Quick Interview

research_student13

I am a 13 year old student, who was assigned to do a research project on Breast Cancer. Part of the assignment was to interview somebody who has survived cancer. My aunt is currently suffering from cancer, therefore it would be a tough subject to touch on. So I was wondering if there are any survivors out there who would be willing to do a quick over-the-internet interview with me. These are the questions:

1. What was the farthest stage that you cancer reached?

2. Did the cancer spread (metastasize) to other parts of your body?

3. What kind of tests did you need to have done, and how long did the tests take (approx.)?

4. How long did you have to wait for the results of the tests?

5. Did you continue with your everyday schedules while awaiting the results of your tests?

And,

6. What types of treatment were reccomended to you?

If anybody has any suggestions for changing my questions in anyway, feel free to respond.

-thank you, Amanda   

annm

Amanda

Here are my answers to your questions

1. I was dx stage 2 invasive ductal cancer in September 2006.

2. No, the cancer has not metastaize to any other parts of my body.

3. When I was orginally dx I had various tests. I had a mammogram

 and ultrasounds on my breast. I also had a core biospy done on the  lump in my breast. After surgery I had a bone scan and liver ultrasound.  I also had an MRI on my remaining breast.  I can't remember for sure how long each of these tests took but none of

them took over 1 hour. 

4. Each test took a different amount of time to get results,

but on average it was about 10 days.

5. During the time of the tests that were used to determine if I had breast cancer, the mammogram , ultrasound and core biopsy, I was able to continue with my everyday schedules. After surgery I was not able to continue on my regular schedules as the surgery restricted the use of my arm , I was not able to lift anything for 6 weeks. However with the type of work I do, I was able to do somethings and continued to work part time until I started chemo. The chemo made me feel very sick the first week I got it so I was not able to work very much the first week after each treatment.

6. The treatment I received was a lumpectomy with removal of some of my lymph nodes then a mastectomy ( removal of my breast) followed by 6 cycles (treatments) of chemo, three weeks apart. Then I was put on a drug called Tamoxifene, which I take each day for the next 5 years.

research_student13

Thank you for sharing your information. But even though you put that up, i still need to be sure that the reason i asked was for an assignment, and that it's okay to use this information for my research studies.