Attitude, Exercise Help Jane Griffith Bounce Back From Multiple Surgeries
Jane Griffith was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999. After a lumpectomy and node removal, it was determined that only radiation was needed. "I worked out and worked during treatments. I just knew from the start that I would beat it," she says.
Jane also struggled with arthritis in her back. When she went to have an MRI, she was recalled because the physician needed a scan higher up on her spine. While there was no issue with her back, the image revealed cancer in her kidney, which led to a left kidney removal in 2006. "It doesn’t feel like I had cancer. I bounced right back," Jane notes.
Shortly thereafter in 2007, Jane had her right hip replaced. But again, she continued moving. "I walked ten minutes every hour at first, and built upon that."
In June 2007, Jane dealt with a ruptured appendix and by November of the same year, she needed a left hip replacement. "The pain just got too intense. I called Dr. Swank and told him I’d had enough and it just so happened he had a cancellation for the following day."
Jane Meets with a Personal Trainer to Get Stronger
While Jane has led an active lifestyle, she teamed up with Tracy Littleman at the Pavilion in June 2008 to get stronger. "Tracy showed me how to use weights upstairs and to work out in the water. I was working out two days upstairs and three days in the pool, and then I joined the arthritis class. Now I do most of my work in the pool."
Jane also dealt with hernia surgeries and osteoporosis that resulted in stress fractures. In fact, Jane underwent five surgeries in 22 months. She says attitude and exercise played a huge part in how well she has recovered.
But the best thing for Jane was making new meaningful friendships. "It’s harder to meet friends when you move somewhere later in life. I’m thankful for Beth Angilella. We are able to share what we’ve been through, talk about therapies, etc. Everyone in that pool has a story to tell."
Jane has been married to Charles Griffith for 51 years and enjoys getting together each week with her children and grandchildren.