Possible Dx breast cancer should I try to go to nursing school?

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jun 28, 2015

I am sorry you are going through this. I would press on with your plans until anything else dictates otherwise. As far as what you are able to do in the future or activity restrictions/realities, that is a discussion you should have with your healthcare team. This isn't something that strangers on a forum can decide for you, though others who have experienced similar issues might be able to share their stories. I truly wish you all the best!

MeredithG · Jun 28, 2015

Thank you Pixie.R.N. I am also concerned because of my age regarding nursing school. All of a sudden I have realized my mortality and limitations.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jun 28, 2015

I'd take the spot. You can always change your mind if it comes to that. Personally -- and if you were my family member asking for advice -- if it is cancer, I would hold off on school. NS is very demanding, and you will need all of your strength to fight the disease. Besides, stress is bad for the immune system. School will always be there. If it's benign though, NS isn't SO demanding that you won't be able to work the frequent mammograms into your schedule. As far as facing your own mortality, not one of us is guaranteed tomorrow. We all die. No exceptions...well, except for Enoch and Elijah in the Bible. I wouldn't base your decision on what may happen. If we did that, nobody would pursue their goals.

That's just my $0.02.

Hugs!!, and prayers for your health.

OCNRN63, RN · Jun 28, 2015

As an oncology nurse, I'd suggest if it does come back positive that you put your plans for school in abeyance until you are done with your treatment. Between surgery and chemo, it can be hard just to deal with day to day issues at home, let alone the rigors of nursing school.

School will always be there. If it is cancer, your first job is to get healthy.

I wish you all the best.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Jun 28, 2015

Many schools will allow you to defer admission x 1 year for these kinds of reasons. One of my 18 year old patients just had to do that with college because her leukemia relapsed. As for me, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor about 2 months after I was accepted into nursing school (college) and told I needed brain surgery "sooner rather than later" about 4 weeks before I was to move in. I told everyone to go to hell and that I'd be going to college, brain tumor or not, as planned.

Purple_roses · Jun 28, 2015

I'm so sorry you're going through this, especially at a time when you would love nothing more than to celebrate the hard work you've put in to make it into the program. The PP above have all given you good advice, and I have nothing to add there. Just wanted to send well wishes your way.

Libby1987 · Jun 28, 2015

I'd say go to nursing until your condition says otherwise but until student loan reform; and with being 51 and having a family, I would be very hesitant to borrow that 40K, I'm not sure how much you have to borrow and pay out intially but I'm assuming at least one semester which would be 10K?

dudette10, MSN, RN · Jun 28, 2015

Having been where you are, but already working as an RN, living life with the status quo unchanged helped me immensely. I was only Stage 1, but family history required mastectomy and chemo. I was forced to take a minimum time off to recover from four surgeries (3 days after lumpectomy, three weeks after mastectomy, two weeks after tissue expander exchange, 3 weeks after TAH-BSO), but I was able to work full time during chemo.

I made my decisions knowing what I needed to cope and to help my family cope. I needed a normal life, so I led my life as if the whole ordeal was just a speed bump. My LIFE was my focus; not my disease.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jun 28, 2015

Hi everyone,
After much hard work and prayer, I have just been admitted to a very prestigious RN licensure/ADN program at a local hospital and was set to begin this August. I was elated and so excited, but nervous about going back to school at age 51. That was three weeks ago.
Last Monday, I had a routine mammogram and they found something in my left breast. This past Friday, I went in for a Dx mammogram and ultrasound. The radiologist spoke to me directly after the ultrasound. I have a Grade 5 lesion 9:00 posterior left breast. Every woman in my family has had breast cancer, both sides. The radiologist works directly with my gynecologist (who trained at Johns Hopkins in gynecological oncology) and said that my doctor will refer me to a breast surgeon for a sterotactic core biopsy. The radiologist said the lesion had undifferentiated borders and was very suspicious and that my doctor will treat any cancer very aggressively given my family history.
I don't know what to do. I have to let the school know very soon if I will be attending this fall as they have a waiting list and only admit in the fall of each year. I know this whole process will drag on at least 4-6 weeks, and much more, if I do indeed have breast cancer. I know nursing school is very difficult, and quite expensive. I have been told that even if this lesion proves benign or carcinoma in situ, that I will gave to get regular mammograms every 3-6 months for the next few years.
So can anyone tell me what to do? Is there any way I can go to school even if I do have cancer? And if I do attend, what happens if and when I have to quit b/c of breast cancer in the future? I will have to borrow $40,000 in student loans for this school; it is the only local school and I have a family and can't move away to attend a less expensive school. Please someone tell me what to do-the school needs to know asap if I am attending. Thank you.

I am so sorry this is happening to you. I'm a breast cancer survivor.

Can you talk to someone in the admitting office and explain your dilemma? They may be willing to work with you . . . a reduced class load, a sememster off to deal with chemo, whatever you need.

I took four months off work for my cancer surgery and radiation therapy. I went back perhaps before I was ready, but at reduced hours. It worked out OK. I know others who have worked through the entire process with only minimal time off. It is too soon to know what you will need -- if you even have breast cancer. You'll have a better idea of a plan after you talk to your oncology team.

Libby1987 · Jun 28, 2015

I thought but failed to type.. Best wishes to you!