Itsnobigdeal

Is your pup in ypur profile picture an Eskie?

Is that an Eskie in your profile picture? So cute!

Your feelings are completely normal, and sometimes family members are in denial, and their way of dealing with your diagnosis is all part of the process. It sounds as if this is pretty new to everyone, but once you get more information from your doctors, and have a treatment plan in place, everyone's emotions will begin to settle down and become more rational. I had stage One B, so you are correct, there are all sorts of levels of stage One. My best advice to you, is to have honest conversations with your family. Let them know how you are feeling emotionally, and that you need their support. Not everyone will respond the same way, but continue to ask if you need their respect and validation for your feelings. Cancer is a journey of emotional highs and lows for everyone. I wish you the best, and know that you have done the right thing by reaching out to this community.

I totally agree it's a big deal! This is huge for you to absorb and you need others to feel what a big deal it is to you. You don't want people to write you off but you need them to acknowledge the severity of what you are dealing with. This is life changing... You need others to acknowledge you are trying to absorb the C word and diagnosis. I still get angry with one family member who still likes to say... It was stage 1b - you did so well and really you look great. Look great??? That's not what I want you to focus on.... I want you to hear me and see me and feel with me ... Just be there for me... Not gratuitous talk.... So I get what you are saying...... It's scary and it's really real to you. I understand.... Don't think that others can really understand and you don't want for them to really understand because you don't want them to have to go thru this.....it's tough all around.... So wishing you strength and hope and that you continue to reach out and find places and people who can offer you support..... Best of luck!!!!!
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Of course it is a big, scary deal. Think they are trying to minimize so you will not panic. It is what it is. Settle down ( easier said than done). When treatment started it is easier. I'm 74, did chemo and made it through.

Greetings. Welcome to What Next. As you've already seen, there are lots of great people here. If you have any questions, please use the question tab above -- that way the entire network will have access & you'll get a quicker response. I was diagnosed w/stage IV b endometrial cancer in Aug 2012. My hysterectomy was at the end of Aug, and I completed my chemo in Jan 2013. My last blood tests in November are still showing no evidence of disease (NED). So don't give up hope. We are here for you -- a lot of us had the same fears you do. As Deedee said, it gets a lot easier once there is a treatment plan in place -- you know how to fight then. I'm glad you found us but so sorry for the circumstances that led you here. WIshing you all the best.

Welcome to the WhatNext family! The WhatNext family is made up of people like you who are looking for help or looking to help others. To help you along your journey the WhatNext family has put together a Beginner's Guide to Cancer that I highly recommend you check-out here: http://bit.ly/10BQKCi. Also, please do not hesitate to reach out to others or ask for help.

Wishing you the best.

David
Founder, WhatNexter