Volunteering but no job

5+Years

Britta K. on September 23, 2022

I was Diagnosed with:

Metastatic Breast Cancer

Employment Status:

Unemployed

Gender/Age:

Female/40

Type and Description of Treatments:

After two different treatments, I have been on ENHERTU (DS8201A) for almost four years. I am still being treated as a trial patient. The treatment is for HER2-positive breast cancer that has spread and cannot be completely removed by surgery and has previously been treated with T-DMI.

How do you feel today?

I am showing improvement but get worn out due to all the appointments required pre-Chemo day needed for the trial. Also the side affects hit me for 4-5 days when I have chemotherapy,

Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?

I received an A.S. degree in Paralegal Studies. I volunteer once a week for three hours at the cancer center where I live. I am secretary for The Friends of El Cajon Library, which is a non-profit organization. Slowly I am getting back to some of my old activities.

What is going well for you right now?

The drug seems to be helping. I am able to enjoy some of my activities from before.

What is not going well for you right now?

Every three weeks, side effects and appointments make it hard to work for five days.

What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?

Feeling like I’m not contributing as much as I did when I had a job.

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

To my mother and friends. I also talk to the cancer center social worker.

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

I’ve had to adjust and find new paths or look more at one day at a time.

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

I am not working currently.

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

Had to find jobs that allowed me to work remotely at home three days a week and in the office two days, unless I was not well.

What has helped you continue to work the most?

Not working at the moment.

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

N/A

How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?

Just remind myself I just need to get through the day.

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

Keep having hope!