just been diagnosed with breast cancer

I can't give advice since I was just diagnosed on 1/13/11, but wanted you to know you are not alone in your fears.  You are in my prayers and I will be watching this post with you.  What is an opp? 

Nancy

Lyn,

I'm sorry that you've been diagnosed.  It's scary, isn't it?  And the idea of having surgery.... yikes! I remember so well how shocked I was when I was diagnosed and how worried I was about surgery.

Do you have a bit more information about your diagnosis?  Do you have invasive cancer, and if so, have your doctors estimated the size of the area of cancer?  

And what type of surgery are you having?  A lumpectomy?  Usually that's what doctors recommend unless the tumor is larger or if there is cancer in more than one area of the breast.  In those cases, sometimes a mastectomy is necessary.  After a lumpectomy most women require radiation and depending on your type of cancer (how large it is, whether there is any cancer in your lymph nodes, etc.) some women also need radiation after a mastectomy.  

Usually the surgery isn't as bad as we fear but it's hard to tell you more about what to expect without knowing what type of surgery you'll be having.  And most women find that radiation is very manageable. As for other treatments - whether you will need chemo or whether some type of hormone therapy will be recommended - that all depends in the specific pathology of your cancer.  But there are women here who've gone through it all and who can help you know what to expect, if it turns out that you will be getting any of those treatments. 

(((Hugs))) 

Just wanted to let you know you are not alone.  This is a good place to get information and support from others who have faced the same thing you have. There are many different topics you can go to based on how your needs change throughout your journey. Dont' be afraid to ask lots of questions...knowledge is power. All my best to you...I will be sending postive thoughts and prayers.