Welcome to BCNA - pretty well the best BC forum out there. You can use the 'search' section at the top of the 'Discussions page' to search out specific terms ...... we are here to help support each other as we go thru this shit fight, called Breast Cancer.
Sending you big hugs and supportive thoughts as you face this with your young family @kabash. Yes, it is a tough ask - It is such a shock to the system to be diagnosed - and we've all been there so can feel your anxiety.
Put up any questions that you think of .... someone will have excellent advice relating to it xx
There is a section here for Young Women - maybe ask @Giovanna_BCNA about joining that group, where all discussions are not 'public'.
Difficult tho it is, try not to pre-empt the meetings with your specialists. Others will jump on who have experience in HER2+ .... your team will be discussing the best options for you right now.
Fingers crossed it isn't Stage 4 ... definitely try & arrange some counselling to get on top of things - often your Breast Care Nurse or Meds Team will be able to put you onto someone local
You haven't said where abouts you are (state & town) as others may know specific services that may be available to you. If you are in 'remote areas' you can claim both petrol costs and accommodation costs thru IPTAS (Isolated Patients travel Assistance Scheme) or similar - most states have them.
It is totally normal to have a raft of emotions - from rage, to disbelief & tears & everywhere between. Better to 'let it out' than to bottle it up & be very stoic.
Take care, all the best with ditching the ciggies ... maybe don't take on too much 'to change' at this point - focus on what your team recommends - tho eating healthily is a good way to go. When I was diagnosed in Jan 2018 - some well meaning friends suggested some of the most stupid advice I'd ever heard of! So be selective in what you accept as being 'good for you' ..... and just walk away from the dipsticks!
Thinking of you and the family xxx
