Loads of good vibes for todays appointment MAS
OTM - it's a hard decision, but I think you do need to allow a good amount of time for recovery after treatment - it often takes longer than you think, and it's better to wait until you are ready than have to keep taking sick days once you are back. I know Ned had to grapple with the decision when to go back - and I think ended up delaying it, -she is a teacher too, - so she may well be able to advise on that score.
But in general, I would say anything which can reduce worry in your life is a good thing. I wouldn't want to be worried about finances when I was trying to recover.
Fab - I was wondering if you'd been offered ultrasound? if not, I would ask your GP for one. They would be able to see if there was any cause for concern without doing a mammo. (They hesitate about mammo partly because they aren't so accurate in younger women like yourself because breast tissue is different, and also because it is exposure to x-rays which they will avoid unless they think necessary)
I do agree that saying you were OK a year ago is useless, you need to be reassured now, and given a proper examination. I sorry you have come away from your appointment frustrated and not reassured, - that is the very opposite of what should have happened.
Birdland - yes to the exercises, they really do help. It does take a while for your arm on the operation side to get back to something near normal - and in all honesty, mine is still definitely weaker than my other arm.
If you are having difficulty with fine motor skills ( which I did) - my DD bought me some of those 'grown up' colouring books you can get and I did a bit each day - maybe mad, - but it helped.
Just realised what that sounds like - I mean grown up as in degree of difficulty rather than 'porno' colouring books 
(although I think I've just discovered a niche market!!) and with your dominatrix wig ............ 
How's the decorating coming along Topsy? --- and did you watch Inspector Banks on Wed? - I quite like Stephen Tompkinson in it, though normally he irritates me.
Waving to jchoc, gracie, Sometimes, Smee and anyone I've forgotten.
Amber - you're quiet too, - not running yourself ragged I hope 
I'm off to visit DS and DDIL this afternoon, - to have a nosey round the house they are doing up, - they hope to get moved in before Christmas.