Any advice for a newbie?

Hi Tracey

It is understandable to be anxious, particularly when you don't get all the results and treatment plan at once.  I had a lumpectomy in early May with clear sentinel nodes and am HER2 positive.  They found further DCIS which was removed last week, but found out today I require a mastectomy after chemo treatment.

When I get anxious and can't sleep at night I listen to meditation 'the secret garden' and others that I've downloaded onto my ipod.  I find the Pilates DVD they provided after surgery helpful, plus walking - just getting outside.  In general any exercise seems to be uplifting.  The more you do, the better you feel.

I go through periods when I don't answer calls or emails and have preferred to work from home as I don't want to be around people in the office.  Then I have good weeks where I can't wait to catch up with friends and family and try to have a laugh.  Everyone has been very supportive and understands if you don't feel like talking, and I'm sure your family and friends will be the same.

I've been trying to write down 3 things a day that I'm grateful for, it's helped me to try and not dwell on the negative things that are happening, although understand this can be easier said than done.

Have you got a support group with your hospital?  I found it fantastic catching up each week with women who had gone through a similar experience to myself.

Sending you a big hug and my thoughts are with you while you wait for results.  Tracey W xo