I feel great! I'm positive about my outlook an...
Save as Favorite- I was Diagnosed with:
- DCIS
- Date of Diagnosis:
- June 10, 2008
- Employment Status:
- Adminsitrative Assistant
- Age:
- 48
- Type and Description of Treatments:
- 2 lumpectomies, 30 sessions of radiation. Currently on Tamoxifen for next 5 years.
- How do you feel today?
I feel great! I'm positive about my outlook and will do everything I can to remain healthy.
- Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?
I live like it's my last day. I don't take anything for granted and I make sure that my loved ones know how much I love them.
- What is going well for you right now?
I'm still working. In this economy, many of my colleagues have lost their jobs but I am thankful I still have mine and health insurance.
- What is not going well for you right now?
I can't really say.
- What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?
Telling my family. When I learned I had cancer I went to the doctor alone because I had a feeling there was not going to be good news so I told my husband that I would go alone. I had to make the phone call to him to tell him that they had found something and that I would require further surgery. Then we had to tell our daughters.
- When difficulties overwhelm you, where do you go for support?
When difficulties overwhelm me, I seek support from my church. I have a large church family and whenever I feel depressed I reach out or I just stay home and pray.
- How have your long-term goals or life goals changed since diagnosis?
Yes. I want to work out more, travel more, spend more time with my friends and family.
- What is your work arrangement right now? What are your hours?
I don't have any arrangements. Even during my diagnosis I still worked regular hours. I wanted to remain as normal as possible.
- Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your work life?
I appreciate my work life more. People here have been so supportive.
- What has helped you continue to work the most?
The support I received.
- What advice do you have for others trying to work through treatment?
Be positive, be strong you will get through it.
- How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?
The only side affect I have felt is fatigue.
- If "today's you" could give advice to "day-of-diagnosis you," what would you say?
Nothing. I have to say that I was prepared for the diagnosis and I knew what I had to do. I resolved right then and there that I would fight for my life. I want to see my grandchildren someday.
