[Gerri]

Hi Lori,

Welcome to our family. I wanted to respond to you because we have almost the same stats. My chemo was different, but the size of my tumor and the choice for lumpectomy vs. masectomy are the same - lumpectomy with radiation has almost the identical risk of recurrence as a masectomy and it is very low.

I am now almost 4 years out from my diagnosis and feel great - so far, so good....even so, I am very vigilant with my follow up care. I have had all of the tests you are anticipating. Laurel has great advice about being 'in the tube' - don't even look at it before your scan (or after) and close your eyes before going in. I am very claustrophobic and this has worked for me.

I got my port a little late in the game. Expect to be sore after the procedure. I had a lot more discomfort with my port surgery than my lumpectomy. Keep in mind that everyone is different and your experiences may be completely different from everyone elses. Listen to your body and you will do okay - rest when you need rest, let others take care of you for a change. If you try to push things you may not bounce back as quickly as you would if you take it easy when need be.

Hold on tight,this is the journey of a lifetime. You will make it through okay, you are stronger than you think.

Take good care,