so sorry to hear about your diagnosis...I know the word "cancer" is so scary...everyone on this site has been where you are right know and absolutely knows where you are coming from...you are not alone!!...please be reassured breast cancer (we shorten it to BC) is one of the most treatable & survivable cancers...most women on here are long term survivors and you will be too!...you must believe that...I was diagnosed with Stage 3 triple positive BC and at my last mammo a few weeks ago was cancer free and feeling great..
To answer your questions about side effects of treatment, working, etc...this varies from person to person and may depend on the type of treatment you get...many on here will share their experiences and that may give you a general idea...so many variables like your age, state of health going into treatment, do you have other health problems, can affect how each person does...many ladies on here did work during treatment, I myself even went on a cruise during chemo if that will help...everyone responds differently but what I can tell you is treatment is VERY doable and you may surprise yourself how well you'll do...they have great drugs out there now to combat any side effects...I never threw up ONCE during chemo and that was my greatest fear!...also most of the side effects are temporary and subside quickly once the stage of treatment is over..
Here's my 2 cents
1) Ask LOTS of questions!...this is your life and you need info to make the best choices possible for your type of cancer..start a journal and take it to your dr appts so you can take notes
2) Start to develop a good support system..come to this site, join a local BC support group, tell family & friends what's going on...they will be fearful too and they'll want to help you
3) Stay off the internet!!..there is too much wrong info out there and it will only scare & misinform you..if you need to research, only use the American Cancer Society site and another good one is breastcancer.org
4) Just take it one day at a time...thinking too far ahead will only overwhelm and discourage you
5) Think positive and keep a sense of humor...also, pay no attention to people who say things like, "I had an aunt that died of BC.." etc etc...you'll hear things like that but no one ever talks about the MILLIONS of women who are long-term survivors!!...statistically, most women will die from something else than from their BC..from the start, I only surrounded myself with survivors to stay hopeful
6) Start now to boost your immune system..eat well, rest alot, keep stress to a minimum..this will not only help your body to fight the cancer but will help you tolerate the treatments better
There is glorious hope out there so come here any time day and night and we'll help you all the way!
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