WELL, I SURE WASN’T EXPECTING THAT!

Lung cancer, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and a few other variants run in my family on both sides. But NOT breast cancer. So, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 after skipping my annual mammogram for a couple of years, my first thought was that I must have misheard. Seriously? Breast cancer? Me? How could that possibly be?

AFTER THE INITIAL SHOCK, I WAS …

A Bit Overwhelmed

When I left the doctor’s office that day I was equipped with a Susan G Komen tote bag, some pamphlets, and a super thick book that was very in-depth and informative. I remember trying to keep my mood and the nurses’ moods light. I left by cheerily saying that I guessed I would be seeing them next week, after all. I looked at the book when I got home and was more than just a bit overwhelmed. I tend to go down rabbit holes and holy cow, that book provided many.

A Bit Guilty

My cancer was a Stage 1, tiny little tumor. I actually felt guilty telling people I had breast cancer. So many people are dealt a horrific cancer diagnosis; mine seemed like a skinned knee in comparison. I told only very few, very close friends at first because I know how everyone reacts when they hear that someone has cancer. No sympathy for me, please; it’s too, too minor for you to worry about little ol’ me.

A Bit Pissed Off

The timing could not have been worse. I was diagnosed in September and had important meetings at work scheduled during the weeks in late September and early October when they suggested dates for surgery. Surgery could wait. I would deal with this major inconvenience on my terms. I’m sure everyone who is newly diagnosed feels anger at some point. Some feel anger towards themselves, or their family members, or their deity, or just from not being able to control the situation. The key, I think, is finding a way to channel your anger into something positive.

A Bit Frightened

Sure, I was scared. But since it was only a Stage 1 tumor, surgery on my schedule was a way to keep some control. I realize how fortunate I was to have that choice. Too many people are hit with a diagnosis and their world is immediately turned upside down.

A Bit Stressed Out

Cancer is stressful. No way around that one. It affects every aspect of life – professional, familial, financial, and social. Anyone who is diagnosed should never refuse support when it’s needed… or even if you think it’s not. Friends, experts, counselors, and local and online support groups, are all available and can be valuable lifelines.

Extremely Grateful

Having a strong core of friends proved essential. I’ve never let myself feel especially close to many people so it came as an amazingly beautiful surprise to learn that so many cared, stepped up, and stepped in during my season of affliction. I will share some of those extraordinary stories later for anyone looking for ideas on being supportive during a friend’s illness.

Please share YOUR stories… By sharing your honest reflections, you’re giving a voice to everyone on the breast cancer journey.

There are an infinite number of resources out there; these few reflect my personal opinion.