Nancy's Story
Nancy, a breast cancer survivor, shares her story to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and diagnosis.
Cancer is both ordinary and mystifying. Why does it happen? Will anyone avoid it?
As an artist, yogi, and vegetarian, my lifestyle as an adult has always included ‘anti-cancer’ habits: clean organic vegetarian diet, fresh air, exercise, ample sleep and meditation.
When my radiologist advised a biopsy, I was more annoyed than nervous. It must be a mistake, and what an inconvenience!
But Corinna gave me a CD of my scans and I studied the images over and over. I had to agree that there was interruption in the rhythm of line and form. Of course the results were positive.
The staff at the Women’s Health Center (WHC) were patient with my resistance and through their attentive demeanor at appointments and reminder phone calls I felt considered and cared for. I was not lost in the medical industrial complex to wander afraid. I was appreciative of the kindness and care shown by Linda, Corinna and all of the staff at the WHC. The information book, the prompt callback when I left messages and, especially important, the confident presence of Linda and Corinna throughout the day of my surgery.
I was very lucky. My tumor was small and I kept most of my body intact. I was back to teaching within a week and was demonstrating handstands within a month. This swift recovery is a testament to the skill of my surgeon, Dr. Mizera.
Post-surgical treatment consisted of six weeks of daily radiation. While minimal in time (each appointment lasted less than 20 minutes) the constant visits to the hospital were unnerving. My anxiety grew each time. While I continued my life and work this anxiety would not be quieted through my usual practices of yoga, meditation and nature walks.
The Integrative Cancer Care Program was truly a gift. After a couple of radiation treatments, I received weekly acupuncture from Oleg at Galter LifeCenter. These helped to rein in my emotional demons and allowed me to reactivate my sense of positivity. Anxiety, headaches and jaw clenching all dissolved with acupuncture.
One aspect of radiation that I did not expect was the lack of focus and short term memory loss I experienced while in treatment. At this time my mind feels ‘back to normal’ and that feels fine.
The ongoing classes and workshops at the WHC are wonderful opportunities and the partnership with Galter LifeCenter should definitely be used while one is in treatment. Yoga, meditation, massage and acupuncture are great tools to ease this difficult journey.
Since completing my treatment, I’ve returned to my art practice. The scans of my tumor have proven very inspirational. This summer I created a series of porcelain plates with images that represent my breast tissue, inspired by the scans of my body. My works are not scientific or even accurately descriptive. They serve to remind me of the inevitable transformation that occurs in our bodies and our lives.
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Published October 1, 2019
