When a 48-year-old woman learns she has breast cancer, the news can be paralyzing. When she's told the cancer is so aggressive that she'll need intensive chemotherapy and surgery to remove her breast and lymph nodes, it can be devastating. And when that woman is a full-time pediatrician, a wife and mother of five young children – a 6-year-old, 3-year-old twins and 1-year-old twins – well, it can be more overwhelming than any words can describe.
That was Lynn Ables' world in October 2006. Fortunately, the team at the Coleman Foundation Image Renewal Center, a peaceful, spa-like oasis located within the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, helped Lynn maintain her spirit each step of the way. "They traveled alongside me on my cancer journey, helping me overcome some of the hurdles I faced," Lynn said. "They lightened my load and helped me smile again."
Lynn learned about the center during her orientation class before chemotherapy. "We were told we'd probably lose our hair," Lynn remembered, "but that the Image Renewal Center could help us. My hair did get thinner, so my cosmetologist at the center shaved my head for me. She said, ‘Don't worry, we're going to make you look pretty.' Together we chose my first wig and head scarves. She was fun and helped me to be proactive."
In addition to hair and wig styling, head scarves and hats, the Image Renewal Center's cosmetologists and clinical professionals provide skin and nail care, massages, nutritional and exercise counseling, complementary medicine and the services of social work, clinical psychology and pastoral care. The emotional, spiritual and moral support patients receive from the staff is an important part of the healing process. Loyola staff understands that a patient's psychosomatic comfort often is the difference between battling on and surrendering.
"The staff always welcomed me with a smile, an uplifting spirit and a hot drink," Lynn said. "They were a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day, providing useful information and moral support. When I was struggling to accept my cancer diagnosis, I spoke to the social worker. The staff helped me deal with treatment complications. I think they're all genuine and kind-hearted, every one of them."
After her double mastectomy in May 2007, Lynn faced the dilemma shared by many breast surgery patients. "I decided not to have reconstructive surgery. Instead I went with a mastectomy bra and prosthesis that look very natural. I don't wear them often, but it's nice to know I have them." Lynn also received personally fitted compression sleeves to help with her post-surgical care. She describes the services she received from the nurse educator at the center as "invaluable".
The Image Renewal Center team members are skillful listeners who help patients find tranquility during difficult times.
"There were two things I always looked forward to – seeing the friendly faces at the renewal center and treating myself to a coffee mocha there. These may seem silly, but they were very important to me. And now, when I'm healthier, they're still important."
Where to Learn More
Learn about breast health or call (888) LUHS-888 (888-584-7888) and ask for the CAN-HELP cancer hotline for more information.
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEM
