Wouldn't you think: after all these years: that breast surgeons would work alongside oncologists ? I would also ask lots of questions about HRT in further. There is a breast surgeon who suggests in his book that when necessary, ladies should be allowed the option regardless of diagnosis. Sorry, can't remember his name off the top of my head
![Roll Eyes ::)](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/rolleyes.gif)
Personally I wouldn't be satisfied with 'in my opinion' - I would want clear evidence whether HRT had contributed. In my case I had used 4 weeks of HRT many years prior to my finding the lump. If I was told that they really don't know yet, that's different.
If HRT is so dangerous why aren't we advised to have bilateral mastectomy because HRT may be essential for many
![Huh? ???](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/huh.gif)
. Do impress that you may well require vaginal atrophy treatment, which is due to a loss of oestrogen.
I was OK mentally until after being discharged from the 4 weeks radiation treatment: it was a very hot Summer; the coolest place was in the treatment room; so I don't know how much the weather contributed but me, the dog and 2 cats went to bed every afternoon: my treatment was at mid-day. if I was late going up, the Siamese would stand half-way up the stairs ...........
![Cheesy :D](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/cheesy.gif)
. Once I was not at the Hospital daily I dropped emotionally for a week and occasionally would shut myself away for a Very Good Bawl. Also I got fed up with being brave for everyone else
![Roll Eyes ::)](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/rolleyes.gif)
I opted for tattoos to align the laser lines rather than blue paint which would have meant no baths for at least 5 weeks
![Shocked :o](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/shocked.gif)
. Keep hydrated during radiation treatment, keep OUT of the sun - I had a straw hat which I would decorate each day to compete with the Jamaican lady ahead of me ..... she wore such brilliantly colourful clothes and her hat always won
![Wink ;)](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/wink.gif)
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When I had my first surgery I came back with a single stitch, at the end of which was a plastic bobble. When I went back again for checking of lymph nodes, I requested a toggle on each end: the surgical notes came back "Completely out of toggles so a bobble will do". Only in private practice
![Grin ;D](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/grin.gif)
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This too will pass. Let us know how you get on.
![foryou :foryou:](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/foryou.gif)