Strengthened Beyond Measure

Trish Griffin is a breast cancer survivor. After a double mastectomy and eight rounds of chemotherapy at age 50, she wants to inspire and help others find resources.

In July 2022, Trish went to her doctor for her annual physical and was sent to have her first mammogram. The diagnostic scan revealed calcium deposits within her breast tissue, which can indicate breast cancer. After an MRI and biopsy, Trish learned she had triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

“I did regular checkups on myself and never noticed anything,” she said. “My tests showed something entirely different. It was like having a handful of sand spread on the floor. The cancer had spread throughout my breast.”

Uphill Battle

Not long after her diagnosis, Trish’s cancer had spread from her right breast and into nearby lymph nodes. Her doctors recommended surgery as soon as possible.

In August 2022, Brian Wittek, MD, general surgeon with Meritas Health Comprehensive Surgery, performed Trish’s double mastectomy. A month later, she began chemotherapy. Trish started with four rounds of the strongest chemo treatment and four more rounds with a different chemo. The medications damaged the nerves in her hands and feet, and the pain and numbness forced her to use a walker. Yet, she never quit.

Rehab and Support

North Kansas City Hospital and Meritas Health’s cancer rehab program played a key role in Trish’s cancer rehabilitation and recovery. She suffered severe complications from her treatments. She struggled to raise her arm due to axillary web syndrome, which caused a tightness in her arm’s connective tissue that limits range of motion. Her right arm was also swollen from lymphedema, a buildup of excess fluid in the body.

Occupational Therapist Brenda Ruhnke, OTR/L, CHT, CLT, and Physical Therapist Michelle McCullough, DPT, worked with Trish at NKCH Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine – Creekwood.

“We used manual therapy techniques to address soft tissue tightness in her chest and upper back and manual lymphatic drainage for swelling in her arm,” Brenda said. “We also focused on improving her upper body strength and overall endurance. She was dedicated to her therapy regimen, and we helped get her back to her regular daily activities.”

Trish feels stronger and gives her therapists all the credit.

“Brenda and Michelle were there, and I could talk to them,” Trish said. “They helped me up when I thought ‘I'm never going to be able to use my arm again.’ When I got my arm back, I got my freedom back. Brenda and Michelle helped me see it’s not over.