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| Jessica's Rules Image © Emory Winship Cancer Institute |
Jessica Lucas teaches and practices Pliates. Although she hadn't planned on becoming a co-owner of Intown Pilates Atlanta studio, she took that step seven years ago. That happened after she was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer at 33. Now 40 years old and still teaching and surviving, and she talks about how her diagnosis hit her, and how she fought back. Lucas was treated at Emory University Winship Cancer Institute in Atlanta, Georgia.
Lucas felt a palpable breast lump, and was sent for a mammogram. Four days later, she was told that she had high-grade breast cancer. Stunned, she fled for her home and collapsed on the floor. Later she would discover more details about the spread of the cancer, and the surgeries and treatments that would be needed to save her life. She clung to Pilates and the discipline it gave her, all through treatment. She practiced, kept "fit from head to toe" and spent time teaching whenever she could. Later, she started Pilates for a Purpose, which has inspired other breast cancer survivors to stay fit.
She speaks highly of her medical team at Emory Winship, saying that the team approach to treatment impressed her. The mutual respect of professionals from different specialties makes the team work effectively together. Lucas prays for "courage and tenacity" and plans to stick around. I admire her positive and realistic attitude, and the fact that she has obviously learned a great deal about her diagnosis and how treatments work. When a patient becomes this engaged with her own treatment, and this determined to stay the course, I want to stand up and cheer. Jessica Lucas, you rock!
- Jessica's Rules - Video from Emory University
- Breast Cancer Recovery and Pilates
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