpectomy surgery, and three weeks of radiation. I love to garden, and am busy with Master Gardener activities as well as my own garden. I also volunteer at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and attend exercise classes at the YMCA. I did have to take a break for a while after surgery, but three months later I am back to all my activities. Besides my excellent doctors and supportive family and friends, TurningPoint has been a critical factor in my recovery. Not only were my two outstanding therapists instrumental in my physical healing, I realize now that going to TurningPoint was when my emotional healing began. I am deeply grateful for TurningPoint’s role in my journey back to health.
