I feel absolutely fabulous. I have a issues wit...

1-2Years

Victoria V. on February 5, 2011

I was Diagnosed with:

base of tongue cancer

Employment Status:

full time

Gender/Age:

/54

Type and Description of Treatments:

My treatment was a radical neck dissection, Chemo and radiation.

How do you feel today?

I feel absolutely fabulous. I have a issues with eating and I have a few aches and pains here and there however; I am alive and I love every minute of my life.

Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?

I am more relaxed now. I have allowed others around me to relax as well. I used to be a very fast paced person and now I am more subdued and thoughtful of my presence.

What is going well for you right now?

My mental state, my spiritual mind is at peace and I am very happy. My job has been amazing and I have the best family and friends.

What is not going well for you right now?

Eating

What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?

I'm not sure, I spent about ten minutes on my diagnosis day feeling sorry for myself and then I prayed and got my peace from God and moved on, facing each day as a new chance to stay alive.

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

God and prayer first, then my husband who is off the hook amazing!

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

Yes, I am in a state of rest at the moment however, I feel new push headed my way.

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

I only missed about three weeks total. I am working about 52 hours per week and I love it.

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

I would say I have become more tolerant of my work life. Not so stressed or spun out with others.

What has helped you continue to work the most?

I am not a person who gives up. There is a small amount of fear that they would want to replace me however; I know that is only in my own mind. So I move on from that thought process when I get in that mindset.

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

Stay focused, listen to your thoughts, clarity is very important, don't let your mind take over. You are powerful take over your mind and give each day it's best shot.

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

Keep going on the path you are on. Do not stop it is a disease not a death sentence.