Hi @tsjlhm I too am newly diagnosed - just a few days before Christmas and it took me a while to process what was happening and to get on this forum. This is a great place to come to for amazing support. I will offer a couple of things as I am only a little bit further along in my treatment. However, I can totally relate to your anxiety. I said in those first few days that the psychological battle was huge and I felt I was being tested in so many ways, I was also frightened as my mind was working overtime. Many of the incredible people here will tell you that the first few days are some of the most difficult but we will also tell you that once you get a plan in place and you have that little bit of time to think, things will settle. I have a real belief in good mental health so I got onto a psychologist pretty quickly as I needed a space to be me and talk even though I have an incredibly supportive family, I felt I needed someone outside to help me with my thought process. It’s also ok to cry and to be how you need to be. I have also tried really hard to be present in the moment and to focus just on this day and not to get ahead of myself - that’s a work in progress, but when I feel my mind racing to unproductive thoughts I really make a conscious effort to bring myself back to the moment which may be just sitting having a cup of tea. I just finished 4 x AC and about to start 12 x taxol followed by surgery then radiation. I remember at the start being really worried about the road ahead, which seemed so long, but here I am 4 treatments done and I want to say that I am feeling pretty good - yes tired, but as many here will say, you get through. The fear of the unknown is very real but the advice on the forum really helped me. Try to keep busy, but also allow yourself time to adjust.
I also used the BCNA website and watched the ‘newly diagnosed forum’ which put my mind at ease a little. The head specialist on the panel had some really good words. Well worth watching.
I also just learnt to crochet - something I always wanted to have a go at - a new skill and keeps me busy. My 2 young adult daughters have learnt with me - which has been fun in lots of different ways.
I am a teacher and whilst my kids are finished school, I would really recommend letting your kids’ teachers know so that there is support in place. There are so many things that the school can do and sometimes parents are not aware of what is available.
You’ve got this and we are to support you. Be kind to yourself. Big hugs.
