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Ep 056: Breast Cancer Awareness Month | Interview With Suzan Pooran

• Suzan Pooran • Season 3 • Episode 56

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and on this episode I have the pleasure of interviewing Suzan Pooran as she shares her journey of being diagnosed with breast cancer, her treatment as well as tips and information you will find to be helpful.

Episode sponsored by West Boca Medical Center & The Breast Center at West Boca Diagnostic Imaging.

More  posts on #SoooBoca Blog 

Think Pink With The Breast Center at West Boca Medical Center

Gift Yourself A Mammogram This Holiday Season

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Speaker 1:

Welcome to the soul book of stories podcast. I'm your host, Michelle Bell. Sorry. I am the founder and editor of hashtags. So book a lifestyle. You can find us on Instagram, on YouTube, on Facebook. And I share all things going on around south Florida and Boca Raton, where I live and have been for forever. So if you're looking for things to do places to go events happening, live music, art, the best coffee shop, best pizza, and a little bit of real estate sprinkled in. I hope you will go to so boca.com visit us and make sure to listen to some of our previous episodes. We have some amazing guests that we have highlighted on the podcast. I sure look forward to hearing from you. Subscribe, please share, and let's get ready for today's episode of so focus stories. Hi everyone. This is Michelle Baldassare and this episode of SOPA stories is going to focus on that it's October and it's breast cancer awareness month. And I'm going to be chatting with Suzanne Porin about her journey, learning that she had breast cancer and what treatments that she has done. She went through the breast center at west Boca, diagnostic imaging and west Boca medical center, and she shares her story, some tips and information for all of us. So welcome to so bogus stories, Suzanne Porin.

Speaker 2:

Hi Michelle. My name is Suzanne[inaudible]. I work at the Westbrook a diagnostic imaging center, and, um, I was recently a year ago diagnosed with breast cancer, which was in September. Um, I do have a double, um, I will not say this word, right? My access to me, or I had taken both of my breasts off after everything was done, but leading up to having, um, early detection of breast cancer, you know, I did it in September. My, um, doctor who did the ultrasound or looked at the ultrasound, says to me he saw something suspicious, but he wasn't sure his name was Dr. Rosen's WIC, Dr. Rosenzweig. Um, and from there on, he said recommended a biopsy. We did have a breast biopsy and with the results coming back, it was cancerous. I met with my oncologist and my breast surgeon, doctor Dr. Mala Duda. My oncologist was Dr. [inaudible] and the rest of the team that I met with through all of the, all of the procedure that I would have done, you know, I had, um, it was talking to me about radiation chemo. The breast surgeon will talk to me about, you know, what is my option to do. I had a psychologist and I had a nutritionist that I spoke with too. So, you know, all of that was all incorporated together, which was really, really helpful. And I have, I myself choose what I wanted to do, which is let's write to pull, press out, you know, so far I'm doing great. Um, nothing has shown up anywhere else. I've had my yearly, you know, went back for my yearly checkup with my oncologist. Well, I do see him every three months. So like I said, um, everything is doing great. I had a cat scan, done, everything is fine. Um, you know, that's my story, but my thing is that, you know, you go early, you get your memos done and you know, you're going to get, if there's something there you're going to get to know about it earlier than being later.

Speaker 3:

So Suzanne, so I have a couple of questions for you and I'm glad you're doing well. I um know that the breast center at west Boca diagnostic imaging has so many options for women in regards to getting their tests done prevention, early detection, diagnosis treatment. You have a very large team. And I remember this having the conversation last year with Kim fast, they have a very large team that you can rely on, but also, um, gives you the opportunity to also be deeply involved with your treatment and also have some control over the things that you're doing. Correct? Yes. I think that's a very important piece because obviously it's a scary thing when you're diagnosed and right. And so having this team of multi disciplinary team, like you mentioned a nutrition, a psychologist you've I remember from last year too, that, um, Kim had mentioned that having access was huge. Can you touch on that a little bit in regard to when you had questions or you were having a scary time or concern, what that was like in regard to the team that you were working with?

Speaker 2:

Well, you know, they were available. If you needed to ask questions, you can always call them and ask them questions. You know, there was no problem at all getting through with anyone to talk to. Um, I will tell you for me, it was a little bit different in my self. I had already done, gone through ever saying to myself, um, I don't know why, but if ever I was diagnosed with something like this, this is the path I was going to take. So for me, I mean, I know there's a lot of people out there very much anxious and is just see that there are so a shock to them. So much of a shock in my, my setting, I guess, because I work in this setting here that I have a little bit of a knowledge again, of knowing. So that was a little bit of an advantage for me. I was comfortable in knowing, well, this is what I'm going to do. So I wasn't, as anxious as a lot of people out there would be much more, more anxious here in this sort of first scent. I have cancer, I have breast cancer or what am I going to do? You know,

Speaker 3:

Understood. So having, having the knowledge and also working in the field, lowered your anxiety a little bit more than someone else that would be first diagnosed and not, um, have what you had already at your fingertips.

Speaker 2:

Yes. Yes. And that was the one great advantage that I have, that I was very blessed and lucky with what was my anxiety is having my surgery and how I was going to heal my healing process. That was my anxiety.

Speaker 3:

And you had your surgery out at west Boca medical center, right?

Speaker 2:

Yes. At the hospital. Yeah.

Speaker 3:

So one of my favorite hospitals, I'm sorry. I said, it's one of my favorite hospitals. I had one of my daughters there.

Speaker 2:

Oh, very nice thing. Yes it is. And you know, and at that time when I was having mine, we were in the middle of the pandemic. It was the COVID.

Speaker 3:

That's what I was thinking. Yeah. I was thinking about that because you said it was last September, correct?

Speaker 2:

Yes. Yes. And my surgery was done on October 30th, so it's coming up to be a year for me. Yeah.

Speaker 3:

There you go. Got it. Okay. Talk to me a little bit too about prepping for your surgery. I think people listening want to know some things that one they could do to prep and prepare, and then just your, you know, post during and maybe a pre during and post, and just maybe share a few tips with what you did

Speaker 2:

Well, for me, for me prepping myself at I'm a very spiritual person. So I pray a lot. So I know a lot of people will be doing that themselves too. So I asked for a lot of guidance with praying, but, you know, um, otherwise than that for, um, strength, you know, did you go through everything that I have to go through? I have my family, I had three kids, you know, that were here with me. Um, I had my sisters, my, and everybody around me and after the surgery, you know, I still had my family and everybody's here to help me to.

Speaker 3:

That's fantastic. So another question that I think, um, people are very interested in is once you had your surgery, how did you find additional support? Did you take advantage of any of the support groups or did you do zoo or anything in regard to, uh, being with other women in particular who also were going through this?

Speaker 2:

No, I didn't. I, because again, because of COVID, you know, we wasn't able to, not that you couldn't meet anybody, I never really pursue any of that. You know, I just, like I said, I tip for myself as was a lot of praying and, um, a lot of strength I pray for and, you know, guidance for me to do what I needed to do. I did for myself, took myself out of work for two months to recuperate. So I was home and I'm a beach person. So when I was able to walk, I would get out and walk to the beach. And that was my buddy for any advice or anything. I, I did exactly what the doctors told me that, especially my breast surgeon do this, do that, do to max and I, when she told me and that's how I was able to heal. So I never really got into a conversation with anybody else again, because you know, COVID was right in the middle of everything.

Speaker 3:

Yeah. So, you know, I think the other question that comes up too, is how can people be supportive to you? Um, we see meal trains. We say, um, you know, I have friends that have been through it. I've gifted them, things that I thought that they would enjoy, but also be useful. Any tips or thoughts on how family and friends can help?

Speaker 2:

Well, for people who haven't to go through, like I know I was blessed again with my family. They were all here, support them and, you know, cooking and making sure my son was home with me. So he helped me out a lot. But people who don't have people around, they will definitely need people to help them. Because I do know that for a fact, if you take your breast off, you have those dreams and those dreams has to be drained and you have to have somebody help you pull them and drain them. Like, my sister is a nurse, she was, she stayed over and she helped me do it. My son was able to help me with all of that. So people who don't have anybody did definitely need to help. They would definitely need to get in contact with even the organization, you know, like the breast, um, organization. So if people can come over and volunteer to help them clean their house for them, you know, cause you couldn't do nothing or cook a meal for them. Yes. Um, I would that anything like that will help people. Like I said, I, for me, I was fortunate I had my health, but other people are not that fortunate. I do know that.

Speaker 3:

Yes. Understood. And I think that's great advice as well. And I think too, as with any surgery, doing a little planning and knowing who you can count on and, and let's face it, not everybody, um, is always there for us during times like this and the people that you sometimes think are going to be there for you aren't necessarily ones. And then the ones that you would never even think about are like, Hey, how can I help you out? Can I drive you? And would you say that it makes sense, like, um, a way for people to, to not sugar coat around that you, if you need help Sue, like, Hey, what can I do for you today? Can I take you to this store? Can I pick something up for you? Or can I order something for you on Amazon instead of asking you, what do you need?

Speaker 2:

Yes. Yeah. Well, I, how this, some of it, I would say, because you asked, because you doing exactly what they eat and what they don't eat. So you would need to know exactly what you pick, eat it, only this meat or that meat or whatever. Yeah. A next big thing is like, can I come over and help you clean? Can I do your laundry for you? Because stretching into the washing machine and pulling a hose. I remember him, you know, my kids helping me, but then sometimes they're not there. I had to take the songs for the barbecue and stretch down into the washing machine, the dryer. So things like that, you know? Yeah.

Speaker 3:

Yeah. And on a good day, I know personally, I have, I have struggled with it cause I'm short again, I got to get on this stool and it's, uh, you know, literally a stretch to do that. So when you're recovering, you have to be some mindful of what. And I think that's also a mindset too, because whenever you have a surgery, especially something like this, um, sometimes, sometimes you overdo it.

Speaker 2:

Yes, yes, yes, yes. But I was pretty well, my kids because my kids are very strict too. They're like me, I'm a little strict, they're strict too. Mom. You're not going to be doing that. Okay.

Speaker 3:

You mean they were being a little bossy.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. And you know what? I have to thank her for that because she did organize it very well. You know, she had one of my sisters, they get together, I'm going to be here. I'm going to be at this time. You know, they had everything organized, you know, um, putting in this booking, they had everything organized. So thank God for that, you know, blessed to not friends outside people to help you. That's wonderful.

Speaker 3:

Um, one of the things that, um, we talked about last year and, and also I'm, I'm 59 as of this interview is the frequency of getting your mammograms and when to start having your mammograms, do you want to touch on that a little bit?

Speaker 2:

Well, I would think that, you know, it's, according to what the doctor recommend, you know, like sometimes with me prior to me having all of this, I did have little issues. You know, I did have, um, nodules that they were watching. So at some point in time, I had to come in every six months, you know, instead of every year. So they will recommend that on the report. So then you need to keep abreast of it, to know, well, okay, your six months followup is coming in, you know, um, get you prescription from your doctor because they can't do it without a prescription, you know, have all of your things or ready. So when you come in, there is no problem for your appointment from getting your stuff done to for yourself. So it don't make a hassle for yourself.

Speaker 3:

And you know, one of the things too, like last year, I had my mammogram at the breast center out west Boca, diagnostic imaging. And it was a very pleasant experience in regard to, from the moment I got there. And also too, they were, um, you know, pro uh, COVID protocol. So nobody could come with me at that time. And just from the moment I checked in to each step was just very, um, peaceful because you are concerned and stressed and worried sometimes, you know, the it's all comes together and it was, it's a beautiful facility and they were very kind and very informative.

Speaker 2:

Very good. I'm glad to hear. Thank you. I'm very glad that you had that. This is exactly what we tried to provide over here. You know, a peaceful and stressful stress, stress, um, going through your procedure and everything. Cause we know it's nerve wracking. We know, um, know terminology, sorry, nerve wracking, but you know what I'm trying to say, everybody comes in, they're anxious. There are some people who come in like, you know, actually I have to tell you, I started here two years ago. Cause I worked mainly at the hospital and couple of people, well I talk to everybody I'm I don't know if you remember me. I was a screen at the front. I was the girl that was doing the screening. Yes. If you were the lady who wore the hats with the sparklies and stuff.

Speaker 3:

Yeah, that was,

Speaker 2:

I was tracking you if you can't take pictures, you said no, no, I worked for a good thing. The pictures, it was funny. I loved you loved everything. You had all these practice stuff. That's my kind of thing.

Speaker 3:

Verbally girl and pink is one of my favorite colors and you were right. And we got that straightened out real quick. It wasn't even an issue. It was just more of a critical. Got it.

Speaker 2:

Yes. And so while I'm talking to people, when I was screening them, you know, I hear that, you know, you know how they come in, they're nervous. Some of them who had lumpectomy and they're coming back for their repeat and this, and they're nervous and you're right. It is a nerve wracking situation. When you come to get your breasts stuff done because you don't know, you know, so we tried to make it as peaceful as, um, and as pleasant for the patients.

Speaker 3:

That's for people that are listening to this, um, uh, the breast center at west Boca diagnostic imaging is over at 70, 70 west Palmetto park road, which is a power line and Palmetto and its parking is easy. It's, you know, you, you know, it's right there in the Plaza. So it's very convenient to all of Boca because it's, it's, it's just right there really in sort of central Boca, but also to other parts of the area from, you know, Broward all the way up to the Palm beaches, you know, we're just very centrally located right here.

Speaker 2:

Yes. Yes.

Speaker 3:

So I would love to just get some parting thoughts from you. Anything that you would like to share that we haven't really talked about. I know, you know, with, with it being breast cancer awareness month, um, we start to roll into the holidays. And so, um, is there any, anything you want to share in regard to holiday prep, if someone is going to be having surgery or going through treatment, um, during the holidays, because that becomes a, I think a little bit trickier to,

Speaker 2:

Well, you know, my thing is me personally. And like I would say, this is that biases. You think about yourself, don't worry about the holidays. You can always get your help, whatever help you need, if you need in order to have friends or family or whatever it is. But for you, you have to think about what's best for you to do. And you know, if you have to have surgery, well, it's always going to be next year for holidays because campus plus phone this for the holidays, um, if you feel like, okay, say, I instance, for instance, I'm going to have surgery in November, just drawing that out there. Well, and you want to put up, say your, do your Christmas stuff, or you do your Hanukkah stuff and you want to put it on before because you have it a certain way. You want to do it well, then all by all means, do it. And then when your surgery is done an overweight, at least you have it up and you can say, well, okay, it's up? Um, I could do whatever little for myself. Um,

Speaker 3:

That's okay. That's great. That's, that's great information and great tips. Well, Sue, I so appreciate your time today. I'm glad you're doing well. I'm actually going to be scheduling my mammograms. I'll probably see you this month sometime. And I appreciate being able to collaborate with well-spoken medical center on this. My grandmother had breast cancer back in the, um, like seventies. And so this is something that's near and dear to my, my, my, uh, dad's mom actually had Alzheimer's. So I also, um, you know, support the Alzheimer's association. So it, it's nice to be able to have these conversations and share, because I think there are women and men because men get breast cancer too. Um, have these questions and don't always know who to ask and maybe just listening to a podcast episode or an interview like this will encourage someone to one, get their mammogram, and then also feel less, a little less stressed to have this kind of information and talking to someone like you Sue. So I so appreciate it today.

Speaker 2:

Thank you very much, Michelle. You have a wonderful day and again, it was great talking to you. I will send you a picture.

Speaker 3:

Sure. Oh, please do. I'll talk to you guys soon and thanks everyone for listening to so broken stories today. I am Michelle. Asari your host, and I will see you on the next episode. Have a great day.

Speaker 1:

Thanks for joining us on this. Week's so Boca stories episode, I am so excited that you have joined us. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, all the great podcasting platforms. Please make sure you subscribe and follow the so boca.com blog we're on Instagram at so Boca and Facebook. And if you would like to see some YouTube videos, you can even head over to watch those on our channel. If you are looking to have an interview or would like to do a sponsored post or sponsored social media, reach out to me so that we can chat about some of the packages that we do offer, you can send an email to info@soboca.com or you can also DM me on Instagram or on our Facebook page. Thanks again to the sponsors. Michelle, Bella, sorry, real broker LLC. If you have a referral for sunny south Florida, or you live here and are thinking of upsizing downsizing, making a move, think of me, Michelle B and Holly Alicia photography for all of your beautiful photography needs. Thanks again. And I will see you on the next episode.