Marybeth Brotski (right).
[4 MIN READ]
In this article:
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Caught off guard by a breast cancer diagnosis, Teri McClain decided to dedicate herself to her treatment and wellness.
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Teri immersed herself in the resources and complementary therapies offered by the Cancer Education Center at Swedish First Hill.
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Through her experience as a cancer patient, Teri discovered a new perspective on life that is focused on putting her own wellness first.
A breast cancer patient forges a unique path to wellness
As a customer service agent with Alaska Airlines, Teri McClain spent her days in the heart of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the Pacific Northwest’s busiest airport. It was a high-energy job that suited Teri’s outgoing personality and love of travel — but a 2017 breast cancer diagnosis forced Teri to slow things down and ultimately inspired her to take the time she needed to care for herself.
An unexpected breast cancer diagnosis
“My job required me to be very physically active and up for interacting with a lot of people all the time,” Teri says. “The work was so physical that in 2016, I injured my shoulder while pushing someone in a wheelchair to catch their flight and had to take a leave of absence.”
It was just days before returning to work after her injury that Teri’s breast cancer was discovered.
“I was in the shower, and I felt a small but distinct spot in my right breast,” she says. “So, I made an appointment with my naturopathic practitioner who confirmed there was a lump and that led to a mammogram at Swedish.”
Coming to terms with the cancer diagnosis that followed would prove to be the most difficult part of Teri’s cancer journey.
“When I got the phone call confirming that I had breast cancer, I was a little sad that day, but what I could not get out of my head were the questions, ‘How did I get this? How did this happen?’” she says.
Empowering cancer care and patient resources
Teri took three friends with her for her first oncology appointment with oncologist Hank Kaplan, M.D., at the Swedish Cancer Institute. She gave each of them a notebook to write down everything important, but it turned out that he had a notebook for her.
“Dr. Kaplan gave me a thick notebook — a binder, really — that was full of business cards and contact information for everyone I needed to connect with, from radiology to surgery,” she says. “I took that notebook and ran with it.”
While at her appointment with Dr. Kaplan, Teri also discovered the Cancer Education Center at Swedish First Hill and the complementary therapies available to patients. She considers this the moment when her breast cancer journey really started.
“I am so thankful that I went into the center, and I saw all the things going on to support patients and so many resources that helped me,” Teri says. “I embraced almost everything the center offered, from ukulele lessons and massage therapy to meditation and especially art therapy — every single day I found something to do to support my wellness.”
Teri attended group and individual sessions for art and music therapy, as well as free meditation sessions at the Frye Art Museum and yoga classes offered by the Swedish Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program.
“I did almost everything the center offered,” says Teri. “And some of the resources I still use today.”
Through the center, Teri attended a retreat for cancer patients and survivors, started nutrition counseling and began seeing a psychologist with whom she still works.
“I found a counselor who specializes in working with cancer patients, and she is a key part of me working on my wellness and learning about what provides me joy,” Teri says
An improved cancer journey
Teri’s cancer treatment included a combination of chemotherapy, a lumpectomy and radiation therapy. Yet despite undergoing such intensive treatments, she rarely felt sick or tired.
“Guess what? I felt energetic and upbeat,” says Teri. “I would walk to treatments from my apartment, and I was in a good, happy mood because I was working through my wellness list and had so many activities to look forward to.”
“I know that the majority of the people have to continue to work during cancer treatments, and I am so thankful that I had an employer and co-workers who supported me so that I could make wellness and healing a full-time job.”
A different way to think about breast cancer treatment
Teri suggests that even if cancer patients cannot take time off work, seeing a naturopath and joining a support group can help them manage the stress they encounter on their cancer journeys. Because art and music therapy were so powerfully positive for her, she suggests finding opportunities to make things — anything from making bracelets or sketching to singing or drumming.
“Any time spent working on your wellness, learning about health or nutrition, or being supported by others who understand the cancer journey is time spent not feeling worried and stressed,” says Teri. “And feeling less stressed helps with recovery.”
Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)
Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. Contact Swedish Primary Care to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician. You can also connect virtually with your doctor to review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. And with Swedish ExpressCare Virtual you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections, and more. You can use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
Information for patients and visitors
Related resources
A “joyful” and “remarkable” breast cancer journey
A new cancer screening tool helps patients understand their risk and personalize care
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.
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