So here it begins....

Hello Tanyal, I hope you find this forum helpful - it's hard to know what to expect - I remember I couldn't even think of questions to ask when I was first diagnosed. Here on this site you will find women as diverse as any group can be, but we have a shared experience in common, and I have always found that reassuring. 

I am part-way through treatment, and so far I have managed to continue to work - but I've had to make adjustments. I'm lucky my employer was quick to respond with options, that was a great relief. I have had to take time off now and then to heal after surgery, and work flexible hours now through chemotherapy and then radiation. I'm a sole parent of two young adults still very reliant on me and living with me, so the financial impact of cancer in my family would be massive. My lesson has been patience: with my body, my emotions, the ways my loved ones respond to me. I can't afford to panic when my plans to work look to be threatened. When I relax into it, I find very soon a solution presents itself. 

I'm sure you will hear from lots of the others soon, and everyone will be keen to share their experience of diagnosis with you. I remember the first time I saw a heap of responses to my post, I just burst into tears with relief. I was so numb with the shock I guess I hadn't realised how frightened I was and how alone I felt til these ladies reached out to me. 

We women are incredible creatures. You will do well I'm sure! Talk again soon!

K x