i feel like a fraud

Hi there Joy .. I know exactly how you feel. I was diagnosed in 2010 and opted to have a mastectomy and lymph node removal. Fortunately the cancer had not spread through my body so I didn't need chemo or radiotherapy. For quite a while I felt guilty because I wasn't "sick" and wouldn't go to any events that my breast care nurse organised. Because I had no visible signs of being sick - scarves, wigs, chemo nausia etc etc I became a bit of a recluse and developed depression. I attended a BCNA Forum in Mildura and met so many ladies in various stages of their particular journeys and that was a wake-up call for me. One lady told me "go home and look in the mirror, something is missing. You have had a mastectomy and have come through the other side" I joined BCNA as a Community Liaison and "work" in my region with media, community awareness events and fundraising. I have no knowledge or total understanding of the medical processes other ladies have gone through, but because of my "gift of the gab" I am able to speak publicly of the great work done by BCNA supporting all Aussies affected by Breast Cancer. I visit small rural communities, attending shows and field days and talking to various cultural organisations and school groups. I have had several ups and downs in the past few years, both health wise and of a personal nature and the love and support I have received from my PINK Family is unbelievable. There is no "right or wrong" way of dealing with these new circumstances in your life ... everyone has a different story. By sharing yours, you are helping and reassuring some one else and in time you will be joining in the conversations on line and you will become the comforter, not the comforted. My life has changed since joining the BCNA family ..... I am proud of my achievments to date and look forward to the future... I have a lot more to give. There is life after Breast Cancer .... grab it and run with it. Much Love .... Shirl x0x