Since a mastectomy is such a big procedure (especially for someone like me who has multiple breast cancers and large breasts, so doesn't necessarily have enough skin to adequately cover the wound) - why does it happen before finding out whether the cancer has already spread to elsewhere in the body?
Would it not be better for a doctor to find out if the cancer is everywhere so the patient can choose how much, if any surgery they want to go through in the context of the wider prognosis and quality of life? Rather than spend months managing pain, disfigurement and potential impairment from (at least one) big surgery before finding out whether or not it has saved or prolonged life expectancy?
What are your thoughts?
Oh that sounds a lot better! So important (as you knew) to have that information.
I’m realising that nothing’s certain with breast cancer but things are more likely than others. Spread beyond lymph nodes looking unlikely for both of us 
Good luck with your surgery 
I had a CT scan to check for spread and was told it was standard practice as the MRI showed my lump to be more than 5cm, even though ultrasound showed no lymph node spread. I had the MRI after mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy because they needed more clarity - again big boobs, difficult to see on ultrasound apparently. CT thankfully showed no spread thankfully. I also do not have a dedicated BC Nurse, just helpline to the cancer care centre, who are great
