Bad luck! All of it. Many of us know just how you feel, wasn’t in the plan. But here it is and all you can do is put one foot in front of the other and think positive. I’m nearly 11 years post diagnosis, NED (no evidence of disease) and finished ten years of hormonal treatment earlier this year. Apart from COVID messing up the world, it’s been a great decade.
Starting a new job with a cancer diagnosis hanging over you is always a bit tricky. I worked right through active treatment with no problems but I was already in my job and I dodged the nastier side of chemotherapy. Perhaps best to wait till you know what your treatment is and how you weather it - it can vary hugely. But doing something to occupy yourself is I think a good idea - maybe some voluntary work?
I also elected for no reconstruction, it’s a hugely personal choice but reconstruction can be quite lengthy to recover from, so you may need to consider that too.
Planning is a good thing but at the very start of this type of experience, it’s helpful not to think too far ahead. Not for dire reasons, there have never been so many options and potentially great developments for treatment. Just simply that it all takes time to accept, to think about, to make choices, to keep your head and emotions healthy too, and one step at a time is the best way to go.
Best wishes!
