Do I Need Time? First surgeon appoint today, surgery in 2 weeks!

Hi Viking
I am sorry you have had to join this special club but you will find lots of ladies out there to support you via the site.
You sound as if you really are alone so at all appointments make sure you say that.  There are services out there to support you but you have to be adamant that you need them.  Speak with the hospital social worker and he/she will put these in place.  Also, be in touch with a breast care nurse (either at the hospital or via the McGrath Foundation - you can self-refer) as she will know what is available in your area.  Take anything that is offered to you.  You may even be able to get some assistance to and from appointments.
Listen to your specialists.  They do really know what is best for you specifically.  Time is your friend or enemy so go on that trail ride and enjoy it - then plan for another once your active treatment is finished.  Give yourself a goal.  Lots of people try the ''alternative'' medicine route but not all are here to tell their story.
Decisions re reconstruction can be made later if needs be.  I, too, was small breasted so a lumpectomy was not possible - too much of the crap stuff there !
Have fun tomorrow and keep in touch via this site when you need to talk - there is always someone on-line, day or night.
Thinking of you   Summer  :-)

Oh @melclarity. I meant for @socoda and discussing immediate recon as possible option. Sorry had a brain fart moment. X

Hi, I remember it all happening so fast when I was first diagnosed with cancer. I found it useful to write questions down before I saw my doctor. Get a second opinion if you want to. It was really important for me to focus on cancer treatment being a path to getting better, not making me sick. I remember sitting on my bed after being told I needed a mastectomy and not being able to breathe, I was so stressed. When I took control of the situation, it was easier to cope with surgery and the treatment that followed it. Thinking of you, the early days are the most difficult.  

@melclarity You might be able to discuss immediate recon ...as another option to lumpectomy and can avoid radiation if nodes clear.

Hi again re fitness after treatment....lots of dragon women out there big paddlers and drum beaters who are fit and awesome ....little steps lots of support and advice 

OFFS... Let's all chant. Better yet?
I've got a decent support network, but it's surprising how little help you really need if you are used to looking after yourself. I have no idea how folk with small children or other dependents manage;  my son was 13 when I had my first episode ten years ago. We coped.
It's easier to sort it out on your own than start relying on people who, for what ever reason, will let you down. The other thing that does often happen is people you don't know well quietly step up and become valuable parts of your new life.
BTW. If you want to tag someone, it looks like this @viking1. Marg

Hi Viking1 glad the dearhearts here have given sound advice. Sorry your sis is a alto fan ..we all know what happens to dot .com billonare when he did this. We are so lucky that we live in a country that offers up to date treatment options and that you can communicate with like minded and supportive people on this site. 

Only as long as it is Vegan and organic, Viking1. 
Still vegetable soup is sustaining and delicious.

Hi Brenda5 and Zoffiel - I still don't know how to post replies under each person's comment! Yes, it's just a one hour trail ride, I booked it for Monday. I think after surgery I just wouldn't be able to haul myself up as I'm right handed/right breast. I've been on a couple before and a late stage horse lover...was scared of them till now. Told my niece who is having her first baby in August and she was pretty logical, she's 26 and watched her mum in law go through it in her 70s. Told my sister who is very anti western medicine and she said to look at alternatives to chemo and radiation e.g. diet. Or rather, she asked if I had asked about it. I said surgeon said no alternatives. She thinks I won't survive them. She also asked if I had asked about home help. I said if I had a drain the silver chain would come. She said re chemo and radiation she is unable to support me as although we live together, dad, sis, her bf and I (and niece on and off), she is also on the DSP and suffers from fibromyalgia, which is okay some times and other times not. So she said she can't be counted on and was very firm about that. She will also be staying with my niece when she has the baby until she can cope alone. So some sibling stuff there but I pretty much expected this.  I know others do it alone. One reason I didn't ask sis to surgeon appointment was didn't want him getting lectured on pitfalls of western medicine! Not up to it! Anyway, sis is making a vegaterian soup for dinner and I'm invited so will prolly be cancer free tomorrow

Hi brenda5, did you have reconstruction surgery. If not do you have balance issues.