So overwhelmed.

Do you already know for sure that you'll have chemo?

I am a pediatrician and the bread earner (and insurance holder!) for my house, and the possible financial implications of cancer were much more frightening at the beginning than anything else, so I can relate to your fear.

As for working, you don't say where you are, but I know at least where I am, therapists are in HIGH demand.

Are you in the US? Have you talked to your employer? Is FMLA an option for you? Can you cash in your 401K and COBRA your insurance for the chemo period? Can you look into a job that allows you to do telemed? Have you talked to your MO? Maybe a mask and no touching would be an option for the winter.

You don't feel strong, and that is okay, because you are strong even so. And yes, you will get through this and your life will change (especially during the chemo) and you won't have control of it and it is TERRIFYING. But there is a way to get through this, and you ARE going to find that way.

Today---find a yoga class or do some meditation. Breast Cancer is a son of a bitch, but it definitely taught me a lot about letting go.

Hang in there, and I am so very sorry you have to go through this.

I was working as a school social worker when I underwent cancer treatment. Did not stop working, but developed some "sterile technique" behaviors, such as always opening doors with forearms, elbows, never touching face or rubbing eyes and/or nose, frequents hand washing. Never had a problem. Hope that helps.

Hey Arl! I haven't got answers to any of your questions, but as someone who cycles 8,000 miles a year, I know that overtraining can make you more prone to sickness. About a year ago, I started measuring my heart rate variability to be sure that I don't over reach. I definitely backed off on days when my HRV was off and felt a lot healthier because of it. Not sure if this is the case with you, but as a hard core exerciser, I think I finally realize that more isn't necessarily better. Anyway, just something to think about going forward....marathons and ultramarathons can absolutely suppress your immune system.

This forum has been such a godsend for me and I'm happy that you found it. I know that you'll find lots of support and solid advice here. Best wishes as you maneuver this crappy path. You'll get through it. We all will.. one step at a time and sometimes one second at a time.

First, let me say I am sorry this is happening to you. I was reading your thread and saw that you were in line for your echo and CT scans recently. Do you know what your chemo plan is yet? I am an elementary school teacher and I was able to continue working with very minimal interruptions during my chemotherapy. My onc. and I made a plan. I let her know that I loved my job and really wanted to work through treatment.

The feeling of being overwhelmed passed for me once I had a plan in place. I took it one treatment at a time. Looking at the whole plan at once was daunting. So, I did it treatment to treatment. I learned to relax my standards around my house!and accept some help. We developed a new normal for awhile.

I too am an avid runner. I run in in a group and they were great during chemo and radiation. We slowed down and dropped our mileage. Then, they helped me build back up. Staying active and exercising throughout treatment was very good for my body and soul!

One step at a time and you will get through this.

Hi there. I too had many biopsies. I had 6 total. I had 1 of a lymph node, 3 core biopsies, and 2 MRI guided biopsies. I wore my sports bras a lot. That really helped. I also was given ice packs from the nurses. I was able to run about 72 hours after the biopsies. I did not have all 6 at once. I had one core biopsy. Then, went for a second opinion. I had 2 more while at the second opinion. Then, I had an MRI. That showed more spots of concern. So, that led to the MRI guided biopsies.

Once all was said and done I had a very big hematoma. It took awhile to dissolve. I was able to run without much discomfort after about 72 hours. The tight fitting jog bras really helped. I also take a weight lifting class 2 times per week. I was able to run and lift through treatment.

I see you do a whole lot besides work. I also had a part time job as an adjunct faculty member of a local college in addition to teaching school. I took time off from the part time college teaching. It was too much with treatment and working. My husband took me to chemo. On those days he was able to work from home. Other appointments I took one of my sisters in law. My kids also helped with household chores a good bit.

My general practitioner is a 2 time cancer survivor. She and I talked a lot during treatment. She called me about once every 2 weeks in the evenings. Her best advice was to take it one step at a time. I am a very organized person who plans ahead. Taking it one step at a time for me was definitely a learning experience!

My onc. scheduled my chemo treatments for Fridays. The first round had 4 treatments. They were 14 days apart. The next round had 12 treatments. I went every 7 days. Pretty much just missed on chemo days. Surgery was 4 weeks off. You may not need as much depending on your surgery. Radiation was 6 weeks 5 days a week. That was not bad because I was able to go after school.

New normal.... Let go of what was, take it one step at a time, and be easy on yourself. Some days are good, some days are tough. Do you have family help available