Hi Racha, Glad to hear you are getting all the information you can. I would be interested to hear what you decide, given our situations sound so similar. Did you have any lymph node involvement? I had what they called a micro-met to just one lymph node, but you just have to wonder, what if there was more? Hang in there and try not to let it keep you awake at night! Kind regards, Suzie ... View more

Hi Racha, Good to hear from you. Sounds like you have the same dilemma that I had about chemo. I was told the same as you so opted out of chemo but then did nothing but think about it for a while. Finally started to let it go and just get on with the reconstruction which I had 3 weeks ago now. At the same time I had a lumpectomy on the other side to remove a "harmless" lump, just to get rid of it. Turns out this has abnormal pre-cancerous cells! The darn thing was biopsied the same time as the other side so go figure! The surgeon said she only removed just the lump as it was considered safe, but if she had known this she would have taken more surrounding tissue. Far out the fun never ends. Off to see the oncologist next week but she doesn't think he will alter anything. I wish I could help you with your decision. I know chemo is very toxic and the risks can outweigh the benefits, but it has to be something you are sure about. By the way I am 52 (just in case you were wondering). Hang in there, Suzie ... View more

Hi Jan, I had breast cancer and a mastectomy in April 2012, so my circumstances vary a little to yours but my dilemma regarding treatment still plays on my mind. I had a 2.5cm tumor with micro-met in one lymph node. Told by the surgeon I would need chemo so I geared myself up for that, but then the oncologist said I was 'borderline' and was best treated with tamoxifen and now zoladex injections. Seems I could have had chemo if I had really "wanted" to. This gave me huge amounts of anguish, and still does if the truth be told. I didn't have the chemo as mainly my family was against it as the risks didn't outweigh the benefits. I'm glad to hear that you seem to getting on alright with the radiation, sometimes just making the decision is the hardest part - and being happy with it. (Not no sure I am!) Anyway, guess we just have to put our faith in others sometimes. Not so easy to do when this cancer was glossed over for 18 months as "harmless". Trying to get over it! My very best wishes to you and thanks for letting me ramble! suzie ... View more

Hi Kim, I too was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2012. First found the lump in Sept 2010 and after mammograms and ultrasounds was told 'no evidence of malignancy could be found'. 18 months later it was starting to give me a bit of trouble so was sent off to see a surgeon to have it 'popped out'. Luckily she ran her own set of tests including a core biopsy - and bingo! Mastectomy followed shortly with the insertion of a tissue expander. Last week I had a reconstruction and am starting to come good, feels like a boa constrictor around me! I did not have chemo as was told not much to gain (but now wish I did) but I am having zoladex injections for two years and tamoxifen for five at least. Sounds stupid but I feel people don't take me seriously because I didn't lose my hair! I hope all is going well for you. Sometimes it helps to know there are others out there in the same boat, even if it is a rocky one! Hold on tight! suzie ... View more

Hi Tassie Devil (love your doggie icon!) I too am a ten pound pom - emigrated here with my parents in 1968 when I was 8 years old (I'm 52 now). I would just like to wish you all the best with your surgery, it will be the best sleep you've had in ages! (I can talk, I've only had a couple of 4 hour ops and I was stressed to the max!) It sounds like you have a very supportive family which can really make a difference. It's great you are a 'dog person'. We have 2 beagles named Nala and Belle, I couldn't be without them. Best of luck with everything. suzie ... View more

Hi Allicat Great to hear your check-up went well. It's a weird place to be, you never think any of this would ever happen to you. I still can't get my head around it sometimes. Glad you are happy with your reconstruction. I think I might be a little un-even, but that might just be a bit of swelling just yet. I guess if that's all there is to worry about then that's not so bad! Keep strong suzie ... View more

Just keep on swimming 🙂 ... View more

Hi Sailor, No probs, Suzie ... View more