Totally Overwhelming

Hi Hooper65, have only just seen your post but wanted to let you know that you are not alone, and I understand only too well the overwhelming thoughts and feelings when first diagnosed. There is so much to get your head around - it can feel like everything is unravelling so fast and in the meantime we are trying to be strong and keep it together for everyone around us. It's great to be positive, but at the same time it's important to acknowledge that this is a difficult thing to go through and we wouldn't be human if we weren't just a bit anxious. The beginning, in many ways, is the hardest part of the whole ordeal, as there is so much we don't know and we have so many questions and not everyone knows how to cope with a loved one's diagnosis.

I found a few things useful at this point - reading the My Journey Kit from BCNA gave me reliable information (keep away from Dr Google!) and talking to my breast care nurse helped me to understand that early breast cancer is very treatable and survival rates are very good. Being informed helped me to feel a little more in control :-) It's great that you've come on to this website, there are so many of us that have travelled this road and we are happy to offer advice and support along the way. I'm now 2 years post active treatment (mastectomy, chemo, radiotherapy and Herceptin), now on hormone tablets, and had my reconstruction last year. It has been a long, hard road but there have been many unexpected joys along the way; including receiving support from unexpected quarters, meeting some amazingly skilled and caring medical professionals and making some new friends here who just "get it".  

I wish you all the very best for your surgery next week - remember, one step at a time, you will get through this. Best wishes, Jane xx