October 21, 2023 Issue, Page 9 of 14

Page Text

October 21, 2023 The Elk City News -9 How to approach work after a breast cancer diagnosis lia-based Cancer Council notes that individuals notes during strategizing sessions. Begin using must decide what they want to share regard- a planner so you can stay on top of deadlines. ing their diagnosis. Women can speak to their These simple measures are easy to employ and physicians to determine how long they will con- can ensure women don’t miss a beat during tinue working, if their ability to work full-time treatment. will be affected by treatment and the projected - Take time off, if necessary. Time off should length of treatment. Answers to the these always be a consideration during cancer treat- questions can help women decide how much ment. Breastcancer.org notes that various pro- A breast cancer diagnosis affects every facet cer.org notes that a woman’s comfort level is the to share with their employers. If treatment will grams can help women meet their financial of a woman's life. While women and their fami- most important factor when sharing news of a be lengthy and require time off to recover, then obligations if they're no longer earning income. lies must prioritize treatment, a host of addi- breast cancer diagnosis with an employer. Some sharing such information can help employers Some employers may pay full salaries during tional variables, including work, also merit con- women may want to inform only a few cowork- arrange to cover your responsibilities. treatment and not count time off as vacation sideration after a breast cancer diagnosis. ers they're close with, while others may find it + Take additional measures to overcome or personal time, while others may grant short- Work is an important part of life, so it’s easier to let everyone know. There's no wrong or side effects of treatment. Breastcancer.org term disability benefits that can provide some understandable if women are concerned about right way to share a diagnosis, so women should notes that treatment can produce cognitive income during extended time off. Explore all of how a breast cancer diagnosis will affect their prioritize their own comfort when choosing side effects such as memory loss or difficulty your options with the human resources staff at careers. With that in mind, women can consider which way to go. To ensure things go smooth- concentrating. Successful professionals will un- these tips as they share news of their diagnosis ly and your wishes are honored, consider first doubtedly want to maintain the standard they your firm. with their employers. breaking the news to a supervisor in a private have established for themselves, and that can A breast cancer diagnosis may require wom- + Prioritize your own comfort when speaking face-to-face meeting or Zoom call. be done by taking a few simple steps to over- en to alter their work habits and schedules. to an employer about your diagnosis. Breastcan- - Decide what you want to share. The Austra- come any cognitive issues that may arise dur- Even the simplest tweaks can have a profound ing treatment. Record Zoom calls so you can go impact and allow women to direct much of their back and view them, if necessary. Take copious energy and focus on their treatment. What are late effects of Breast Cancer breast cancer treatment? Awareness Month Many side effects of breast published in the Journal of + Sexuality and intimacy is- cancer treatment, such as fa- Midwifery & Women's Health sues By Renae Bagzis vasive ductal carcinoma and 1 was diagnosed about three tigue, go away shortly after indicated that as much as 90 : Weight gain noninvasive in situ breast can- years earlier than those who treatment ends. However, the percent of breast cancer sur- Susan G. Komen notes that Unlike in the movies where cer. First thoughts?? This is a do not have mammograms but organization Susan G. Komen® vivors experience long-term you and a loved one go to the life sentence!!! How could this instead do self-checks. (I am research into breast cancer notes that some women ex- consequences as a result of care, including how to improve doctor's office, sit in comfy be? I’m healthy, I exercise, I eat NOT knocking a self-check!!) perience late effects of cancer treatment. Susan G. Komen chairs across from the stoic fairly decent, I take vitamins, My cancer was about the size life for survivors, is ongoing. doctor on the other side of a and have regular check-ups. I treatment, which are new side notes that some of the more of salt granules, so cheers to effects that present months or common late effects of breast In the meantime, women un- desk, and hear the horrible come from a healthy family. So the X-ray techs that found it in even years after treatment for cancer treatment include: dergoing treatment, those who news; I got a phone call while I how could this happen to me? the first place. I totally believe breast cancer has ended. Late - Bone health problems have recently completed treat- was home alone. My type A personality that early diagnosis saved my effects vary, and many breast + Changes in the look and With that single call from (planner, organizer...) was out ment or even patients who life and saved my family from cancer survivors experience no feel of the breast, including have not received treatment in OU Health — Breast Care Net- the window! There is no plan- lots of heartache. After four work, life as I had known it, ning for a future that you may such symptoms. But according after lumpectomy, radiation years but are experiencing the doctor's visits (breast surgeon to Macmillan Cancer Support, therapy and/or reconstruction forever changed! It was two or may not have. The one thing aforementioned side effects days past Christmas; my hus- Tknew for sure was that my im- and reconstruction surgeon), a United Kingdom-based orga- Early menopause or are urged to speak with their a seven-hour surgery, three nization devoted to supporting menopausal symptoms, such band was at work, and I was on mediate future would involve physicians about the various my way out the door to an eye doctor's visits...a LOT of doc- days in the hospital, and seven individuals living with cancer, as hot flashes some late effects may be per- - Emotional distress and de- ways to improve quality of life appointment when I received a tor’s visits. weeks off work, I am breast should any of these symptoms call. My biopsy results (I might Upon my first appoint- cancer-free!! Is this the case for manent. pression There’s no way of know- - Fatigue or insomnia appear or continue to present. mention that this is not the ment, the doctor informed me everyone?? Absolutely not, but ing who will experience late » Fear of recurrence More information about late first biopsy that I've had, so I that, had it not been for a year- with early detection, the odds effects of breast cancer treat- + Infertility effects of breast cancer treat- wasn't nervous about it) came ly mammogram, my case might are more in your favor than ment. However, a 2019 study - Joint and muscle pain ment is available at komen.org. back and was positive for in- have been a death sentence. not! October Is (2 Cancel We want to take this time to show our support for the many women and men that Breast cancer deaths have been have been diagnosed declining since 1990 thanks to with Breast Cancer. early detection, better screening, increased awareness, and new / your doctor your doctor toto s see treatment options. Pane / te Ae a manunogian PUBLIC SERVICE THRU TUBING COMPANY OF OKLAHOMA An AEP Company 1501 E 20th St, Elk City, OK 73644 - 380-225-6977 BOUNDLESS ENERGY*