TAMPA, FL -- All this month we've been taking action against breast cancer with our partners at Watson Clinic in Lakeland. Together we’re tackling the issue of survivorship. Once you've been through the surgery and chemotherapy, how do you keep the cancer from coming back?
Danielle Ames has breast cancer. "I was scared to death. I was alone. I didn't know what to think. Didn't know what was a head of me."
Danielle Ames has had surgery, endured radiation and is finishing up chemotherapy. Her greatest fear through it all, "That I was going to die and no one was going to be around to take care of my kids."
Danielle has four good reasons to keep the cancer from coming back.
So, she's joining a new group developed by her breast surgeon, Dr. Elisabeth Dupont of Watson Clinic in Lakeland. It's called "Next Step", and it includes educating and encouraging breast cancer survivors to take the steps they can to stay healthy. Survivors meet with a dietitian.
Danielle says, "They say too much caffeine consumption is now a factor that can cause cancer, low vitamin D levels. Woman who have lower vitamin D levels are said to have a higher risk of getting breast cancer."
So Danielle is making a conscious effort to make lifestyle changes. "Mountain Dew used to be my best friend. Now I stay away from it."
Lyn Holcom is also a breast cancer survivor. "I do have some weight issues I need to address because we do know added weight increases the possibility of reoccurrence."
Holcom also survived breast cancer and is part of Doctor Dupont’s new program. She often goes to the park to journal or walk, part of her efforts to stay physically and mentally strong.
Building a survivorship plan helps these women cope while they wait for a cure. Lyn says, "Everything is moving toward a cure eventually. We're not there yet. I think in my life time that is something that is possible and I hold on to that hope."
If you'd like more information on Watson Clinic's Next Step program, they have a help line you can call. That number is 863-680-7555. Health care professionals are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm during October.
