Living with cancer again

2-5Years

Sherry L. on December 3, 2017

I was Diagnosed with:

Breast cancer stage 3 2015, kidney cancer stage 1 October 2017

Employment Status:

Full time

Gender/Age:

Female/57

Type and Description of Treatments:

Breast cancer was lumpectomy, aggressive chemo, radiation. Kidney is upcoming surgery to remove part of kidney robotically

How do you feel today?

I feel pretty good but have several lasting effects such as compromised vision, neurothapy, bone and muscle pain

Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?

I feel the need to find more balance in my life

What is going well for you right now?

I have a chance to be a positive inspiration to others

What is not going well for you right now?

Kidney cancer means a surgery and being off work for a few weeks, barely missed work with breast cancer

What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?

Calming my worried husband. I am the strong one and sometimes I need to be weak to deal with what I am facing

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

Pink moon lovelies and my sister

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

Dream job impossible, each time it comes up cancer diagnosis and I am aging out and physically not as vibrant as needed

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

About 55 hours per week

Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your work life?

Vision has made me switch duties and avoid some task

What has helped you continue to work the most?

My co workers are very supportive

What advice do you have for others trying to work through treatment?

Just that it can be done, stay on top of anti nausea meds, drink lots of water, stay positive and if having a bad day take it off without guilt

How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?

Chemo on Fridays for weekend recovery, shifting duties

If "today's you" could give advice to "day-of-diagnosis you," what would you say?

It's not as bad as you think, you are not going to die, at least not today, stay positive