Coping With a Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Returning to School and Finding Support
The Breast Cancer Diaries: Entry 9
Today was the first day back after vacation. My vacation was NOT the relaxing time I had planned. Sure, I did a lot of resting and sitting in dark rooms, but not because I was taking it easy. Nope. Mostly I was living in a world of depression and denial. Denial and I were basically besties over break. But now it was time to strap on my big girl booties and face the real world. BLECH. Side note, I am so NOT a fan of the real world.
Breaking the News at Work
My first stop was to tell my AP (that’s assistant principal, for those of you not in the teaching biz) about the diagnosis and the fact that I was going to have some appointments coming up. If you’ve been following along, you know I’m still 
figuring out what all this means—you can read about the day I first found out I had breast cancer here.
Now, like most schools, mine is low on subs. And by low, I mean we don’t have any. Taking time off is usually like performing a magic trick—pulling coverage out of thin air. I was honestly bracing myself for a not-so-fun conversation about logistics. Instead, my AP was so freaking supportive it wasn’t even funny. I was told to take whatever time I needed. Do what I have to do. Don’t worry about school. Focus on me. And just like that, one of my biggest stressors melted away (well, at least a little).
The Power of Support
What really blew me away was the amount of support I received, not just from my AP, but from my co-workers as well. Everyone was offering help—rides to appointments, coverage for classes, even just an ear to vent to. When you’re coping with a breast cancer diagnosis, that kind of support feels like a lifeline. Because as much as I’d love to pretend I can do this all alone, spoiler alert: I can’t.
It’s funny, because when you’re a teacher, you’re used to being the one who supports everyone else—your students, your colleagues, even your boss on rough days. To suddenly be on the receiving end is both humbling and heartwarming. People are kind of awesome, and sometimes we forget that until life throws us a curveball big enough to knock us flat.
Depression, Denial, and Moving Forward
I won’t sugarcoat it: my “vacation” was rough. Coping with depression and denial took up most of my energy. I thought about a million worst-case scenarios, cried more than I’ll admit, and binge-watched enough TV to qualify for some sort of Guinness record. But that’s part of coping with a breast cancer diagnosis too—acknowledging the messy feelings, the mental exhaustion, and the fact that not every day is going to be pretty.
But coming back to school gave me a sense of normalcy I didn’t realize I needed. As much as facing the “real world” felt overwhelming, being back in the rhythm of teaching reminded me that my life isn’t just about doctor’s appointments and medical terms I can’t pronounce. I’m still me. I’m still here. And I’m still fighting.
Why Support Matters
If you’re dealing with something similar, let me tell you this: community matters. Having people in your corner makes all the difference. Whether it’s colleagues stepping in at work, family holding your hand at appointments, or strangers 
online reminding you that you’re not alone—every little bit counts.
There are also amazing resources out there that go beyond friends and family. One I found especially helpful is BreastCancer.org’s guide to coping, which offers real advice for handling both the emotional and practical sides of this journey. Pairing professional resources with personal support is one of the best strategies I’ve found so far for coping with a breast cancer diagnosis.
Final Thoughts
So here I am, back at school, facing life head-on whether I like it or not. Am I still scared? Absolutely. Am I still sometimes in denial? Yep. But am I also grateful for the incredible support system I have at work and beyond? 100%. Because when you’re coping with a breast cancer diagnosis, knowing you don’t have to do it all alone makes the impossible feel a little more possible.
