Sharon, the difference in treatment may well depend on whether or not the cancer has spread out of your breast. If the tumor had been diagnosed earlier, there's less chance of the cancer having spread to your lymph nodes. Oftentimes, whether or not it's spread to your nodes is what determines whether or not you get chemo. With early detection, you might have had a lumpectomy and radiation. Now, you may still have a lumpectomy and radiation, but the chances have increased that you'll have a mastectomy and chemo.

My advice: Don't go down a road of recrimination or blame, eithr for yourself, or others. Start where you are on this path - wherever that is - and follow it forward. Your cancer is what it is; deal with the reality, and move on. And welcome to the club no one wants to join! Please stay in touch here; and if you haven't already, please read our IDC FAQS. I think you'll find them useful. Good luck - PJH