By: Alison Cardoza • Photograhy by Matt Johnson • Sponsored
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Breast cancer is a kind of cancer that begins as a growth of cells in the breast tissue. Breast cancer, a close second after skin cancer, is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. Affecting both men and women, statistics show it is more common in women than men.
At Baptist Milestone, we embody health and wellness. Many of our members have suffered the loss of a loved one and just need a place to release emotion. Some have just endured a surgery and are on their way to healing and walking again. Many are survivors, and their lifestyle choices depend on their well being today. Brenda Luking, a member at Baptist Milestone was diagnosed on April 11, 2024 with stage 1 Ductal Carcinoma In-situ (DCIS) in her left breast. When her annual mammogram came back abnormal, she had a follow-up mammogram and a stereotactic biopsy, which gave her the correct diagnosis. She was scheduled for surgery on May 10th for a lumpectomy and a re-excision on May 24th. Her surgery recuperation went well. She currently is halfway through her radiation therapy (20 treatments total). “So far, I have had no side effects. The main thing I want to tell people is to keep getting your annual mammograms, no matter how old you are. I had calcifications which would not have been felt during a breast exam. The only way my cancer was found was the mammogram. Keep getting your mammograms every year! It could save your life!”
Lisa Ferguson, a fitness instructor and trainer at Baptist Milestone, is a survivor as well and is here today to tell her story. In May 2022, she received a phone call telling her she had breast cancer. “Not the call anyone wants to receive, but one that wasn’t surprising.” Following her annual mammogram, she was called back for a 3-D mammogram and ultrasound, which resulted in a biopsy. Thus began the process of doctor visits and more testing. “As a sideline, all my doctors at Baptist were fantastic. Through a series of twists and turns, I ultimately had a double mastectomy in September 2022 and reconstruction surgery in December 2022. I was blessed in that I did not need chemotherapy or radiation. At that point, it was recovery and beginning to regain ROM and strength. As a fitness instructor and trainer I had some knowledge of how to proceed, but was inspired to great knowledge by certifying as a Cancer Exercise Specialist. I wanted to help others through their journey and boy have I been blessed to walk alongside many other women going through thecancer journey. My major take away is get your annual mammograms, eat healthy, exercise, stay active, and enjoy the blessings of life. “
These two are inspiring to us all. Educating loved ones on the importance of self care and taking the time to listen to your body and scheduling check ups, can be a life saver.
Get Your Pink On!
Our cafe at Milestone honors Breast Cancer Awareness month with a delicious shake in the month of October. Stop by today and taste this delicious drink! The ingredients are:
Orange juice | Strawberries | BananaOptional: Sugar Free French Vanilla syrup | Optional: Vanilla Protein Powder
Alison Cardoza, ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and Fitour Group Exercise Instructor at Baptist Health Milestone Wellness Center. BS Exercise Science and Sports Medicine with a minor in Health Promotions from University of Louisville. Former UofL Ladybird and NFL Colts Cheerleader.
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