When physical therapist Gwen Simons felt what she thought might be a lump in her left breast in 2010, it set in motion a series of decisions and scans that led to surgery.

Her story is in some ways sadly familiar, given cancer statistics in this country. Each year in the United States, it's estimated that more than a quarter-million women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

But Gwen's journey was also atypical in some ways. It featured unexpected mammogram results, a strategically timed lecture, consultations with colleagues in the physical therapy profession, and, as it turned out, a decision by Gwen that may have saved her life.

In this episode of Move Forward Radio, Gwen shares her story, and one of the physical therapists who advised her along the way, Marisa Perdomo, joins her.

Download the podcast on iTunes or Google Play or listen below.

Gwen Simons, PT, is a board-certified orthopaedic clinical specialist and an attorney. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Gwen started 3 private practices in the Louisville, Kentucky, area, provided contract services to a rural Kentucky hospital, and provided work injury management and job analysis consultation services to large industries. After graduating from law school, she merged her knowledge of private practice and law to start a law practice that caters to the needs of private practitioners.

Marisa Perdomo, PT, DPT, specializes in orthopedics, manual therapy, primarily oncology, and cancer rehabilitation. She is an active member of American Physical Therapy Association and a member of the oncology and orthopaedic sections. She is chair of the Education Task Force for oncology specialization and is team leader for writing clinical practice guidelines for cancer-related lymphedema.