Just diagnosed with breast cancer

Nursing Students General Students

Published

Here is one I have not seen before...I am going into my last semester (2 exams, 2 clinicals and 2 weeks to go this semester) of NS and have just been diagnosed with bilatereral breast cancer. I am having a double mastectomy over winter break and it is my intention to return in January. Yes, I am insane if you are asking yourself that question...I am also going through a divorce and have a teenager at home.

My question is...Have any of you heard of someone going through school and undergoing chemo? I know nurses are tough and I am determined. I am willing to give it my all and if I can't do it return next year. My health is number one. Any suggestions or histories to share would be great....Thanks.:uhoh21:

I am now...survivor08...pretty fitting i would say!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

new to this thread but read the first and last pages(hopefully, nurses don't study this way)and feel like I got the gist of it. Congratulations to you. You are a champion at life and the things it has thrown at you. I'm a beginning nursing student and I can only wish I have a fraction of your "grits" to stick to it and face challenges head on. God bless.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg.

I really wish you the best of luck with your treatment. So sorry this has happened to you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Tele Step Down, Oncology, ICU, Med/Surg.

Love the new moniker RN2BNTN! Your new name just about says it all....but now you need to add the RN part too.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!....was never a doubt in my mind.

Love and big Hugs, your friend Bertolozzi....who will be giving you a call soon.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you so much my friend. Hope to see you this week.

You are next!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ob/Gyn - NICU.

My God, what should I say???? CONGRATS! YOU ARE AMAZING!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.
Here is one I have not seen before...I am going into my last semester (2 exams, 2 clinicals and 2 weeks to go this semester) of NS and have just been diagnosed with bilatereral breast cancer. I am having a double mastectomy over winter break and it is my intention to return in January. Yes, I am insane if you are asking yourself that question...I am also going through a divorce and have a teenager at home.

My question is...Have any of you heard of someone going through school and undergoing chemo? I know nurses are tough and I am determined. I am willing to give it my all and if I can't do it return next year. My health is number one. Any suggestions or histories to share would be great....Thanks.:uhoh21:

stress increases your susceptibility to illness, as we know, and it sounds like you have many stressors in your life. If you can't do NS, I'm sure they'd save you a spot next time around. Take care of yourself first. Sorry for the diagnosis and I hope things are better for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, SDU, OR, RR, Ortho, Hospice RN.
My journey on the student board has come to an end....I PASSED NCLEX!!!! I am working in a trauma unit and I will be starting my reconstruction on July 7th, what a long strange trip its been. Thank you all for your support and prayers. I guess I need a new screen name....

Your news has warmed my heart... CONGRATULATIONS you so deserve this. :yeah: :yeah: :yeah: :yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, case mgmt, agency.

:flwrhrts::luvnltr: Just wanted to wish you best of luck. Your attitude is great. I am a cancer survivor too. Ovarian & Uterine. I was not in nursing school at the time, but I was diagnosed and had a total hysterectomy 8 weeks after my last child. :redbeathe I can tell you that now I feel better than ever. It is a rough road but keep positive. I keep telling the doctor that laughter was the best medicine I took.:yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Survivor08- I am so happy for you!! What an amazing journey to RN and you made it despite some daunting obstacles. You are truly an inspiration. I have been praying and hoping for you from the beginning. You are a survivor. Lots of hugs and pats on the back to you. :w00t::nmbrn:

Continued success and happiness to you.

Warmest regards,

Jean

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics.

First of all, Good luck to you and my prayers are with you.

My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer just before entering nursing school. She had a right breast mastectomy and underwent radiation an then chemotherapy during her first semester. The radiation was much harder on her than the chemotherapy (it made her very tired). Her tumor markers were good after two semesters of completed school so she was able to discontinue treatment. After 6 weeks of no treatment the cancer metastisized to her liver, brain, and spine. She began chemotherapy again and has not stopped since. She dropped out of nursing school because she had a long road of school still ahead of her and she was working full-time as well. I am happy to report that six years later she still has chemotherapy every week and is doing well overall. She continues to work full time in her medical assisting job but never went back to school. This was a personal choice for her. I have to say, if she was as far along as you in her education she would have taken a break and then went back and finished after her treatments. Since she was just beginning, it was an entirely different story and she made the decision with the help of her oncologist. Maybe your doctors can help you with the best decision for your health in the immediate future and you can take it from there.

You sound like a very strong, smart, and determined individual. It also sounds like you have a lot going on besides the cancer right now. In the end I think you are the only person who knows what will be right for you.

Remember - Attitude is Everything!!!!!

I will be praying for your continued strength and health and wish you the best of luck with a difficult decision.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics.

I just caught up on all of the readings. You are amazing!!!!! What an inspiration you are.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment