2-5 Years Since Diagnosis

2-5Years

Barbra T. on January 18, 2013

I was Diagnosed with:

Stage IIIB Triple Negative Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (3 tumors) in Left Breast

Employment Status:

I was fired from my job as a litigation paralegal while going through chemo because I became too ill to work.

Gender/Age:

Female/60

Type and Description of Treatments:

Left Mastectomy and Sentinel Node Biopsy Right Prophylactic Mastectomy Chemo: Adriamycin and Cytoxan Dose-Dense and Taxol Bilateral DIEP Flap Reconstruction

How do you feel today?

My cancer is in remission (Whoo hoo). I still have terrible neuropathy in both feet and both hands, worse in my feet. I still am extremely fatigued and have chemo brain, but otherwise I am alive and am doing well.

Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?

I lost my boyfriend, my breasts, my hair, my job and many friends, but I have gained so much. I have met the most wonderful people at the Hope Lodge where I stayed and at the hospitals during surgery and treatment, who are friends for life. I have learned not to sweat the small stuff and live each day to the fullest and to never ever give up hope, to stay strong and positive always, and to give back more and pay it forward.

What is going well for you right now?

I am alive.

What is not going well for you right now?

I need to go back to work and my job search is not going well.

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

Friends and prayer.

How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?

Having acupuncture and reiki, prayer, meditation, listening to music, watching funny movies, and support of good friends.