Wow, it is hard to think that I am now 7 years out since I was first diagnosed with breast cancer. In some ways it has been a lifetime and other ways it seems like yesterday. I know and understand more now than I ever did going into it. Yes, professionals did talk and teach me but alot of what I learned was through my own self advocacy and going through the process myself. I gained some pearls that I do share with breast cancer patients but each person has to confront their disease within their capabilities. I wanted to make informed choices so I listened and researched and learned but I also talked to others that were going through what I was experiencing. No, I did not listen to it all as many times it reminded me of childbirth and everyone has their own horror story. There is a vast amount of information out there and it is hard to sift through it all and through education I become better prepared with what choices I needed to make. I did learn that their are reputable sites and some that I needed to avoid. This part of taking control helped me in dealing with the idea of having cancer. I needed materials I could understand and that were accurate and timely. I have found that cancer is personal and each cancer has their own uniqueness and we are learning how to determine that uniqueness and how to treat it. As always, I would lean on my medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists to help in my decision making and clarify my thoughts. The tests that are out there that can help in the decision making of taking chemo or not and other tests that determine so many more aspects of cancer have opened up a wealth of information to make better choices and see better outcomes. Friends and family are well meaning but ultimately you have to do what is right for you. In looking back, I don't see any changes that I would make which also gives me comfort and hope that we chose the right path and I will continue to keep myself abreast of what is happening and how to approach it. I continually look at diet and exercise and keep making changes to help improve my outcomes and staying positive and optimistic is the other pro-active aspect that I need to continually pursue. Keep a list of the resources and sites that are trustworthy and continue with a survivorship plan that accomodates your needs and by all means enjoy each day and smile, it is a good day! S
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AuthorMy name is Sue Kilburn and I am a clinical nurse breast cancer educator at the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Archives
March 2015
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