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October Is Breast Cancer Awareness MonthEBy Ann Newstead PT, DPT, PhDarly detection is key. Performing monthly breast examinations are highly recommended.Encourage your loved ones to have yearly mammograms. If in doubt, seek out medical attention! Learn from my sister who had Breast cancer at age 31. Don’t wait!Can I perform exercise or physical activity after Breast Cancer?The answer is a resounding “Yes”. Cancer risk factors decrease with each acute bout of exercise. The accumulation of 150 minutes of moderate exercise and/or physical activity each week is recommended. Structured exercise can also prevent other diseases such as diabetes, heart and respiratory diseases. Physical activity also helps with improved mood and well-being.In short, any and all activity counts for your lifelong health and wellness.What kinds of exercise can I safely perform during medical therapy sessions?For people who have cancer and are in the midst of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, exercise can prevent tissues and muscles from becoming stiff and weak after a lumpectomy or radical mastectomy movement is essential.What about lymphedema after surgery?If you have had breast cancer and surgery, some complications that may occur include lymphedema, loss of arm mobility, strength and function, depending on the extent of your surgery.Gentle active movement or physical activity helps reduce lymphedema (swelling of the involved arm), reduces stiffening of tissues including muscle and facia from the underlying bones and joints.Aerobic activities, such as walking or cycling, can help keep your other joints moving freely. Yoga can help with flexibility, balance and strength.What is Cancer Related Fatigue?Cancer Stories - continued from page 6I Continue To Have My AnnualMammograms & Will Never Miss OneISubmitted By Terri Mauldinwas diagnosed on November 16, 2018, after having my annual mammogram and biopsy. The cancer was nearmy chest wall, so self-exams did not detect it, and the tumor was very small. This diagnosis threw me into a world of unknown and uncertainty. I was terrified and the initial conversation with the breast cancer counselor the same day was very emotional. I was told that I would be having chemo, followed by a mastectomy and then radiation. My husband and I left her office in shock and super dazed. Because of the amazing strength, positivity, and love of my husband, I wiped my tears and search deep for the strength I knew I was going to need to get through this as a survivor.A week later, we met with the oncology surgeon and the oncologist, and they explained that because it was caught so early, the size of the tumor was below the chemo requirement based on the medical guidelines. I would be scheduled for a lumpectomy vs a mastectomy and I would have to do 16 rounds of radiation.I had my lumpectomy on December 6, 2018, and completed my radiation treatments the month of February 2019. I went on tamoxifen starting in April 2019 and endured many side effects, however, this was nothing compared to what I would have endured going through chemo, so I put up with it and after five years, I wasShort bouts of exercise and a walking program integrated into your daily routine (at times when you are less fatigued) can improve conditioning. In combination, nutrition, sleep hygiene and physical activity form the triad of recovery from breast cancer.What about Pain?Movement can reduce pain when performed in therapeutic amounts. Soft tissue mobility in combination with gentle stretches may be helpful.Are individual or group sessions best for me?After a breast cancer diagnosis, exercise sessions under the supervision of an expert physical therapist is vital for your successful return to full functioning and quality of life. Having someone to support you can be fun!Contact Dr. Ann H. Newstead, PT, DPT, PhD for more information or a complementary Discovery Visit.Ann H. Newstead, PT, DPT, PhDExercise Expert in Aging AdultsVestibular (Dizziness) Specialist, Geriatric and Neurologic Specialist 14418 Old Bandera Rd. Helotes, TX 78023 210-833-8336 Ahnewphysicaltherapy. comTerri Mauldinable to stop the medication in April 2024. I am now completely done with all my treatments; however, I continue to have my annual mammograms and will never ever miss one as it saved me from what so many other women go through, and I feel very fortunate.The Benefits Of Breast Cancer Support GroupsISubmitted By Yen Diepn March of 2023, during my routine woman exam the practitioner also performed a breast exam. Nothingwas out of the ordinary but since I was “of age” (over 40 years old) she recommended I have a mammogram screening, especially since I never had one before.After my first mammogram, the radiologists noticed some calcifications in two different areas and wanted more detailed images. I was then scheduled for my second mammogram with an ultrasound two weeks later. While calcifications are a fairly normal occurrence, the way that some of the calcifications clustered warranted a biopsy. The biopsy revealed that I had breast cancer and resulted in a second biopsy on the other calcifications. Luckily, the second biopsy was benign.After a whirlwind of various appointments, tests, calls to insurance, and discussing treatment options. I was scheduled for a lumpectomy in July 2023. A month later, after healing from the surgery, I started radiation. I am currently still on medication, but cancer-free.My routine check-up led to my cancer diagnosis at the age of 41. I still experienceBSy Staffurvival rates for breast cancer have improved dramatically in recent decades. Women often overcomeGet Your Screenings & Check Upsthe disease on account of their own personal resilience, but also by drawing on the experiences of others for inspiration and strength, namely through support groups. Women recently diagnosed with breast cancer may be surprised to learn just how beneficial support groups can be.• Support groups can help women overcome the mental challenges of a diagnosis. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology examined the effectiveness of support groups for women with breast cancer and their caregivers.October 2025The study found that participation in a support group can help to reduce feelings of depression, anxiety and more while also making women more capable of adapting to their situation.• Support group participation during treatment can have a lasting effect. A longitudinal study published in the journal Psych Oncology found that social support of breast cancer patients was positivelyYen Diepsymptoms and side effects from my surgery, treatment, and medication but I am very lucky. Prioritizing health through regular screenings and check-ups is crucial for early detection and effective treatment. I hope this encourages everyone to not neglect their health, get their screenings and check- ups.7Support Groups - continued on page 8 www.heloteshighlights.com