Dear Ruthie,
We've never met, but I've been caround this place for a very long time....and I am a cancer survivor, too. I didn't say anything on this forum, but I got soo much support from my friends on facebook.
My Mom was a 31 yr breast cancer at her death. She did not die of breast cancer, so, when I was DX with stage 2ABreast cancer, I was somehow comforted by the fact that my mom survived, and so would I.
I had a lumpectomy, lymph noded were removed as well. It was no0t a walk in the park, but certainly much easier than my mom's full mastectomy! When I recovered from surgery, my Oncologist introduced me to the Radiation Oncologist. I flat-out refused radiation-I'd seen the results of many after rad, so it was tough for these 2 drs to convince me. I finally accepted vtheir course of treatment, and, after 6 weeks of rad treatments, I am healing. I will go back for my 'all-clear'  next Friday, but both Drs are quite certain I will never again experience breast cancer.
If she's gotten it early, she can keep her breast, get treatment, not lose her hair, hurl or generally feel horrid for 6 months or so......it's soo much easier.
If it were as simple as a pill, we might not take it so seriously, so, I guess I am happy to have had the treatment I did.....most of all, as you know, Ruthie, it's a lot about your frame of mind... my dear mother helped me through this, as you will help your neice. I will be saying my prayers for her as well, and sharing my strength..........BUT- just for you, please know it's just not like about 27 yrs ago, when you went through a much more invasive course of treatment!
If she wishes to talk to someone, it's all pretty fresh in my memory, just pm me for my number.
Wishing you love and health-
Cathi