Breast cancer survivor Stephanie Berman raised $9,000 for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation by coordinating a charity Pilates class at her studio to mark her five-year survivorship anniversary, five years after treating a dual diagnosis of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ and Paget's disease at age 32.
In September 2020, Stephanie Berman noticed blood coming out of her nipple, which doctors initially dismissed as running-associated chafing or a minor infection, bcrf.org reported. After months of persistent symptoms, cancelled appointments due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and multiple rounds of antibiotics, Berman pushed for further evaluation and scheduled a mammogram at a local women’s center in Chicago.
Why Did Stephanie Berman Face a Dual Breast Cancer Diagnosis at Age 32?
During her mammogram screening, imaging technicians called Berman back multiple times before four physicians entered the room to discuss suspicious calcifications. A subsequent biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ, a non-invasive form of breast cancer where abnormal cells form in the milk ducts. However, her doctors noted that the calcifications did not explain her initial symptom.
A secondary evaluation revealed Paget’s disease of the breast, a rare type of cancer involving the skin of the nipple and areola. Confronted with a dual diagnosis in different locations of the breast, Berman faced a critical surgical decision. She chose a double mastectomy to reduce recurrence risks, which her medical team estimated at around 50 percent, opting to bypass chemotherapy.
Abnormal Cells Define Early Non-Invasive Breast Cancer
- Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): An early, non-invasive breast cancer where abnormal cells stay inside the milk ducts without spreading into surrounding breast tissue.
- Paget’s Disease of the Breast: A rare condition where cancer cells collect in or around the nipple, frequently presenting alongside underlying ductal carcinoma.
How Did Pilates and Community Support Shape Recovery Across Different Studios?
Following her reconstructive surgeries and negative genetic test results, Berman returned to an active lifestyle that included running and teaching Pilates. To celebrate her five-year survivorship milestone, she partnered with the Lagree studio where she teaches part-time, promoting the charity event for two weeks and raising $9,000 for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
At Club Pilates Bend, owner Jamie Skuse—who was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and underwent three types of chemotherapy and 34 rounds of radiation—describes the studio as a localized support hub, youroregonnews.com reported. Skuse noted that resistance training using reformers and mats helps maintain bone density compromised by chemotherapy while preventing frozen shoulder and stiffness following chest surgeries.
Gina Kadow, a three-time breast cancer survivor who has attended Club Pilates Bend for a year and a half, emphasized the psychological and physical benefits of the practice during treatment, youroregonnews.com reported. Kadow noted that the mind-body experience provides a calming effect while strengthening the body. Skuse continues to offer community outreach, including participating in food trains and accompanying clients to initial mammogram appointments.
What Next Steps Define Ongoing Survivorship and Research Funding?
References
- Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). Patient survivorship and fundraising records.
- You Oregon News. Coverage of Club Pilates Bend and survivor community integration.
