I feel pretty good. I am thankful to God for ge...

5+Years

Stephanie P. on March 20, 2008

I was Diagnosed with:

Aggressive non-hormonal breast cancer both times

Employment Status:

Full time

Gender/Age:

35

Type and Description of Treatments:

I had a lumpectomy on my right breast. I had 3 types of chemo the first time around in 2002. One was adrimyacin or the "red devil". I had 4 1/2 mos of that ,then I had 6 weeks of radiation. Then in July 2002 I was diagnosed again, with my left breast. I had a bilateral mastectomy, then I had 6 mos of chemo and 7 weeks of radiation.

How do you feel today?

I feel pretty good. I am thankful to God for getting me through this. I still have my bad days, but not too bad.
I am still a little fatigued, but nothing I can not deal with.

Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?

I stop and smell the roses! I try and be a little more cautious about things.

What is going well for you right now?

Everything!!
I am working full time as a teachers assistant. I am enjoying my boys, my family!

What is not going well for you right now?

I am just fatigued, and my joints hurt a little.

What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?

Sometimes getting up in the morning. The first time around with chemo, I couldn't get up off the couch for nearly a week. I had to find the right nausea meds and I was still miserable.

I was afraid I was going to die, and it was hard because I had a 2 1/2 yr old and a 7 1/2 yr old at the time.
Taking care of them was a challenge. I had help though with my mother in law.

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

I call a friend or to a breast cancer website I have belonged to for a long time and get a pick me up. I also pray.

How have your long-term goals or life goals changed since diagnosis?

No, not really. Just try and enjoy life.

What is your work arrangement right now? What are your hours?

I work 35 hrs a week, full time as a teachers assistant.
I am doing fine :)