Everyone stands before their dx differently. I'm a more information is better type of person. So I read a lot about BC and the different types before I know what type I had, then as dx was narrowed from BC to TNBC BRCA2+, I was able to weed out all the other information I had previously read that I no longer needed to worry about. Then I was able to focus my attention on my specific dx.

I was able to work throughout my entire treatment process. For chemo, I didn't really loose my hair but it got real thin and tangled (curly hair) so I had my head shaved. Thankfully it was winter so caps were a great coverup (also I knit, so I made some cute hats to wear). Bilateral mastectomy was the only time I missed any work. I was fortunate to schedule all my appointments either real early in the morning or late in the day. I had been employed at the same place for over 15 yrs so I had a lot of good will built with my employer so I was able to flex my hours if I needed - it was also during Covid so I was working from home.

I too kept a journal of everyone I talked to and all my questions and the answers I was given. If they gave an answer I wasn't sure of I said "so you mean this" and restated in my own words. I still take my notebook with me to see my oncologist for my semi annual visits. I'm just 1yr+ into NED (no evidence of disease). For some appointments, not all, I had someone else attend with me - so there was a second set of ears to hear information; because once you hear "cancer" sometimes the brain stops listening to anything after that.

Attitude is another thing that helped me a lot during my journey. With all the medical advances and information out there (I stayed with reputable websites for my information), I always looked at my dx as a medical condition where a treatment existed. I needed to decide for myself how I was going to face each treatment and arm myself before treatment by knowing all the possible side effects and what I might be able to do to minimize those side effects before hand.

There will be good days and bad days this is a safe place for you to express your frustration, anxiety, blessings and ask advice or suggestions from people that have walked a similar path and know some of the potholes you might need to navigate. You know yourself, you must now advocate for yourself and you will find a way to navigate this - ask for help when you need it.