I'm really struggling with everyone's reactions to my diagnosis of breast cancer. They seem to be over the top, overly concerned, no matter how I reassure them that I'm feeling great and am extremely optimistic. My cancer was diagnosed after a mammogram -- no symptoms. I've had 2 surgeries -- a lumpectomy at first and then another lumpectomy to clear all the margins. Then I've had fluid build up, which has delayed radiation.
I'm just struggling with the questions and reassuring everyone that I'm okay. It's getting very annoying. Yes, things haven't gone as I had hoped, and yes, there have been "hiccups" as my surgeon has stated. But, please, stop treating me like I'm dying of cancer!
Is this unique to my family and friends or do other cancer patients experience this?
It's natural family and friends are concerned about you. And most people (especially older people) don't understand that cancer isn't the death sentence it used to be. They're probably scared, and hoping you can reasure them. I know, TOTALLY not your job! That's just my guess.
To turn it around, come up with some quick answer you can give everyone. "It's been a rocky start to treatment, but I do have a very early cancer, and I'm going to finish treatment and get on with my life." If you have DCIS, tell them you have the only breast cancer that's curable. If you know your chance of recurrence (and it's probably in the 90s), tell them 9+ women out of 10 with your diagnosis finish treatment and never deal with cancer again - so the odds are with you big time. Reassure, reassure... change the subject.
Best of luck to you as you finish treatment- PJH