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Home > Collective Diary

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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 »

Recent Entries

Cancer and Careers is collecting snapshots of the cancer experience, by asking working people with cancer — in any phase of treatment or recovery — to answer the same set of questions about their outlook, their employment situation and advice they would give to others. We invite you to read their stories and share your own.

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2-5Years

COVID, Cancer and Caregiving

Kelly G. on June 25, 2024

I was Diagnosed with:

Luminal B HR+ HER2 equivocal breast cancer

Employment Status:

Full time employment

Gender/Age:

Female/54

Type and Description of Treatments:

Four surgeries, four rounds of chemo, 26 radiation treatments and AI (which I ultimately disconti...

How do you feel today?

I'm charging forward as a dedicated advocate for breast cancer access to care, insurance regulations and testing. I'm fortunate my employer supports this.

Continue Reading

2-5Years

Cancer and a Broken Heart

Amy R. on April 11, 2024

I was Diagnosed with:

Triple positive stage 3 breast cancer

Employment Status:

Full time

Gender/Age:

Female/53

Type and Description of Treatments:

16 rounds of chemo, targeted therapy of heceptin and perjeta, mastectomy, no reconstruction, radi...

How do you feel today?

My level of energy has been forever altered by cancer and heart failure. I used to have endless energy for life and others and my art. Now I find that my energy is used up quickly so I have to manage it daily so I have something left for myself and those I love.

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1-2Years

Lost Control

Shenell H. on November 10, 2023

I was Diagnosed with:

Cervical Cancer During pregnancy

Employment Status:

Unemployed

Gender/Age:

Female/33

Type and Description of Treatments:

3C1. Treatment for me began straight away I was pregnant and reciving chemotherapy I also had int...

How do you feel today?

Today I am weary and recalling my experience. As the dust settles, my experience has me in an emotional wreck. Ive just begun to come up for air as I have had no chance to rest, no chance to reflect, no chance to create a plan, no chance to really feel complete.

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5+Years

What happens when you keep pushing!

Tamron L. on December 22, 2022

I was Diagnosed with:

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Employment Status:

Full time

Gender/Age:

Female/36

Type and Description of Treatments:

I underwent a 10 hour surgery called HIPEC. This involves heated chemotherapy and the removing of...

How do you feel today?

I feel blessed and grateful. To be able to overcome a rare cancer and to share my story with the world. I feel great to know that just by me sharing my story I can help others but giving them hope, inspiration, and encouragement.

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2-5Years

I'm Still Here

Cristal D. on December 14, 2022

I was Diagnosed with:

Stage 1 Ductal Carcinoma in situ

Employment Status:

Working Full-time

Gender/Age:

Female/43

Type and Description of Treatments:

Surgery - Double Mastectomy (undergoing reconstructive surgery)

How do you feel today?

It feels surreal as if I managed a person who had Cancer.

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6-12Months

Nervous

La Shawn J. on October 12, 2022

I was Diagnosed with:

Stage 2 TNBC

Employment Status:

Full time

Gender/Age:

Female/37

Type and Description of Treatments:

Keytruda every 3 weeks; chemo completed on 9/16; lumpectomy scheduled for 11/2

How do you feel today?

Honestly, I feel like an imposter. I got the clear to go back to work. I start Monday. I’m extremely nervous about messing up or doing something wrong. Im nervous that people may find out about my diagnosis. I disclosed at my screening. My job has made sure that I can take time off for the surgery which is wonderful.

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0-1Months

Lowanda Shalik's Diary VARIGG.2023

Lowanda Shalik J. on October 8, 2022

I was Diagnosed with:

cancer of head and roof of mouth

Employment Status:

self employed

Gender/Age:

Female/49

Type and Description of Treatments:

surgery: chemo unknown as of yet.

How do you feel today?

I am Happy but very sleepy did not get much sleep and I am up early writing. I am a writer of religious children's and young adults' books, films and comics.

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5+Years

Volunteering but no job

Britta K. on September 23, 2022

I was Diagnosed with:

Metastatic Breast Cancer

Employment Status:

Unemployed

Gender/Age:

Female/40

Type and Description of Treatments:

After two different treatments, I have been on ENHERTU (DS8201A) for almost four years. I am stil...

How do you feel today?

I am showing improvement but get worn out due to all the appointments required pre-Chemo day needed for the trial. Also the side affects hit me for 4-5 days when I have chemotherapy,

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2-5Years

The new me

Abby J. on August 3, 2022

I was Diagnosed with:

Non Hodgkins Lymphoma

Employment Status:

semi retired

Gender/Age:

Female/63

Type and Description of Treatments:

As a result of my diagnosis, I went through brain surgery in order to begin treating 1 of 2 brai...

How do you feel today?

Emotionally, I am relatively content as a result of anti depressants, a great psychotherapist who specializes in PTSD & medical marijuana. I have changed my diet & am doing my best to adhere to the Mediterranean diet. I have been actively engaged in exercise classes (virtually) for the past 2 years & continue doing same today. In addit...

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2-5Years

Dealing with Recurrence

Sara J. on August 3, 2022

I was Diagnosed with:

Stage 3C1 Cervical Cancer

Employment Status:

Full time, on medical leave

Gender/Age:

Female/34

Type and Description of Treatments:

LEEP/Cone-2019 for Stage 1A1, Radical Hysterectomy 2022 with chemo and radiation for spread to l...

How do you feel today?

I am tired and just trying to get through the day. I have a 14 month old daughter and my nausea and fatigue keep me in bed a lot. I am having trouble with my "sense of purpose" as I haven't worked since my hysterectomy in April. I am starting a new job in October but just don't know how to feel about everything.

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