Recently Diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

[SMH1954]

I’m only just reading this thread Trisha but I hope your surgery and recovery went well. ❤️

[Peggypeggy]

Hi panda bearHope you are well

i had my results abd they came back clear 😁

I am seeing the oncologist tomorrow to talk about the next steps 

xx

[Pandabear]

Dear Sarah x, 

Glad to read that your surgery went all ok. Well done 👍😁 That's a big hurdle done . 

Do let us know how you get on when you go for your results and further treatment . Always happy to answer any questions where I can and other ladies will too.  

Take care, x

[Pandabear]

Dear Peggy Peggy, 

Aw that is frustrating not to have your results. I hope your recovery is going well though. 

As others have said, SLNB = sentinel lymph node biopsy. 

Yes you can private message other users as Sarah x advises. 

Well done for getting this far. 😁👍❤️ 

Take care X 

[Sarahx]

Hi Janet,

How disappointing that you have to wait longer for your results, I hope the wait isn't too long for you.

It did feel good to have the drain out! SLNB is sentinel lymph node biopsy, I am getting most of my pain & swelling on side of breast near arm pit so assuming that is from the lymph node surgery? 

Good to hear that you are pain free now and recovering well, hope you get your results soon and will keep my fingers crossed for good news for you,

Sarah xx

[Seabreeze]

Hi Peggy Peggy,

To send private messages...

When you log on you'll see 3 icons at the top right-hand corner of the screen. Between the bell symbol for the publicly visible forum (bar the semi private group relationships subject theme) and the face icon is an envelope icon.

Tap on the envelope, it's where you can send a message directly to another member, and where private replies to you will show.

I hope your recovery from your op is going as well as possible and that you don't have to wait too much longer for the results.

One day at a time, 

X Seabreeze

[Peggypeggy]

Hi panda bear

is it possible to private message people.  ?

hope you are doing ok

janet x

[Peggypeggy]

Hi sarah

i have just been to see the surgeon today and the results haven’t come back yet so that was a bit disappointing  knowing I have to wait again

It’s two weeks post op and I feel fine otherwise

sorry what is snlb ? 
Great to have the drains out isn’t it

you will start to feel better each day

i don’t need any pain killers at all now

take care.  Keep in touch 

janet x

[Sarahx]

Hi, 

Peggypeggy how is your recovery going? 

I had Left therapeutic mammoplasty & SLNB on Thursday, so 4 days ago, and seem to be recovering ok. Just wanted to sleep for first couple of days and still getting tired. Drain came out this morning and all looks good. Pain hasn't been too bad, taking regular pain killers and just adding codeine as I need them! Just taking it easy and resting when I need to.

Hope everyone else feeling ok?

Sarah xx

[Pandabear]

Dear Peggy peggy,

congratulations for coming through your surgery.  - Tick.  

You are just 2 days post op, so be kind to yourself.  Lots of tv and rest,  but this will gradually increase with the days.  Just listen to your body. 

Ah yes, the painkillers can do that - codeine especially.  Did they give you simple painkillers too, like paracetamol, as once the initial surgical pain wears off, you might try just omitting any constipating drugs.  Meanwhile, lots of fluids, orange juice, veg and fruit.... 

These first few days might be a bit of a fog - not just because of the drugs either.  You have gone through so much.  So just go with it, if you can.  When do the drains come out? 

Glad that your daughter is around.  Will she be able to go with you when you go back for your results? 

Adjusting to your new size will take some time - but I hope on 26th you will be pleased with the final result, although even after that, they do further settling down.  My hospital advised either E45 or Aveeno moisturiser for the wounds once the dressings came off,  so do have a look to see what you need to get in, for the big reveal day.  

You've got this Peggy peggy!  You are a very strong lady.  

Big hugs x 

[Sarahx]

Hi Peggypeggy, 

Pleased to hear that your surgery went well, hope you are recovering ok and not too uncomfortable, take care,

Sarah xx

[Peggypeggy]

Dear panda bear

came home yesterday , surgeon was happy with results, my boobs look so small now , a little bit of a shock as I have always had so much even after the first reduction

also have come home with 2 drains

he reckons they will be a 36 c.  

felt great after surgery but beginning to feel a bit uncomfortable now

the pain killers have made me constipated and I should have got a prescription for it but was in a rush to get home so I am sending my daughter to get me something this morning

i think I was in an drug high when I first came round ( that was fun 😂)

so lovely to get your messages , what a lovely lot you all are 

I am gong back on the 26th for the revealing so will get back to you then   And yes I do feel wiped out

xxx

[Pandabear]

Dear tdkas,

I am glad to hear how well you are doing now,  and that you are back at work - wow! You have done well. 🙂

Do let us know your ongoing recovery and or treatment, always happy to support and answer any questions. 

Take care,

x 

[Pandabear]

Dear Peggypeggy

I hope that your surgery went well today.  Do be kind to yourself when you get home,  and listen to your body.  You may feel quite wiped out - if so, just rest and follow any advice the hospital gives you.  

You are likely to feel quite swollen - this is normal.  But if you have any excessive pain, high temperature or ooze,  then contact your team straight away, as they would want to see you.  

I hope you have someone looking after you? Especially for things requiring lifting or stretching above your head, which you have likely been advised not to do?

During this time, do eat regularly,  and always add in healthy snacks if you flag, eg. peanuts, or a glass of milk, as your body is healing, so needs both the calories and protein.  

Do try and do the shoulder exercises - I do mine when I get up, at lunch time and before going to bed.  It's sort of my routine now.  

Do let us know when you are due to go back for your dressings to be removed/ results day.  That can be quite an emotional time, because it will be the first time you will have seen your new look, and it also will determine the plan going forward.  Tears are fine.  And they may be a mixture of tears of joy and sadness.  But we are here to support you.  

Just remember, You've got this! 

Big virtual hugs,

Take care, 

x  

[Peggypeggy]

Morning tdkas

I'm in the uk and I was offered to go on the study because of my age.  65 tomorrow

plus my cancer is 10mm

They have sent my biopsy off to Another hospital for testing and it has to be below a certain level  for me to be able to participate 

fingers crossed   I would also have hormone replacement therapy for  5 years and a mammogram every year for 10 years.

i remember thinking if I do not have to have chemo I would be happy but maybe not having radiation therapy would be an added bonus

happy to hear you have been able to go back to work after 2 weeks

i am a physio Assistant with children so I need longer but I could maybe go back and do admin for a while

take care

i will update you after my op tomorrow x

janet 

[tdkas]

Dear Peggy:

I used the small ice pack on my breasts too it just reduced pain and felt good. 

I was back to work after two weeks. I work in an office so it doesn’t require lifting. I did go home early if I was tired. I’m post op a month and still find myself needing more rest. I think some of that is also all the doctor appointments and new information, 

I’m very interested in your study you are possibly doing. I am 51 and there has been no mention of radiation alternatives.

Trisha

[Peggypeggy]

Hi panda bear

i am going in for similar surgery to yours on Tuesday and just reading your post again was very reassuring.

glad to hear your are pleased with the cosmetic out come, at least out of all the worry you are pleased with your new boobs.

keep well

 janet xx

[Peggypeggy]

Hello again

i know what you mean about being on a different planet. 
So glad it wasn’t in your lymph nodes, that’s the next thing to be waiting for to hear and I am hoping to be put on this study called [primestudy]. Which would mean I do not have radiation therapy, just hormone treatments. My friend had to go through chemo and radiation but she is all recovered now and looking great but a big thing to go through.

its a lot of waiting to hear things but as you said the hospital team are marvellous and it goes along quite quickly.  Though some times it feels for ever.

are you able to go out and about now .

I had a breast reduction 25 years ago but they did get big again after a long while, after going through menopause and putting a bit of weight on, my weight goes straight to my boobs and tummy , arms and legs stay skinny , I don’t remember using ice packs , was that just for under your arm ?

i will  look out for a pillow wedge because I can remember them swelling at night as I used to lay on my back 

xxx

[Peggypeggy]

Hi Sarahx

thank you 

I will give you an update when I come home , hopefully on the 13th

best wishes to you on the 20th and I will be thinking of you .

[tdkas]

Sarah:

I’ll be thinking of you too! I would make one more suggestion. There are some pillows on Etsy or  google for post mastectomy/breast surgery. My sister made the large one and the small heart shaped pillows with scrap fabric and the free patterns. If you know a seamstress you can get free patterns, otherwise you can order online. The small ones work real well holding the ice pack in place while protecting your arm from the cold. Also I found the small one to be a nice cushion on the incision where lymph node taken out to not get bumped. The large pillow I used for the drive hone and it was great hugging my body. I have dogs and use it as extra protection too. It definitely felt like just an added detail that made me feel prepared and cared for. It’s definitely not necessary but I appreciated having them. 

I didn’t recommend it to Peggy as her surgery is on Tuesday and maybe not time to make it happen. 

Let me know if you have anymore questions! This forum really helped me before hand. 

Trisha 

[Sarahx]

Hi Tdkas, 

I have been reading lots of posts since my diagnosis and sounds like my plan of treatment is similar to yours, my surgery is booked for 20th May. Great to hear that your surgery went well and some really helpful tips, thanks for sharing, I intend to try some! Hope you continue to heal with no more problems,

Sarah xx

[Sarahx]

Hi Peggypeggy,

I have just been reading your posts and sounds like we are having similar surgery, mine is on 20th May. Wanted to wish you lots of luck for your surgery next week and hope all goes well.

Sarah xx

[tdkas]

Dear Peggypeggy:

Thanks for reaching out! My surgery went well and I’m one month post op. My only issue is my incisions are taking a long time to heal-not anything I thought would be a problem. I had very large breasts and they said this is common when there is tension with larger breasts. It’s hard to not feel like I’m doing something wrong. It’s healing though. I just keep messaging the plastic surgeon w questions. 
I bought all the bras my plastic surgeon recommended and in the end the one that works for me is the fruit of the loom front clasp from Walmart. 
Take a pillow with you for the bumpy drive home. 
I had a bed wedge to sleep on at nights because you’re supposed to be elevated. This was a struggle as I kept sliding down it so I started cacooning myself with pillows. Get a few ice packs to keep them rotating. This was a lifesaver for me. 
One thing I wasn’t ready for is sometimes where they take out lympnodes, that incision is sensitive and nerves are refiring and reconnecting. One month out it’s not uncomfortable anymore.
Even though I still have incisions healing, I’m not in pain. I’m thankful my back doesn’t hurt like it did before. My cancer was not found in the lymph nodes thankfully and it will be probably another month before radiation. Everything has to be healed before starting radiation.

I was telling a friend recently,  I feel like I was told I had cancer and immediately was put on a escalator/people mover to another planet. Along the way it feels like they tell me bits and pieces and they speak a different language. I never knew there were so many specialists. People ask me what’s next before my initial consultations and from my google searches I answered. Finally I said, I really don’t know but I will when I need to. I’ve really had an amazing group of doctors. 
I feel so lucky that I don’t need chemo but overwhelmed that so many others do. I learned last week that they’d like me to take tamoxifen for 10 years. That’s the most recent escalator stop on my journey. 

hope this helps! Ask away any other questions. 

xoxo Trisha 

[Peggypeggy]

Hi panda Bear
Hope  you are well

have more info now , on my surgeons letter

it says I have 10mm small oestrogen receptor

going in Tuesday 11th may (my birthday 🥴)

For my lumpectomy and breast reduction with some node removal

im starting to get a bit nervous and just want to get on with it

it still feels like a bad dream 

I will get back when I am a bit recovered

thanks 

janet x

I’m

[Peggypeggy]

Hi tdkas

i hope your op went well and you making a good recovery, are you up and about now ?

sounds like my op is similar to yours 

could you give me any tips 😀🙄

i am having similar op as you next Tuesday 

[Peggypeggy]

Hi Evie

thank you

yes I am glad to be on here and talking to you all 

feeling better and not so alone in my diagnosis

xx

[Peggypeggy]

Dear panda Bear

virtual hugs returned 

thankyou for  your lovely reply it does help so much to hear from you and other people who are going through this

im not sure what type it is though I know they said grade 2 ? My husband asked if it was aggressive and they said no

going to meet my surgeon on Wednesday 7th so I will learn more and I will certainly let you know

yes I feel  a bit numb to be honest but can’t get it out of my mind

have told my adult children and the team I work with and a couple of close friends but at the moment I am keeping it to just them as I don’t want people giving me sympathy and feeling sorry for me as I’m really trying to be positive 

its hard though sometimes when you start thinking where it might take you and knowing I still won’t know about whether my lymph nodes are clear till after surgery

the waiting is very hard

Thankyou again it really helps to know I can come on here

you all sound very supportive and friendly

take care xxx

[Evie-S]

@tdkas - very best wishes for tomorrow, we’ll all be right there with you virtually. Do come back and let us know how you are when you feel ready. Don’t beat yourself up about stress eating, there was nothing wrong with that, you needed to cope with the diagnosis and as and when you are ready you can make alterations. But treats are good!!

@Peggypeggy - a very warm welcome from me too and a gentle hug. I hope you will find lots of support and advice on here - you’ve already had some from Pandabear.

Evie xx

[tdkas]

I’m in exact situation. Surgery tomorrow and hopefully everything is as the think-no lymph nodes and stayed small. I wish I’d taken the last month to work on health but I stress ate-a lot.  I will be having a lumpectomy with reduction. So I’ll be coming out 1/2 the size I am today. 

trisha

[Pandabear]

Dear Peggypeggy, 

of course I don't mind you butting in.  More importantly, a big virtual hug - it is not necessarily a group that you ever wanted to be in, but welcome anyway.  I am sure you are feeling like you have had a ton of bricks land on you.  

I don't mind sharing my story - do see below as most of it is there.  But just to confirm, no I did not need a mastectomy,  and due to the small size (it was caught early),  low grade and no lymph node involvement,  I only needed radiotherapy.  Radiotherapy was doable. 

The whole process for me was very thorough and slick,  and I had time to think through my options (to have symmetrising surgery on the other side, at the same time, if I wanted or not).  I had to have the cancer side refashioned, as the cancer was underneath, and would have caused a divot, and pulled the whole breast down and out of shape.  I am also fairly young and fit, which is perhaps why I was offered the surgery  that I was.  If it had been a straight forward lumpectomy,  I would not have needed the mammoplasty (the posh term for refashioning)

If you are happy to,  do tell us a bit about yourself and your cancer type - is it oestrogen/progesterone positive?  What is the HER2 status?  If you have not been informed of these yet, don't worry, (you will soon become an expert!), and your team will know, and will advise what treatment is best for you.  Everyone's cancer is different,  and will be suited just to you. 

Well that's the clinical stuff - perhaps I can ask What support do you have around you?  I reached out to friends and family, as at the time, it felt like my world had just imploded.  I needed to have people who could say, "you've got this",  and keep me calm,  and those who would just treat me normally and talk about general life,  as a form of normality.  I really learned that it is helpful to have both. 

Do you have a date for surgery yet?  I found working on my health (including my mental health) and fitness prior to surgery helped.  I also engaged with journalling and mindfulness activities, including daily meditations etc.  It really is a lot to get your head around,  so do try and be kind to yourself.  

There are some really good support avenues out there - don't be afraid to tap into these. You will probably be assigned a breast cancer specialist nurse,  and I could ring mine anytime.  This website and forum has been great,  as were Bosom buddies.  Macmillan also have a help line.  

I am now 6 months down the line,  which I find quite unbelievable - I tell you this, to assure you that you  WILL get through this.  It's a crappy time,  but you will come out the other end.  We are all here to support you, so don't hesitate to come on here again.  The ladies here just "get it", as they have been there.  

Well,  I hope this helps. 

Take care x

[Peggypeggy]

Hi I hope you don’t mind me butting in to this 

conversation

i was diagnosed last week with invasive ductal cancer 

Am I reading right that you had a mastectomy and radiotherapy but no chemo

i have been told lumpectomy and radiation but I think that will change if anything in my lymph nodes

they did say they looked ok but couldn’t be sure to they had removed some

so it’s more waiting for results isn’t it

would you mind telling me a bit of your experience

if you don’t want to I totally understand

thanks

[Pandabear]

Dear Trisha, 

You are very welcome. 

Do let us know how you are getting on and if there is anything else you want to ask, just fire away. 

Take care X 

[tdkas]

Wow @Pandabear ! So nice to hear from someone so similar to my situation. It's just a waiting game for me now. Surgery is April 5th. Can't get here soon enough. 

Thank you for sharing your post reduction positivity it helps a lot. 

Trisha

[Pandabear]

Dear tdkas, 

I am sorry that you find yourself here - but I hope you will feel supported by all the lovely ladies on here as I have. 

I'm a similar age to you, was diagnosed with grade 1 er/pr +ve her2neg in Aug 2020. I had wide local excision (lumpectomy), sentinel lymph node biopsy and therapeutic mammoplasty (reduction) and reduction on the other side to match. The results look amazing! I am very happy with the cosmetic outcome and the cancer is all out!  Yes, the drs tell you all the risks, because they have to.....I remember my BCN telling me though that she had never seen a nipple necrosis. Mastectomy was never an option discussed tbh. 

Radiotherapy - it was manageable. A bit of fatigue, but I listened to my body and rested if I needed to. Only lasted a few weeks though. 

Tamoxifen? No weight gain. I have some menopausal symptoms including night sweats and mood swings, but again, it's manageable. And it is a long standing drug known to reduce risk of recurrence.  

I am 6 months down the line, (I can't believe that myself!) and there have been many ups and downs. You have done the right thing by reaching out. Otherwise it can feel a very lonely journey - you are not alone! 

Well, I hope this helps. Happy if you want more info - just ask. 

In the meantime, be kind to yourself. Take care. 

Big hugs X 

[Evie-S]

Hi Trisha (tdkas) - thank you for your kind reply, I’m glad I was able to help a little. You have replied correctly - you can click “reply” to any message and your reply will automatically go to the top of the list of messages (if that makes any sense!)

I agree with you about fear of the unknown, that’s when our minds run wild and imagine all kinds of things. That is the time we should all try to stay away from Dr Google, much better to come onto forums like this one or respected/trusted cancer sites.

Regarding your plastic surgeon - sometimes these very skilled and talented surgeons don’t have the best bedside manners. Also in these very litigious days they want to cover themselves by warning us about everything that could go wrong - and as a result end up terrifying us. I had an implant at the same time as my mastectomy, and then had radiotherapy afterwards, so happy to share my experience if you have a particular question - or indeed any question, or if you have a wobble and just want to chat. This forum really helped me when I was going through treatment.

Big hugs, Evie xx

[tdkas]

Evie-

I am not sure I am responding correctly on this platform so hope you receive this-your response made me tear up. I am so thankful to hear experiences. The unknown is worse than the known right now. My plastic surgery appointment was so harsh. Talking about dead nipples and effects of radiation. I can't say I didn't like the surgeon and maybe I needed a dose of possible reality but it left me reeling. Until that point I don't think I was truly connecting the dots that I had cancer. A PA friend reminded me a plastic surgeon is a perfectionist and sees all the flaws. 

Thank you so very much. I appreciate hearing you were pre menopausal and took it without problems. 

[Evie-S]

Hi Trisha - I can really relate to you questioning your decisions. I know from other posts that Jan was happy to be guided by her team, but I questioned almost everything. For me it was important to find out as much as I could, but it’s a very personal decision. So don’t beat yourself up about asking questions.

I’m just going to jump in and answer your question about Tamoxifen and weight gain. I’ve been on Tamoxifen about 3.5 years and haven’t put on any weight (well perhaps a bit during this endless lockdown, but I can’t blame that on Tamoxifen). I was pre menopausal when I started and am now post. Sometimes it’s hard to know what side effects are caused by Tamoxifen and what may have happened because of our age/menopause. So what I’m trying to say is try not to worry about weight gain as it may never happen. Also I’ve been ok on Tamoxifen. If you search on here you will  find more negative news stories because that’s the nature of a forum, people mostly come on to share problems rather than good news stories so there aren’t so many stories from people who are getting on ok with it.

Do keep in touch and let us know how you get on, or if there are any more questions at any time. As you say, the waiting game is very hard. So please feel free to chat/offload/whatever you need. Very best wishes, Evie xx

[tdkas]

At the MRI they did not see node involvement but they said it would hopefully be confirmed in surgery. I think this waiting game is just so hard to process. 

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It helps so much.

[tdkas]

Thank you so much! That's good to know about the mastectomy. I did have the sense that it would be all over then. It's so nice to hear people's stories. I have talked extensively to the doctors, then I leave and rehash everything and question my decision. The surgery has finally been set but it's a in a month! A month to question my decision is not good for me. 

Trisha

[tdkas]

Thank you so much for your thorough explanation. For me, it just feels like a mastectomy is more than I need but then I get in my head and think about all the what ifs in the future. 

I am very concerned about the hormone therapy causing weight gain as the last year has already not been kind to me in the weight department. I am pre menopausal. I do feel like at the end of the day this is the right course for me but then the what ifs play with my head. 

How did you feel on the Tamoxifin? I know I am way ahead of myself. 

Thank you again for your kind response. This forum is so nice to air my thoughts.

Trisha

[Jaybro]

Hi tdcas

As with the others, welcome to the forum, albeit in such horrible circumstances.

When I was given my eventual diagnosis, I didn’t pause to think. It was a no-brainer - get rid of the offending boob and let that be the end of it.

I have no regrets but, just in case you think - as I did - that a mastectomy will remove all risk of recurrence and therefore all worry, it’s not as simple as that. There is always the risk of recurrence - I have to check my scar for any unusual changes just as I would have had to check my reduced breast. I don’t feel maimed, I don’t feel less of a woman; the only inconvenience is finding the right bras and the right prothesis as my weight has increased for the first time ever - but that’s a minor beef. I do prefer checking a flat scar for changes but I’m fully aware the risk is still there. Is it minimised? I have never asked, which I am now thinking is somewhat strange!

If you consider a mastectomy over a lumpectomy, do ask your breast surgeon to compare the remaining risk factors for both so you make an informed decision (unlike me). I wish you all the best,

Jan x

[Seabreeze]

Hi tdkas,

Seconding Evie's welcome to the forum!

I had lumpectomy, radiotherapy, Tamoxifen (hormone therapy) and 2 years later a reduction on the other side, which took 2 ops since they didn't remove enough first time round (it's easier if they do it all at the same time, since sometimes some tissue goes in the recovery after surgery (a few cells dying), hence they worry about the risk of removing too much if only operating on one side). They erred too much on the side of caution for me! Hope that makes sense! I guess what I'm trying to say is it'll be easier for them to get a better result doing both sides at the same time re bc and reduction.

Good that it's only grade 1. Mine was grade 2 stage 2, E+. 

Happy to answer any q's you might have. I found the recovery from reduction much easier (and way less painful) than the recovery from the lumpectomy, since they have to be really careful in the way they remove the lump on the bc side.

Radiotherapy was relatively ok, I had some burning (which is temporary, and not everyone gets) and fatigue (which not everyone gets, and while it can go on awhile after the end of active treatment (for some women), it does go eventually)!

My oncologist told me that the statistical health outlook was fairly similar re lumpectomy with radio and hormone therapy v mastectomy. That was 6.5 years ago and I have a very high level of trust and respect for my medical team. Write down any q's and ask your onc team or even your breast care nurse. Or even phone BCN and have a chat with one of the nurses?     

For me, I found being really lopsided post lumpectomy affected my back and posture. I also had a rare reaction to the prosthesis (so couldn't wear it)....which made my lopsidedness all the more uncomfortable.

Mastectomy v breast conservation wasn't actually offered or suggested and I'm pleased with the outcome of reduction and lumpectomy, so with hindsight I don't think I'd have gone for mastectomy if it had been offered as an option. If you are seriously wondering about this though you might find it helpful to google flat friends, a group set up by women who have all had bc. Or even contact BCN and ask if you can speak to 2 women who took different approaches (I'd be more than happy to be one of them).   

Hormone therapy also helps reduce the risk of recurrence for oestrogen +ve bc.  

Is there anything in particular you'd like to know or would find it helpful to know? If you feel its a bit too personal to say on the online forum feel free to use the messaging/email facility to contact me directly.

Happy to help in anyway (that's primarily why I's still active on the forum, giving back re all the useful advice I got 6 years ago).

X Seabreeze 

[Evie-S]

Hi tdkas - I didn’t have the same surgery/treatment as you, but I wanted to welcome you to the forum and to wish you all the best as you go through treatment. My diagnosis was very similar to yours, but I had node involvement too so had chemo and a mastectomy. If I can help with any questions please do ask, otherwise I hope others will be along soon to chat and share their experiences. Hugs, Evie xx

[tdkas]

Hello!

I was diagnosed January 28th with IDC and I am in the process of scheduling surgery. The course of action at this point is a lumpectomy with reduction followed by 8 weeks of Radiation. I am wondering if there are people who have had a reduction and radiation and their overall experience with this process. As I am waiting for a surgery date I keep going back and forth wondering if I should have a mastectomy. 

I am 51. E+ P+ HER2Negative Grade 1 If that helps

Thanks so much for your input and support.