Not the best start to 2018

Hi @JoB sorry you are here but you are not alone we will all ride this journey with you.. you will get through this just as I did with all the wonder people on here helping thinking of you xx

Hi @JoB, welcome but sorry you've had to join us. Everything will be such a whirlwind and difficult to take in right now. That's normal. You're scared. That's normal too. As well, as overwhelmed, bewildered, pissed off, frightened and the rest. Definitely take someone to your appointments if you can, you'll only take in about a third (also normal). 
My family is in NZ so yes it's hard without them around but doable. Whilst my mum was keen to come over I didn't want any 'off the plane germs' near me whilst having chemo as I'm a germophobe, OCD, nurse. ( yep, worst patient). You should get a breast care nurse and they are wonderful and have so much knowledge and compassion. 
We are here for you. Xx

Hi and welcome. Do you know what type of bc you have?  6 months on and it might be all done and dusted and have plenty of recovery time before your planned trip. It will be a double celebration then. I know I didn't feel I could make future plans during treatment as my head just couldn't do it. But it gets better.  Kath x

Awesome @TripleTea ! That must be such a relief. Well done. Xxx

Hi
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I agree with @Brenda5, Christmas is a long way away and plenty of time to get through this shit journey and have something to look forward to. This is a really hard experience but we keep pushing and do what needs to be done. I had my last of 6 chemo’s today so another stage out the way.

good luck and keep checking in here for support. X

Take someone with you if you can - it helps with remembering what to ask and what is discussed.

Thank you all so much, readings the comments you have all taken the time to write has made my day.  I know I have a long road ahead of me and I will know more when I go back to see the surgeon on Monday.  I have started to write down the questions I want to ask because I know my mind will go blank when he asks me if I have any questions, then I’ll get home and think of so much I wanted to ask him. I am staying positive and I now think I will gain great benefit out of this forum. Thank you xx

Christmas 2018 is a long way away. Treatment can be a drag and take up far too much of your time, but you've got twelve months to knock it over and get all glammed up for the trip.

Hi @JoB, Welcome to a forum of very loving & caring people just like you! I was diagnosed early December & had my operation 4 days before Christmas so I too am new to this forum. I came into this very naive but someone on this website told me that you learn very quickly & you do. Ask us any questions as there will be someone who can help you. Timing was not on your side but then it never is with cancer. It will be tough for you with family in the UK but you have a special family here with all of us. Good luck & one thing I have learnt very quickly is that there are so many different stages & courses with this disease so don't panic about something that may never happen or you may never even have to deal with. There are many roads but you may only need to travel down a few. Just focus on what you know instead of what may never happen. I started panicking about chemo, mastectomy & many other things but I was a lucky one & never had to go down those paths. Keep breathing, stay positive & you will find much strength from the ladies here, the breast care nurses & hospital staff. It is quite overwhelming how much support you will get. Lots of love. xxxx

It's only January, you got plenty of time for the UK trip. Get in, get it out, get it poisoned, get it nuked and by Christmas you will be sporting a short curly very stylish bit of new hair for your trip. <3