CARMEL — Julia Porter was drawn to her career as a speech language pathologist because of the ability to interact with patients and follow them over time.
Through her work at IU Health North and the IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center, Porter helps others relearn how to swallow after getting treatment for head or neck cancer.
In 2017, Porter found herself on the other side after she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that developed in the salivary glands and other areas of the neck and head.
"Looking back [at] that moment, life is pretty much divided into the before cancer and after cancer time period," Porter said.
She endured three surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation. She's now cancer free and doing well.
"It's just a lot of trying to figure out how to live my normal life, which wasn't normal anymore and still doesn't feel normal to some degree," Porter said.
She shares her journey with her patients and will counsel them on what they could expect.
"I do also say we're all a little different and we're all going to experience this differently, but we did all hear those words of you have cancer," Porter said. "Sometimes it is hard to separate yourself from the person in front of you, especially now with more head and neck cancer patients being diagnosed younger and younger ... generally I feel like it's helpful for me and the patient to be quite honest to be able to feel like there was a reason I went through all this and to kind of give that back."
IU Health is offering free head and neck cancer screenings on Friday:
In Carmel, screenings are happening from 1-4 p.m. at the IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center - 11645 N. Illinois St., Carmel, IN 46032. Appointments are not required, but space is limited. Call 317.962.3659 with questions.
In Indianapolis, screenings are also happening from 1-4 p.m. at the Melvin & Bren Simon Cancer Center 550 University, Suite AOC 3170, Indianapolis, IN 46202 (parking vouchers for University Garage will be provided). Appointments are not required, but all participants will be screened at the door and masks will be worn.
Due to space, no additional guests, including children, will be accommodated. Call 317.962.3659 with questions.
-
A quiet Tuesday before higher chances for rain later this week
Our quiet weather conditions continue into Wednesday before an isolated rain chance Wednesday night. Higher chances of rain arrive later this week.
Mistrial declared in murder case of mother accused of daughter’s death
As of Tuesday afternoon, a mistrial has been declared for Toni McClure, the mother charged with murder in the death of her 5-year-old daughter, Kinsleigh Welty.
NCAA approves eligibility rules for Division I athletes
The NCAA approved a new eligibility model for Division I athletes that will allow five seasons of competition over a five-year period.
Neo-soul queen Erykah Badu, The Alchemist head to Indianapolis this fall
R&B and Neo-soul icon Erykah Badu and hip-hop producer The Alchemist are coming to Indianapolis this fall.
