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Glenda B. on December 2, 2017
I was Diagnosed with:
squamous cell carcinomas (6) as an averse reaction to a medication
Employment Status:
Retired R.N
Gender/Age:
Female/74
Type and Description of Treatments:
5 were removed in office as well as the 6th one. The 6th one would not heal and I had 3 staph infections. I then was sent to a wound doctor and put on a wound vac for 4 weeks with no improvement so put on compression stocking for 5 weeks with no improvement. Sent to have an aortic test to see if getting a blood flow to legs and that was normal so sent to another surgeon in March of 2017 to see if more cancer and told there was so removed with a skin graft that didn't take. Have been instructed to do wet to dry dressings but continued to have pain, discoloration, drainage and swelling.
How do you feel today?
I'm making it but afraid
Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?
I have to let things go as can't do anything that could cause me to bump my leg. Am on a small fixed income and struggling to keep paying for my supplemental as well as bandages. I don't feel as good as I should.
What is going well for you right now?
I'm alive
What is not going well for you right now?
Finances and getting things done
What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?
It's a challenging disease especially when alone
When difficulties overwhelm you, where do you go for support?
It's been 15 months and I've done everything I've been told to do but just keep hearing come back in 2 weeks or 4 weeks. After 15 months I feel I should know some answers and am only told come back
How have your long-term goals or life goals changed since diagnosis?
Sure...I'm not sure if this is going internal or if it has already
What is your work arrangement right now? What are your hours?
Retired
Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your work life?
I'm retired
What advice do you have for others trying to work through treatment?
I'm 74 so not many jobs out there for me. I think if you can work, that would be great therapy by keeping your mind on things other than cancer
How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?
Antibiotics
If "today's you" could give advice to "day-of-diagnosis you," what would you say?
I would like to seek a second opinion as this is on my right shin and I know it's going to take awhile to heal therefore I want to make sure it's all removed the first timers