These days, many surgeons order a Breast MRI before surgery. MRI is a valuable tool that identifies any areas of suspicion in your opposite breast and also gives the surgeon a more accurate assessment of the size of the cancer that has already been diagnosed. Following your surgery, a detailed pathology report provides the oncologist with all the details of your type of breast cancer so a treatment plan can be arranged. An important thing to keep in mind ... reconstruction after radiation can have complications since the skin is compromised. Radiation after reconstruction can also have complications. Best to ask the plastic surgeon and radiation oncologist these questions and know the risks. I know it's difficult to imagine how it will all come together at this point, but trust in your medical team and take it one day at a time. Know that many women have walked before you and are always there for support :)

I was just told that your breast must heal 4-6 wks before chemo or radiation... good prayers to you

We've all made the best decision we could with the information that we've been given. I know I don't ever want to look back and say, "I would've... I could've... I should've. You'll feel worse before you feel better, but it's all part of being in this club that none of us want to be in. Someday it will all be a distant memory.

Your primary doctor should be talking to you about an oncologist, or at least I spoke to mine after the pathology report from the biopsy, generally to talk about what type of surgery is needed. After surgery they will go over the full pathology report and say what further treatment is needed. Even though only one side is affected you need to discuss with your oncologist if one or both should go.

PS - You mentioned lymph node removal...no matter how many lymph nodes are removed, ALWAYS protect that side of the body where the nodes are removed. That means no needle sticks, no blood pressures, no excessive lifting, no excessive pushing/pulling, and try not to injure the affected arm in any way. You will be at risk for lymphedema and you can find useful information regarding lymphedema at cancer.org and type "lymphedema" in the search bar. Hugs, Lisa