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.
Patient Perspective: Peggy
Cancer became my reality in December 2016. Nothing prepares you for going through cancer treatment and the impact it will have on you and your family. My husband Trevor works outside the home and I work part time from home and stay home to care for our two young children, Ella and Colton. Shortly after my diagnosis, I went through a double mastectomy and reconstruction before going through several rounds of chemo. I had significant fluid retention and impaired mobility in my arms and core. TurningPoint was crucial in helping me regain strength and mobility before I faced additional surgeries and treatment. After chemo, multiple surgeries, and a subsequent infection, I returned to TurningPoint with significant pain on one side. I was feeling defeated about the possibility of regaining full range of motion. The amazing therapists utilized targeted massage, laser, stretches and exercises to help me become pain free and able to get back to my normal “pre-cancer” activities. Recently, I took one of my dogs on a 3-mile hike! In addition, I benefited from visits to the massage therapist, counselor, and nutritionist. When you are going through cancer treatment, you are spending the majority of your time in doctor offices, labs, or the hospital. Coming to TurningPoint has been a breath of fresh air … the atmosphere is welcoming and peaceful and every staff member is kind and compassionate. I am so grateful there is a place like TurningPoint for people to go who have gone through breast cancer treatment.
Patient Perspective: Wyteria
I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 38. This was a shocker because I do not have a family history of breast cancer and considered myself a healthy person. In the past 1½ years, I have undergone multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment — which was an emotional journey for myself, my family and friends. I come from a very close family, and this made us even closer. They would take turns coming to visit me after major procedures. During a time when I was planning to extend my family, my husband and I had to redirect our thoughts and prayers to my survival. It was during this time that I appreciated my hobbies more than ever because they were a distraction from my medical concerns. I found myself wanting to be more active (when my body would allow it). Yet after my first major surgery, I was shocked to discover that I had limitation in my arms and range of motion. It was difficult to raise my arms, comb my hair, and perform simple tasks around the house. I also realized that getting dressed for the day was a major chore which resulted in wearing specific clothes that did not require reaching my arms above my head. When I was referred to TurningPoint by my surgeon, I was relieved that my condition was common among others who had similar procedures. The environment was welcoming and relaxing from the moment that I entered the office to my last visit several weeks later. The physical therapy that I received from my team was beyond exceptional. They were skilled in teaching exercises and educating me in ways to optimize my range of motion. Because of the treatment that I received at TurningPoint, I can happily report that I have regained my range of motion in my arms and have returned to my normal life, including experimenting with the newest exercise crazes! I am so grateful to have TurningPoint in my life during my most difficult journey.
