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.
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: 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.
