While going through treatment for breast cancer, Terri developed a common condition called Lymphedema, which is categorized by swelling in the arms, hands, chest, shoulders, fingers, or legs. Her swelling was in the left breast following extensive radiation. She chose the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute location in Monroeville because it was conveniently located near her home. Ms. Harris had a complicated and severe case, but the staff in Monroeville pulled out all the stops to help her achieve positive results in an effort to improve her condition.
She is still undergoing treatment but is well-equipped with knowledge about her condition as well as a daily at-home routine of exercises, the use of a lymphedema pump, and the use of compression garments while she continues on her journey to recovery.
“Cancer is tough so you want people on your journey who care about you and are professional and have an investment in what they’re doing. That’s how the staff made me feel. From reception to therapy, they are all wonderful. It’s not just a job to them. They genuinely care about their patients and they want to see you succeed and they want to see you get better. I give them stars off the chart!”
Read more stories from Lymphedema Management Program patients.