Duke Health

When Hope Reynolds was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer at the age of 21, she felt like her body had betrayed her. She had no family history of cancer. No lifestyle risks. She'd kept in excellent shape swimming for a varsity team at a small college in Michigan. How could this be happening?

After her cancer was successfully treated, Reynolds continued to worry that something else might go wrong with her health. “Anytime I felt a little ache or pain, it was hard not to think that it could be really serious. This led to some pretty significant health anxiety,” she said. Her medical oncologist, Kelly Westbrook, MD, urged her to try the support services offered through Duke Cancer Institute’s Teen and Young Adult Oncology program.

One of the toughest moments during Debra Calhoun’s treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma came when her hair started falling out. “Even though they tell you to expect it, it’s still an emotional time,” she said. “Just waking up and seeing it on the pillow.” 

One of her best moments? Working with self-image consultant Shelby Meadows at the Duke Cancer Center Raleigh Boutique to create a new look that made her feel so good. Calhoun still drops by to scout the latest looks before her appointments.

When surgery to fix a broken ankle left Lynne Barrett in pain and unable to walk, she sought multiple medical opinions and underwent months of physical therapy, to no avail. Surgery at Duke Health has restored her ability to walk, returning her to the activities that she enjoys. “It’s pretty amazing,” Barrett said. “So wonderful.”