newly diagnosed breast cancer stage 1
Save as Favorite- I was Diagnosed with:
- intermediate grade invasive ductal carcinoma
- Date of Diagnosis:
- March 16, 2012
- Employment Status:
- full-time
- Gender/Age:
- Female/42
- Type and Description of Treatments:
- Found at exam 3/8; biopsied 3/9/12. Given diagnosis 3/16. Lumpectomy done 4/4 with 6 lymph nodes checked (all clear). Chemo tx to begin 5/2/12-- 4 treatments total; once every three weeks-- followed by radiation for 6 weeks and Tamoxiflin (sp?) to follow. Chemo is cytoxan and taxotere.
- How do you feel today?
Anxious regarding chemo, but want to just do it and be done. Worried about kids 13,10.
- Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?
Incredible support from family, friends, and work. More difficulty falling asleep. More pressure to keep a balance for work and home... not knowing what is my future for treatments (guilt).
- What is going well for you right now?
It was found early! I know that I am blessed for that.. but still a struggle to deal with the fact that it still IS something to deal with.
- What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?
Keeping strong for kids; balancing work and home.
- When difficulties overwhelm you, where do you go for support?
husband, family, friends
- What is your work arrangement right now? What are your hours?
flexible, but full-time. 8-9 hours a day starting about 8:00 am. Can do weekends to make-up hours during the week.
- Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your work life?
wonderful support, but I still put pressure on myself to go "above and beyond" at work, because that's what I have always done, and love to do. Don't want people to "feel bad" for me.
- What has helped you continue to work the most?
I really love what I do! I am an occupational therapist. It is very rewarding in itself. Then, at home, I have an amazing husband to support me.
- What advice do you have for others trying to work through treatment?
(I haven't done it yet!) I'd love advice myself!
- How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?
(Not yet--)
- If "today's you" could give advice to "day-of-diagnosis you," what would you say?
I feel like those two are too close together yet.. I guess just take it a day at a time. You have an amazing support system.
