"January 24, 2007 my life changed forever when I was told that I have breast cancer. My journey in life was taking a new uncharted course and I was filled with so many mixed emotions. I am very fortunate to be living only thirty minutes from some of the best hospitals in the world, and I found I am just as blessed to be living so close to FirstHealth of Andover.
My plans were going into action before I even began to come to terms with this new challenge. I had all the tools available to me and with some help and guidance, I just needed to incorporate them into my life.

I started by seeing Cindy Mattingly, who helped me by gathering together a team of professionals from FirstHealth and put together a regiment that would work in conjunction with my medical care. These marvelous professionals gave of their time and all gathered together after work to discuss my treatment in order to help me get the best care available.

I started seeing Cindy Mattingly for CranioSacral therapy, to help slow my thoughts and mind down and deal with all these new emotions. I went twice a month before my surgery and then every week for six weeks while I was having radiation therapy. Cindy also treated my surgical sight with Myofascial Release which helped immensely. I continue to see Cindy to help balance my life and have gained tremendous peace from her services.

I also set up appointments with Rebekah Michaels for acupuncture that I did before each biopsy, which helped with pain management. I had acupuncture the day before my surgery and arrived at the hospital with little needles in my ear, all with the approval of my surgeon. The day of my surgery I went to lunch right after my procedure, and then to First Health for a treatment. I only had to take my pain medication three times and I never needed them again. I saw Rebekah every week while I was having radiation in conjunction with Cindy. By setting up these appointments in advance, I managed to drive to Boston every day, continue to work at my Aesthetic business, run my home, and keep my energy level up. I rarely felt tired and never felt sick. They got me through this ordeal a lot easier than what it could have been. I continue to see Rebekah on a monthly basis.

I also spoke with Dr. Jill Kenny to make sure I was taking the right vitamins and nutrition that my body would need. I got massages to help my body relax and be able to heal better, and keep my lymph system, which was in overdrive, in check. The staff watched me closely to make sure I was not overdoing anything and that I got what I needed.

I saw Dr. Paul Schoonman, who was at First Health at the time, for shoulder pain relief as my arm needed relief from being stretched over my head for so very long. He was very respectful of my situation and treated me with the most comfort to my needs.

Next I made an appointment with Donna Schneider to help me with what lies ahead for me to keep my bones in good condition while I am taking a medication. The exercises not only help my body but I feel good about myself.

Nothing will ever convince me that I got through this ordeal so well with out the help that was made available for me. Yes it cost me a little extra money, but the support, kindness, and love I experienced has no price tag.

I hope you never have to go through the challenge of a serious illness, but if you do I would give these amazing people a chance to shine and help make a life altering situation into an experience worth praising and showing me the gift that cancer gave me.

Thank you David for being such a visionary with your Wellness group. Thank you to Cindy, Rebekah, Donna, Dr. Jill, Dr. Paul, from the bottom of my heart. Oh yeah, a very special, thank you to the secret basket lady which I will keep as my own pot of gold at the end of this rainbow."

With a grateful heart,
MS