All the tests to update new diagnosis

Thanks so much for the quick response and advice @arpie - it’s so comforting to hear back from everyone here - and you’ve been providing me with lots of reassuring and helpful info over the last couple of weeks, thank you. 

Hi @Nicky123 ...

Pathology results 'time' can vary - from memory, mine took a couple of weeks, but it seemed like 6 months - hopefully yours will be quicker xx ......

The surgeon may suggest what he 'thinks' will happen relative to your results - but it is only after you see the Medical Onc and Radiation Onc will you will know for sure what the treatment path will be, as that is their specialist area. xx Make sure you ask your surgeon for a paper copy of your results, for your records.

Your Breast care nurse will definitely be your 'go to' person for answers to your queries .... and us ;) 

take care & all the best for your surgery & results xx

Hi everyone - this time in two weeks I should be home from surgery. I will ask my breast care nurse however, I’m wondering a couple of things - 

Pathology post lumpectomy (both sides) and sentinel node biopsy (one side) - how long does that take to come back? Is this where they classify things and that helps decide treatment (radiotherapy previously discussed but my surgeon is taking one thing at a time… surgery, pathology and then…). 

Thank you for your kindness @Afraser x
ps I understand rE collins st and I’m just at the start. 

@Nicky123

Gradually, you’ll feel more confident about doing things, at least some things, your own way. I wore an underwire bra for a year after my mastectomy - large boobed, with a persistent seroma (not common!) and only found a good supportive non-wire bra when I was finally fitted for a proper prosthesis. My ‘normal’ bra was perfectly comfortable, didn’t impact at all on my scar and was seen by umpteen professionals! 

The probing and poking goes on a bit - I once joked that if someone walked up to me in Collins Street and said, just slip off your things so we can have a look, I’d probably do
it without thinking! 

A counsellor can be a a good idea - your medical team are focussed, properly, on your body. Some tlc for the emotions and the brain are in order too - in the scheme of things, a bit of chocolate is perfectly fine. 

@Abbydog and @Afraser thank you both for sharing your thoughts and experiences. 

I didn’t have a base line test before surgery, would have been a good idea. I did get a bone density test before starting hormonal therapy, which was important. I had a mastectomy and lost 17 lymph nodes but found my arm movement recovered very quickly. Best to take it slowly to begin with but as you’ll find, no two people react to treatment the same way! Best wishes. 

You are very fortunate to have met with Breast care nurse. I did have an early SOZO test. But it was done only as a baseline. I had it done post op Mastectomy but prior to discharge. I attend a lymphomas and physio clinic for laser and have my SOZO checked and arm measured. I find it reasuring, and if there are changes would deal with that then. The laser is supposed to speed healing. 
The SOZO test is nothing worse than standing on something like a set of scales and your hands go on a ledge. You stand still like that for about 30seconds. They input information re weight and height DOB. You feel nothing. 
Ask while at hospital if they can measure you, they may not offer. 
I didn't have a dye test. Because I had already had a positive for cancer lymph glands biopsy prior to surgery. Seen on US. 

My breast care nurse called this week - what an amazing service and support. She was able to give a lot more information re the surgery and what to expect - and also that the ultrasound and dye injection appointment would likely last 3-4 hours (not the 1 hour of the actual ultrasound). 

Such great tips for me @arpie, thank you so much.