Patricia

11 years since diagnosis

Age at interview: 76

Patricia (76 years old) has worked as a coordinator in a hospital psychiatry department and is now an active volunteer in her community. She has remained single her whole life and has no children.

Patricia was diagnosed in 2004 and the day before this interview she had her final check up with the oncologist. Patricia’s lump was found thanks to a screening mammography she had after her physician urged her to go. She strongly disliked having the mammography done. Following the testing, Patricia had a partial mastectomy, and then radiation and hormone therapy which she completed about five years ago. After her treatments, Patricia underwent surgery for breast reconstruction with the hope of improving her fit with bras. Unfortunately, surgery didn’t resolve these issues as she had a hematoma after surgery. Her oncologist advised her to not continue surgery as he was afraid that future screening would become more complicated. Patricia lived through depressive feelings and wept frequently after almost five years on hormone therapy. After a search on the internet, she discovered that this was a typical side-effect of the hormones that she took at that time. She was prescribed medication for depression and still takes this but at a much lower dose. Having been a cancer survivor for about 10 years, she still lives with the fear of recurrence although she tries nonetheless to keep her live as normal as possible and to remain active and vital. For example, Patricia is an active member of cancer care committees in her province, she participated in a research to study the effect of exercise, and she provides support to other cancer patients. She finds that the cancer care in her province is much better now than 10 years ago when she received her treatments and she is happy to contribute to that.

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• Alternative and complementary therapies – Patricia
  Following exercise classes with the cancer centre helped Patricia stay in shape and at the same time it provided an informal support group.
• Endocrine (hormone) therapy – Patricia
  When Patricia started to feel weepy, she checked and discovered that this was a possible side-effect.
• Radiation therapy – Patricia
  Patricia comments on the growing awareness about long-term fatigue following radiation.
• Surgery – Patricia
  Patricia learned that her breast will not look the same after a lumpectomy.
• Messages to others – Patricia
  Patricia sums up several things that could be helpful.
• Managing within the health care system – Patricia
  Patricia feels that patients should be sharing responsibility with their providers for their care and decision-making.
• Coping strategies – Patricia
  Patricia had returned to her church prior to her diagnosis. This decision proved to be helpful in dealing with her illness.
• Perspectives on treatment pathways – Patricia
  Patients do have the right to refuse treatment and Patricia thinks that it is important for the health professional to provide the patient with all the information they need to decide.
• Physical activity and diet changes – Patricia
  Patricia encourages women to keep exercising and not stop doing things just because they have cancer.
• Troubling long-term effects of treatment – Patricia
  Patricia described the episodes of extreme fatigue she continued to experience and explained how these episodes were different from normal tiredness.