Hi Star, I'm so sorry to learn of your situation; I can't imagine how it must feel to receive the results alone and I really do feel for you. It's probably no comfort to you but even though my husband was with me when I was diagnosed, we both forgot much of what was said after being told it was cancer.
It's hard to believe now but this is the worst stage, being told you have cancer and not knowing what lies ahead and waiting for results of tests / surgery. It sounds like you are going to have a wide local excision (lumpectomy) along with a sample taken of your lymph nodes. This is standard procedure. When surgeons remove a tumour from the breast they aim to achieve a clear margin, meaning that the cells around the tumour are clear. The procedure is quite straightforward and many of us are allowed home from hospital on the same or next day. Unfortunately that leads into another wait for results.
As you've been reading posts on here you'll see that we feel better once we have a plan. It's then that we focus on each stage in order to get through it. We're all different; some of us like to know all we can whilst others prefer not to know.
I would recommend you write a list of questions to take with you prior to surgery or phone your Breast Care Nurse beforehand. If you haven't been allocated a BCN then ask for one. You could also call the helpline here. I've done so on a number of occasions and have found the advice and support invaluable. Do you have a relative or friend who can support you through this?
I was diagnosed in April and am coming through the other side. The prognosis and advances in treatment of breast cancer have really advanced. I personally don't believe that a positive mental attitude can change our condition but it really does help us get through this.
At 54 I'm a lot older than you but I'm sure younger members will come along soon to offer their support.
Wishing you all the very best xx
