Newbie
Had a mammogram and ultrasound on 30th Dec after noticing increased density in left breast. Got a phone call on the drive home. I live one hour away from larger medical facilities. I’m 47 .Married. 3 ...
Forum Discussion
Hi Greengirl,
I was diagnosed 29th October. My advice is to always get copies of all of your test results and reports, including those to your GP. Keep them in a folder along with a list of your questions and your notes. Make sure you understand the information and ask if you don't. You are your own advocate and you are in charge of coordinating your treatment (took me a few weeks to figure that out). Take that folder with you to all of your appointments. Some doctors will give you written info, some will just talk (and you or your support person will have to keep up and take notes). Two out of three of my doctors were very thorough and had read my pathology, checked my test results etc. before my appointments. After a two week wait to see another doctor (oncologist), my confidence was shaken. No preparation before meeting me, seemed to be distracted by pressing matters elsewhere, took phone calls on mobile and left the room twice, and made a major (incorrect) assumption which I queried (because I had read my pathology report). This debacle resulted in several weeks delay to commencement of treatment while the matter was taken to the Multidisciplinary Team Meeting and the Oncotype DX test was done. I hope your path is smooth and worry-free, but just remember to take charge. It's your body.
I was diagnosed 29th October. My advice is to always get copies of all of your test results and reports, including those to your GP. Keep them in a folder along with a list of your questions and your notes. Make sure you understand the information and ask if you don't. You are your own advocate and you are in charge of coordinating your treatment (took me a few weeks to figure that out). Take that folder with you to all of your appointments. Some doctors will give you written info, some will just talk (and you or your support person will have to keep up and take notes). Two out of three of my doctors were very thorough and had read my pathology, checked my test results etc. before my appointments. After a two week wait to see another doctor (oncologist), my confidence was shaken. No preparation before meeting me, seemed to be distracted by pressing matters elsewhere, took phone calls on mobile and left the room twice, and made a major (incorrect) assumption which I queried (because I had read my pathology report). This debacle resulted in several weeks delay to commencement of treatment while the matter was taken to the Multidisciplinary Team Meeting and the Oncotype DX test was done. I hope your path is smooth and worry-free, but just remember to take charge. It's your body.