Gina Caputo
In December of 2015, I was blessed to meet with Dr. Beth DuPree for a consult. From the moment we met I knew she was the right doctor for me. From the onset of our fist meeting she told me “we will be friends for a long time”.
At that point, not knowing a diagnosis, I not only met a Doctor but a person who was selfless, compassionate, knowledgeable, an expert and passionate about her work and her patients. Each appointment started with a hug and ended with a hug and an I love you.
I was diagnosed in May 2016 with Stage 0 DCIS in my left breast and LCIS in my right breast. Prior to my diagnosis, the level of care during many months of testing, imaging, and biopsies leading up to my mastectomies was presented in such a comfortable and loving experience.
Not knowing what would be confirmed is frightening and with each appointment, test and surgery I gained confidence over time even with not knowing an outcome. What I did know is that there were many receptors leading to cancer. The level of care and Dr. DuPree’s expertise gave me hope and positive thoughts.
After my lumpectomies in March of 2016 it was confirmed that I had Stage 0 DCIS in my left breast and LCIS in my right. From that moment on I was taken under her staff’s wing, with a nurse advocate to help me with some decisions, answered questions and educated with what was available to me through their programs at Healing Consciousness Foundation (HCF).
With the diagnosis I was a high risk due to family history with no genetic link but still at a high percentage of the cancer returning. At that point I chose to have double mastectomies, to prevent anything further and not worry about looking over my shoulder each year. I then another amazing, compassionate and kind Physician, Dr. William Scarlett, Plastic Surgeon who thoroughly explained all my options.
Once my decision was made, I was introduced to many options for healing. I attended an amazing thriving class, given certificates to attend many classes offered through HCF. Together with both doctors, their staff and the education made it a pleasant experience for me. Each case, patient and diagnosis are different, I was very lucky and was told had “many angles above” watching over me.
Since my surgery, which I never doubted or looked back I have changed so many things in my life. I stopped smoking (social smoker), better eating habits, more sleep. I was back to work within 6 weeks, I always exercised, mostly cardio, and I have added Pink Ribbon Pilates, Flex line, Small Group Training with a full body work out with weights, Spin Class and Team Training with a personal trainer including weights and cardio on a daily basis.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story, I am proud of who I am today and the choice I made.
Gina Caputo.
Edie Celeste
My first thought when I read your post requesting patients to share their stories was that my story wouldn’t be that exciting or helpful. But then it dawned on me that mine was truly the perfect story of how diligence and awareness pays off! The years and dates are fuzzy, but I remembered that I was diagnosed with atypical hyperplasia In my left breast by Dr Jacobelli after a biopsy more than 25-30 yrs ago in the same area as my Stage I, IDC was found 4 1/2 yrs ago. The reason it was detected at an early stage is because of your recommendation to alternate mammograms with MRIs due to my personal and family history (lost my beautiful sister in 2001). My annual mammogram did not detect the lesion that the MRI picked up 6 months later! I’m forever grateful that Dr DuPree advocated for the close monitoring of my breast health through the past 25+ years! MRIs are important!
Miss You Dr DuPree!
Karen Muro
So many options to choose from, but who is there to listen, teach and inspire...
February 17, after major surgery, I was returning to the office for a follow up exam and clearances to return to work. In the past, I had cysts and tumors, that filled my breasts and this surgery was going to “clear all of that”. However, the results I received were, “Karen, you have breast cancer!” I immediately knew that Dr. Beth DuPree, would be my best and only chance at a transformation of life. She knew me, she knew my story, she would know what to do!
The next day, I was sitting in her office, waiting for the facts. The most incredible thing she said was: "You have Breast Cancer and you are not going to die".
You hear the words and then you hear nothing else. Dr. DuPree explained everything as a Physician, but then she put the books down, sat in front of me and said words that I will never forget......."Karen, what do you want to get out of this? You have been through a lot and we are going to get through this together, but you have to realize that you are one of the most important people you will ever meet, you must put yourself first, gain control of your well-being and I have just the team to do that.
What doctor says: ”I am human and I can only heal someone as much as they want to be healed!”
A few days later, Dr. DuPree sent mail to my home. My heart stopped, "Oh my goodness, they found something else in one of those tests and mailed me the results!”
I opened the mail and there was a letter from Dr. DuPree...”I have many services which will be made available to you in the form of healing, I want to be sure that you receive the best care you can and would like you to accept these complimentary services.” What doctor does that? What physician says, "I think you could use this service or that service and oh, I would like to pay for those services for you!”
The next day, I was scheduled to visit Dr. DuPree, I was not well....She sat on the couch next to me, said very few words, got up and went to another office, came back and told me that I was scheduled to see one of her providers the next morning at 11:00 and that I needed to attend this appointment!
This was my first experience with "Guided Imagery". It was overwhelming to be the company of such compassionate caregivers. The road to holistic healing is powerful and so full of love, light and energy. The experience of guided imagery, reiki, massage, etc., and learning to let go of your fears was just the beginning of me taking responsibility for my own healing process.
April 7, 2010, I was scheduled for another surgery with Dr. Dupree. I was angry, sad, scared, I was not in the now, I was in the past. Prior to receiving my anesthesia, Dr. DuPree’s words, actions and healing modalities assured me, I was safe, I was well, and she would continue to help heal me, one cell at a time. Grace & Gratitude filled the OR.
I realized that day that it does not take a pill or a scapula to remove my disease. It took the ability for someone to care, share their passion and show me that if you believe in yourself, want to do good things, take care of your being, that you will be able to remove the dis-ease of your soul and allow nothing but positive energy fill your heart.
Holistic modalities are such an important part of today's method of healing. There is no medication that will replace the element of self-reflection, self-healing, stress reduction and relaxation. Dr. DuPree is the leading edge of recovery.
Patients who experience this type of “treatment” are guaranteed to live a longer, healthier and happier lifestyle.
Dr. DuPree, without a doubt, is clearly the best in her field and by “field”, I mean the field of life! She cares about her patients individually, she provides individual care, she respects you, she introduces you to so many forms of healing, all of which are centered on self-care, self-love, and the power of mindful thinking. Dr. Dupree has saved my life in more ways than she will probably ever know and today, I am whole in mind, body and spirit because of her presence.
Thank you,
Karen Muro