My list of things to do right after a breast cancer diagnosis

After you learn about the diagnosis:

1.Get over the shock.

2. Make up your mind to be strong and make sure every one around you is on that same page.

3.Have your first breakdown- with many more to come! I had filled my mind with positive stories, like Cissy's, and put the bad ones out of my mind (like my dear friend Anne). So when I watched Robin Roberts 7 days after my diagnosis, and how she is now going through a bone marrow transplant.  She had to have this procedure because of her breast cancer treatment, that was when it hit me that the unknown was still awaiting me in this fight.

4. Share your story and then be amazed at all of your support. My army was so huge! It was bigger than I could EVER imagine- the outpouring of support and the gifts that I received, in just the first week was so overwhelming.  

 5. Map out a plan with the Drs and your family. During those first office visits make sure you record EVERYTHING the doctor has to say. You will forget and you will have questions, remember to write those down.  

6. Occupy yourself with something and keep yourself busy. I couldn't sit there and do nothing of substance in this fight, so I signed up to walk in the first Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk October 27th 2012, on the Marietta square. I asked everyone join me!! Even though I wasn't sure if I would be able to walk. I wanted to raise money for the American Cancer Society, so this walk gave me the opportunity to do something positive, through this negative! 

7. and the MOST IMPORTANT ON MY LIST OF THINGS TO DO: I was hoping! Hoping to put off all treatment till after Kristi's wedding. That was my plan anyway, if I could have been in charge! Remember this post was written August 31st and her wedding was going to be October 20th! I would choose to have the surgery as soon after her wedding as possible.

8. Keep asking for the prayers and keep up the fight!

This is rewritten from my blog www.adventuresoftraci.blogspot.com