A True Champion, Alyssa Liddle battled and beat her greatest foe and continues to inspire those around her.
Having a dedicated team
One thing that I can’t preach about enough is having the right medical team on your side. There were so many moments throughout my treatments and recovery where I felt so secure that my medical team was really providing me with the best care and advice for me, and I am really lucky to have had those feelings. You want to find doctors that are willing to hear you out and understand what your needs and goals for your life are. It’s best to have everyone on the same page.
Even though I love and appreciate my medical team, I still felt the need to get multiple opinions on some things. My doctors did everything in their power to make me feel as comfortable as possible with all of these huge life-changing things. I did not seek second options because I didn’t trust my doctors or their judgment. I just needed to hear from multiple people that I was doing the right thing. When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I had test results sent to other places to verify treatment options and chemo regimens. When I was told that having an amputation was my only option, I even flew out of state to get a second, third and FOURTH opinion. These were all such huge life-changing events that I was facing and I wanted the reassurance that I was making the best choices for myself and my future.
Now that I am working on all of my physical rehabilitation it has become apparent to me how important it is to have my prosthetist and my physical therapist on the same wave-length. I don’t know all of the ins and outs of prosthetics and all of their adaptations and possibilities. So for me, it was crucial to have my prosthetist involved in my training. While starting to work with the CU Sports Medicine and Performance Center, I had the ability to Facetime my prosthetist into the appointments. That was the best thing I could’ve done for myself. I got to hear how my PT and “leg guy” describe my different gait issues and how to address them. I walked away from my appointment knowing that they were both pushing for me to have the best tools necessary for my health and success.
I had never even thought to Facetime in a second pair of eyes into an appointment. I didn’t even know it would be allowed. But I was able to have both professionals in the room watch and make instant adjustments on my microprocessor knee and offer advice on safer walking habits and patterns. I knew my rehab and physical training team was dedicated to me and my needs.
Follow Alyssa on Facebook: @Whenlifegivesyoucancer and Instagram: _whenlifegivesyoucancer
