Dear txgrl01:
The first question to ask is if all of the cancer was removed with
the biopsy (are the margins clear) or will additional surgery need to
be done? If more surgery is recommended there may be two options,
lumpectomy and mastectomy. Without evaluation, we cannot make any
recommendations as to one or the other. There are sometimes reasons
that one is recommended over the other and your surgeon will be most
qualified to discuss that with you. If lumpectomy is an option (or if
it is already complete) you will need radiation therapy. Radiation
therapy may not be necessary if you have a mastectomy. You may also
want to ask if you are a candidate for an MRI or the breasts prior to
your surgery.
CCF-RN-JS
I tried answering your question on your other post here. You can see the comments there. Be strong you will get through this.
Get a copy of Breast Cancer for Dummies (really) and visit breastcancer.org. I found both to be extremely helpful when my diagnosis last year came out of the blue. I know how it is to feel overwhelmed. Good luck.
Avidhiker is right on. START your education right now! Be prepared to find out about many different issues, opinions,etc, write yourself lists. And don't forget to ask questions if you are not clear when someone tells you something or you read something. Peruse the internet too. Just type in breast cancer and start reading.
The ladies here have many answers, opinions and know resources.
I found it helpful to take my grown daughter with me anytime I was in with a Dr. Radiologist etc. She would write notes and store info that sometimes would go right over my head. Good to have a "secretary" with you, because it can be quite overwhelming.
Good luck, God Bless, you are in our prayers