Feeling like a fraud

Hi @Bearyfolk, I was diagnosed May 2016 had Grade 1, Stage 2 tumor 2.7cm with a satellite lesion that turned out to be benign. Due to the size of the tumor I was told a lot of breast tissue would need to be removed and my breast would look deformed even under clothing so I chose a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using an implant. I had no idea at the time I had just minimised my treatment by a huge amount. No nodes were involved and because I had the mastectomy no radiation was needed, because of the grade and stage no chemotherapy either. I am currently on Tamoxifen and change over to an aromatase inhibitor in July as I've been pushed into menopause (was heading there anyway!!) I too felt like a fraud and then I realised the emotions and fear that come with a diagnosis are no different for any of us. I do totally realise how incredibly lucky I am and I was even told prior to surgery that I would be having chemo (even bought a wig). I still have issues such as cording and pain but I count my blessings that I am lucky enough to have dodged other treatment bullets and even with my limited experience I can still try and be a support to others going through. The guilt will lessen and you will feel better. This is a very individual disease and I'm sure all of the lovelies who have had to go through extensive treatments wish that they too could have bypassed various stages. I haven't met anyone yet who has begrudged me my lack of treatment and if others can be that kind to us maybe we need to be a bit kinder to ourselves!! Hugs. Xx Cath