As long as I WORK I don't worry too much. I am ...

5+Years

Lyella B. on October 25, 2009

I was Diagnosed with:

ductal breast cancer first time second time hr2 positive breast cancer

Employment Status:

cna at a local hospital

Gender/Age:

55

Type and Description of Treatments:

First time had a lumpectomy and radiation. Second time double mastectomy and breast reconstruction with implants.

How do you feel today?

As long as I WORK I don't worry too much. I am taking herceptin every 3 weeks, my last dose will be in December. I started this December 2008. Such an expensive drug. I have a great doctor which I trust.

Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?

I started back to church which is excellent.

What is going well for you right now?

I have a job where a lot don't.

What is not going well for you right now?

The pain under the right breast, probably from the implant.

What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?

Having the disease twice. I wish people would send me money so I could pay the doctor more.

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

I pray and go to church.

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

I plan to raise AKC German shepherd pups. I have a female already.

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

I work 12 hour days three times a week.

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

Nothing

What has helped you continue to work the most?

I need my blue cross blue shield.

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

I stayed home for 7 months so my advice is to stay home if you can afford to till chemo is over.

How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?

I try to think this will be over soon.

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

I would say to day of diagnosis I got rid of you ugly breasts, you were trying to kill me. I have the upper hand here and my doctor and I will destroy you. Every woman is strong we don't wait till we have to fight for our lives.