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Cynthia M. on November 17, 2015
I was Diagnosed with:
breast cancer
Employment Status:
dialysis tech fulltime 40-60 hours per week
Gender/Age:
Female/36
Type and Description of Treatments:
DCIS ductal carcinoma in situ. I've had genetic testing done due to family history of my great great grandmother, great grandmother, my mother, my 2 aunts who are deceased from cancer. Depending on the results of my testing I have the following options: 1. lumpectomy with radiation if the test is negative. Option 2. if the test come back positive either mastectomy of one breast or remove both breast with the option of reconstructive surgery.
How do you feel today?
Today is sorta okay. Disappointed my test results aren't back, so my doctor appointment with my surgeon was rescheduled.
Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?
My outlook on life, how many things i want out of life. Time waits for no one. I'm young but nervous at the same time.
What is going well for you right now?
my support system. My mom who has beaten cancer at almost a stage 4!! my daughter has been a big strength to me. my fiance and friends. I thank god for all of them.
What is not going well for you right now?
my job. my clinical manager isn't compassionate nor understanding. i've requested light duty due to the burning sensation in my breast. we sometimes have to move machines, patients, or bio-hazard bins and it hurts. her response was i don't have light duty and if you need light duty then i'm gonna have to take you off the schedule. but i need to work and there are other clinics that secretary work but she isn't willing to help me even after i applied to the other clinics on my own as a transfer. When i went for my first mammogram and they called me back into do another i had to call off because she wouldn't give me the day off even though i requested it. When i needed my biopsy performed and i requested that day off in advance she replied with a chuckle "i'll see if i can switch you with somebody else" I've never been treated in such a foul manner ever in life.
What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?
mood swings, one day i'm an emotional wreck thinking i'm so young. and the next day i think well who am i to not be able to have a condition. I'm not better than anyone else. other than that finance wise how can i cover my bills and my child. yes i have support but i don't want a stressful household either.
When difficulties overwhelm you, where do you go for support?
my mother, mother in law, fiance
How have your long-term goals or life goals changed since diagnosis?
they have changed because a lot of the things we had plan to put in motion are now on hold until this is over. buying a home, a wedding, going back to school for my nursing degree are all at a halt.
What is your work arrangement right now? What are your hours?
i work from 12:30 pm-11-11:30 monday- friday sunday off
we work 3 saturdays and 1 saturday off
maybe an in between off day if my manager gives it to us
Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your work life?
it as become very stressful and not even an enjoyment anymore. i'm not as fast at work as i used to be. i'm constantly not feeling well and they don't even care.
What has helped you continue to work the most?
my daughter
What advice do you have for others trying to work through treatment?
you can do it with the right attitude and if you have an understanding boss. be sure to have everything in writing, request appointments in advance as soon as you know.
How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?
i haven't stared treatment yet.
If "today's you" could give advice to "day-of-diagnosis you," what would you say?
don't ignore signs of your health changing. get checked out soon as possible!!