• At Work
  • Looking for Work
  • Employers
  • Healthcare Professionals

  • Events
  • Newsfeed
  • Take Action
  • About Us
  1. Login
  2. Donate
  3. Ask a career coach
  4. Collective diary
  5. Resources
  6. Free Publications

    Order or Download

  7. Educational Videos

    View All

  • Go Back
  • Introduction

  • Where to Start

  • Legal   Financial

  • Working Remotely

  • Back to Work

  • Coworkers

  • Caregivers

  • Early Career

  1. Login
  2. Donate
  3. Ask a career coach
  4. Collective diary
  5. Resources
  6. Free Publications

    Order or Download

  7. Educational Videos

    View All

  • Go Back
  • Introduction

  • Managers

  • Human Resources

  1. Login
  2. Donate
  3. Ask a career coach
  4. Collective diary
  5. Resources
  6. Free Publications

    Order or Download

  7. Educational Videos

    View All

  • Go Back
  • Introduction

  • Job Search & Disclosure
  • Your Online Footprint

  • Networking

  • Resume & Cover Letter

  • Resume Review Service

  • Interviewing

  • Exploring Your Options

  • Early Career

  1. Login
  2. Donate
  3. Ask a career coach
  4. Collective diary
  5. Resources
  6. Free Publications

    Order or Download

  7. Educational Videos

    View All

  • Go Back
  • Upcoming Events

  • National Conference

  • Balancing Work & Cancer Webinars

  • Midwest Conference
  • West Coast Conference
  • In-Service Training

  • Balancing Work & Cancer Workshops

  • Job-Search Intensive

  1. Login
  2. Donate
  3. Ask a career coach
  4. Collective diary
  5. Resources
  6. Free Publications

    Order or Download

  7. Educational Videos

    View All

  • Go Back
  • Introduction

  • News

  • Blog

  • Research

  • Newsletter

  1. Login
  2. Donate
  3. Ask a career coach
  4. Collective diary
  5. Resources
  6. Free Publications

    Order or Download

  7. Educational Videos

    View All

  • Go Back
  • Introduction

  • Donate

  • Sponsorship

  • Advocate/Become an Ambassador

  • Shop for a Cause

  • Beauty Editor's Closet Sale

  • Beauty of Giving Luncheon

  • Beauty with Benefits

  • Young Professionals Committee

  • Other Ways to Help

  1. Login
  2. Donate
  3. Ask a career coach
  4. Collective diary
  5. Resources
  6. Free Publications

    Order or Download

  7. Educational Videos

    View All

  • Go Back
  • Introduction

  • The Issue

  • Our Impact

  • Supporters

  • History

  • Transparency

  • Board of Governors

  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

  • Staff

  • Contact Us

  1. Login
  2. Donate
  3. Ask a career coach
  4. Collective diary
  5. Resources
  6. Free Publications

    Order or Download

  7. Educational Videos

    View All

ES
Cancer and Careers Logo
  • SEARCH
    • My Favorites (0)
    • Create an Account
    • Sign In
  • En Español
  • Donate

    Menu

    Close

  • At Work
    • Where to Start
    • Legal & Financial
    • Back to Work
    • Working Remotely
    • Coworkers
    • Caregivers
    • Early Career
    Ask a career coach
    Collective diary
    Resources
    Free Publications Order or Download
    Educational Videos View All
  • Looking for Work
    • Job Search & Disclosure
    • Your Online Footprint
    • Networking
    • Resume & Cover Letter
    • Resume Review Service
    • Interviewing
    • Exploring Your Options
    • Early Career
    Ask a career coach
    Collective diary
    Resources
    Free Publications Order or Download
    Educational Videos View All
  • Employers
    • Managers
    • Human Resources
    Ask a career coach
    Collective diary
    Resources
    Free Publications Order or Download
    Educational Videos View All
  • Healthcare Professionals
  • Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • National Conference
    • Balancing Work & Cancer Webinars
    • Midwest Conference
    • West Coast Conference
    • In-Service Training for Healthcare Professionals
    • Balancing Work & Cancer Workshops
    • Job-Search Intensive
    Ask a career coach
    Collective diary
    Resources
    Free Publications Order or Download
    Educational Videos View All
  • Newsfeed
    • News
    • Blog
    • Research
    • Newsletter
    Ask a career coach
    Collective diary
    Resources
    Free Publications Order or Download
    Educational Videos View All
  • Take Action
    • Donate
    • Sponsorship
    • Advocate/Become an Ambassador
    • Shop for a Cause
    • Beauty Editor's Closet Sale
    • Beauty of Giving Luncheon
    • Beauty with Benefits
    • Young Professionals Committee
    • Other Ways to Help
    Ask a career coach
    Collective diary
    Resources
    Free Publications Order or Download
    Educational Videos View All
  • About Us
    • The Issue
    • Our Impact
    • Supporters
    • History
    • Transparency
    • Board of Governors
    • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
    • Staff
    • Contact Us
    Ask a career coach
    Collective diary
    Resources
    Free Publications Order or Download
    Educational Videos View All

Home > Collective Diary > Here I am

Add to the discussion

Please sign in to ask your question or

Create an Account

Length of diagnosis

0-1 Months
1-3 Months
3-6 Months
6-12 Months
1-2 Years
2-5 Years
5+ Years
View All Entries

Recent Authors

Kelly G.
Amy R.
Shenell H.
Tamron L.
Cristal D.
La Shawn J.
Lowanda Shalik J.
Britta K.
Abby J.
Sara J.
View all authors »

Here I am

5+Years

Katie C. on September 29, 2011

I was Diagnosed with:

CML- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Employment Status:

Employed/Long Term Disability

Gender/Age:

Female/23

Type and Description of Treatments:

First year and a half of treatment was Gleevec. Last 3 1/2 years was Tasigna. My body became immune to both drugs and I've relapsed twice. Had Leukopheresis, Recently just started Sprycel. Buying me time to find a match for a BMT.

How do you feel today?

I feel tired, drained and worn out. I have bone pain and crazy body aches.

Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?

So much has changed in my life since being diagnosed, my plans, my friends, my lifestyle, my outlook, my daily activities. But I am thankful everyday of my life for being able to smile and appreciate who and what I have.

What is going well for you right now?

Right now I have a few things going well. My relationship with my family and friends.My relationship with my boyfriend. My money situation, work, and the fact that I can take care of myself :) My ability to volunteer and raise so much money for cancer and be the match!

What is not going well for you right now?

What is not going well for me right now is, I REALLLY need a match. Im really scared with this new chemo because it's only a matter of time before it stops working then I have nothing. Also this new chemo is kicking my butt. It sucks its literally killing me. But I push through and fight my way everyday! & some of my relationships struggle because I have a hard time and shut people out and dont communicate and include people in my daily life.

What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?

The most challenging thing about having cancer would be a few things. One being that you can never plan anything, you never know where you will be in 6 months to a year so its frustrating. Also Insurance & meds are always a pain. My relationships with people have been challenging and work and disability have been challenging.

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

I go to planetcancer. My cancer friends. My family, best friend, boyfriend. Anyone I trust or I just read and watch videos & cry.

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

It has all changed. Nothing is the same & it won't ever be. I just take each day as it comes.

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

I work Mon-Fri 8am til about 2 or 3 pm. I am also on disability. Im on a special program that helps me work for a certain amount of time.

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

It is very hard to stay focused and my body is sore and I struggle so much with body pains and aches.

What has helped you continue to work the most?

It gets me out of bed and gives me motivation to keep busy and stay focused.

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

Take it easy. Do something you love so that you really want to get up everyday. Find motivation in work and stay focused.

How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?

Yes, lots of side effects.

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

I would tell myself that what's ahead is going to be super painful but the love & support you find that people have for you is unbelievable. Life is too short and to enjoy and appreciate the little things. Love like crazy. Stay motivated and don't be scared to be scared and upset.

NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP

Sign up to receive the most up-to-date information and resources.

FOLLOW US

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Resources
  • Videos
eTrust Privacy Certificate logo © 2025 Cosmetic Executive Women Foundation/Cancer and Careers. All Rights Reserved.