Discrimination for or against??

Hi Penny, Firstly great effort with your fundraising.  When I read your blog, I could relate to everything you said.  It is such a "funny situation" we find ourselves in.    At my first diagnosis back in Oct 2006, I had a couple of lumpectomies, radiation and then Tamoxifen.  I felt like such a fraud as I felt really well and looked fine.  The radiation knocked me over a bit and then i really felt like "I thought I should".  I never wanted any sympathy at all.  Everyone kept telling me how brave and positive I was.  Bullshit - I was just "getting on with it".  Anyway I think I did get a "bit of a chip on my shoulder" in regards to work.  I think I missed out on opportunities because they thought "I wasn't up to it".   I hated people patronising me but on the other hand I "was stronger than most as I had endured bc"!! At the second diagnosis in Dec 2010 with secondaries, it was so different BUT I don't think people patronised me until I had no hair.  During chemo, after the terrible sick days, I would venture out in the "real world".  I really felt so alone in my beanies/hats.  People in the community were very nice but didn't know how to "be".  I don't have a "chip on my shoulder" this time, I feel really relaxed about work.  The ball is in my court this time as I am at age 55 and have the choice of retiring and enjoying my superannuation.  Now that I am starting to "come out of the cloud" and am feeling well most of the time, it is easier to "fit in" and do ordinary things.  Once you start to do "run of the mill" things and get back some kind of routine it is easier to "fit back in to society".  It really all depends on your own attitude.  I learnt this a long time ago.  You can't change anyone except yourself!! XLeonie