45 year old mom & just diagnosed

try not to fret about the size. In my opinion is not as important as tumor biology. There are many big lazy tumors.

as jojo said, try not to worry about size! I just finished clinical staging and we were all very happily surprised that the cancer is only in my Breast! I haven't had node biopsy yet as I have chemo before surgery (her2+) but size doesn't always mean spread. I have a primary 7.3 cm tumor and a satellite that is about 1cm. Same Breast.

There are some things that tumor size effects as far as treatment plan but doesn't always effect your prognosis. And that To me is most important. Try to Keep your cart behind your horse and hang in there for the waiting! MRI is a good tool to use in getting more info as is the complete biopsy info.

We are all here for you 😊❤️ I am 41 and also have a 5 year old (our surprise son) and two teenage daughters.

This site is such a wealth of information. You will find it a great benefit!

Hi Jennifer, looks like you are doing all the right steps (MRI and oncologist appt). I was almost rushed into a lumpectomy, but decided to go to a multidisciplinary clinic at NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, and so far I'm happy I did. I was told with my age, tumor size and Ki67 number (high), I will be a candidate for chemo anyway, and neoadjuvant was suggested. It makes a lot of sense to me, so I'm starting it on Friday (I hope).

I also think about the fact how I never had any risk factors and now end up with BC at 40. I even had my children early and breastfed both (12 month and 24 month - so 3 years total). No family history either. Of all cancers, I was sure I would get melanoma, because I do have some strong family history there. Never worried about BC.

Please trust us, when we are saying this is the hardest part - you were dealt a horrible blow, but you don't have all the info yet. Gradually, more information will come out and you and your medical team will put together a plan. Then you will concentrate on that, and it will become easier. I'm not very far down this road myself, but my mental state is so much better than it was when I was just diagnosed.

Hi Jennifer,

I am originally from S.C. as well (the Upstate). Anyway, I was recently diagnosed as well. The news came to me on July 17th after a routine mammogram. I totally understand the nerves. I know this is easier said than done, but try not to worry until you have to. This may be a roller coaster of "wait and sees" for a little while. As someone who is nearing the end of the surgical recovery period, I can tell you that I made things a lot worse in my mind than they turned out to be! Sending hugs and positive thoughts to help you through those darker days.

Also, I agree with the other advice you have been receiving here. You will have much more knowledge about the characteristics and behavior of your tumor when you get results back from your biopsy. Then you can plan what is right for you. However, speaking as someone who had a double nipple sparing mastectomy on Aug. 24th and is already heading back to work next week, it can turn out a lot better than our mind lets us think!

Good luck! Thinking about you!!