Hi Leanne,welcome to the online blog:) Jessica's answer is spot on! Your tumour is quite large,and this could be the reason they are suggesting chemo.However,after surgery,and when they have the FULL results from the pathology,they will give you a much clearer answer on why you need chemo.I had chemo 12 months ago now,and it was not nearly as bad as I feared.I feel it is very important to listen to your oncologist.They have the experience,and they see so much breast cancer nowadays,and it is really not something to take lightly.Stay on this blog,as the support you get on here and the advice from the other ladies,is just the best,and it's always so helpful and right! Take care.xoxRobyn