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Carmen F. on January 7, 2009
I was Diagnosed with:
DCIS
Employment Status:
Adminsitrative Assistant
Gender/Age:
48
Type and Description of Treatments:
2 lumpectomies, 30 sessions of radiation. Currently on Tamoxifen for next 5 years.
How do you feel today?
I feel great! I'm positive about my outlook and will do everything I can to remain healthy.
Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?
I live like it's my last day. I don't take anything for granted and I make sure that my loved ones know how much I love them.
What is going well for you right now?
I'm still working. In this economy, many of my colleagues have lost their jobs but I am thankful I still have mine and health insurance.
What is not going well for you right now?
I can't really say.
What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?
Telling my family. When I learned I had cancer I went to the doctor alone because I had a feeling there was not going to be good news so I told my husband that I would go alone. I had to make the phone call to him to tell him that they had found something and that I would require further surgery. Then we had to tell our daughters.
When difficulties overwhelm you, where do you go for support?
When difficulties overwhelm me, I seek support from my church. I have a large church family and whenever I feel depressed I reach out or I just stay home and pray.
How have your long-term goals or life goals changed since diagnosis?
Yes. I want to work out more, travel more, spend more time with my friends and family.
What is your work arrangement right now? What are your hours?
I don't have any arrangements. Even during my diagnosis I still worked regular hours. I wanted to remain as normal as possible.
Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your work life?
I appreciate my work life more. People here have been so supportive.
What has helped you continue to work the most?
The support I received.
What advice do you have for others trying to work through treatment?
Be positive, be strong you will get through it.
How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?
The only side affect I have felt is fatigue.
If "today's you" could give advice to "day-of-diagnosis you," what would you say?
Nothing. I have to say that I was prepared for the diagnosis and I knew what I had to do. I resolved right then and there that I would fight for my life. I want to see my grandchildren someday.