Evidence Update: Suffering Can Lead to Positive Changes
Suffering Can Lead to Positive Changes The concept that suffering can be a source of positive personal change is referred to as Post Traumatic Growth (PTG). The first researchers, Richard Calhoun and Lawrence Tedeschi, more than two decades ago (Calhoun, L.G & Tedeschi R.G,1995) stated that two criteria must be met to satisfy their definition of post traumatic growth: 1) the individual must struggle with a life changing event; and 2) that struggle then leads to profound growth and change. A recent 2016 study titled “Post Traumatic Growth in Women Survivors of Breast Cancer” found that PTG was evident in varying forms through positive changes in the women’s perspective towards life, a better understanding of self, closer and warmer relationships, and richer spiritual dimensions of life. Study participants had an increased appreciation of living life in the present to the fullest capacity and in looking after one’s own negeds in making one’s self a priority while engaging in meaningful activities. The women in the study had an increased ability to empathize and shifting perspectives about the role of destiny. Some people may find, after enough time has passed, that living through or with cancer has helped them to make some positive changes in their lives. Barthakur, MS, Sharma, MP, Chaturvedi, SK, Manjunath, SK. Posttraumatic growth in women survivors of breast cancer. Indian J Palliat Care. 2016 Apr-Jun; 22(2): 157–162.
Atlanta Braves Diamond of Hope Award Honors Stephanie Scalise
Stephanie Scalise, TurningPoint patient and advocate, describes the Diamond of Hope award ceremony: The Atlanta Braves 2017 Breast Cancer Awareness Day was September 23 and started with a get together on the Plaza, filled with great energy and camaraderie. After a fun time introducing my girls to 80’s music with the cover band, the ceremony began. Just being in the presence of these amazing breast cancer survivors, or as I call us, ‘thrivers’, is an amazing feeling. The added bonus of being presented the Diamond of Hope award by two of the Braves players, made it that much more special. Once the award ceremony was done, the thrivers all headed to the tunnels by 3rd base to walk onto the field in a balloon release after the national anthem. During this time we got to meet new people and share our experiences with each other and exchange contact information. I was invited to join others in a monthly fun outing, help serve with the USO with another Diamond of Hope recipient and I was able to invite other thrivers to the 2nd annual Strides for Survivors walk on February 24, 2018, which benefits TurningPoint. Stephanie Scalise 2017 Diamond of Hope award recipient
Evidence Update: Impact of Pilates Exercise on Lymphedema
The advances in breast cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical treatment all reduce breast cancer mortality rates, but they may also lead to complications such as lymphedema. Research shows that the percentage of patients experiencing lymphedema after breast cancer treatment ranges from 2% to 30%. Exercise is an important strategy to help reduce and manage lymphedema. In a recent study, 60 women with lymphedema were randomized into two groups: a clinical Pilates exercise group and a control exercise group that was assigned standard lymphedema management exercises. In both exercise groups, there were significant symptom reductions such as decreased severity of lymphedema, improvements in social appearance anxiety scale scores, improvements in quality of life and use of the affected upper extremity. The improvements were greater in the clinical Pilates exercise group. Pilates is an effective and safe exercise model that can aide in symptom reduction of lymphedema. Hulya Ozlem Sener, Mehtap Malkoc, Gulbin Ergin, Didem Karadibak, Tugba Yavuzen. Effects of Clinical Pilates Exercises on Patients Developing Lymphedema after Breast Cancer Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Breast Health 2017; 13: 16-22.
Evidence Update: Self-Care in Breast Cancer Recovery
Breast cancer is an extremely challenging life event that can occur and impact one’s outlook on life. While focus on quality of life has traditionally centered on physical well-being, current research is showing a multitude of other factors that influence a woman’s quality of life. A recent literature review explored the existing research and showed that breast cancer survivors experience physical, psychological, social, and spiritual challenges, all of which can benefit from a more holistic approach of well-being and self-care. The article points out that as many as 64% of women with breast cancer experience fear as well as high percentages experiencing distress and anxiety. Socially, women perceived their social functioning as reduced and negatively impacted throughout a cancer journey. However, studies have found that utilization of a social support network is associated with better resistance to illness, lower mortality, longer survival from myocardial infarction, lower risk of cancer reoccurrence, and improved cancer survival. Spirituality and religiosity is another area impacted by a breast cancer diagnosis. Research has shown that an involvement in spiritual/religious activities enhances physical and mental health, coping with illness, medical outcomes, decreasing fear, finding hope, and making meaning. Want to learn more about how to implement self-care in these areas and positively change your overall quality of life? Join us at the August TurningPoint Education event or make an appointment with one of our counselors to learn more. Wei, D, et al. Effectiveness of Physical, Psychological, Social, and Spiritual Intervention in Breast Cancer Survivors: An Integrative Review, Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs, v.3(3); Jul-Sep 2016.
