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:

You all ROCK :redbeathe....Three down one to go. (March 13) Physically I am doing great, emotionally...well that's another story. The day after chemo I get this bright red swollen face from the steroids but am told I would feel way worse without them. I am still neutropenic but have been extremely lucky not to have caught anything floating around. The "chemo brain" has been a bit hard to handle as my test average is barely passing, but hey, it is passing. Iron supplements have really helped keep the old red cells rockin' and the iron pills do not have the s/e I dreaded if ya know what I mean.

Another s/e has been MENOPAUSE...Hot flashes are so much fun :angryfire I mean WHAM, no more menstrual cycle...Not a bad thing just another reason to go PSYCHO :bugeyes:.

Only 3 more clinical days (critical care SICU), a dialysis rotation, 3 exams, a final exam and 80 hours management..WOW. 10 weeks and a strut across the stage. :yeah: Might even have some hair by then!!! I still do not know my radiation dates, kinda hoping they will start after graduation..I think I need a little break. Well time to go back to the books..If I can remember the subject I was studying...Labor and delivery or Ventilation....

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

Almost there--even though you are getting more tired and unfocused, it's almost better because you know what to expect and can see the end in sight. It's all uphill from here.

Be careful--I was neutropenic for a good long while and caught every bug the kids brought home. Think I had pink eye for 3 weeks and ear infections so bad I lost partial hearing in one ear.

Hope you had your flu shots. Wash hands and don't touch your face and stay away from sick people (as if you can in clinicals--hah!). I've been so sick the last couple weeks and think I did poorly on my pharm mid-term. Oh well.

They had me on a regular regime of Nephogen every couple of weeks. If all you are coming away with is a minor steroid allergy, you are doing well sister friend. Those roids are protecting you from being violently ill.

And, as I am realizing as nursing school is killing my GPA--B's and C's earn degrees. It is amazing what you are doing with breast cancer on board. You are going to come out of this as strong and fierce as tempered steel.

Many blessings, Berto

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

By the way, my radiation started right away and it was an everyday thing. Hopefully your radiation center is nearby, because they give you a choice of a couple times and you need to take them and need to move your schedule around in order to get there in time every weekday....usually for a period of 6 weeks. It was a hassle combining this with school and managing childcare.

Had to take the kids with me a lot and it would **** off the staff; My toddler almost wandered into the radiation zone one time trying to find me. Part way though my radiation, the lady before me saw how stressed I always was. She was a nice grandmother type and she would stay after she dressed to watch my kids. She even took them out for ice-cream during my finals so I could study. God bless those angels in our lives.

Cancer taught me some good things....like it's amazing to me how some people we call friends disappear when times are tough...and then perfect strangers with big hearts step in those voids to help carry us through.

The good thing about Radiation was that it was quick in-out thing. Usually took only a half hour--sometimes within 20 minutes if everything was on schedule.

The unexpected thing with Radiation was how tired I felt. Still don't quite understand why. Better than feeling chemo though. And by the time radiation was over, I actually had some peach fuzz on top. It took a lot longer to come in than I expected--and it was a weird color/texture too.

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Specializes in midwifery, NICU.

Bertolozzi and RN2B....just want to send you both great big cuddles! Take care..BOTH of you! :icon_hug::icon_hug::icon_hug::icon_hug::icon_hug::icon_hug::icon_hug::icon_hug:

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I have learned the same things about people. I was shocked by the people that just drifted away but so touched by the overwhwlming numbers that have come to support me, like all of you!!!

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Specializes in L&D, M/B.

Here is a old fashioned hug for you

((((((((((((( RN2BNTN ))))))))))))))))

You are one strong woman!!! I keep you in my prayers.

You WILL BE walking that stage in May!!

Theresa

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Specializes in NICU.

You are such a strong person and so inspirational. Continued thoughts and prayers for you. (((((HUGS)))))

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Hi Everyone,

It looks like I have made it and have joined the ranks of SURVIVOR...I have finished chemo and after a meeting of the minds I will not need radiation therapy after all. :anpom:. It feels so strange, not scheduling my life around the next Drs. visit or worrying about being neutopenic.

I think my greatest news is that I PASSED NURSING SCHOOL...Our final was Monday. I WILL be walking across that stage May 2nd. :bowingpur. I have been honored with being asked to give the Benediction at our pinning so I am working on that. I have been so blessed during this crazy journey to have so many wonderful people praying for me and being so supportive.

On to State Boards. WOO HOO.....

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Wow.....you are truly an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your very personal struggles and acheivments with us. I am so happy to hear you have made it through this difficult time. Congratulations on your graduation....YOU DID IT!!!

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Specializes in med-surg.

A big warm hug to you. You are an inspiration to all of us! I just want to let you know that all our prayers are with you and that you can do it.

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Specializes in One day CCU maybe!.
Hi Everyone,

It looks like I have made it and have joined the ranks of SURVIVOR...I have finished chemo and after a meeting of the minds I will not need radiation therapy after all. :anpom:. It feels so strange, not scheduling my life around the next Drs. visit or worrying about being neutopenic.

I think my greatest news is that I PASSED NURSING SCHOOL...Our final was Monday. I WILL be walking across that stage May 2nd. :bowingpur. I have been honored with being asked to give the Benediction at our pinning so I am working on that. I have been so blessed during this crazy journey to have so many wonderful people praying for me and being so supportive.

On to State Boards. WOO HOO.....

:ancong!:

:urck:

:hpygrp:

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RN2BNTN,

I read your last post and burst into tears of happiness. I have been pulling for you, and you are such an inspiration. You really went through a lot and yet you made it through it all. :bowingpur You are an amazing woman with a giant :redbeathe. You are going to be an amazing nurse. :nurse: When I am stressed and feel like I can't do it, I will think about you. Thank you for sharing your struggles with all of us. Congratulations to you for perservering and getting through nursing school. I would love for you to post the text of your benediction speech after you give it.

A big hug to you, and wishes for health and happiness.

Best regards,

Jean

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