A little better. I consider myself fortunate wh...
Save as Favorite- I was Diagnosed with:
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
- Date of Diagnosis:
- July 20, 2010
- Employment Status:
- family medical leave
- Age:
- 46
- Type and Description of Treatments:
- breast exam 7/13/10, mammogram & ultrasound 7/15/10, biopsy 7/16/10, dx with breast ca 7/20/10 & saw surgeon & plastic surgeon, partial mastectomy, setinel node biopsy 7/27/10, first oncologist appt 8/11/10, MUGA test 8/17/10, Liver ultrasound & bone scan 8/19/10, first chemo treatment* N&V,fatigue 8/27/10, first Neulasta shot 8/30/10, first appt with radiation dr, Infection, right axilla swollen nodule 8/31/10, Echo 9/3/10, Surgery for placement of a port 9/7/10, second chemo treatment 9/10/10, Call from boss @ work referring me to call employee health 9/13/10, second Neulasta shot *bad side effects, muscle soreness, bedridden for two days 9/14/10, traveled to employee health after dealing with phone tag 3 days to speak with the employee health nurse re: my job 9/17/10. I was told "my boss cannot accommodate me" I have an appt with my oncologist Monday 9/20/10 to attempt to resolve this matter.
- How do you feel today?
A little better. I consider myself fortunate when I have energy to smile, laugh, & accomplish small tasks like a load of laundry.
- Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?
Oh my gosh, let me count the ways..... I was working 10.5 hr shifts @ night full time in a sleep lab in a hospital. My schedule consisted of working 4 days in a row, then one day off, then 5 days in a row, then 5 days off. During my free time, I spent time with my boyfriend, my dogs, attended concerts with friends. I thought I was liked, although since my diagnosis, if it were not for my boyfriend, mother & sister I would be completely alone.
- What is going well for you right now?
Today I feel energetic enough to complete this.
- What is not going well for you right now?
Frustration over my oncologist's restrictions @ work & my employers unwillingness to work with me.
- What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?
Fear & Change. I'm becoming bald, I have scars & I don't have any idea who I am anymore. I look in the mirror only if I have to, although I don't recognize the person before me.
- When difficulties overwhelm you, where do you go for support?
I see a counselor.
- How have your long-term goals or life goals changed since diagnosis?
Difficult to say, I pretty much live moment to moment.
- What is your work arrangement right now? What are your hours?
Haven't been able to return to work yet.
- Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your work life?
Haven't been able to return to work yet.
- What has helped you continue to work the most?
Haven't been able to return to work yet.
- What advice do you have for others trying to work through treatment?
Find some strength somewhere because you're going to need it.
- How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?
Remain bedridden, drink Boost, Sierra mist, eat when I can, & don't eat when I can't. Ask for help if I don't feel well enough to drive myself.
- If "today's you" could give advice to "day-of-diagnosis you," what would you say?
Let it all out & cry, it's OK to not feel strong today.
