Taking on Survivorship, with Help from Newton-Wellesley Hospital

When cancer treatment concludes, it’s often assumed that individuals experience a feeling of relief. But as Jane Frantz discovered, it’s not that simple. “At the end of radiation, I was set free,” says the Newton resident. “But I developed a sense of anxiety. During treatment, I knew I was always being cared for.”

Ms. Frantz says she received outstanding care for her breast cancer at the Mass General Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley, and she is enrolled in a clinical trial at Mass General that is studying the protective effects of an FDA-approved medication. But it was difficult to shake the feeling that the cancer might recur.

“I thought too much about every ache and pain,” she says. Her oncologist, Chryssanthi Kournioti, MD, who specializes in breast and gynecological cancer, provided reassurance—and a suggestion. Amy Comander, MD, Medical Director of the Auerbach Breast Center and Medical Oncologist, was developing a 12-week survivorship group.

Ms. Frantz joined and attended the first session in September; it was devoted to physical activity. “I walk every day, but I needed to do more,” says Ms. Frantz, who is 71. “Dr. Comander’s presentation was extremely helpful. I don’t like gyms, so I wanted to understand what I can do at home.”

Dr. Comander emphasized weight training and balance. “This was extremely helpful to me. I can use hand weights and exercise bands, and I’m considering taking a tai chi class. Dr. Comander is knowledgeable about how integrative therapies and lifestyle relates to cancer.” The next session is devoted to attitude, and Ms. Frantz is eager to learn more.

She is pleased and impressed with the approach to care at the Mass General Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley. “Between Dr. Kournioti and the nursing staff, I know there is a team of people who know me and understand me as an individual,” says Ms. Frantz, who has taught in the Newton school system for many years. “If I call with a question, I hear back from someone within an hour.”

These days, she’s not worrying as much. “I’m doing what I can to remain healthy,” says Ms. Frantz. “The survivorship program is a big help.”

Jane Frantz is benefitting from the patient survivorship program for breast cancer patients—a program that is supported by funds raised by Newton-Wellesley’s Hope Walks. The annual community walk supports a number of patient programs, including integrative therapies, counseling and classes that help patients regain mental and physical strength after treatment, and allows an increasing number of clinical trials to be available at the Mass General Center at Newton-Wellesley.

To learn more about Hope Walks and to register for this year’s event on October 6, please visit nwh.org/hopewalks.