Life after cancer-chemo brain is gone and I can still drive!

Background;  I am an occupational therapist who has specialized in driving rehab.  I WILL talk about that, but not right now.  I felt that I should address the battle with cancer that so many people are engaged in.  I am a 3-time survivor of breast cancer, the last occurrence being almost 10 years ago.  In that time I have leared a few things that I would like to share.  What triggered this is a lengthy conversation that I had with my 32-year-old niece who is currently undergoing treatment.  My older sister did not survive; my younger sister has not been touched.  My niece is her daughter.
 
Cancer is a dreadful disease, but it is not necessarily a death sentence.  I believe that attitude plays a huge part in the treatment and recovery process.  After the initial shock of the diagnosis, it is imperative to take control of the treatment process and advocate for yourself.  I don't know what is the right or wrong treatment; everyone must decide for themselves after thoroughly researching the options.  Do not be railroaded into a treatment that you do not believe in.  And ALWAYS believe in the end result; wellness. 
 
In the 18 years since my first diagnosis, I have seen remarkable improvements in the treatment options and the treatment delivery.  Because of our family history, my niece decided on a prophylactic mastectomy on the non-affected side as well as the one where she was diagnosed.  We talked about reconstruction at great length.  Her attitude:  she said that she was wanting a boob job anyway so she was good with this. 
 
Our discussion today centered on a new drug that she could elect to take which MIGHT help to maintain the elasticity of the skin to make reconstruction more viable.  The primary side effect is nausea, for which she could take some of the same anti-nausea meds she took during chemo.  She said that her plastic surgeon had already decided to do a LD procedure on her so the elasticity will probably not be an issue.  So she asked my opinion about whether to take it or not.  Further discussion revealed that it MAY help decrease scarring of the shoulder and lungs as well.
 
She had already made her decision, but really wanted to validate that decision.  Whether I said yes or no does not matter as much as the discussion.  It is the information gathering and the making of a decision THAT is RIGHT FOR YOU based on what you learn that is important. 

Karen