Advice needed
Hi,
My mother has just been diagnosed with breast cancer and we are scrabbling around trying to find a surgeon for surgey next week or week after. There are so many questions. How do you find a good s...
Forum Discussion
Hi Cm
Sounds like a very hectic time for you and your mum. So much to think about - it can become quite scary. But you are not alone, that's for sure.
As Paula has suggested, a breast care nurse is a wonderful source of local information and ongoing support so check who is available in your area. I'm from a regional area where my bc nurse works really closely with a team of professionals treating bc patients at a public hospital but she's available to private hospital patients, too.
Initially I chose my surgeon based on his surgical experience, longstanding reputation, communication skills ( especially listening to me!) and followup care he offered. He explained things clearly about my diagnosis and my treatment choices (especially risks and recovery time frames) - so I felt like I had choices and could make my decisions confidently( without being rushed or pressured). Consequently I trusted him - to do his best for me and manage any problems along the way. This point was very important for me.
Has your mum received the My Journey Kit yet? If not, it's available through BCNA - phone 1800 500 258 It will be another great source of information, practical tips and comforting reassurance - for both of you.
Everyone's bc journey is different so please encourage your mum to keep asking questions and tell you what she needs - and if she's worried about things, keep reaching out for answers that help and make sense to her .
Take good care of yourself, too.
Hope you keep us posted on how things progress.
Di