Patient Perspective: Jean
I know what you’re saying – – – what was she thinking??? It was inevitable that I was going to lose my hair so I decided to have a little fun with it and a hot pink Mohawk for my three granddaughters was just what the doctor ordered. They said they had the “Coolest” Grandma alive. I tried to keep this positive attitude throughout my chemo, radiation and surgery. My first visit to TurningPoint was an eye-opener. I did not have use of my arms and my attitude had begun to falter. TurningPoint took over and lifted me up! Breast cancer changed my life in so many ways. After going through the chemo, surgery and radiation I knew my mind and body would never be the same. That’s where TurningPoint changed my thinking and the way I felt about myself. I look forward to going to TurningPoint because they smile and call me by my first name when I walk in the door. My therapy team, Jyoti and Grayson, worked with me on my specific problem areas and now I have full use of my arms again. They gave me strength training and exercises to do at home which have worked tremendously. My attitude and thinking just got better and better as I went through the program. Now, my motto is this: A lot of women with breast cancer didn’t wake up this morning – but I did. And I thank God every day. In addition to my doctors, family and friends, TurningPoint has made a HUGE difference in my recovery – they gave me back my life.
Evidence Update: Journaling and Breast Cancer Patients
Journaling can be a powerful tool to improve quality of life, fatigue, and post-traumatic stress among breast cancer patients. A recent research study had a group of women with breast cancer write about their breast cancer journey. The study revealed 3 common themes in these women’s experience: writing as process, writing as therapeutic, and writing as a means to help others. Writing gives us a way to tell our story by reflecting on experiences, choices, and obstacles we have overcome. The research also points out that at times our writing is for ourselves, but it can also be an avenue to help others if we so desire. This study also found expressive writing to be a venue for releasing cognitive, relational, and emotional strains. Instead of holding these stressors inside of our bodies, writing provides us a way to let go of the stress and have it reside in text, allowing us to heal and move forward. Oftentimes when writing, these women viewed parts of their story and their emotions differently, allowing them to process and heal in a new manner. Join us at this month’s community education event to have a time to journal and learn how to easily make journaling part of your journey. Gripsrud et al. Capturing the Experience: Reflections of Women With Breast Cancer Engaged in an Expressive Writing Intervention. Cancer Nursing. 2016 July; 39(4): E51-E60.
Patient Perspective: Kathy
I am what you might call “a late bloomer,” having married for the first time only five years ago at age 62! I married a widower with two grown daughters and three grandchildren. I still work as a Christian Counselor/Therapist, and I enjoy reading, watching and discussing themes in films, and walking. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer it was a real blow. Even though it was only Stage One and I was able to have a successful lumpectomy with clear margins, I went on to suffer for several months with lymph fluid build-up under my right arm. I am right-handed, so the constant swelling, pain and an impingement in my shoulder really hampered my functioning. I was unable to lift with my right arm or even fasten my bra. I had radiation therapy and then a second surgery due to an unforeseen complication. I came across a flyer for TurningPoint and thought that I would try it at least once to see if I could get a bit more freedom of movement. The therapist at TurningPoint did soft tissue massage that really helped with the pain I was experiencing. Then she gave me exercises to do that allowed me to regain my freedom of motion little by little. From time to time I enjoyed a massage that targeted the hurting places in my back and shoulder, and once I sat with a TurningPoint counselor to talk about the impact that the cancer has had on me. All of this has been extremely beneficial, and today I am pain free and able to do everything that I once could do. Occasionally I have some numbness under my arm, and if I’m not careful to exercise I can get a bit stiff on my right side, but I am 100% better after the warm and loving care at TurningPoint. I recommend it to anyone who has breast cancer.
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!
