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Sharon M. on September 21, 2016
I was Diagnosed with:
Colon Cancer / Post Chemo
Employment Status:
Unemployed
Gender/Age:
Female/48
Type and Description of Treatments:
I am done with chemo. Cancer free. Right now dealing with nerve damage and major depression treated with gabapentin and Rexulti
How do you feel today?
I feel like I am in between a rock and a hard place right now. Frustrated, but ready to forage ahead
Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?
Being isolated
What is going well for you right now?
Cancer free since last January
What is not going well for you right now?
Being in flux between disability and unemployment
What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?
Living with the fear that it will strike again
When difficulties overwhelm you, where do you go for support?
Nowhere because nobody around me understands what I am going through. I will start therapy on 9/30 so hopeful.
How have your long-term goals or life goals changed since diagnosis?
I never thought about long term or life time goals. I just always worked and paid bills, survival mode I guess. At 48 here I am having to start life all over again. What do I do? Do I go back to $12 an hour survival mode jobs or do I make a goal of obtaining that brass ring occupation of making 100k a year or more doing what I love.
What is your work arrangement right now? What are your hours?
Unemployed taking online courses
Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your work life?
No longer working
What advice do you have for others trying to work through treatment?
I would say don't do it. Your body is going through too much. More than likely work and stress is what caused the cancer in the first place. I would consult with your union rep or HR to see what options you have.
How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?
Neuropathy and Fatigue my remaining side effects taking Gabapentin for the neuropathy
If "today's you" could give advice to "day-of-diagnosis you," what would you say?
Breathe, you are going to be fine. This too shall pass even cancer . :)