Gosh, you've had an extremely hard time of it in the lead up to your diagnosis, @Shenners xx.
Sending you big hugs xx. I lost my husband to cancer 2.5 years ago & know just how heart breaking it is to lose your wonderful partner xx. I saw a grief counselor up here - I hope you'll be able to see someone soon (or ring our helpline, info below, in the meantime.) xx Make sure you ask your medical team to point you to some counseling too xx In the meantime, have a listen to Charlotte Tottman's Podcasts, as she covers an awful lot of topics, having been diagnosed with BC herself & having a double mastectomy & remaining flat. She is very easy to listen to & very much 'common sense' & calming xx
http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.htmlHave you been assigned a Breast Care Nurse yet? They should be a wonderful support for you as well. And if you want to speak to someone here, ring our helpline 1800 500 258 Mon-Fri, 9-5 xx They've come back 'on line' today, after the Xmas break.
I have no doubt that your family & friends will muck in together to help you out with meals & stuff (mowing, gardening, helping with the kids when you are not able) so make sure you take them up on any offer xx Even work out a roster, maybe? In the mean time, consider cooking & freezing some meals now if you can - to make it a bit easier later one when you are home again.
Having fairly young kids too, There are also various organisations (like Canteen and Red Kite and Camp Quality) where they give kids (who's parent has cancer) the chance to meet up with other kids in the same boat & just have fun together. Your hospital Social Worker should be able to point you to local organisations who may be able to help too. Your Breast Care Nurse may also be able to point you to relevant organisations, too. xx
Re your surgery - I only had a lumpectomy - your surgeon will be able to fill you in on the recovery - as it depends on whether you are having immediate reconstruction, or have to wait for it! We have 2 groups here that you may like to join
today (so you can read up tonight before seeing the surgeon tomorrow! Maybe call the Helpline, for that??) Reconstruction & those who choose to remain flat.
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/1-choosing-breast-reconstructionhttps://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/29-flat-chat-no-breast-reconstructionYou can also read up on other areas of the forum that may interest you, here (including some tick sheets on your mental & physical recovery, post op.)
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latesttake care, be kind to yourself, you are being a superwoman just now xx Take things one day at a time, one hour at a time, if needs be xx Wishing you all the best for tomorrow xx
