@Kombigirl
I think most of us can relate and say leading into a diagnosis life was extremely stressful! I firmly believe the stresses of life were a contributor to my diagnosis. Is it the reason for It? That is like a $64 question; who knows but, however, I firmly believe, as I said before, it was a contributing factor. Now, if stress starts to creep in it gets knocked well and truly on the head!
BC diagnosis teaches us lots of things, a heightened awareness of our bodies so hence every creak, ache, twinge we are concerned about and concerned it is a recurrence et cetera and an awareness of our own well being, the company we like to keep or not keep. I had a good friend, or at least I thought she was a good friend, of 40 years that I lost in this process but it turned out it was no real loss, I just don't need that kind of friendship!
Your well being awareness teaches, as @melclarity said earlier, "...So what I learnt for me was to put work 2nd, I stopped killing myself trying to be Wonder Woman, working full time, raising my 2 beautiful children........I put me first when I can. I nurture me more than I ever had before and acknowledge who I am...."
Take care x
