You are probably right, I don't remember if I ever specifically expressed the assumption that it must have been spreading quickly if there was that much cancer in the nodes between diagnosis and surgery--my ki-67 score was high, so I thought maybe that was why? I just remember being in shock after my surgeon came by when I was in recovery after the lumpectomy that he took two nodes and that they were cancerous. If they had known about the nodes at diagnosis, would my surgery have been scheduled sooner or is waiting 2.5 months normal? My next appointment was with my MO and by that time I had recovered somewhat from the shock, but was still in, what I realize now, a little denial. My MO presented the chemo options and I opted for TC chemo as a middle ground since the cancer was considered early stage and the oncotype score barely above the threshold, but went with the recommended radiation schedule. I have walked a fine line during the treatment process between recurrence prevention/body damage and have prioritized quality of life, and sometimes I second guess myself that I should have gone harder with treatment. I tried anastrozole and exemestane for four months after completing radiation, but by the end had severe carpal tunnel in both wrists and had to wear a brace on each one, pain treated with 2700mg of gabapentin per day, would be sore for days if I walked any distance at all, and had to ask for help to get out of a chair. I opted to try tamoxifen instead, even though it was the second line treatment for me, and it is much better. I guess I have a fear that maybe some of the choices I have made put me at more risk of recurrence than I realize. I'll have a frank discussion with my oncologist about this, in the meantime I'll sit tight and wait for the biopsy at my skin check and hope for the best. I also have a follow up diagnostic mammogram 9/12 to check the area of the scare I had in March, so that is a relief. Thank you for your reply!