Introduction

Hi Rachel, I'm also 39yo and was diagnosed early January. My kids were just 1 & 4 at diagnosis (now 2 & 5). I've had a mastectomy, chemo & radiotherapy and have just started on tamoxifen (hormone blockers) for 10 years. A lot of ladies work during treatment, but I chose not to so I could give my kids my best. Also, I'm a teacher, so it's an all or nothing kind of job, which is way too demanding for cancer treatment! I did a lot better than I expected with treatment and never missed a day dropping off & picking up my daughter to/from kindy. Only a handful of times I was too ill or exhausted to stay up for the whole day to tend to my kiddos. Everyone is different, though, and you will need to just see how you go with it all. Can I suggest you check with your super fund as to whether or not you have income protection insurance. I do, and they are paying me 75% of my normal wages whilst I'm not working. I'm hoping to go back to work next year. When I was first diagnosed I was scared for my kids and what might happen to them if I got really sick... or worse, but I now know that bc is so very treatable nowadays and my treatments have been fairly tollerable. Try to focus on one step at a time. I was advised this and it really, really helped me. Try not to imagine too far ahead. You can't know what the future holds, so just get yourself through each appointment, treatment etc and get well again!  I found my kids endlessly motivating to be tough, drag my butt out of bed and push on. Of course I've done my share of crying and swearing too. All the best for your tests. Waiting for those results is the worst. Post on here for ANYTHING you need. You'll get warm, honest, helpful responses. You got this!