Home > Collective Diary > Nervous
La Shawn J. on October 12, 2022
I was Diagnosed with:
Stage 2 TNBC
Employment Status:
Full time
Gender/Age:
Female/37
Type and Description of Treatments:
Keytruda every 3 weeks; chemo completed on 9/16; lumpectomy scheduled for 11/2
How do you feel today?
Honestly, I feel like an imposter. I got the clear to go back to work. I start Monday. I’m extremely nervous about messing up or doing something wrong. Im nervous that people may find out about my diagnosis. I disclosed at my screening. My job has made sure that I can take time off for the surgery which is wonderful.
Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?
I see that people aren’t there for me as they were in the beginning which is fine. Finances took a hit but I’m going back to work. I haven’t been stressing about things as much as I did before the diagnosis.
What is going well for you right now?
A new job, the mammogram and ultrasound showed that the chemo nuked both masses.
What is not going well for you right now?
I’m just nervous and anxious about working. I’m scared that the cancer may continue to interfere with me working because I really have to work.
What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?
No help with finances.
When difficulties overwhelm you, where do you go for support?
I don’t really have support but I do talk to a few people who are in the same position that I’m in.
How have your long-term goals or life goals changed since diagnosis?
They haven’t changed (still want to go back to school for RN, buy a house). It’s just delayed.
What is your work arrangement right now? What are your hours?
Full time days; 12 hr shifts
Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your work life?
So far not much.
What has helped you continue to work the most?
Knowing that I need a routine and I want to care for people.