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Home > Collective Diary > Is this really happening

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Length of diagnosis

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Is this really happening

6-12Months

Victoria R. on January 30, 2018

I was Diagnosed with:

IDC Stage II Breast Cancer with effected lymph nodes

Employment Status:

full-time

Gender/Age:

Female/44

Type and Description of Treatments:

Treatment plan is a multi-step plan. 1. neo-adjunct chemo back on July 13 with 4 rounds of AC, followed by 12 rounds of Taxol with Carbo every three weeks. 2. bilateral mastectomy 3. radiation 4. tamoxifen 5. xeloda (added after post-op pathology showed residual cancer)

How do you feel today?

Today? I'm frustrated with needing more chemo after radiation. Tired of people asking me when it will be over. Scared for my future.

Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?

Not much accept that I want to change careers. I would love to go back to school and finish my Masters in Mental Health Counseling.

What is going well for you right now?

I seem to be recovering from surgery well. I have an amazing daughter and friends that listen.

What is not going well for you right now?

I have to go back to a job i don't like and I don't feel that i am emotionally ready to go back.

What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?

The attitudes of the people I work with.

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

Friends, my journal, the gym

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

I want to go back to school and get my Master's in Mental Health Counseling.

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

I don't know, I've been on leave the past month and go back in a few days. I will have to sit down with my boss and discuss the next steps.

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

During chemo, I worked from home most days.

What has helped you continue to work the most?

The need to support my daughter as a single mother.

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

Communicate with your employer and your medical team. Don't feel bad, if you aren't up to working, I've made that mistake, it isn't worth it.

How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?

I've tried staying hydrated and active, it's helped.

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

Listen to your doctors and go out on disability, everything will fall into place and you will be stronger for it.

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