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Home > Collective Diary > I've had my first chemo treatment and except fo...

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I've had my first chemo treatment and except fo...

1-3Months

Jill S. on October 5, 2009

I was Diagnosed with:

Breast Cancer

Employment Status:

Unemployed

Gender/Age:

53

Type and Description of Treatments:

Lumpectomy, Chemo & Radiation

How do you feel today?

I've had my first chemo treatment and except for the first week after I've been feeling pretty good.

I have my next treatment coming up this Thursday.

Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?

I was double whammied in July. I was laid off from my job and 2 weeks later diagnosed. My whole world has been turned upside down.

I'm trying to find another job, but no one is willing to hire me because of the chemo.

What is going well for you right now?

As stated above all except for the first week after treatment I've been feeling really good. I try to exercise each day and hopefully this I will be able to continue throughout treatment.

What is not going well for you right now?

I am still unable to find a job.

What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?

The most challenging has been the acceptance and the pressure from my family to talk. I am a very private person and don't feel the need to tell everyone.

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

I go to my daughter. She is my caregiver. We have been through a lot in the past 10 years and I draw my
strength from her and she from me.

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

I had planned many improvements to my home and this has changed everything. I don't know what the future holds for me because of my age and job status.

All I can do is pray and put this in God's hands.

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

I am unemployed

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

Exercise as I have been told is the key. I was very active up until the diagnosis. I try to walk 4 miles every day and still do lower body workouts and sit-ups.

I am a firm believer that if you get the endorphins going that's half the battle.

How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?

I took the meds for nausea and walked as it became possible. When receiving the booster shot for the white blood cells my bones ached, but I still tried to walk.

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

You caught this early, you will be a survivor. Take things one day at a time and listen to your body. Not what everyone else tells you to do.

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