The Perks of Cancer

I am starting to feel the effects of the treatment more since it has a cumulative effect. There is more redness from the burning (like a sunburn) and more discomfort. Dr Marisa Weiss suggests keeping a sock under the wire of the bra and keeping my arm akimbo to avoid skin on skin. I now use both prescription creams (see last post) on a regular basis. So where are the perks?

Well, Pennsylvania Hospital has the Joan Karnell Cancer Center which is an Integrated Breast Center and treats the whole patient. The Wall Street Journal just had an article about treating the distress of cancer. PA Hospital is way ahead of the curve. They have supportive services such as: psychological services, massage, music and art therapy and nutrition services to name a few.

I have taken advantage of massage, nutrition advice and psychological services. Those of  you who know me, know I love massage!! One day, I had the pleasure of a delightful free shiatsu massage with Wayne Mylin who is a fabulous masseur who does have a private practice in Media. That was followed by a free counseling session with Dr. Deborah Seagull. The nurse navigator Susan Kruse is there to help you get through the process and she has been very helpful to me in many ways.

Since I start each week day with radiation treatment at Lankenau Hospital which was such a good decision since it is 5 minutes from my house as opposed to 40 minutes (PA Hospital), I meet with wonderful technicians who provide treatment every day who help me assure that the cancer will not return and I will have an excellent outcome. When I take advantage of the other supportive care services offered by the PA Hospital, I meet other wonderful people who provide services that help in my treatment as well. I have noticed that people who go into the field of cancer care are exceptionally friendly and nice. I have not met one who is not so.

One of the perks of this crappy disease is all the great people I meet along the way. The other is free massage!