newly diagnosed breast cancer stage 1

1-3Months

Tammy L. on April 26, 2012

I was Diagnosed with:

intermediate grade invasive ductal carcinoma

Employment Status:

full-time

Gender/Age:

Female/42

Type and Description of Treatments:

Found at exam 3/8; biopsied 3/9/12. Given diagnosis 3/16. Lumpectomy done 4/4 with 6 lymph nodes checked (all clear). Chemo tx to begin 5/2/12-- 4 treatments total; once every three weeks-- followed by radiation for 6 weeks and Tamoxiflin (sp?) to follow. Chemo is cytoxan and taxotere.

How do you feel today?

Anxious regarding chemo, but want to just do it and be done. Worried about kids 13,10.

Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?

Incredible support from family, friends, and work. More difficulty falling asleep. More pressure to keep a balance for work and home... not knowing what is my future for treatments (guilt).

What is going well for you right now?

It was found early! I know that I am blessed for that.. but still a struggle to deal with the fact that it still IS something to deal with.

What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?

Keeping strong for kids; balancing work and home.

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

husband, family, friends

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

flexible, but full-time. 8-9 hours a day starting about 8:00 am. Can do weekends to make-up hours during the week.

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

wonderful support, but I still put pressure on myself to go "above and beyond" at work, because that's what I have always done, and love to do. Don't want people to "feel bad" for me.

What has helped you continue to work the most?

I really love what I do! I am an occupational therapist. It is very rewarding in itself. Then, at home, I have an amazing husband to support me.

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

(I haven't done it yet!) I'd love advice myself!

How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?

(Not yet--)

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

I feel like those two are too close together yet.. I guess just take it a day at a time. You have an amazing support system.