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Lynn H. on November 28, 2017
I was Diagnosed with:
1b1 Adenocarcinoma of Cervix
Employment Status:
fulltime Registered Nurse
Gender/Age:
Female/50
Type and Description of Treatments:
Radical Hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oorphorectomy and pelvic lymphnode dissection. 25 external radiation, 4 brachytherapy, and 5 cisplatin.
How do you feel today?
Feel well over all. Still seem to get tired more easily, and have developed lymphedema in my left leg.
Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?
I think I have learned to live more in the moment and appreciate what I have around me. Enjoy the health I do have.
What is going well for you right now?
New job that I like and good results from my follow up exams.
What is not going well for you right now?
Dealing with lymphedema and the swelling in my leg, when I need to be on my feet for long periods of the day.
What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?
I won't ever be able to have children of my own.
When difficulties overwhelm you, where do you go for support?
Parents, family and prayer.
How have your long-term goals or life goals changed since diagnosis?
More determined to make sure I achieve my goals.
What is your work arrangement right now? What are your hours?
Schedule is variable. I have some long days, but then have a few more days off during the week.
Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your work life?
After recovering from surgery, I returned part time to work while I did radiation and chemo treatments. I have since then changed jobs and work full time in a field I had wanted to get involved in. Now just learning to balance work and rest time and deal with side effects from treatments.
What has helped you continue to work the most?
Drive to succeed in a field I have wanted to work in, and not let cancer stop me.
What advice do you have for others trying to work through treatment?
Do what you can, stay active, get back into life, but don't do more than you can handle. You don't want to prolong healing by over doing it.
How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?
I have lymphedema, so I try to elevate my leg when I can. Do foot exercises and try to keep moving so not standing or sitting too long.
If "today's you" could give advice to "day-of-diagnosis you," what would you say?
It won't be an easy road, but you are going to get through this and survive and have a better perspective on your life and future.