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Cynthia C. on September 23, 2016
I was Diagnosed with:
dcis breast cancer
Employment Status:
employed
Gender/Age:
Female/43
Type and Description of Treatments:
Lumpectomy of left breast, radiation,now on tamoxifen.
How do you feel today?
Feel nervous of reoccurring cancers. Still have breast pain, trouble sleeping at night. Leg pain, leg cramps from tamoxifen. Just recently went back to work, having a hard time dealing with stress.
Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?
Much more devotd to my family! My top priority!
What is going well for you right now?
My daughter and I are closer.
What is not going well for you right now?
Work is overwhelming. I work in healthcare for a very cut throat office. Having regrets about returning. Can't handle the stress.
What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?
Balancing my life, doctors, family, work, raising my daughter.
When difficulties overwhelm you, where do you go for support?
I shut down, keep it to myself.
What is your work arrangement right now? What are your hours?
Full time hours spread into 6 days.
Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your work life?
Being treated like I can't do what I used to.....
What has helped you continue to work the most?
Need for a paycheck..
What advice do you have for others trying to work through treatment?
I did not work through treatment.
How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?
Just the tamoxifen.... leg cramps,leg pain. From radiation tightness in breast.
If "today's you" could give advice to "day-of-diagnosis you," what would you say?
Slow down, breath, you’re ok.