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Patty M. on April 14, 2013
I was Diagnosed with:
Lobular Breast Cancer Stage 2-Right Breast
Employment Status:
Nurse
Gender/Age:
Male/58
Type and Description of Treatments:
Double mastectomy - Chemotherapy
How do you feel today?
I am feeling more like myself everyday.
Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?
Everything!!! From my outlook to how how I look at life, to how I get rid of all people who are toxic right out of my life. Physical changes - emotional changes. Doing more vacations and time with family and friends.
What is going well for you right now?
Feel healthy - able to eat like I used too.
What is not going well for you right now?
I'm in over-drive from tamoxifen and I have terrible hot flashes, then I'm cold, discharge from the tamoxifen and itching. Was told to take Vitamin E for the flashes but it doesn't help. Just purchased a "cold pillow" - will let people know if it works.
What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?
The surgery was difficult, pain-wise and reacted to neulasta and terribly sick from chemo. The two biggest thing that initially bothered me, is how long it takes for your hair to grow back and people attempting to be supportive but they are not living it, so its hard for them to really understand.
When difficulties overwhelm you, where do you go for support?
My husband and my friends that had breast cancer.
How have your long-term goals or life goals changed since diagnosis?
My long term goals are short term goals. Things getting done to the house - vacations.
What is your work arrangement right now? What are your hours?
I work full time, 4 - 10 hour shifts, different days every week.
Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your work life?
People comment all the time to me...."I love your new hair cut!!!" I fianlly started saying, thanks but it's a wig!!!
What has helped you continue to work the most?
My boss was great, I initially filled out FMLA paper work, my employer granted me advanced leave so I didn't have to worry financially.
What advice do you have for others trying to work through treatment?
Pray! Pray! Pray and believe that God will get you though even on your toughest days.
How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?
I tookk zofran- extra IV therapy for hydration-gingerale-liquid fleets suppositories along with lactulose for constipation, so I didnt feel so bloated.
If "today's you" could give advice to "day-of-diagnosis you," what would you say?
Be relieved to know and where do I go from there? The only good thing about the internet was researching my doctors, a lot of the other information wasn't even true.