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Michelle M. on November 25, 2017
I was Diagnosed with:
Breast Cancer
Employment Status:
Full-Time
Gender/Age:
Female/47
Type and Description of Treatments:
Mastectomy, Chemotherapy, and radiation..fillowed by 5 years of tamoxifen.
How do you feel today?
Ok. I do not have the energy I had before diagnosis but I manage to get a good walk in everyday.
Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?
Energy level.
The way I view life & death.
I try to live each day to the fullest and live more in the moment.
And chemo brain is no joke.
What is going well for you right now?
Everyday I am cancer free is a good day.
What is not going well for you right now?
Weight gain and energy level.
What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?
The worry... That it may come back
When difficulties overwhelm you, where do you go for support?
Cooking, cleaning, crafts or a good workout.
How have your long-term goals or life goals changed since diagnosis?
Yes.
What is your work arrangement right now? What are your hours?
I work 36 hours one week and 48 hours the next. All. 12 hour days.
Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your work life?
The stress is no no longer helpful. It has taken a good year to get my bearings back in regards to multitasking and engaging in a speedier routine.
What has helped you continue to work the most?
Money and a distraction from procedures, treatments and general fear.
What advice do you have for others trying to work through treatment?
I originally went back because I was running out of sick time, but it really was a great distraction from my problems. And engaging with others rather than sitting some alone to worry about it all was a great help.
How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?
I take a plethora of vitamins and supplements, I try and workout most days. Healthier eating helps immensely and staying busy occupies my mind.
If "today's you" could give advice to "day-of-diagnosis you," what would you say?
I barely remember that day. It all happened so fast after diagnosis.