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Susan G. on November 21, 2017
I was Diagnosed with:
Breast cancer
Employment Status:
Full time registered nurse
Gender/Age:
Female/54
Type and Description of Treatments:
Lumpectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation
How do you feel today?
Healthy, still employed, and living every day blessed that I wake up in the morning.
Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?
Nothing really. Other than the time I had chemotherapy and radiation, my lifestyle hasn't changed.
What is going well for you right now?
I love my job, I love my husband, and my fur babies (My dog and 2 cats). My world revolves around all of these.
What is not going well for you right now?
I have to say nothing. Well, my deep freezer died this week. Lost some food.
What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?
Nothing. I'm a nurse. I get to every appointment. I know how important follow up appointments are.
When difficulties overwhelm you, where do you go for support?
My husband. He has gone through this with me. I've also had the support of my nurse navigator.
How have your long-term goals or life goals changed since diagnosis?
They haven't. I'm still working, and I will continue working to retirement.
What is your work arrangement right now? What are your hours?
Varies. Some days 5:15 AM-4:30 PM, some days 6:30-7:30 PM. I get 40+ hours a week.
Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your work life?
Nothing
What has helped you continue to work the most?
I never felt sick. Chemotherapy didn't make me sick, but the neulasta shot made me nauseated for 3 days. I still worked on an intermittent leave from work. When I did radiation, I tried to do it on my lunch break, but it got to be too much, so I went out on full leave of absence. After radiation was done, I was back full time again.
What advice do you have for others trying to work through treatment?
Your treatment is necessary. Use your paid time off and short term disability. No company can terminate your job for taking a leave of absence.
How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?
Bone pain from the hormone meds.
If "today's you" could give advice to "day-of-diagnosis you," what would you say?
Stay strong. Live and love life. "Don't worry, be happy ".