Julie decided that she wants to focus on what is happening with her and how that can help her.
Transcript
I also understand that breast cancer is very complex because it reacts differently in every woman. Therefore, this has an influence on the understanding of the sickness. It is difficult to understand when you are being told that: “Well, there is this type that is positive, negative, the hormones…”. It comes to a point that, for me, it is too much! Thus I decided to only try to understand what was happening to me and to see how I can help myself. But when I hear people talking about prevention, that we should eat more turmeric, and to do more of this and that, it doesn’t ring a bell. I always had a healthy lifestyle so when I am told: “We can prevent, we can do this, we can do that”, I agree that prevention is important. However we can still be sick, but how come? Throughout the years, I have put this aside. I only learn to do things… to understand how I can help myself with my sickness.
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- Understanding the diagnosis – JulieJulie decided that she wants to focus on what is happening with her and how that can help her.
- First symptoms – JulieAlthough less common, Julie experienced sensitivity directly around the lumps.
- Talking to children about cancer – JulieJulie found that her daughter's presence throughout her cancer journey helped her maintain a normal routine and avoid falling into a depression.
- Preserving fertility – Julie (2)Julie explains why she feels that discussing fertility issues with women undergoing treatment for breast cancer ought to be a matter of routine.
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- Recurrent and metastatic (advanced) breast cancer – Julie (2)Support from health professionals and being responsive to her own needs has allowed Julie to manage her situation.
- Recurrent and metastatic (advanced) breast cancer – JulieJulie's cancer had also spread to her bones. She hadn't realized how commonly metastases occurred.