Hi everyone,My Oncologist phoned with an appointment scheduled tomorrow morning. I would love advice on what to ask and/or expect.Thanks xx

@RR all the best for your appointment tomorrow. I've always done my appointments alone since my first diagnosis in 2011 and again 2015. I never wanted to have to worry about someone else and how they felt, rather than just focus on me and deal as best I could. I didnt need an oncologist 1st diagnosis but I did the 2nd so I knew I needed more than radiation. They will be straight to the point with your diagnosis and their recommendation of treatment based soley on your diagnosis. I didnt have to ask about cold caps, my Oncologist was up front about that for my regime it's never been successful. If you purely had taxol possibly then. Lots of ladies have done it, some successful, most not. Certainly lots to think about. My Oncologist gave me 48hrs to get back with an answer and he said if I couldnt make the decision in that time then that would be clear its not a path I wish to travel. I did travel it however. So just ask them to keep it simple even ask for a copy of your pathology. Hugs xo

Hi @RR,The first chemo appointment is possibly the most daunting. I think the majority of us come out of that one well shaken. They will give you a mountain of information to deal with so it is a great idea if you can get someone or your breast care nurse to go with you to remember the things you won't. Write everything you can think of down tonight that you are worried about and want to ask. Just in case you're finding it hard to think.I think the most important thing to remember is that the list of possible side effects is long and they will tell you everything that may happen it doesn't mean it will. All the best for tomorrow.Stay in touchxoxoxo.

@kezmusc I’m with u on the side effects - that list can be scary as hell but, touch wood, I have had very few of them. @RR I would definately write a list of questions before u go and take someone with u. Good luck xoxo

Yep @"Kiwi Angel",Scared the bejeesus out me. Your brain always conjures up the most awful things it can think of doesn't it. Glad you're doing alright. I did pretty good as well.

Hey @RR I agree with the lovelies above. Take someone with you and take it a day at a time. Once you have a plan it is better. The bc nurse I talked to in the first instance scared the absolute crap out of me and I almost didn’t do chemo. I still don’t speak to her when I see her not just for that reason but a few others as well. It was the oncologist kind and gentle rapport that reassured me and made me feel at ease with it all. Please let us know how you go. It’s such a mixed bag of emotions but you can get your head around it. Big hug. Margie xx

First Oncology appointment - what to expect/ask?

RR
Member
7 years ago
Thanks, @arpie - I have no doubt it is all in my best interests, but we need to get this show on the road! They are waiting to see if I am positive for Herceptin which means I will deff need chemo first. It is horrible when the game plan changes - thinking of you xx
arpie
Member
7 years ago
@RR
I can feel your frustration .....

I saw my oncologist for the first time last week (I had surgery in Jan & radiation in March) & whilst I was 'expecting' to be taking Tamoxifen - I've ended up taking Letrozole!! I totally forgot to ask WHY Letrozole would benefit me more than Tamoxifen! DUH! I only thought of that one AFTER I'd left the building! DUH! I've printed off some 'L vs T' sheets & am currently reading thru them.

I DID record the meeting tho, on my phone - so will go over it again ...

I was on my own at this meeting - which is why it is invaluable to have at least one other trusted person there with you, as an extra set of ears, to pick up on questions/stuff that you may not have raised yourself!

Good luck with your ongoing meetings with the boffins - I hope they sort out their 'differences' & get your treatment started - I would HATE that to happen to me! :( ....... I am sure they'll be working on the best course of action for you tho.

Thinking of you at this frustrating time - hope it is sorted soon ..... Big Hugs coming your way! xx
RR
Member
7 years ago
They are part of the same team - one wants surgery first and the other chemo. I am waiting for another test to come back which will give more information.
Eastmum
Member
7 years ago
Oh wow @RR how frustrating! I’m sure you’ll feel much more confident when there’s a clear plan. Are they both part of the same multi-disciplinary team at a hospital? Or two specialists who don’t normally work with each other?
RR
Member
7 years ago
Thank you @kmakm xxx
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
I hope they get themselves sorted bloody quick smart! You poor thing. Big hugs, K xox
RR
Member
7 years ago
Thank you for thinking of me @Eastmum - I am actually having quite a tricky time. I am five weeks in and still haven't started treatment. My oncologist and surgeon are arguing about which to do first, hopefully all to be resolved this Thursday. I have travelled a full 360 degrees, and every time something changes it costs more money. I have pain in my breast - a little over it, and I haven't even really begun.
Eastmum
Member
7 years ago
Hi @RR - how are you doing? Have you had your surgery? Hoping all is going well. xxxx
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
@"Kiwi Angel" I agree with @Rose18. Speak to you breast surgeon about your options. You can always put yourself on a public waiting list. That will give you time but hold a spot if you decide to go ahead.
Anonymous
7 years ago
I had no out of pocket expenses for LD recon with implant and reduction. Best to ask how much it will cost, recovery time, risk of side effects and best advice for recovery. Shop around, find a surgeon you like at a hospital you like and just ask the doctor how much they charge and how much the anaesthetist charges. You are a consumer and the best advocate for you. If you don’t like the price/ service go elsewhere. It’s also good to get a second opinion. All the best.