How Your Life Has Changed with Breast Cancer

Give us a bit of backstory. When were you diagnosed? How is life different now?

March 2018, surgery April 23. Partial mastectomy. Stage 1. 2 tumours. Invasive ducal carcinoma.  4 weeks radiation every day. Drove myself to radiation, which was an hour away. Last day of radiation July 10th. To oxides started July 11.  All was good until day 8 post radiation. Skin peeled. Raw under breast, antibiotics for 7 days, dressing changes every 2 days for a week. Day 15!  Nipple infected—itch, itch, itch. White head on breast expressed and green pus and fluid flew out.  New stronger antibiotics. Peeled two more times. Cleared up and not as itchy.  Stabbing pain once in awhile.  I went back to work Aug 8. I work full time as a ward clerk on medical surgery. It has been good. A little tired at the end of the day but better every day. How is life different now? I've realized how strong I am. I have made a difference to my friends, and they now have routine mammo's.  

What lessons have you learned since being diagnosed?

Family and friends are so important. Support is everything and life is precious. Embrace it!

What advice would you give someone whose loved one was recently diagnosed?

Support them. Also, there are so many resources available pre, during and post. Breast cancer care is amazing and so are the oncologists. You are never alone. WE ARE VERY LUCKY WITH OUR HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IN CANADA!