Cancer Diagnosis Q&A
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- This week I asked what YOUR biggest fears about a cancer diagnosis would be. Money, rent, work, childcare were all the common answers. Here is my advice, I hope to ease some fears and let you know that it WILL be ok in the end.
Things I discuss are social welfare, medical card and the drugs payment scheme as well as other options.
I know it’s a long one, but there’s lots to say!
Other places to find me:
deedohertyinsta
MUSIC:
Artist: Simon More
Song: Emotions [Chill Royalty Free Music]
Download/Stream: /zPT1fasC
Hi Dee,
I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. I had ec CHEMO followed by taxol. I cried the first 2 treatments before going in but yes as you say it does become routine after the first or 2nd one and you adapt to it. The first 2 sessions I cried before going in. It was scary but now I go on my own. I was dreading starting the taxol but for me it was fine. No sickness or bad mouth taste. Just a bit of numbness in my heals. The bone marrow injections give me a little pain but it only lasts 2 days. I loved having no hair. No worrying about it when you are feeling rough and everyone I have seen with no hair looks great, embrace baldness is what I say! I love your videos you are a very clever lady. Thank you!
I’ve just found out I have two spots on right and triple negative. Did you have a mastectomy? Right now, I’m being advised to have mastectomy and if lymph nodes show cancer I will need chemo. I just found out so I’m trying to learn🤷🏻♀️. 💕🌸
@@CkCmilliemoo Hi Judy, yes I had a right side Mastectomy. I opted not to have reconstruction. I also had some lympnodes removed as a precaution but it hadn't spread to Lympnodes. I am now cancer free and happy 4 years from my diagnosis.
Today is my last Chemo treatment. 6 months in total! Yes, it is the truth- I got used to the treatment and to have breastcancer. It becomes life. As you said. My biggest fear: not to see my two year old grow up! The greatest fear of all, the only one I can’t do anything. It is really scary. Let’s fight! Let’s fight for life, let’s fight for us and our kids and beloved ones. We are warriors! Life made us to be ones. So much Love!
Sophia Emilia congratulations Sophia!! Yes life has made us warriors for sure! Well done, hope today goes really well x
Congratulations that you have hit the finish line! You did it girl! Whooooohooooo!
Tiralynn Eruanna thank you so much!
What a wonderful service you are providing by giving your "insiders" view of life with cancer. I love how you said you just go through it and it becomes "just life". All of us are at risk of getting cancer....and you are truly helping people who are afraid. You break down those fears beautifully. And all your videos are so emotionally honest. Impressive. Thank you Dee.
Martha thank you for those words - that means a lot to me x
Thank you! Just diagnosed today so your videos have eased many fears.
You are glowing with natural beauty, inner and outer :)
You are so beautifull...
Allah may cure u soon😍😍
Hi Dee! I was just thinking about you and up pops your video!! I am so grateful for your continued education and wisdom! You will (continue to) help so many with all your videos and support! I adore and admire you!! So much love from California 💜😻💜
Kerri Tollison awww Kerri!!! Thank you x big love to you 🤗🤗
I have stage 4 colon and liver cancer. Liver cancer terminal. I stay positive by surrounding myself with positive people. Thank you for your videos. Your helping me stay positive.
Eric Glover thank you! So sorry to hear of your diagnosis but I’m delighted you are managing to stay happy!
Just found out that chemo starts next week. Emotions are all over the board!! However, your sweet videos keep playing in my head and I am inspired to push through the emotions as I know you and so many others have made it through chemo. Dee- you are amazing and if I ever come to Ireland I want to to give you a big hug for the wonderful impact you have had on me. Rock on girl and I believe you will be there for your kids and what an amazing story they will be able to tell about their mom!!
Michelle Cardwell prayers to you!🙏
Hi Dee just want to say your advice is spot on .l too am an Irish gal on the far side of of triple negative breast cancer 😜4 years out since diagnosis whoo hoo. The only piece of information l would add to this vlog for Irish working peeps is when you have claimed illness benefits for a period of greater than 6 months and then if and when you are ready to go back to work you can apply for whats called PARTIAL CAPCITY BENEFIT , basically for me it paid 100 euros per week for 6 months along with my own salary when l returned to work . It is a supplement for people returning to work from an illness that may not be ready/able to do their full working hours. Have to say it was a BIG HELP for me . Keep up your fantastic attitude you are over the worst and don’t let those “bastard mammy fears”get to your head 🤬🤬🤬 The quote that got me through some of the difficult dark moments of treatment was WORRYING WILL NOT OR EVER CHANGE THE OUTCOME 👍
#Truth!!! Chemo is different for everyone and you just have to be prepared for anything. My first week of AC was really hard but the second week was better.... I've just had my 3rd cycle of AC (yesterday) and I feel great today! I've been able to do a bit of work and I feel like each cycle has improved (so far). I still have one more AC to go (and then 12 weekly taxol) but I'm feeling way less nervous about everything. The doctors need to see how you'll react on the first cycles to get medication and pain/sleep management tailored correctly but they do get it right. I had reactions during my first two AC infusions (not terrible but still reacted) so yesterday, they gave me the extra steriods up front to avoid the reaction and it worked. No reaction = I'm feeling way better! Just have to roll with it - just like Dee says! Thanks for your videos and advice Dee. xxx
Thank you so much Natasha
I’m going through the same thing you was going through last year !! And it’s difficult 😓. Thanks for giving me hope !!!
Hope you are doing well, sending love ❤
First, you are such an inspiration. I love your positive attitude and your humor. I anxiously await each new video. I also follow your stories on Instagram and I love them. I live in the US and am being treated for stage 3 breast cancer. I am 55 years old with grown children and I live alone. That is difficult to say the least. I just had my 7th chemo yesterday and it still feels like such a long road ahead. I am lucky to have side effects that I can deal with at least so far and am coping pretty well. I still work 3 days a week and that keeps me sane. I am also lucky to have good health insurance but I am told the American Cancer Society has help for people who can’t meet expenses or pay their rent. If anyone has experience with this it would be good to hear about it. Best of luck Dee and I look forward to following the rest of your journey.
Deborah Tomanocy thank you so much for sharing! Thank you also for your kind words! You sound very brave, and very strong x Best of luck with the rest of treatment!
It is so nice to hear from you Dee. Your hair is gorgeous and I love the curls and they look so cute on you. I have been wondering how you have been doing. I am one of those bad chemo people that I have been in and out of hospital. I cry the day before my treatments because I know the hell I am going to go through. I have a friend that has cancer worse than I do and she is going through her treatments with minimum side effects. Finances are definitely a major concern for most people, I included. In Canada there are social programs that will help you out if you qualify. October 5th I get to start Docetaxel which is treatment number four of six. I am halfway done my chemo!!!!!
Tiralynn Eruanna you poor thing! Yes I know that fear - crying the day before! I did Taxol too, it was much better for me that the AC previously so FINGERS CROSSED you get some kind of break from this hell! You are almost there! Well done ❤️ Thank you for sharing about Canada!
You look great x
I have loved watching your videos! I have three chemo treatments left, then mastectomy, radiation... thank you for showing me what the rest of my treatment will entail. I’m not so afraid anymore! 😀❤️
I vouch for what Dee said in relation to chemo. There is certainly fear and anxiety before, but humans are crazily resilient and can adapt well to so many circumstances. Once I started and made some adjustments to my day to day life, I just got on with things and continued to enjoy my life!
Your hair are so beautiful. You are a such warrior. This is so unfair to women that breast cancer is one of the most expensive one regarding the additional costs.
I hope your radiotherapy is going well. It would be great to get news about it (sides effect, fatigue, burn, etc.). Testimonies from other patients are so useful.
Thank you Dee, you are a great woman.
Reinventing50s I asked the hospital today if they will let me film so fingers crossed!
My biggest fear would be dying and not being able to be with my family. They are great and I cannot leave them ever. I cannot imagine that at all. Not super religious I believe in heaven and all that but I will not be separated from my family. I lost my mom and sister as well as other family members to cancer. I will forever be trying to find peace and make it be ok that they are gone. It's not really about me.... like the way cancer is the fact that you have no choice and that you have no control over what happens. If the drs. can't save you. Also the manner in which people die from cancer....I just can't. I would much rather my family that has passed from cancer die from a freak accident or heart attack or stroke or something.
Hi . I have a triple negative cancer stage 3. I had my first chimo yesterday and I cryed a lot. I am 32 years old . and I have a wonderful family. 2 little kids. Hope we survive
Melinda Lindsay ah. where are you from little Melinda?!
Thank you , Dee. You're a true inspiration. All the best to you.
Never give up.
Just wondering and sorry if you said but what type of cancer did you have ? I have triple negative breast cancer that spread to my lymphnode.
Grade 3 Stage 3 E+ IDC also spread to lymph nodes and DCIS
Hi Dee. You are fantastic! And I'm so grateful for your video's. I was diagnosed in April this year 2020 and because of covid19, I'm stuck abroad, can't get home and have had to start my chemo here. I have a few great friends but it's not the same as being with family. My health insurance doesn't cover outpatient chemo - surprise surprise
Rose Bolt oh god 😢 I can’t imagine having to go through this all during covid!
@@DeeDoherty so chuffed you replied. Wasn't sure if you were still using Facebook as I don't have Instagram. I'm not a citizen here and they don't have nhs. A good friend of mine started a giving page for me but that has all but finished and I'm only on my second chemo. Your videos are of great comfort, haven't got thru all of them yet but watch daily. Thank you hun x
You're always so positive at the same time as being very real. You're beautiful inside and out. And I'm so grateful to have come across your channel! I'm from the US but I found so much support on Macmillan for my rare diagnosis, which led me to a facebook page that is more active than the Macmillan page for VIN/Vulvar Cancer. So, the majority of my support is from the UK! I haven't been able to find anyone in the US that is anywhere close to their 30s and active on websites or facebook. So I'm eternally grateful.
Cherry Blossom thank you, I’m so glad to be able to help. Glad you are finding online support too - Macmillan seem fabulous!
Hi. Dee you really are a fantastic role model, not just for cancer patients but for anyone with chronic illnesses. Your strength, determination and courage is truly amazing. I don’t have cancer, I’m a chronic illness sufferer and you inspire me to be my best self. Thank you and God bless. ❤️
jodie morgan ah Jodie. Thank you!
You are lovely!!! You’re journey & illness has educated us all 😊
Dee! Thank you so much for mentioning my fear. My mother has breast cancer and I'm just so scared to see her go through treatment. I have been educating myself through your videos. Thank you so much for all you do, for being so inspiring. Best of wishes to you and yours! P.S. I am from the States, we are very fortunate that my mom has insurance through the government. She is considered low income, therefore all of her medical expenses are covered at no cost. Thank God because I don't know what we would be doing otherwise.
Mayra Gutierrez oh that’s such a relief!! It can be so terrible over there! Fair play to your mom getting that organised! Xz
Dee I was so delighted to see you that I have only now listened to your message, you are amazing and have given so much sage advice on this vlog that will enlighten and help so many of us. Thank you, you are better than any social worker. I hope your health is improving you haven't mentioned how you are but you are a fighter and I will pray every day that you get to see and be at all the important milestones in you children's lives.
Anne Carrick thank you Anne xx
You are adorable with your short blond hair. I've been following since I had my diagnosis 8/2020.
In the States, many oncology clinics offer financial counseling and financial aid based on income. There are also many many resources available, many organizations that will refer you to financial aid programs. Dee, you’re right; cancer is an expensive disease. It can be overwhelming and often the last thing on your mind when you’re hit with the Big C diagnosis. Thank you for your tips and encouragement.
You're sucha beautiful lady and so well spoken to communicate to others about all the issues surrounding cancer. Truly enjoy your videos. You should be a school teacher!!
OMG girl, same fears. Appreciate your share.
Thank you Dee! I start chemo this week. Packing bag today.
Love your hair!!
God bless you Dee you are soooooo wise and informative and soooooo real thank you xx
Hi, what you said about just being life is so true. It's just something you adjust to because you have to.
btw your hair is gorgeous , what lovely curls xx
Thank you so much for doing humanity a service !
with my brain tumor and radiation, the most horrible thing was the fatigue, i could barely walk or stand without falling. it was a strain because my husband had to do everything i felt so helpless and useless, plus the money of course, im in a nursing home now
Marilee Grier so sorry to hear this x
my child was taken.
I’m so sorry Tracie x
@@DeeDoherty thankyou ive got him back now :)
Lovely to see you feeling better Dee, you've dealt with so much this year but with so much bravado. Still keeping my fingers crossed x
Gosia Sikora thank you so much Gosia xx
You’re absolutely stunning! A beautiful girl inside and out!
That’s very kind of you to say x thank you
I finished chemo Aug 7 then surgery is Oct 9, my fear is I still have cancer and the chemo never got it all ?
Darlene Leach very hard we do all fear this x but the thing is we are young and cancer research has made us the ones who “survive” this x
What a great service you are providing. Sending love and light from Southern California.
Stacy Lang thank you so much!! ❤️
xxxx you such a brave lady xxxxxxxx
So what is your opinion on the need for some sort of natural supplementation to the ordinary treatment?
Radostina Rolls each to their own!
Hey dee i been watching your journey i just had a biopsy and I'm waiting on the results they said I would know by Friday or Monday which will be the 22nd or the 25rd of March
lisa dugan hi Lisa! Try NOT to worry. They’d know very soon ... so I feel the longer the wait the better!! Not that it will make it easier for you x fingers crossed for you
I hope all went well ❤
I didn't know there was no NHS in Ireland! Are you in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland?
Rachel Demain republic. We are an independent state. We are Ireland, not Britain. But Ireland is shit
NHS is useless the docs all have privet healthcare
Hey Mrs looking fabulous ❤
U r a lovely soul inside and out 👍🏽
It's really good to see you at the other end of this journey. It gives me real hope. I'm currently struggling after my third EC treatment, I seem to remember you warning us about this, its taking me much longer to get over the effects of the chemo this round but your confidence and positive attitude is really motivating. Thank you.
Helen Fleet thank you!
Helen Fleet I hope you will feel better soon! You’re nearly there! X
For finances, I would HIGHLY recommend getting a living benefits life insurance. EVERYONE should have this especially before a cancer diagnosis. I got mine a year before being diagnosed, so when I was suddenly diagnosed, I could tap into my policy and then didn’t have to worry about money because they paid me out within 2 months. If you’re in California, use the state insurance (Medi-Cal) if you qualify. They will pay for your treatment.
PortiaD Does 👍
Hi Dee, yes it's true facing chemo is a very scary thing I was terrified but after my first one it did become routine, I knew I would have 2-3 days of down time after each chemo but the rest of the time I just carried on with life as normal it is doable, one thing too regarding finances one of the hardest things I dealt with was travel expenses I live 100 miles from the hospital and each trip up to Dublin cost me at least 50 euro this is a huge expense when you are living on 130 e a week so I was told about a travel allowance I got details from my BC nurse and eventually they helped out. Just thought this might be helpful tips for anyone who lives a good distance from the hospital, btw you look great I'm seven years out from my diagnosis and although I still have some issues , iE reconstruction problems and issues with my arm getting very sore after doing anything excertive ,life has generally gone back to normal or my new normal as I call it now 😊
Carol Kitrell that’s great news Carol! Glad you are doing as well as you are! Thanks so much for those tips - I completely forgot to mention about Travel2Care and the likes!
Do you have to leave work? Why
Morning Star I worked full time working with children. I was immediately told to leave as you can’t be exposed to children when your immune system is compromised
... in addition to that it was a demanding job which I wouldn’t have been able for during chemo. I would continue but very few woman can keep their jobs during treatment 😊
I could not keep up working during chemo because my immune system was comprised and I work at a pharmacy. Lucky I have long term disability to kick in after medical employment insurance. It is not your full income but better than nothing.
I took the 2nd chemo, I’m 34 and did the surgery and removed the tumor. My biggest struggles are the treatment the chemo and loosing my hair I’m feeling so embarrassed and afraid of my look. I’m covering my head trying not to see my face on the mirror.. how can I cope with this how did you did it?
Raghad Khalil I embraced the bald! I just used little hats and scarves while it was cold and I never gave up on the makeup! You’ve got to figure out the new beauty routine to make you feel like you!! Maybe a wig?
Dee Doherty what about your husband or partner how did he feel about it, I’m afraid of this look maybe he’ll be disgusted of my look
Raghad Khalil he loved it! It shows them how strong and brave you are! There’s a new show on Netflix about a girl who shaves her head - to change her life and let go on hang ups! Sounds brilliant- and it’s the same thing you’ll go through too. Shave that head and show him just how beautiful you REALLY are x
Dee Doherty I’ll shave it whenever I’m out of the chemo effect😭maybe Friday and I’ll let you know about the reactions
Raghad Khalil do!! It’s all gonna be fine! Just make sure you’re ready - I have videos on my channel about my hair struggle too 😉
Hi Dee it's so good to see you and as ever still looking beautiful, I too have been thinking about you and how you are getting on and it's great to see you looking so well. I had my mastectomy in July and did not need chemo and this may sound terrible but I am terrified the cancer will come back and I think I would have felt safer had I needed the chemo like it's an insurance !!! how crazy is that. The cancer is not the worst it's people saying to me God get on with it your grand you don't need chemo and I feel like just telling them to shag off . It has badly affected my personal relationship and I am getting no support there. Cherish Noel and your boys you are so lucky to have your family and people who love you. You ate a ray of sunshine to all of us on this journey. Keep strong x
Anne Carrick oh Anne!!! Oh that’s awful - that is terrible for someone to have said that to you! Is there psycho oncology services in your hospital to see a counsellor? That’s really terrible for you - I can completely understand your fear about the chemo and thinking it would have been better. I felt the same with the delay in radiotherapy! If you are feeling this anxious you need to book in to see your oncologist so she or he can give you a proper explanation to put your mind at ease! I always say knowledge is power - the more I know and understand about what is going on for me, the more in control I feel and the better I feel about all of this.
Hello again, love this video as you addressed all my current fears. Being a primary carer (don't like the term single parent) and terminal scares the absolute shit out of me. We can only do what we can to stay positive and focus on things that matter, like time with loved ones :)
Jae oh god, so scary! But you will thrive for many many years. You know you have the fight in you as a mother! ❤️❤️ Stay strong
@@DeeDoherty wow, I nearly spilt my hospital lunch 🙈. I'm so happy you replied 🤩, I started binge watching your channel. I love your channel! I'd also like to thank you for giving me the courage to do what was right for me and not what the doctor's wanted. I postponed my chemo (it was meant to start this Wednesday), because the support structure wasn't ideal and it took from watching yours and others journey to stand firm in my decision. So I thank you profusely. The doctors were completely fine with my decision as they're not sure whether the chemo was going to grow or shrink the cells as this treatment was a trial and error situation.
Good thing I didn't go ahead, I ended up being brought into the hospital via the ambulance for swelling around my spinal cord in the area the cancer was in.
Thank you for being a strong inspirational, kind, funny, strong, loving mother. You are helping many 💖. I will continue to fight for my babies😁 and I won't ever give up. I hope you are doing well lovely, look forward to the next video 😍 xxx
Jae oh that’s amazing, your intuition was spot on! I’m sorry you’re going through a rough time! Best of luck ❤️