Living, Learning through cancer survival 

Stephanie Collett never took time to pamper herself. As the mother of a teenager and pre-teen, and with a husband who travels extensively for work, she spent her time taking care of everyone else. Added to the time she devoted to family, she volunteered at a local school and at her church.

So, what made her finally decide to set aside an hour a day just to do something she enjoys,like sewing or baking? Unfortunately, it was breast cancer.

Just two months after her annual mammogram, in April 2006, Stephanie discovered a lump while showering. Despite having no family history of breast cancer, at the age of 44, she was diagnosed with "lobular carcinoma." A mastectomy and reconstruction followed in May at Piedmont Hospital.

With the love and support of friends and family-her husband, Michael; son, Trent; and daughter, Ann-she was soon on the road to recovery.

"Once I started getting into my routine," says Collette, "I realized I would need to take responsibility for my long-term health and recovery."

Though Stephanie didn't know it, help was on the way through a special program provided by Piedmont Hospital. Cancer Wellness at Piedmont provides professionally-led psychosocial programs that complement conventional medical care. The goal of the service is to improve the quality of life, health and well-being for Piedmont cancer patients. Cancer Wellness offers nutrition education, relaxation and stress reduction classes, movement and specialized exercise classes, expressive arts therapy, meditation training, support groups,individual counseling and social events. All programs are free and parking is complimentary.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a healthcare professional whose only job is to help educate and guide you through the complex healthcare system? Someone who understands medical terminology; who is aware of new technology and pharmaceuticals; and who knows what resources are available to address your concerns about financial, transportation and other issues? The oncology/cancer patient navigator at Piedmont Hospital's Cancer Center helps with these and other concerns.

"Piedmont Hospital has extensive resources for providing quality cancer care, as well as complementary services, such as Cancer Wellness and genetic counseling," says John Goodman, administrative director of Oncology Services.

"The patient navigator helps educate patients and their families about these services, and guides them through a therapeutic plan that is cohesive, multidisciplinary and patient-friendly."

The patient navigator ensures safe and efficient care through the screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up process for Piedmont cancer patients. It is another way Piedmont Hospital achieves the best care possible for patients. For more information or to refer a patient, call 404-605-2848.

When Collett received a mailing about PINK, a program for women completing treatment for breast cancer, she was

thrilled. The 12-week program offers exercise,nutrition consultation, education, and stress reduction through guided imagery and yoga. It's designed to pamper, support and restore participants, returning them to a sense of well-being.

"The program was perfect for me," says Collett. "I love to cook, so the cooking demonstration they provided was very appealing. I thought to myself, ‘this is something I can do to help myself feel better... and it's free!'"

She went to the PINK event not knowing anyone, but came away with a comforting sense of camaraderie with the people she met-women who were all going through breast cancer treatment and recovery together. One group of women also attended PINK exercise classes together.

"My friends and family were great, but it was harder to explain everything to them. With women going through this, I didn't need to explain, they just knew," says Collett. "It was not intended to be a support group, but it was. I'd call it a natural sisterhood. We celebrated milestones together-completing radiation, removing a port, making progress."

"The women in PINK form a community," says Carolyn Helmer, manager of Cancer Wellness at Piedmont.

"Participants often come to the first event with some anxiety and trepidation; but at the closing event 12 weeks later, you can see a complete shift in perspective.They bond; they look and feel so much better; and they learn to cope."

"Though I was hesitant at first," says Collett, "the coaching session with a licensed clinical social worker through the PINK program helped me immensely. My social worker taught me that many breast cancer patients are nurturers, like me, who tend to put themselves on the back burner. She helped me realize the importance of taking some time for myself. It has made a big difference in my recovery and my life."

Though the PINK sessions are over for Collett, she still goes to Piedmont's Health and Fitness Club for exercise because she says it feels more comfortable than at a regular gym. She's also signing up for Cancer Wellness classes in journaling and hopes to join a support group.

"I am so blessed to be able to enjoy volunteering and taking care of my family while balancing all of it with taking time for myself," says Collett. "Piedmont's Cancer Wellness program helped move me to the next phase in my recovery and ease me back into my life."