Just diagnosed with breast cancer

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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:

Specializes in CV Surgery Step-down.

A woman in my graduating class underwent double mastectomy (with reconstruction) over Christmas break and returned in January and graduated in May. She had chemo prior to the surgery and radiation after. Never skipped a beat. She missed a day here and there. Never complained--always positive. A true inspiration for our class. With love and support, you can do it!

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your mind and your will, are going to be your 2 greatest tools in promoting yourself.

i'm inspired by you already.

i can only imagine you in action!:balloons:

yes, i went to school w/a girl who was dx'd w/breast ca, had a mastectomy, chemo and radiation.

we all pitched in together on the days she wasn't feeling well.

one of us would take notes and make copies.

another would collect assignments.

another would go to her apt and type papers.

and so on.

she got a deafening standing ovation, when she walked across that stage.

prayers for a peaceful, thorough recovery.

and a great, big hug just for being who you are.

leslie

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Hi

I am very sorry about your diagnosis and you are very strong and determined. However, everyone is going to react differently. We won't know how you will react, but maybe you should have a talk with an advisor about classes, because each program is going to have different rules. In our program, if you start a class and once you get into a certain point into the semester, you're locked in and have to continue, pass or fail. You may want to figure out your options before you make your decision because you may not be able to go back.

Wish you the best and speediest recovery

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Do not be afraid to accept any help offered, or to ask for help if needed. Earls classmates provided what I am talking about. You can do it. It will be hard but all 250,000 members here are planning on that standing ovation, just give us the date and time.

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Specializes in midwifery, NICU.
Do not be afraid to accept any help offered, or to ask for help if needed. Earls classmates provided what I am talking about. You can do it. It will be hard but all 250,000 members here are planning on that standing ovation, just give us the date and time.

:yeahthat: TOTALLY!!!!!

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Evidently you are NOT a whoa is me kind of person so..

Talk to the Dean, instructors and even fellow students. I am sure you have always had a positive attitude and THAT WILL GET YOU THROUGH!!

It is not like you are a slacker asking for extra help. You are a person who is going through ALOT and just need guidance. I am sure you can do this.

WHen you do - can I suggest you become a motivational speaker?

Because you have inspired me!!

Good Luck and please keep us posted!!

Lyn

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Wow. Just - wow!

You're something, girl! Strong and determined and - wow.

My thoughts exactly!!:kiss You are in my prayers!!

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Just amazing. Now I am really balling!!

your mind and your will, are going to be your 2 greatest tools in promoting yourself.

i'm inspired by you already.

i can only imagine you in action!:balloons:

yes, i went to school w/a girl who was dx'd w/breast ca, had a mastectomy, chemo and radiation.

we all pitched in together on the days she wasn't feeling well.

one of us would take notes and make copies.

another would collect assignments.

another would go to her apt and type papers.

and so on.

she got a deafening standing ovation, when she walked across that stage.

prayers for a peaceful, thorough recovery.

and a great, big hug just for being who you are.

leslie

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Specializes in EMS, ER, GI, PCU/Telemetry.

rn2b, your strength and courage is amazing. wow. you will be in my thoughts and prayers. i wish you a speedy recovery and good luck in your schooling. please keep us updated on how you're doing!

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You all are amazing, I was not expecting such an outpouring of support. With all of you behind me I feel blessed. My instructors are incredible and are willing to do just about anything (within the rules of course) to make this work, and of course if it is too much I can return the following year. I also have a wonderful Nurse Manager at work and coworkers that are all ready making schedules to feed me, drive me and entertain me if I have to go to the infusion clinic. They say nurses eat their young but I have found just the opposite, the nursing community comes together to support their own in times of need and I am so blessed to be a part of it.

I am in the right place at the right time. I have had my moments of why me and I am sure I will have some pity parties but overall I feel that I have come so far in this process and I am so close to having that RN behind my name I am not going to let this stop me.

I will definitely keep you all updated. As of now surgery is scheduled for the 14th.

Again, thank you all!!!!

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Specializes in midwifery, NICU.

RN2B..you are a wee star..YOU, above anyone else will be allowed a "pity party", just make sure to invite us gals here to share it with you! So glad that your nursing school is being so great! Have to ask, just so we can send positive thoughts and great big hugs your way....The 14th of December???? haven't read back, but think it must be, as you are talking about school in jan.

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I want to give you a big hug and say you are really inspiring. I did have a friend who had breast cancer during prereqs and she managed to get into nursing school. I know nursing school is that much harder but you can do just about anything when you really set your mind to it. It sounds like you have what it takes to succeed and those qualities will make you a terrific nurse. Take care,

Jean

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