Except for my car accident yesterday, I FEEL GR...
Save as Favorite- I was Diagnosed with:
- Breast Cancer
- Date of Diagnosis:
- March 9, 2009
- Employment Status:
- Secretary
- Age:
- 47
- Type and Description of Treatments:
- Mastectomy and now chemotherapy
- How do you feel today?
Except for my car accident yesterday, I FEEL GREAT.
- Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?
I let people into my life, something that was always a no-no for me.
- What is going well for you right now?
I am surrounded by loving and caring family,co-workers and friends.
- What is not going well for you right now?
Chemotherapy
- What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?
To change my eating habits, from chocolates to fruit.
- When difficulties overwhelm you, where do you go for support?
My family, co-workers and friends are always there for me.
- How have your long-term goals or life goals changed since diagnosis?
I now share all my feelings with people who are interested in me as a person, something I couldn't do previously. I realized how much I have missed in my past 47 years, not allowing people to come near me.
Everybody needs somebody - no matter what the circumstances are.
- What is your work arrangement right now? What are your hours?
I still work normal hours. The day after chemotherapy, I stay at home and I am in a fortunate position to have understanding bosses who also care very much for me. I've been working for them for 28 years now.
I work 8 hours a day, and should the need arises, I work longer.
- Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your work life?
I now realize how much people love and care for me. I can now also walk to them, give them a spontaneous hug and just love them the way they love me.
- What has helped you continue to work the most?
I have the physical strength and I am very loyal towards my bosses.
- What advice do you have for others trying to work through treatment?
Accept the fact that you will feel miserable and sick for a few days - just go for it.
- How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?
Not very well. I eat ginger biscuits to help with nausea, just stay in bed. My sister takes care of me and give me all the love and care in the world.
- If "today's you" could give advice to "day-of-diagnosis you," what would you say?
As I never thought I had cancer, I took my sister with me for the outcome of my mammogram and that helped a lot. It's not a death sentence.
