Telling the world
Just wondering how many people girls have told about their BC? I live and work in a small rural community and I'm a private person. I'm married with a great supportive hubby and two adult married ch...
Forum Discussion
Hi MaresW
Glad you have connected to this wonderful support network.
Like you, I was concerned about who needed to know about my bc. I felt extemely vulnerable and needed time to accept this big change in my life. I needed to make some sense of my diagnosis and treatment options first - and that took me a while! I also needed time to connect with my medical team - to listen, ask questions, clear up any confusion - and ultimately make my own decisions.
So I kept things private (to my immediate family and a couple of girlfriends), mainly to protect myself, as I learnt to deal with my feelings and fears. I didn't want people to look at me differently, to suddenly expect the worst for me or treat me like a victim - just because of my bc diagnosis. It was hard enough dealing with my own expectations (without too much outside interference).
Once I was ready to move forward, make decisions and take some control of my bc journey, I really felt informed and empowered. When I needed to be away from home and take time off work, I shared as much I needed to, with my boss and other employees, and kept things as simple(and non-scary!) as possible -I was having preventative treatment.
Needless to say, I was lucky to have some very special people to support me - including my husband and my 84 year old Dad. I also gained a lot of hope, reassurance and comfort from my breast care nurse and from BCNA.
As my journey continues - beyond treatment into into survivorship, I find I am now more ready to share my experiences than ever before.
There is something nurturing and healing when you realise you are not alone with bc and your life isn't over - it's a new journey!
Hope you keep in touch online.