I'm still a relative beginner at breast cancer but I think it helps to take one step or stage at a time. If surgery is first, you prepare yourself for that. If chemo is first, you prepare yourself for that. It helps not to go too far into the future about what might be, as hard as that is to do.

I feel like I'm doing okay so far but that's not saying a whole lot. On other support sites, I have seen stories of women who are happy and positive after having gone through grueling treatment. We can learn a lot from this cancer experience, odd as that may sound. We learn things about self-care, about what is most important to us, how to let others help and support us (and give it back). Spirituality is also a big help if that is something you can relate to.

Hugs and prayers to you today!

@nikkifrn - my dx was different (I'm triple negative) but I was able to work through chemo and radiation. I had chemo treatment late on Thursday afternoon, worked a light day on Friday, slept in on Saturday and started feeling better on Sunday and returned to work on Monday. My situation was also during part of Covid and I was able to work remotely. I only took off time when I had my bilateral mastectomy. I read about possible side effects and planned accordingly. For chemo I kept candied ginger on hand and ate high protein meals (so I won't miss a treatment); had a port implanted so my hands were free during chemo treatment; I took music, knitting and my iPad for every treatment (I made a chemo bag) so where ever my mind went I was able to change focus to things if there was no one to talk to at the time. As mentioned I also worked through radiation. Again I was able to schedule my radiation treatments at the end of the day on Thursday, again had a light day on Friday, treated myself to extra rest if I felt the need on Saturday and returned to work on Monday.