Just getting started

Sorry about your bc diagnosis but a BIG welcome to this network.You poor love, what a way to start the new year! Sounds like you have a good GP who is on the ball and moving it all along for you.As soon as you get that awful news, you just want the cancer out asap.The waiting and the unknown are the hardest parts of this journey and distraction is your best defence for those times.I would schedule cupboard clean outs etc-anything to take my mind off cancer,which I invisaged was travelling all through my body at an alarming rate! The BCNA 'My Journey Kit' is a great resource to get you up to speed and you can order it for free.I've had breast cancer twice-2003 a lumpectomy,full node clearance,radiation and then in 2010,a mastectomy then chemo.Both surgeries are similar painwise and recoverywise.A full node clearance is probably the harder bit to get over.I went back to work 4 weeks after the first op and 3 weeks after the second op.Until you have your surgery and get the pathology results,you won't really know what treatment you'll need.You will most likely be in hospital for 3 days and maybe go home with a drain left in.I found it easier to have button down the front pjs and a loose shirt to wear home.Regardless of which operation you have,ask the breast care nurse(or GP)to order the free Berlei post op bra and soft form from BCNA.Also have some singlets/camis on hand as you won't want to wear a bra for a few weeks.We are all here at this network to support each other so ask any questions and vent any fears.It's normal for you to feel anxious at the moment but after Tuesday,you'll have a plan and will start to feel a little in control again.And remember,the majority of women with early breast cancer survive and live well.I'm fine and am enjoying life now.  Sending hugs, Tonya xx