Reply to How did you manage your emotions? Lumpectomy, radiation, hormone therapy -- head is swimming

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]

I thought the stage you're at now - pre-treatment, having tests done, making a plan - was the most difficult psychologically. You're still wrapping your brain around the fact you have CANCER (a big, scary word), plus there's all this uncertainty about what's ahead. But once I started on treatment, I felt better psychologically. I'd never taken meds before, but they gave me a prescription for ativan to help me sleep. Don't be shy about asking for support.

![/quote]

This was also true for me--the first few weeks were the hardest.  I am just about 5 months post-diagnosis, about to finish chemo (hallelujah!) with surgery and radiation to follow.  I have three young children and a full time job.  Now I also have the additional full time job of cancer patient, and that's how I view it.  It's a lot, but I accomplish my treatment tasks (which are hard), as a means to an end--getting well.  It's worth it.  I don't spend much time feeling sorry for myself.  I don't think "why me?".  I think "why not me?"  it happens to people every day.  I am strong, and I can do this.  I bet you can look around and within your circles you can find many women who have or are going through breast cancer.  And the vast, vast majority go on to live healthy lives.  Yes, I will be changed, but overall I will be stronger for going through this.  You can do it.

Tell people who can support you about your diagnosis.  I think the best thing about cancer is that you really get a lot of kindness extended toward you, sometimes from unexpected places.  People want to help, and if you can think of ways they can (child care, a meal, cleaning your house, doing an errand), tell them!  [/quote]

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