Hi David: You've received so many wonderful, informative replies here. The answer to your main question, in my opinion, is YES -- you will be able to discuss your PCa with others without breaking into tears and it won't take a long time. But it will take some time and you're only a week into your journey with this thing. Once you've chosen your path toward recovery, you'll see a difference in your emotions.
At first, like you, I wondered if I would ever be the same again emotionally after my diagnosis. I couldn't stand to talk about it with family and friends without starting to break down -- or them breaking down. I also wondered if I'd be pre-occupied with cancer for the rest of my life, which I am not.
I've always been a “worrier” all my life and as a long-standing worrier, I can tell you that your anxiety and low-threshold for tears etc. will go away as you take each step toward your treatment and healing.
AGAIN, YES, down the line, you will be able to talk about it all calmly with others. You will also be able to help calm others.
BUT YOU’RE NOT EXPECTED TO DO THAT NOW. You're at the stage where many of us guys have the normal initial reactions to the diagnosis such as, Shock; Not wanting anyone to know; Not wanting to talk much about it to friends and extended family; Not wanting to be put on the prayer lists etc. (I appreciated being put on prayer lists, but at the beginning, it added to my anxiety.) I also felt like people were looking at me in a different way than before. Again, these are all normal feelings people diagnosed with cancer have. (I’ve learned all this over the past year or so from fellow survivors and through my own experience.)
So here’s the deal David -- Do your research and have someone help you do that research if possible. For me, the research was, at times, impossible because I'd get through a few paragraphs and couldn't stand to read another word about prostate cancer. But my wonderful (and worried) wife read "Dr. Scardino's Prostate Book" to me on a daily basis. That was invaluable to me -- there was so much uplifting information in that book. Also, get on the phone and see if there are any Prostate Cancer support groups in your area.
David, once you get your game plan together and get on with it, you will feel much better. Sometimes I still feel like crying about my experience with PCa, but for the most part, it's because of how lucky I was to have had the support I did throughout the process, including this forum.
Last but not least, unless it poses a threat to your job or income, don't be afraid to let friends, neighbors, clients etc. know what's going on. You will be surprised to see how many people know other people who have been through PCa and are willing to share their experiences with you.
You hang in there dude. It's gonna be OK!
And keep your questions coming. We’re all in this together and very lucky to have each other.
Best to ya,
Tom