Am I in denial?

Good to stay positive. I think it is not the easiest managing everyone else's reactions. I think I was a bit shocked initially but its been a massive learning curve so I felt more and more comfortable with the treatment plan. There are friends that absolutely freak out and can't understand why I'm not devastated by it all. But I think a lot of women are practical and just want to 'get on with it'. It also feels much too common now too.

Don't worry about about whether you are in denial, but having said that...allow yourself some quiet time and to be angry, upset whenever you may want to. For me the worst bit was waiting for some of those initial test results (CT, bone scan etc). Once that was over with, I haven't been too upset about it all.

Re. lymphoscintography - I was expecting 1 needle and had 4 fine needles. The guy assisting told me it did hurt a bit - but then afterwards said he talked it up a bit so I wouldn't think it hurt as much. I'm developing such a phobia for needles now...but having said that, the needles for this procedure so much better than biopsies and even all the blood tests etc. The doctor did mine all so quickly too so it was over pretty soon. Definitely not excruciating!

Good luck with your surgery.