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Home > Collective Diary > Except for my car accident yesterday, I FEEL GR...

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Except for my car accident yesterday, I FEEL GR...

3-6Months

Ria M. on June 9, 2009

I was Diagnosed with:

Breast Cancer

Employment Status:

Secretary

Gender/Age:

47

Type and Description of Treatments:

Mastectomy and now chemotherapy

How do you feel today?

Except for my car accident yesterday, I FEEL GREAT.

Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?

I let people into my life, something that was always a no-no for me.

What is going well for you right now?

I am surrounded by loving and caring family,co-workers and friends.

What is not going well for you right now?

Chemotherapy

What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?

To change my eating habits, from chocolates to fruit.

When difficulties overwhelm you, where do you go for support?

My family, co-workers and friends are always there for me.

How have your long-term goals or life goals changed since diagnosis?

I now share all my feelings with people who are interested in me as a person, something I couldn't do previously. I realized how much I have missed in my past 47 years, not allowing people to come near me.

Everybody needs somebody - no matter what the circumstances are.

What is your work arrangement right now? What are your hours?

I still work normal hours. The day after chemotherapy, I stay at home and I am in a fortunate position to have understanding bosses who also care very much for me. I've been working for them for 28 years now.

I work 8 hours a day, and should the need arises, I work longer.

Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your work life?

I now realize how much people love and care for me. I can now also walk to them, give them a spontaneous hug and just love them the way they love me.

What has helped you continue to work the most?

I have the physical strength and I am very loyal towards my bosses.

What advice do you have for others trying to work through treatment?

Accept the fact that you will feel miserable and sick for a few days - just go for it.

How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?

Not very well. I eat ginger biscuits to help with nausea, just stay in bed. My sister takes care of me and give me all the love and care in the world.

If "today's you" could give advice to "day-of-diagnosis you," what would you say?

As I never thought I had cancer, I took my sister with me for the outcome of my mammogram and that helped a lot. It's not a death sentence.

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