HiKoncon25 I am really sorry to hear about your diagnosis - sending a big virtual hug your way.
What a talent you have, your wry humour and musings on effective alternatives, had me crying/laughing.
Turning to the question about treatment- My breast cancer was treated with chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and then a bit more chemo immunotherapy again, 17 doses over a fourteen month timeframe and now, like a lot of people, I take a hormone blocker.
It was very annoying having to pause some of the plans and to change gear.
Although it is no cake walk, having chemotherapy, was, for me, “doable” although I had a lot of tedious and unwelcome side effects. I think it helped me once I knew it was working; I had the first 6 doses prior to surgery to shrink the tumour and after dose 3 I had ab Ultrasound and there was evidence it was very effective. My radiation after surgery was tiring but not (in my case) painful. The treatments did however have a cumulative effect. I didn’t have much in the tank by the end.
I think the big thing that helped me get through a long haul year was participating in an oncology exercise rehabilitation program. At my most depleted it helped me feel like being strong again was a possibility.
Yes, telling people is an interesting thing. Definitely no one size fits all script. I didn’t mind sharing the news face to face, or even have my friends share it with others in a non sensational way - 99% of my family and friends were supportive and sensitive.
I spent a lot of time sending texts and on reflection I wish I had asked my husband or a friend to be the person who sent out a brief bulletin on WhatsApp.
It might not be a source of exhaustion for you, but I was surprised how taxing dealing with any large group of people became (more than 4!) during the chemo and radiation treatment.
I am sending you all good wishes :-)
