In 2017, Bela Shah was diagnosed with colon cancer. She had surgery and chemotherapy and later returned to work. But soon after, she learned it had spread to her lymphatic system.
“I was going downhill, not doing well,” she says. “I was feeling very sad and depressed.”
That’s when she came across the phone number for Waterford Place Cancer Resource Center and decided to call. Waterford Place provides programs and services to those affected by cancer, at no cost to participants.
The voice on the other end of the phone — Lisa Lapinski, who was receptionist at the time — touched her. “It was so caring and welcoming,” Bela remembers. Lapinski offered her a tour and even a ride to the center, if needed.
A compassionate, caring welcome
She received a very warm welcome when she visited and got involved in a variety of programs and services, including Tai Chi and a class to help manage skin changes during treatment. Because she was losing her hair from chemotherapy, she consulted with Jenny Burns, a licensed cosmetologist and medical hair loss expert.
From her interactions with Lapinski, Burns, oncology-focused esthetician Geralyn O’Brien and massage therapist Michelle Haugen, Bela says, “You feel they are friends. They have such compassionate, caring natures.”
She got that same feeling when she attended the group movement class. Judy Siek, certified cancer exercise trainer and group fitness instructor, who leads multiple exercise classes at Waterford Place, knows what patients go through and modifies the exercises for each participant, Bela says.
Holistic treatment is necessary
Bela went on to participate in sound therapy and Reiki — a holistic, natural healing practice that brings wellness and balance to the mind, body and spirit. She also benefited from facials and massage.
“It feels so good to have those soft, caring hands on your face and to know that someone understands and is taking care of you,” Bela says. “I needed medical treatment, but the holistic treatment is so necessary, too. I found that at Waterford Place.”
At one point in her treatment, Bela learned that her chemo was not working. She lost hope and felt her life was ending. “But Waterford Place helped me see that I was still beautiful and not a useless person,” she says.
Regaining her life
Bela took a class to learn to give Reiki to other people. It’s a good feeling to know you can do something for others, she says. She joined the Giving Back Society at Waterford Place, where they brainstorm and create items to help other people with cancer. She had never sewn before but another participant stepped up to teach her basic sewing so she could make rice bags and pillows for other patients.
“It makes you feel so good to be doing things that help others. You feel your life is coming back,” she says.
After 18 chemotherapy treatments and 26 immunotherapies, Bela’s health is stable, and she is monitored every six months.
“Waterford Place gave me hope and a second life,” Bela says. “I’m not sitting home. I’m so involved in other activities I forget about the side effects. Waterford Place is my second home and extended family.”
