What questions do I ask?

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

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

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

This is a wonderful document. Thank you so much for sharing this xx

Thank you for that I love it.

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.

Great questions Karen on my list thanks

Cheryl

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

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

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