What questions do I ask?

Thanks Deanne, I am the same as you a c cup and as I said to Inkpetal the boob is the easy part. I have only sons and my sister is a mess at the moment so I would be far more concerned for her than listening to the doctor. I don't want to Impose on friends as I may really need them later on. The boys will come but again I feel I am imposing too soon. I know, think of me but that is going to be hard personality trait to break so soon. 

Cheryl 

Hi and thanks Inkpetal yes it has helped. I have a list I have started and if it's an oestrogen receptive is number 1 question. Our family is used to one breasted women so for me that is the easy choice, it every thing else. One step at a time is great advice but my mind keeps jumping ahead. Think I need to to concentrate on Tuesday. 

Cheryl

Hi Cheryl,

Inkpetal has given you some great advice especially about trying to just take this one step at a time. Often the pathology results from surgery are needed before the doctors can make further treatment recommendations for you. With a family history that may also impact on what is best for you.

I had a left mastectomy almost 3 years ago. It never worried me about losing the breast as I just wanted the cancer gone. I am a C cup and find an external prosthesis works well for me but I also know that a reconstruction is a possibility if I ever feel I would prefer that.

Ask lots of questions, if you don't understand something ask again! I found it very helpful to have someone with me at appointments as it is very hard to take it all in. I also had written info from my doctors so that I could go back over things if I was unsure about something later.

This site is wonderful for advice and also just to chat with people who understand because they have been where you are right now too! Wishing you all the best with whatever treatment you may need. Take care. Deanne xxx

Psychological adjustment isn't as severe*

Sorry darlings I'm on my phone, haha!

I lost my mother to it too, my condolences.

Ask more questions about the cancer itself. You want to know if it is: HER positive or negative, and whether it responds to hormones progesterone and estrogen (ER and/or PR +/-) knowing those will inform your treatment decisions a lot.

Grade 2 invasive means it's "breached" the origin, depending on where and how many you're looking at you may be a good candidate for lumpectomy/wide excision/partial mastectomy and not lose your whole breast - the difference being mainly that the recovery time is less and the psychological adjustment is as severe.

It might be familial so ask about genetic testing, depending on that result you may just want to be rid of the breast because testing positively there raises the risk of reoccurrence.

I'm struggling with treatment choices myself, but I'd suggest just taking this one step at a time. Focus on making just the surgery decision right now and the after treatment choices later, when you have the results from the surgery that will also inform you.

I hope that helped in some way. xox