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Leticia T. on March 4, 2011
I was Diagnosed with:
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Stage IV
Employment Status:
unemployed
Gender/Age:
Female/50
Type and Description of Treatments:
Chemotherapy- Avastin Abraxene, Neulasta, Right Mastectomy, Radiation, Left skin sparing Mastectomy, Total Hysterectomy, DIEP Flap, Lymphedema, Tamoxifen, Zometa
How do you feel today?
Feeling good. Due for a PET Scan this month, Getting ready to get back to work. I will continue to have IV treatment monthly I have bone metastasis.
Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?
Most of all my attitude I want so much to have given something back and to have made a difference in this world.
What is going well for you right now?
I was diagnosed in my last semester of Nursing School.I managed to finish my education took my exit Exam in Dec 2010. My official graduation date was February 2011. I will receive my diploma this month! Bachelors of Science in Nursing. I am a new Nurse. I take my boards this April.
What is not going well for you right now?
We placed my mom in a nursing home and I'm trying to study for boards lotttsss of stress.
What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?
Telling my family trying to finish school putting together a resume deciding what to say about my absence from work.
When difficulties overwhelm you, where do you go for support?
My girlfriends who are cancer survivors and my nurse friends.
How have your long-term goals or life goals changed since diagnosis?
Well I was going into a more stressful area of nursing I'm an adrenaline junky. Now I've chosen a less stressful path. At least I think so. I need to take care of myself so I can care for others.
What is your work arrangement right now? What are your hours?
I am currently unemployed.
Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your work life?
Everything I hope I have become a better person. I'm going to church trying to find a place that's good for me.
What has helped you continue to work the most?
My family my grandbaby. He was brand new when I was diagnosed and has helped me through the worst of the worst.
What advice do you have for others trying to work through treatment?
Take care of yourself don't overdue it.
How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?
Lymphedema treatment, Chemobrain I keep studying I've changed the environment I study in so I'm not easily distracted and it needs to be quite. Most of all never give up.
If "today's you" could give advice to "day-of-diagnosis you," what would you say?
You are a strong and caring person you keep fighting. Have faith God has a plan for you and his will will be done. We are not in control. Live life to the fullest don't sweat the small stuff. Spend every minute you can with your family. But most of all never give up be as positive as you can.