In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we wanted to share the story of one of our very own Spooner patients and her battle with breast cancer. We loved talking with Pat Reed, one of Jenna Salber’s, PT, DPT, CLT-UE, NASM-CES patients in our East Chandler clinic!
Pat started seeing Jenna for sessions in July 2019. Even though her initial scheduled sessions have ended, she said she can’t quite seem to stop going. She knew after she hit her 20 sessions that her body was not done with physical therapy. She looks forward to her now monthly appointments with Jenna. Pat says she doesn’t know if it is harder for her or for Jenna because they have become friends through the journey they have taken together. Learn more about Pat’s story and the advice she shares for other women fighting breast cancer.
How did physical therapy help you throughout your treatment?
Physical therapy has helped with my flexibility and my ability to move. My left breast was as stiff as can be and felt like a block. To be able to get my mobility back and move again is amazing. I still have some scar tissue that I can feel, but it has improved with physical therapy compared to what it once was. Flexibility is the most important thing. Physical therapy has also allowed me to gain strength. I love lifting weights and swimming so it was important for me to get back to the activities I love and my work with Jenna has definitely helped.
What motivated you during your treatment?
I had torn my rotator cuff the year prior to seeing Jenna. I knew how well physical therapy can help you if you treat it like it is going to treat you. I attacked my breast cancer diagnosis just like it was any other injury. I wanted to get better and get back to the things I love, especially swimming. I had some complications arise from my medications at the beginning when I had a few infections last year. I ended up getting Achilles tendonitis and Jenna helped me through that as well. To this day, I can walk without pain but it still is partially swollen. She has gone above and beyond her call of duty to help me.
When you look back on your physical therapy journey, what do you remember most?
The friendship that I have made with Jenna. She is phenomenal. She talks through everything and makes you feel welcome from day one. Jenna is so knowledgeable, understanding, and calm. She is gracious to you, your body and your needs. For the most part, everything that I have seen with breast cancer specialists is crazy awesome. They have a special heart and gift for what they do.
Throughout my treatment with Jenna, I also have become good friends with Cathy, the lead Patient Services Coordinator at East Chandler. Cathy asked me for advice because she had just been diagnosed with breast cancer herself. We bounced ideas off each other and I shared with her a number of things that I have learned that I thought would help her too throughout her treatment. We have been friends ever since. Even though I live right near the Ahwatukee clinic, I followed Jenna and Cathy when they moved to the East Chandler clinic because I wanted to be where they were.
Do you have any advice for women fighting breast cancer?
My biggest piece of advice is to find someone who you can talk to. I have always said I will be a mentor to anyone who wants and needs a mentor. You need to know you are not alone. With everything that goes wrong, you are probably not the first person it has happened to. Things can go over your head with all of the information you need to know, especially at the beginning. You need someone to help reinforce it. Find a mentor or friend who you can exchange ideas with and have someone to talk to about what you are experiencing.
When I went for my first chemo treatment, I became friends with the two other women there. They were having similar treatment as me. It was comforting to know I would see two friendly faces every Friday. Now we have monthly lunch dates because we became such good friends through that experience. There are people out there that are ready to be beside you every step of the way.
Pat gained flexibility, mobility, strength, and friendship through her physical therapy experience with Jenna. Special thanks to Pat Reed for taking the time to share your story with us. We look forward to seeing you continue to do the things you love!
Learn more about Breast Cancer Rehabilitation at Spooner Physical Therapy. Ready to schedule an appointment? Click here to schedule an appointment or complimentary movement screen with a Spooner physical therapist at one of our locations throughout the valley.