Hi CateH, thank you so much for your kind, sensible words. Seems like you are just a few steps in front of me. Ive made my appointments for CT scan, Bone Scan and BC Nurse for tomorrow in Bega, which is about one hour away from my home. I'm in Eden. We definitely have a few common threads. I'm originally from Sydney but moved down the south coast. All my family are still up in Sydney. My sister is having her bowel cancer surgery as I'm typing this., up in Sydney so we are all playing phone tag. I'm glad I have today at home before my tests role on to grasp everything that's happening with my Sister. I was told by the Surgeon last night that my breast mass is "particularly nasty", which scared the hell out of me and that mastectomy was the only way. then at least 4 to 6 months of chemo . All my fears flooded over me at once. I've had the day to do some reading and collect my thoughts and catch up with friends and family so I'm a little calmer now. Tomorrow the drama begins. I'm so grateful to have this forum to bounce off. Again many thanks