Cherie 6f9c5 Profile
Cherie, 63
Breast CancerStage 2
United States of America
Asian
Year of Diagnosis
2020 (Estimated)
Discovery
Mammogram due to age
Treatment Plan
Surgery and various other therapies
Side Effects
Hair loss, appetite loss and vomiting
Ways to Manage Side Effects
Nutrition and prescribed medication
Cherie 6f9c5 Profile

Hi, I’m Cherie from the USA. This is my story, about how I survived stage 2 breast cancer.

My biggest dreams now are to retire comfortably and see my kids and grandkids grow up.

Because of my age, I was advised by my family doctor to do a mammogram. I also experienced some breast pain.

Symptoms Mammogram 1
  • Frightened, helpless, overwhelmed and worried
  • Grief and powerlessness
Emotions Helpless Lonely

Since then, I started eating a healthier diet most days and exercised 50% more.

Lifestyle Diet Exercise 2

Following my doctor’s recommendations and my own research, I did a mastectomy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy. Deciding on the plan made me a bit more motivated, but I was still a bit scared and anxious. I tried traditional Chinese medicine and nutritional supplements as well to aid my recovery.

Thankfully, now I’ve completed treatment, and I’m in remission.

Medical Care Vitamins Supplements 2

In terms of side effects, the ones that affected me the most were: hair loss, appetite loss, nausea and vomiting.

To manage them, I relied on medication from my doctor and eating better.

Side Effects Ginger Tea

In the long term, I’ve started to eat healthier 7 days a week, and doubled my exercise since my cancer treatment. I also started spending more time with my children, and we go on more family trips each year now.

Before I knew I had cancer

  • Spent time with my children 6 times a week
  • Went on 1 family trip a year

After knowing I had cancer

  • Spent time with my children 9 times a week
  • Went on 3 family trips a year
Aspirations Vacation 3

I’ve made plans for a family trip back to China to visit my extended family. I’m now retired, so I just want to spend some time with my kids and grandchildren. My biggest dreams now are to retire comfortably and see my kids and grandkids grow up.

Having cancer motivated me to quit my job, which previously left me unhappy and gave me a lot of stress. I wanted to spend my time better with people I love instead. I want to see my loved ones while I'm happy and healthy, not in pain, and to live to see my grandkids get married.

Aspirations Teacher Kids 2

It’s fear that the cancer will come back stronger or if the chemo and therapy didn't work. Still, I found support from friends and family. My daughter is encouraging me to see a therapist.

Biggest Fear Friends Support Group 2

Now, I feel neutral.

Emotions Neutral 1

To others, I would say: “It's a long journey and you may feel discouraged from time to time. But step back and think about the people who love you and support you.”

Words Be Brave 2

This patient's story is published and shared with their full consent. Any personal data that can be used to identify the patient has been omitted.
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