Survivor of Breast Cancer Detects Solace and Stability in the Community at Wilmot
Cheryl Rivers, a breast cancer survivor, is sharing her story to offer reassurance and hope to those currently battling the disease. Diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 2020, Cheryl found herself feeling lonely and afraid, but the supportive team at the Pluta Integrative Oncology & Wellness Center at Wilmot Cancer Institute played a significant role in her treatment and recovery.
Cheryl believes in trusting her doctors and having a relationship with them throughout her treatment. She opted for an aggressive chemotherapy regimen, a decision made after discussions with her medical team about the latest data and research. During her treatments, she lost her hair but embraced her baldness, focusing on colorful clothing to brighten her days.
The Pluta Integrative Oncology & Wellness Center at Wilmot Cancer Institute offers more than just conventional cancer therapies. It integrates holistic care approaches into comprehensive breast care, supporting both physical and emotional health throughout the cancer journey. The Center's services include Cooking for Wellness classes, aimed at nutrition education, and meditation services designed to reduce stress and improve patients' overall well-being during treatment.
Cheryl sought treatment at Wilmot Cancer Institute's Comprehensive Breast Care at Pluta. A biopsy confirmed her breast cancer diagnosis, and she was officially finished with treatment in 2021, doing well. Her cancer was stage 2B, meaning it hadn't spread to lymph nodes yet.
During her treatment, Cheryl found comfort and reassurance from the team at Wilmot Cancer Institute. She learned tips and tricks to manage chemotherapy side effects, such as chewing ice to prevent mouth sores and using strong-tasting cough drops to combat a strange taste. She also received acupuncture at the Pluta Integrative Oncology & Wellness Center, which she believes helped with neuropathy during chemotherapy.
Cheryl's daughter surprised her with a shirt on her last day of chemotherapy, a touching gesture that served as a reminder of the love and support she received throughout her journey. Now, Cheryl wants to go back to being a source of support for others, as many have been for her since her diagnosis.
Cheryl hopes sharing her story will help others and encourage them to keep up with their mammograms. The Center serves as a resource for breast cancer patients, accessible to all treated at Wilmot Cancer Institute locations. Contact information is available for those seeking these specialized integrative oncology services, indicating an accessible and patient-centered approach to cancer care. The Center is part of a broader wellness initiative tied to the Wilmot Cancer Institute, aiming to enhance quality of life and potentially improve treatment outcomes through these complementary services.
- Cheryl Rivers, a breast cancer survivor, recommends regular mammograms to encourage others, acknowledging the importance of early detection in battling breast cancer.
- Recognizing the multidimensional aspects of health, Cheryl's treatment at the Pluta Integrative Oncology & Wellness Center incorporated not only conventional cancer therapies but also nutritional education, stress reduction methods, and acupuncture.
- During her treatment for stage 2B breast cancer, Cheryl found support and advice on managing chemotherapy side effects from the team at the Pluta Integrative Oncology & Wellness Center, including tips like chewing ice to prevent mouth sores and using strong-tasting cough drops to combat a strange taste.
- Beyond her personal experience with breast cancer, Cheryl aspires to offer emotional support to others, as she did for her during her cancer journey, demonstrating her commitment to mental health and women's health issues.
