After my 1st mammogram I was recalled for further tests. I was diagnosed with breast cancer early stage high grade ductal carcinoma in situ.  I am 49 yrs old and have a 5 yr old daughter at home, an 11 yr old with his dad and older kids and grandkids.  Not to mention a lovely, understanding boyfriend and a wonderful job who are very supportive.   The roller coaster has begun....but I wasn't strapped in. Sure, Ok, so let' get it fixed, I thought.  I'm not terminal, so I sat in my Surgeon's  office and asked for a mastectomy.  I was given scenarios and outcomes and after researching decided to get a lumpectomy....to remove a 12cm malignant lesion along with my whole nipple and areola. My womanhood! I'm scared I will  feel undesirable and "not quite me".  I soon discovered it's not that easy to get rebuilt after this. To feel "whole" again.  After surgery I will await more pathology results to find out if the margins of tissue around the cancer are clear.  If not, it's back under the knife for the remainder of the breast to go. I will be having initial surgery 9th May and radiation therapy around 4-6 weeks after for around 4-6 weeks.  That's every weekday for 4-6 weeks. I have no idea what to expect, I know my skin will burn. But my biggest worry is how I will afford all this time off.  I don't have more than 50 hours of sick leave...less Now, as I have been using it for appointments. I'm renting and that cost plus childcare fees  for my little girl not to mention  the basic need of food makes this journey all the more scary.
I hate having to ask for help, but here I am.  So I want yo say Thank You in advance  for your support if you are able to help make this journey  a little less worrying .