Hello Petal 1066 and thanks for your post,

I am sorry to hear about your concerns about side effects.

I am not sure if you are being offered surgery first as the doctors will need to find out more about your cancer when it has been removed before they decide what your treatment options should be. The pathologist looks at the tissue under the microscope and is able to tell your surgeon and oncologist the stage and grade of the cancer.

You can read more about the stage and grade here.

Sometimes women are offered radiotherapy and hormone therapy to reduce the chance of the cancer returning.

I would try and take one step at a time. Each case is treated very individually.

Your oncologist and surgeon will take it to account your concerns and I am sure will give you percentages based on your particular cancer but I would discuss this with them before you make any definite decisions. They will want to give you the best treatment for your particular cancer.

We do have some information on our website about 'brain fog' and there have been various studies looking at cognitive changes.

You may be interested in the service that Breast Cancer Now offer called 'Someone Like Me' where they try and put you in touch with women who are going through the same type of cancer.

If your hospital is attached to a Maggies then you may find some of the courses on line and in person useful to join.

Talk to your breast care nurses about your concerns. There is so much information that you receive when you are diagnosed with breast cancer and I am sure it can be quite overwhelming.

I hope that you are managing to get some support from your family and friends.

Do give us a ring if you would like to talk any of this through with one of the helpline nurses.

The lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm and the number to ring is Freephone 0808 800 4040.

All the very best,

Catherine