Hi Jennie I am so sorry to read this.  Can they not try a different type of chem to reduce the size of the tumour.?  I had a lumpectomy then chemo and then radiotherapy.  My tumour was quite big at 4cm but because I have large breasts they could do the lumpectomy.  I know what you mean, cancer can feel very lonely.  Are you having reconstruction at the same time?  Good luck for your operation next week, please let me know how you get on.

Lee xx