College Students diagnosed with breast cancer.

Options
isnogard
isnogard Member Posts: 34
edited February 2016 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

Ok so I'm 39 and in college. I have posted some things on here but I wanted to know if there are other students who have been diagnosed and undergoing treatments that can share their journey and if they were able to resume normal schedules for class during all the crazy..... :)

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited February 2016

    Hi, isnogard. I'm faculty, not a student, but I've been on the other side of the equation. From a faculty perspective, it really helps if the student talks with a trusted faculty member so we can know what's going on and help the student develop plans. For example, there may be an online or hybrid course option that we normally wouldn't allow, but will let the student take it under these circumstances.

    It's really hard to predict what each person's energy, attention, and medical status will be. My suggestion is to look at taking a lighter load, or exploring the option for incompletes should you need them.

    I'm sure some other students will have suggestions for you. Best of luck!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NancyHB
    NancyHB Member Posts: 1,512
    edited February 2016

    Hi isnogard. Sorry you find yourself here. Do you know yet what treatments you may be facing? I was dx'd just after starting graduate school, so I can relate to the worries about being able to function. I was also the GA for the program, and worked part-time outside of the university. I couldn't take time off or I'd lose my position and have to wait an entire year to get back into the rotation again, so I plowed forward. I had chemo and radiation and it was tough, but doable. I had a couple challenging papers along the way that chemo brain really interfered with, but in general I had no real problems. Never missed class, maintained a 4.0 all throughout, and graduated with honors. My faculty and fellow students were supportive and helpful, but I never really needed anything out of the ordinary (except maybe a Jimmy John sub on all-day Saturday lectures) 😏

    PM me if you have any questions. Good luck!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jelson
    Jelson Member Posts: 1,535
    edited February 2016

    you have received some great advice here, but you also may want to check out the Forum for those under 40 https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/27 as other issues of interest to you might be discussed. good luck in your treatment and your college career.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • phrogger78
    phrogger78 Member Posts: 115
    edited February 2016

    I am 37 and in nursing school. I was diagnosed in December and I start my hormone therapy next week. I have stage 4, so I won't do chemo right now, and my oncologist thinks I'll be fine in school, but thought I'd do fine with chemo

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • isnogard
    isnogard Member Posts: 34
    edited February 2016

    Hi NancyHB and all the others that posted! Thanks for the feedback. It is good to know that it's doable even with a crazy school schedule. No treatment plan right now but my doc was leaning towards chemo before surgery to shrink the tumor and because of its size and my age. I've been keeping my teachers up to date with everything so that if I have to miss class because of an appointment or something they are able to help me out. :) So relieved!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories