@annsan It's a terrible white noise type of shock, isn't it? I wasn't planning anything as marvellous as a European holiday but was happily planning where we were going over Summer. I missed Summer. One of the best things I did to communicate was, apart from close family, nominate a couple of close "key" friends who told everyone else what was going on. That way, if I had managed to stop thinking about it for 5 mins, I didn't get a well-meaning phone call. The other best thing I did was to start an update blog. That way, I can put all the info, my thoughts and feelings, out there and family, friends, colleagues can read it and comment when they want to - and I can read their comments when I want to. It's worked brilliantly and I can rant if I feel like it.
Good luck with chemo - I have my third on 21st March - my only advice is, if you feel sick, ring them up and tell them - even if it is Sunday night! I suffered needlessly in silence for the whole weekend. Of course, you're probably going to be fine!