How Healing Care Helped This Patient on Her Cancer Journey

After Karen's breast cancer diagnosis, she was introduced to the Healing Care Program through ProMedica Cancer Institute. Through the program, she was able to manage some of the unwanted symptoms of cancer and treatment, and now understands just how important self-care can be.

Here’s Karen's story, in her own words.

By Karen Knezevich

I have never been one to splurge on myself with any form of self-care. After my diagnosis of breast cancer, there was a stress that I had not been accustomed to. I was not prepared for what my body was about to go through both physically and mentally; uncertainty can be a fickle thing.

At the ProMedica Monroe Cancer Center you are given the option to partake in a program called Healing Care. My first question, of course, was will my insurance cover it? It was included with the care I would be receiving through the radiology department, so I figured why not.

I met Glenna Frey shortly after starting my radiation treatments. She explained clearly how there were some options to help me deal with the various thoughts and feelings that can accompany my treatments. While some sounded a little odd, I was open to trying them out.

Glenna asked questions to determine what would work best to start, and it blossomed from there. At first, I could barely smell the aromatherapy oils due to COVID several months prior. As the weeks progressed with the aromatherapy, I found my sense of smell/taste returning. I was not expecting that which turned out to be a bonus! From there I was introduced to earseeds. This was the one I found to be odd at first, LOL I don't care how odd it may seem .... it works!! It helped with my digestion, stress, pain, and sleep issues that came along with the treatments.

Last, but definitely not least, was the guided imagery meditation with healing touch. I knew this one would be tough for me, since my brain has trouble becoming quiet. It took some focus in the beginning, but now I settle right in, almost falling asleep because of the comfort and peace I feel. Glenna told me about an app, Insight Timer, that could continue to help me at home. This has become part of my nightly routine now, and I am able to fall asleep more quickly than ever before.

I now understand, after 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and a breast cancer diagnosis among other things, just how important self-care can be. This would become one of the best decisions I had made concerning my health. I am a Christian and know that even though God can heal us 100%, I also know that he uses people to achieve this, also.