dcis

Anonymous​  .... 

Yes, the wound needs to be healed before radiation can commence. In my case, surgery was in mid Jan & radiation was in April.  I didn't have chemo.

When my diagnosis came in, my GP suggested 2 breast surgeons & I did a 'Dr review search' on them & one had glowing references & the other didn't, so I went with the glowing references & I had the most fantastic, caring surgeon who (if in Sydney) I would recommend to anyone. 

Dr Sarah Kemp is a specialist Breast Surgeon (which, in my view is MUCH better than going with a 'General Surgeon'.)  Asking about an aesthetically pleasing result could be one question to ask, depending on the amount of surgery you may require.  Sadly, some may have nasty scarring depending on where the tumours are ... and this may affect 'body image' afterwards? (just thinking out loud here!) I was very lucky with mine, as he did a mini fat transfer within the breast at the same time (I'd never noticed that it was larger than my other breast!) My surgeon prides himself on 'good looking' outcomes & even my Onc had to look twice to see which breast had had the surgery! 

It wouldn't hurt to see two surgeons - they may well have different fee structures too, so don't forget to ask about that as well (even get it in writing) also how much rebate you'll get back from medicare/Health Insurance if going private for surgery.

BTW, are you considering going private or public for your surgery?  I went private for surgery (biggish fees & fairly big out of pocket cost.) Then I went public for Radiation & Medical Oncology, which was free. 

You may well feel more comfy with one than the other, just from that first appointment.   Check if they both have a breast care nurse that you can chat with between appointments?  My surgeon suggested a gel (called Kelocote - that I applied to my scar (once semi healed) to lessen the scarring - and he provided it 'at cost' to his patients, which was a great $ saver.) I have minimal, virtually no scarring  .... they may do the same.

It is highly stressful & upsetting in the early days of diagnosis - so if you feel a bit overwhelmed or stressed by it all, give our Helpline a bell on 1800 500 258 for a calming chat xx.

Also, consider listening to Charlotte Tottman's Podcasts on her own experience with BC - she is a specialist breast cancer Counsellor - and was surprised at her own reaction to the news, when she'd been counseling others for many years & thought she 'knew it'!  She has done 2 'seasons' ... check out the 1st season, right from her diagnosis onwards and how she coped. She is very easy to listen to & you'll probably recognise your own reactions in many of the podcasts. 
http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html

Check out this thread too - there is a lot of info on the forum & what to take with you to hospital - even 'tick sheets' that you can fill in to take with you to your appointments on your mental & physical health .... this info has been gleaned from many of our members over the years ... I hope it helps you xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest

take care & all the best in your decision making xx