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!!
Nutrition Q&A: Are you getting enough Calcium?
Q. Are you getting enough Calcium? A. Work horse for more than strong bones! Calcium is an essential nutrient. Essential nutrients are nutrients our bodies need to function normally but are unable to produce them. As most of us know, calcium is a major component of bones and teeth, but what most don’t realize it that helps with blood clotting and plays a role in normal functioning nerves, muscles and heart. Calcium even plays a role in keeping blood pressure under control. As women, making sure we get enough calcium is important in preventing osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). Bone loss is of special concern to women who are taking aromatase inhibitors to treat breast cancer. Calcium can help prevent the weakening of bones that occurs with certain chemotherapy medications. Some studies suggest calcium may help reduce the risk of certain cancers. Since our body does not “make” calcium it’s essential we meet our needs via our diet. Calcium is most commonly found in milk, yogurt, cheese, and dark green vegetables. It also is found in certain grains, legumes (including peas, beans, lentils, and peanuts), and nuts. Calcium needs: Female Age 19-50 = 1,000 mg per day, Age 51-70 = 1,200 mg per day. If you don’t get enough calcium via your diet you may consider taking a calcium supplement. The best sources of calcium are calcium carbonate or calcium citrate. Calcium citrate should be taken with food and calcium carbonate can be taken any time. Calcium is sold in 500-600 mg dosage and should be taken twice per day. If you take a multivitamin with iron, it is recommended not to take calcium supplements at the same time. Calcium needs can easily be met with the food you eat. One cup of milk has 300mg, one cup of yogurt 350mg. and one ounce of cheese has 200mg. If you don’t tolerate dairy, no worries, there are many plant based foods that provide a good amount of calcium. Plant Food Amount Calcium (mg) Broccoli 1 cup 180 Kale 1 cup 266 White Beans 1 cup 161 Arugula 1 cup 125 Spinach, cooked 1 cup 240 Dried Figs 8 whole 107 Collards, cooked 1 cup 220 Black Beans 1 cup 102
