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Struggling to cope with Stage IV diagnosis and what the future holds.

Breast Cancer | Last Active: Apr 1, 2023 | Replies (36)
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@auntieoakley

It sounds as if you are enjoying your life more. Sometimes I think we are the lucky ones because we don’t take our days for granted. I don’t know very many cancer patients that are just going through the motions of living.
Cancer is hard, I am glad you are able to honest with yourself and others about that. I am also really happy to think about PT, and counseling being part of the program. I wish that were always part of the protocol for treating cancer.
Thank you for sharing your story here.
Can I ask if you are being treated at a large cancer center?

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Replies to "It sounds as if you are enjoying your life more. Sometimes I think we are the..."
joiful | @joiful | Dec 27, 2021

Thanks for your reply. My lumpectomies, capsulectomies, and reconstruction were done at my local hospital. After interviewing the general surgeon and cosmetic surgeon there and at Duke Breast Cancer Center, I felt strongly that I should choose the local surgeons.

That worked out very well. All the rest of my cancer care is through Duke Cancer Center in Durham, NC.

I’m going to a medical oncologist at Duke Cancer Center. I like and respect him and we have a good rapport. That’s also where I had my radiation treatments.

My oncologist was very concerned about side effects of Letrozole, especially with my past history of suicidal ideation. Thus, counseling. My joints really, really hurt, especially hips and knees, thus PT and walking.

These “extras” seem to be helping me so far.

You’re absolutely correct about being fully aware of, and grateful for, each and every day. No more taking life for granted.

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