hi all I am very newly diagnosed with early breast cancer but sadly not new to it. I lost my mum and aunt to breast cancer. I go see the surgeon 8/3 and am thinking of questions I need to ask. And suggestions from you guys will be welcome. Have decided to have right breast removed as doctor needed to know what I wanted so she could tell surgeon when she made appointment. My sons also want me to go down this path, at nearly 58 and being only average size I'm not really worried about losing it and to be honest I don't want radiation unless it is really necessary. Cancer found on yearly mammogram, grade 2 is all I know at the moment. So over to you guys. thanks Cheryl

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

Psychological adjustment isn't as severe* Sorry darlings I'm on my phone, haha!

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

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

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

What questions do I ask? | BCNA Online Network

15 Replies

Cahu
Member
10 years ago
Hi and thanks, most definitely am. My visit went well and even though a lot of my question couldn't be answered some were. Gene testing has been recommended. Bummer is putting the ones you love the most into high risk. I have had a great day today 3 over 50s women at work have booked mammograms for the first time because of me. Mine is early cancer so singing breast screen WA's praises and the need for regular mammograms. Can't wait to show my mastectomy scar off. Lol

cheryl
InkPetal
Member
10 years ago
Not a problem at all. It's amazing how much difference a simple chart can make when you feel like you're in chaos. <3
Ann-Marie
Member
10 years ago
Hi Cheryl,

Welcome to the Online Network. I hope you are feeling the love and support from the members :)

Keep asking the questions.

~Ann-Marie x
Ann-Marie
Member
10 years ago
This is a wonderful document. Thank you so much for sharing this xx
Cahu
Member
10 years ago
Thank you for that I love it.
Cahu
Member
10 years ago
Lol Deanne, I have spoken to the boys and have told them to tell me what they want to help with. Think youngest is now coming with me. Comes from being a sole parent for most of their lives and being the big sister.
Cahu
Member
10 years ago
Great questions Karen on my list thanks

Cheryl
Deanne
Member
10 years ago
So many of us try to protect our loved ones but what I now realise is that it helps THEM to be involved. It is natural to want to shield your sister and your sons but maybe it will help them to cope if they hear what the doctors have to say?

Believe me this is one time in your life when you need to share the load. At least have the doctors give you written as well as verbal info. My surgeon even gave me her email address so I could email any questions I might have.

Take care. Deanne xxx
Cook65
Member
10 years ago
Hi Cheryl,

If it were me, these are some of the things I would be asking:

1) is it worth doing test for the braca gene to help determine a course of action?

2) Is it worth taking both breasts or just one and what the doctor bases their thoughts on.

3) what your treatment options are (you may not be able to do this until after getting your pathology results from surgery). What your percentage of recurrence is with what treatments/surgery options

4) ask about complementary therapies as well

My initial reaction was to take both breasts, which my surgeon was happy to do, but when I looked at the bigger picture for me, I ended up going down the path of a lumpectomy. Due to my pathology I ended up having both chemo and radiation as well as herceptin.

I wish you luck with your journey. Karen xox
InkPetal
Member
10 years ago
Maybe time to start on "the schedule".

Make yourself a month to month spreadsheet somewhere so the things you need to focus on right now can be right in front of you, and just don't look too far ahead. Even week to week if you're overloaded.

Have your dates around to book your days, but next week's problems are next week's problems. Sometimes it's even good to just take it a single day at a time. Otherwise it's just a flood of everything you don't have the option of anticipating the answer to or sorting out before the time comes to sort it out, they need to go to the back of your mind of you'll burn out.

I use this: document in my dropbox