New at this

Hi Cruiser. I'm in Canberra too. I had a fantastic BC nurse, who referred me to a cancer counsellor at Woden community health centre where I had a couple of sessions where I totally freaked out, and she gave me some strategies to deal with the fear. It helped. It's horrible not knowing what's going on, and thinking the worst - but it does get better. I also had early stage BC, no drain, and was ok at home and could look after myself. I do a lot of exercise though, and so didn't have much trouble raising my arm up etc. I also planned on only taking a week or so off work, but the emotional impact of it all got to me, and I ended up taking 3 weeks off. I could've worked after a week, but I really needed to look after my mental health, and I spent a lot of time sitting in the sunshine, just resting. Was actually quite nice to step off the treadmill of work, realise that work's not that important, and just rest. Take care. 

PS Stephanie's at Kingston has fantastic soft bras which are good for going through radiation and aren't as ugly as hospital bras. Also use Moogoo Udder cream for radiotherapy - works a treat.