Comments From Our Readers on Recent Heal Publications

Help for the Body and Mind

“Surviving survivorship.” I’ve used that phrase often. This article put many of my thoughts into words and words into paragraphs. After treatment, that is something I struggle with, still. “Changing the trajectory of my life” is a perfect description. The diagnosis turned my world upside down. The treatment wreaked havoc on my body and mind. Thank you. Reading this helps so much.

Perpetual Torment

Robin (Facebook)Kudos to Kathy LaTour for addressing post-treatment pain. In 1999, I emerged from the surgical suite at a community hospital screaming like an animal that was just caught in a steel trap. Said agony never improved. Areas of perpetual torment include my chest wall, breast, arm, shoulder, hand and ring finger.

After nearly two years of consults with neurologists and anesthesiologists, I was finally gifted with a name for my omnipresent torture. Dr. Michael Brennan’s diagnosis of post lymph node dissection pain was later confirmed at (Memorial) Sloan Kettering’s pain clinic … Through the years, I have found that a day of activity — whether it be moderate exercise, shopping or teaching my four-hours-aweek GED course — must be followed by a day of homebound relaxation.

My husband lost his cancer battle in 2015. Therefore, I am grateful that I still have fun days to treasure, a family and a job I love, memories of a great marriage and the opportunity to have traveled extensively.

Barbara Rascati

BRANFORD, CONNECTICUT

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