Just Diagnosed

So sorry to hear about your diagnosis but welcome to this site where you will get lots of information and support.I think you go into abit of shock when you get a breast cancer diagnosis and everything seems to happen quickly that you don't get time to really digest it all.Once you have a plan then you feel less out of control.As to whether you'll have a lumpectomy or a mastectomy depends on the size and how many cancer areas there are.You don't always get a choice.I've had both.In 2003 I had a lumpectomy to remove a 2cm lump.  Also had a full lymph node clearance followed by 6wks of radiation.Last year (7yrs later)it came back in the same breast,same spot.  There is an 8% chance that this can happen with a lumpectomy.So last year I had a mastectomy followed by chemotherapy and am now on Tamoxifen.I had no cancer in my lymph nodes(all 18!)the first time so didn't have to have chemo.back then.With either operation you are in hospital for about 3 days and probably go home with a drain in.The recovery is about the same.There is alot to consider if your doctor gives you a choice.From a physical aspect,lumpectomy lets you keep your boob to fill a bra.But radiation will cause your skin to be less elastic and limit your choice of reconstruction should you go down that path later.Mastectomy is more confronting psycologically.I wear a prosthesis and have had to alter all my low neckline tops.Once I'm dressed I don't think about it. My advice is to write down all the questions you want to ask your doctor on Monday and preferably,have someone with you.Try to just deal with the surgery first- abit at a time cos it can all seem overwhelming,does your head in.Cancer is a very scary word but it's no longer a death sentence.There are lots of us woman on this site who are surviving and getting on with our lives.You'll get through it too but you"ll need lots of love and support.Jump on here any time you need to chat or just vent as we understand how you are feeling.

                                 Tonya xx