Thanks so much for your lovely message Tili. Much appreciated. Everyone is so supportive here and it is a massive help.
Thanks so much aadd. It really is one day at a time and sometimes an hour at a time at the moment. 2 weeks until surgery ā¦ I am trying to keep busy though.
Thanks so much mindle. I keep forgetting about the wait for results after the surgery - my mind is all over the place. One day at a time ā¦
Hi Charlie - aside from echoing many of the comments and thoughts already expressed, Iād also recommend a book I found incredibly useful: The Complete Guide to Breast Cancer, by Dr Liz OāRiordan & Prof Trishās Greenhalgh. A breast cancer surgeon and a doctor respectively, both have had different kinds of breast cancer, plus between them have undergone most of the treatments available. Endorsed by MacMillan Cancer Support, itās a great source of information, reassurance, and handy to dip into.
In the meantime, I wish you all the best on your particular journey. As people said to me at times during the past several months - you are stronger than you think!
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Did you have Chemo at the time? I had lumpectomy (2 months ago) followed by 5 RadioTherapy sessions. Also taking Letrozoke. One node was slightly infected so had a few more taken which were clear. I have had no problems getting my head around it & feel absolutely fine. At 77 still energetic & walking 3mikes a day with my dog & playing golf. The only thing that worries me is, I was offered Chemo (as belt & braces) but refused. This worries me - will I live to regret my decision
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Hi @pat1
The answer is yes, I did have chemo with my first tumour 17 years ago, and again with the second one 7 years ago. I think it depends on oneās individual circumstances. I was 58 back then, and my husband had lost his first wife to pancreatic cancer (age 44), so we were pretty desperate for a better outcome for me! Second time was herceptin pos tumour and there was no discussion as it was aggressive.
I really donāt blame you for opting out of chemo as itās not an easy thing to go through, has its own risks, and side effects like peripheral neuropathy can remain a niggle for years after. If I was making the choice at 77 without other factors, I reckon I would opt out too. I have a friend who turned chemo down 10years ago and remains fit and well.
So āwell done youā for making your own life decisions.
All the best to you
Eily 
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Thank you for taking the time to respond. Very helpful - it would have kept me off the golf course for sure! Fingers crossed all will be well years down the line. Pleased your outcomes have been positive. Live for today, I say - it is what it is.
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Hi charlie4
In October 2023 I went for a routine mammogram and anticipated it would all go swimmingly, as it had so many times before. I do regular self examinations and nothing of concern. However, I had a strange feeling whilst there that I might have to go back even before I had the routine scan.
Well I was right as they told me they had seen something unusual and wanted to do an ultrasound and possibly a biopsy. At that point I knew my strange premonition was on point. I had to wait four days for the call but knew what it would be - cancer. After much to-ing and fro-ing I was told I had a very rare (and thankfully small) breast cancer - Apocrine Triple Negative breast cancer.
I mention all the above as your story reminded me of mine - though I have to say the worst part is the waiting for results. Once you know what your dealing with my advice is to do your homework and be ready with your list of questions. It helps to get some control back and focuses your energy on solutions rather than problems.
My advice is be informed, allow positive support, ask (lots of) questions and donāt be afraid to challenge the doctors (I did and didnāt have the string of chemo they wanted to give me as they didnāt know what else to do). If they donāt answer your questions to your satisfaction, and you can afford it, get a second opinion from The Royal Marsden Hospital (cancer specialists). I did all of the above and it gave me strength to push through. Above all else please try to remain positive as your mental strength will help your body.
Please stay strong and as positive as you can. I wish you the very best and am sending you positive vibes. 
Annie x
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It is not easy getting any diagnosis for cancer no matter how old you are or prepared for it.
You have lots of support with Macmillan and other groups like this one. Macmillan offer counciling and other things. And that is for you and your family and friends. They are excellent service.
There is plenty of literature about treatment and your breast care nurse can help you with understanding everything. She can also help put you in touch with local organisations that deal with cancer.
You will be fine. Keep going. You can get through this.
God bless you and take care
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Charlie
All the best to you. Sending 