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
@tigerbeth - I have had eight now, and they aren't pleasant are they!
tigerbeth
Member
7 years ago
Far out @RR hope those biopsies didn't hurt as much as mine !!!
Here's hoping for good results as soon as possible
good luck xx
arpie
Member
7 years ago
All the best for the results from the Biopsies ...... fingers crossed for the best results, @RR xxx
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
Onwards and upwards. Just a bit quicker please! :*
RR
Member
7 years ago
@kmakm, Yes I feel like the whole process has been rather elongated, yet there is very little that I can do about it. I just have to keep moving forward.
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
Oh @RR you have really been put through the ringer! Fingers crossed they can come up with a definitive plan and you can get on with it asap. How are you coping? K xox
RR
Member
7 years ago
@melclarity and @Eastmum - thank you for thinking of me. I had to go in for four more biopsies last Thursday - hopefully a plan this week xx
melclarity
Member
7 years ago
@RR how's things? hoping things are finally getting sorted for you. It does seem like an eternity for them to get things happening, I do know they say alot of Breast Cancers are slow growing so some do take awhile to get their butt into gear. It is hard not knowing your diagnosis and yes that can completely change your game plan and direction as you would need chemo and then you'd go on to Herceptin after that. Hoping for some concrete news for you so you can start. xxx Melinda
Eastmum
Member
7 years ago
Hey @RR - how are you doing? Have they sorted out your treatment plan or are you still in limbo land? Thinking of you xx
arpie
Member
7 years ago
@RR
I am pretty sure that the Herceptin result (assuming that is the 'Her2' on my path tests) is pivotal to your treatment. I was progesterone & Oestrogen Positive - but luckily was Her2 negative. If you are Her2+ - your treatment will be different from mine.

For your own peace of mind, I hope you get started on your treatment soon - Funnily - it was suggested that I not start my radiation til about 'now' - but I also couldn't stand the wait & really pressed to have it before I went on hols to Norfolk Island in April - so ended up having the radiation in March, finishing the day before Easter.

I'm going 'fine' thank you .... my 'change in plan' was very minor, in the bigger plan of things! ;)

Thinking of you! xx