Patient Perspective: Janet

At the age of 52, after the passing of my sister from ovarian cancer and the high incidence of other family cancers, I opted to have preventative bilateral mastectomy and breast reconstruction. As part of my recovery, I found TurningPoint. I was welcomed by the entire TP staff who treated me like a true friend as they provided physical therapy and compassion, helping me get back to my ‘normal’ after the mastectomy and reconstructive breast surgeries. Two years later at age 54, imagine my shock when I discovered a lump under my right arm. Biopsy results showed that it was breast cancer, stage 3a. I had to have more surgeries, chemo, radiation, and 49 lymph nodes removed. I was left with daily pain, tenderness, the risk of lymphedema, lack of motion and neuropathy causing bad balance. But the worse part was the intense discouragement and sadness I felt after being so proactive with my health. This time, I had to work even harder to regain my ‘normal’ so I could enjoy an active life with my loving and supportive family (husband Randy, daughter Erica, age 22 and son Sean, age 20) and the activities I enjoy the most: walking, hiking, gardening and cooking. I returned to my TurningPoint ‘family’, who were an essential part of my recovery. I was relieved to see the welcoming smiles and again feel the compassion of the entire staff. My TP ‘family’ provided me with strong encouragement and hope, smiles and friendship and so much more. They provided targeted and knowledgeable physical therapy, lymph massage and techniques to help me heal and return to my normal life and the activities that I treasure most. The TurningPoint staff members are among my most treasured friends!  I strongly recommend TurningPoint to all people going through the side effects of breast cancer treatment.

Patient Perspective: Laura

In April 2016, five months after receiving a clear mammogram, I found a lump in my right breast. I tried to dismiss it and decided I would wait until it was again time to have my annual mammogram. However, a nagging instinct transported me to my gynecologist who immediately referred me to a breast surgeon. Within days, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. The cancer had already reached my lymph nodes. After 8 rounds of chemotherapy, losing my hair, bilateral mastectomies, 27 rounds of radiation, and a complete hysterectomy, I was declared to be in remission. I was officially a “survivor”. I was thrilled to be finished with my major surgeries and treatment but, at the same time, I needed a hand to hold as I re-entered the world, post-treatment. The team at TurningPoint helped me navigate my new normal and gently taught me strategies to regain and maintain the range of motion in my arms and to strengthen my core. I re-discovered a love of walking and yoga which have been integral parts of my recovery. Time and again, I have returned to TurningPoint for follow up care and massage therapy. TurningPoint has been so much more than rehabilitative care. They truly are comrades in recovery.

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.