Student Nurse with Breast Cancer

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I was recently diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma, with one cancerous lymph node. I have a stage II breast cancer. This summer I've had a lumpectomy, followed by a wider excision with sentinel node biopsy, and then an axillary dissection. I am looking at 4 months of chemo, followed by 6 weeks of radiation.

I am working on an ADN stepping-stone type program, and I just graduated as an LPN and passed the NCLEX. Our RN year starts later this month. I live in a small town in Alaska and am doing a distance-type nursing program with a university in another state. It is a unique opportunity -- to become an RN here in my home town, without having to uproot my husband and three sons.

I have been DEVASTATED that I would have to quit and give up my dream of becoming an RN, especially with only 9 1/2 months to go until graduation. (I am 48 years old and this is my first foray into higher education.) But I found out just yesterday that my program will accommodate me and let me do clinicals after my cancer treatments are over. I will still have to take two nursing theory classes on line during treatment.

Why am I writing about this? Because I am so, so, so happy to be able to continue in my program. It gives me a powerful kind of energy to fight my cancer and get through my treatment. I just wanted to tell a lot of people that even though I have cancer, I am still fortunate enough to be studying nursing!!

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i was recently diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma, with one cancerous lymph node. i have a stage ii breast cancer. this summer i've had a lumpectomy, followed by a wider excision with sentinel node biopsy, and then an axillary dissection. i am looking at 4 months of chemo, followed by 6 weeks of radiation.

i am working on an adn stepping-stone type program, and i just graduated as an lpn and passed the nclex. our rn year starts later this month. i live in a small town in alaska and am doing a distance-type nursing program with a university in another state. it is a unique opportunity -- to become an rn here in my home town, without having to uproot my husband and three sons.

i have been devastated that i would have to quit and give up my dream of becoming an rn, especially with only 9 1/2 months to go until graduation. (i am 48 years old and this is my first foray into higher education.) but i found out just yesterday that my program will accommodate me and let me do clinicals after my cancer treatments are over. i will still have to take two nursing theory classes on line during treatment.

why am i writing about this? because i am so, so, so happy to be able to continue in my program. it gives me a powerful kind of energy to fight my cancer and get through my treatment. i just wanted to tell a lot of people that even though i have cancer, i am still fortunate enough to be studying nursing!!

indigo,

i wish you the best of luck with your treatment and your career as a nurse. you sound like a very strong-willed woman and i have no doubt that you will not only graduate but also become a wonderful nurse. keep in touch and let me know how things go. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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Having a goal to aim towards just might make all those treatments a little more bearable...at the end of it all you will have two incredible achievements, your health and your ADN. My prayers go out to you, with wishes for a full recovery and a wonderful nursing career.

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Specializes in ER.

I have a cousin who was also diagnosed with breast cancer during nursing school. She also, went back to school after her family was established and had older kids. That was almost 10 years ago and she could'nt look better and be happier. It is tough enough being in school when you are healthy, so it will not be easy but nothing worth while ever is. Hang in there, we will keep you in ur prayers. You have the right attitude and after all, that is half the battle!

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Why am I writing about this? Because I am so, so, so happy to be able to continue in my program. It gives me a powerful kind of energy to fight my cancer and get through my treatment. I just wanted to tell a lot of people that even though I have cancer, I am still fortunate enough to be studying nursing!!

I am humbled by your determination and gratitude/attitude about continuing your studies. Your situation reminds us to keep things in perspective and to again realize that what we are trying to accomplish is worth all the effort and waiting and sacrifice. When you are a nurse, it will be just that much sweeter for you. God bless you in your journey!:nurse:

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Awesome. Best of luck with your treatments and your schooling. I agree having a goal and a focus will definately help.

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One of my classmates just found out that lump is growing in her chest. She had an operation on it and is doing well now. Just like you, she wanted so bad to be a nurse and I'm glad that she can still have that chance.

Women like you are a great inspiration since men like us really have no idea what you go through in times like that. I'm proud of you and thankful that you get to continue your studies. let us know how your progress is doing!

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I have a feeling with your determination you will make out just fine in the end. You inspire me. Hang in there and NEVER give up; YOU are the kind of nurse we need to stay among our ranks! I so respect you.

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I agree with Deb, you are such an inspiration!!!!!

I admire your determination and will.

Sending thoughts and wishes your way...

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/MICU/SICU/CTICU.

I agree with the others, you are such an inspiration to all of us here, and to all the patients that you will encounter in your career. Know that I will be praying for you and wishing you the best with your road ahead of you in school and with your treatments.

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I am humbled by your determination and gratitude/attitude about continuing your studies. Your situation reminds us to keep things in perspective and to again realize that what we are trying to accomplish is worth all the effort and waiting and sacrifice. When you are a nurse, it will be just that much sweeter for you. God bless you in your journey!:nurse:

That pretty much sums it up for me. Good luck with everything!

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you are awe-inspiring.

i am shaking my head in total amazement of you.

you go girlfriend. and keep on going....we know how far you will go on this journey.

you've already demonstrated what a winner and survivor you are.

don't let go of your dream....

with affection and prayer,

leslie

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