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Questions to Ask Me as a Survivor

by | Aug 6, 2024 | Support

Questions to Ask Me as a Survivor

How Do I Live My Life Going Forward?

Since patients have personal questions that are not well understood due to medial jargon. I have decided to answer questions posed to me as an 18-year survivor. This is not medical advice. Please contact your doctor for any medical questions. My answers are based on my experience with stage IV breast cancer.

1) What Stage Were You Diagnosed With?

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2004-Pre-cancer Stage 0 non-invasive DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) in my right breast

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2005- Stage 2 in left breast

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2007- Stage 4 metastasis to rear brain Cerebellum lobe

2) Advice For Women In Denial About the Need For Mammograms?

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Research shows that with early screening increases your survival rate. Cancer is 97% treatable when detected early. Why would you want to be part of the 3%

3) Were There Any Resources, Programs, and Services That You Have Found Invaluable In Your Journey?

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The hospital had a Yoga for Breast Cancer patient program that I loved. I took multiple aqua therapy classes at the gym with seniors: low-impact water aerobics, deep water aerobics, Tai Chi water classes, water yoga classes, can’t think of everything

4) Did You Encounter Any Challenges, Obstacles or Road Blocks During Your Treatment Process?

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There were no support groups for women under 50. Upon research, I found the Young Survivors Coalition YSC who I could relate to easier

5) How Did You Manage Treatment Side-Effects?

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I wrote extensively about things you can do to reduce side effects in blog 9. I used my tools from my tool box to tackle nausea & vomiting, loss of appetite, mouth soreness weight gain, diarrhea, vaginal dryness, bone and joint pain, and muscle pain. Please read post #9 as there are different ways to manage.

6) What Are A Few Steps That Have Helped You With Thriving Through These Obstacles?

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PRAYER

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I used tips I used to give to clients:
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Positive reframing – (Cognitive Restructuring) restructure maladaptive beliefs
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Negative Thought Stopping- stop negative thinking yell “STOP!” and replace with positive thoughts or places that bring positive energy
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Progressive Muscle Relaxation- helps to control anxiety
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Relaxed Breathing- helps control anxiety
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Yoga
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Meditation

7) What are your encouraging messages to other young women who just got diagnosed with breast cancer?

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There are three important things I’d like to share

1. HOPE will improve your well-being and quality of life
2. Positivity is vital to your outlook and survival
3. A cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence

There are many more Questions I could include
Make an Appointment to ask Personalized Questions