A Breast Cancer Survivor Claims Solid Ground in "The Village" at Wilmot Provided Her Stability
In a heartwarming tale of courage and determination, Cheryl Rivers, a hardworking mom who raised two children on her own, has shared her inspiring journey through breast cancer treatment at Wilmot Cancer Institute's Comprehensive Breast Care at Pluta.
Diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, Cheryl's cancer hadn't yet spread to lymph nodes, offering a glimmer of hope. Despite her dense breasts and the frequent occurrence of cysts, Cheryl faced her diagnosis with fortitude.
Cheryl underwent an aggressive chemotherapy regimen, which unfortunately resulted in hair loss. However, she embraced her baldness, choosing to see it as a symbol of her strength and resilience.
The Comprehensive Breast Care at Pluta provided Cheryl with a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, nurses, and supportive care providers. This team worked together to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to Cheryl's specific diagnosis.
Cheryl's treatment also included access to advanced therapies and clinical trials, potentially offering treatments not widely available elsewhere. She also sought additional support, such as acupuncture at the Pluta Integrative Oncology & Wellness Center, which she believes helped with neuropathy during chemotherapy.
Beyond medical treatment, Cheryl was offered psychological support, physical therapy, nutrition counseling, genetic testing, and survivorship programs. These services aimed to improve both the quality and quantity of life, helping patients manage the emotional, physical, and practical challenges of cancer.
Navigators and care coordinators at the centre guided Cheryl through her diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, reducing the burden on her and her family. This allowed her to focus on healing and recovery.
Cheryl's journey was not without its challenges, but she was never alone. She felt supported by her amazing medical and emotional team, who she trusts deeply. This support, coupled with her own determination, helped her overcome stress during her treatment.
Cheryl learned tips and tricks to manage chemotherapy side effects, such as chewing frozen fruits and gelato to prevent mouth sores, and using strong-tasting cough drops to combat a strange taste in her mouth. She even treated herself to a new outfit for each infusion, choosing colorful options to add brightness.
On her last day of chemotherapy, Cheryl's daughter surprised her with a shirt specially made in Madrid. This touching gesture served as a reminder of the love and support that carried her through her journey.
Now, Cheryl wants to offer reassurance to others who may be feeling lonely and afraid during their cancer treatment. She hopes to encourage other women to keep up with their mammograms so that cancer can be found early.
Cheryl Rivers' story is a testament to the comprehensive, integrated approach offered by centres like Comprehensive Breast Care at Pluta at Wilmot Cancer Institute. This approach addresses not just the disease but the whole person, with expert medical treatment, supportive resources, and personalized attention throughout the cancer journey.
- Cheryl's diagnosis of breast cancer led her to undergo treatment at Wilmot Cancer Institute's Comprehensive Breast Care at Pluta, where she received assistance for various health-and-wellness aspects, including mental-health support, nutrition counseling, and survivorship programs.
- As part of her treatment, Cheryl also participated in advanced therapies and clinical trials, which focused on womens-health issues such as breast-cancer, and potentially provided treatments not widely available elsewhere.
- Despite her medical complications due to dense breasts and the frequent occurrence of cysts, Cheryl was able to manage her cancer effectively, thanks in part to the comprehensive care she received that included attention to medical-conditions, health-and-wellness, and mental-health.
