So sorry to hear you've joined our exclusive little club @kerasia1. Feel free to ask ANY questions of us, as There are NO dumb questions. We've 'been there, done that' so know how you are feeling just now.
It is a roller coaster of emotions for sure - so feeling sad, even confused, is totally normal as it has happened to most of us at one stage or another - so don't be afraid to 'let it all out' .... it can be quite cathartic to even have a big SCREAM now & then, probably in the safety of your car, away from other people tho! ;)
And don't forget to ring our helpline on 1800 500 258 to have a chat with our Mods if you'd like a real person to 'chat with' ... Mon-Fri, 9-5 work hours.
Having a trusted friend or relative with you at all your early appointments as a 2nd set of ears & physical support - & even consider recording the appointments on your phone, as it is almost impossible to remember everything that is said at the time.
In the mean time, try & keep yourself as busy as you can, doing things you love doing (I basically went fishing in my kayak every day between initial scans/biopsy & the actual diagnosis!) .... Maybe, consider cooking up some meals & freezing them, making it easier for after you do have your surgery.
Also, check out this post for lots of 'general' info on the forum that you may like to check out! (Even some funny bits, as we all need a laugh xx) You can show off your garden, your fur-kids, your art & craft ..... or start a new thread, with your favourite hobby! ;) There are some tips on what to take to hospital too.
At the bottom of the post are some Tick Sheet PDFs that you can print off & fill in, to follow your physical and mental health .... that you can take along with you & show your team, if you need xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latestYou may also like to check out the podcasts by Charlotte Tottman - as she is a specialist BC Counsellor who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer 4-5 years ago. She's had a double mastectomy, stayed flat and KNOWS what we've all gone thru! She was surprised too, at the emotions she went thru herself, as they were different from what she'd 'thought they were' when she was counseling women prior to her own diagnosis. So she 'gets it'. They are very easy listening too. xx
Go to this link, click on the 'list' (it should show 22 tracks) and start off with No 13 (the first one of Series 1) and work your way thru them.
https://soundcloud.com/search?q=charlotte tottman
Take one step at a time, one day at a time, one hour at a time, if needed xx. And make sure you stay away from Dr Google, as a lot of it is outdated & not relevant to your own diagnosis ... and will only confuse you. Ask important questions of your team (and/or you Breast Care Nurse, when you are connected with one) or us - those that have actually been thru it all x
All the best for your appointment with your surgeon on Monday & your surgery plan ... terrific that there has been no spread. Once you have your surgery & pathology back you'll know the full plan too - I know that I felt very relieved as soon as I woke up after the surgery, knowing that it was just 'GORN'!
Take care xx
