Kathy's Lesson: Educate yourself.
Age at diagnosis: 49
Type of breast cancer: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Stage III
Lymph Node Status: 1 of 10 involved
Surgery: Bilateral mastectomy
Treatments: 8 round of chemotherapy, 5.5 weeks of radiation
Time in Remission: 3 years
Arm Yourself with Knowledge to Win the Fight
Educate yourself. It is the only way you can make informed decisions about your treatment, your life and your future. Write down questions and go to every appointment prepared to get an answer. Even if the answer is "I don't know."
You have to be aware of everything that is happening before, during and after treatment. Learn about all of your options. If you want a second opinion, get one. If you do not click with your surgeon or oncologist - find another one.
This is going to be one of the toughest fights you have ever been through, so get ready for battle with knowledge. When you go to the doctor you are only going to be able to retain a small portion of all the information. That is why you need to get copies of all your medical information. This way you can look up information that you don't understand and most likely will read details that weren't discussed or that you missed when talking to the doctor.
My Life Lesson
You are your own best advocate.
Read more about Kathy at her Health and Fitness blog
