Patient Perspective: Jeanette
I was diagnosed in February 2016 at age 64 with a triple negative, metaplastic carcinoma in my left breast. My children were terrified and my motto became “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass . . . it’s about learning to dance in the rain” (Vivian Green). A tremendous support system, my faith, and my family helped me through 16 grueling rounds of chemotherapy (and all that goes with it) and four surgeries, including a double mastectomy. I have three adult children, two boys and a girl, and 13 grandchildren. My children are close and are part of a blended family, with a total of seven children, four additional girls, and three additional grandchildren. I work as an operations manager for a community based organization, the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia. I sit on the local Ryan White HIV Services Planning Committee and Chair the Assessment Committee of that body. Before cancer treatment (and during) I participated in walks and runs. Walking is my primary form of exercise and I enjoy working with wood and repairing, refinishing and repurposing old pieces. Life interrupted has been the major issue. Of course, there have been multiple and ongoing side effects from the chemicals, some quite painful, but the most significant impact has been the constant re-adjusting. Your life totally changes when you receive a diagnosis of cancer, https://www.cdhfinechemical.com/cdh_data/ambien-zolpidem/. Based on the type of cancer I had, I went immediately into treatment, with no time to let things sink in. The only thing that could be predicted was change. So, I instantly had to construct a new normal for myself, and then again, a new one after that. Since treatment ended, I’ve been hit hard with some other medical issues… gotta keep “dancing in the rain.” The cancer treatments helped me get past the cancer but TurningPoint helped me get back to my life! The physical therapy eased my discomfort and pain. The therapists were amazing and personable and provided clarity on some of the medical issues. They helped me put things in perspective and align my expectations appropriately. The exercises they taught helped me regain movement and rebuild body confidence. TurningPoint made a huge difference. It’s almost 30 miles from my home but well worth the drive!
Hydration: Keep it up during hot summer months!
As we’re rolling into the Dog Days of summer, we need to remember to keep hydrated. Not everyone needs the same amount of fluid each day. Fluid requirements are based on your individual weight. There are many ways to calculate how much fluid you require, but the fastest and easiest method is to take your weight (in pounds) and multiply it by .5. This will tell you how many fluid ounces you need daily. Then divide that number by 8 to determine how many cups you need. (round to the nearest full cup) The best thing to hydrate with is plain old water. If you don’t like plain water try adding a few lemon slices, lime slices, orange slices, sliced cucumber or even mint to your water to make your own infused beverage. Fruits and vegetables are mostly water so they can contribute to your daily fluid intake. Excellent choices for hydrators are: watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, grapefruit, cantaloupe, celery, iceberg lettuce, broccoli, tomatoes, cauliflower, green peppers or spinach. Note: Caffeinated coffee/tea, alcohol, salty foods and sugary drinks can contribute to dehydration, and do not add to your fluid intake for the day.
Patient Perspective: Shirlene
As a high school principal, I loved every minute I walked in the school to support teachers and students. I am now retired and assist my daughter and her husband a few days a week with their business. I am an avid reader and love to travel and entertain. Being diagnosed with breast cancer has changed my entire outlook about life. Devastated, shocked, infuriated, bewildered and overwhelmed are all expressions of how I felt when I received a diagnosis of Invasive Lobular Carcinoma in my left breast and Invasive Ductile Carcinoma in my right breast simultaneously. Thoughts of dying and wondering if would ever feel normal again handicapped my mind. I did not hesitate to let my family and friends know of my diagnosis. Their support helped me manage every hill I had to climb during this journey. I also enjoy attending monthly breast cancer support group meetings After the completion of chemotherapy, I felt abandoned; I asked myself, “now what?” I needed additional support with my range of movement and the stiffness I felt in my upper body, as well as emotional support with my confidence to re-start an exercise program again. I was filled with anxiety; I needed help obtaining a baseline for a new normal. TurningPoint provided the physical therapy I needed to gain my range of motion. The therapist knew exactly what I was going through as I expressed my physical and emotional concerns. The exercise routines were tailored according to my needs. The prescribed exercises relieved my stiffness, which made it easy for me to start back with the exercise routine (with modification) I had before the breast cancer diagnosis. I’ve noticed a significant difference in the tone and strength of my upper body. I am continuing the daily exercise routine my Physical Therapist gave me. I feel one hundred percent better since receiving physical therapy at Turning Point. I’m so happy I found out about the program!
Patient Perspective: Shannon
As the Registered Nurse in the family, I was the one that took care of my family and friends by phone or in person. I was studying and preparing for the Certified Diabetes Educator Certification Exam. My stress releaser from studying for my exam was Spin and Step classes. My favorite pastime was relaxation baths. When I heard the words ‘you have breast cancer’ on Jan. 21, 2015, it changed my world completely. I became the first generation of breast cancer in my family. My support included my husband and a lot of extended family and very good friends. It was recommended that I have a lumpectomy. However, having some history with breast issues, I opted to have a bilateral mastectomy. I noticed weakness in my core very early on and the inability to do the walk-the-wall exercise. My surgeon sent me to physical therapy, but I became very frustrated with another clinic’s lack of experience in caring for a patient with breast cancer. After the implant exchange surgery, I noticed that it was difficult opening jars and containers, taking off clothes over my head, reaching overhead… and the worst part was having a difficult time getting out of my bath tub. My arms were weak and so was my core. I asked my friend who is a Physical Therapist if this was going to be my “new norm?” She urged me to ask my doctor for a referral for physical therapy. A friend had used TurningPoint and recommended I give it a try. TurningPoint was out of network with my insurance but the financial assistance program, made possible through grants and donations, made it possible for me to receive the care I needed. TurningPoint was a world of difference! I learned new information on lymphedema that went beyond just looking for it in the extremities. I spent my first 3 weeks of therapy addressing my lymphedema and then working on my core and arm strengthening. After each session I felt like I had been to a health spa and I did not want to leave because my team was the bomb. I am now back in the gym with spin classes and have picked up kickboxing and added yoga. My new favorite class! Another positive experience from my breast cancer journey: My life dream was to be a fashion model and I had the opportunity to walk on the runway in a Breast Cancer Survivor fashion show with a local department store in October 2016. Thank you TurningPoint for helping me get moving and get my journey back on track!
