@lovethedesert, I'd like to add my welcome. At the risk of repeating what @elizm and @roch have already said, I also urge you to insist on better communication. You might find out if your cancer center has oncology nurses and if one is assigned to you. They can often be so helpful in taking the time to explain what the oncologist said (or didn't say).

That's great news that the cancer was found at an early stage. You'll want to discuss carefully with your care team what treatment options are right for you. Not everyone with stage 1 breast cancer has chemo and radiation. Ask about your risk factors. Your team may suggest the Oncotype DX test which can "help doctors figure out a woman’s risk of early-stage, estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer coming back (recurrence), as well as how likely she is to benefit from chemotherapy after breast cancer surgery"
- Oncotype DX Test https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/oncotype_dx

Being estrogen receptor positive (often shortened to ER+) is also good to know. This type of breast cancer is often treated with an aromatase inhibitor (AI) or a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). Those were all the drug names that the oncologist rhymed off faster than you could write them down, like:
- Arimidex (anastrozole)
- Aromasin (exemestane)
- Femara (letrozole)
- tamoxifen
- Evista (raloxifene)
- Fareston (toremifene)

Here's more information:
- Aromatase Inhibitors https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/hormonal/aromatase_inhibitors
- Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/hormonal/serms

Keep asking question @lovethedesert. We can also help with preparing you to know what questions to ask your care team. But my big question right now is ... What is your favorite desert? (I love your username.)

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