Chemo. To be or not to be
Age 55. IDC grade 3. ER+. HER2- . Lymph node +. Just had mastectomy so far (a week ago)
Forum Discussion
Bevvzy, you are also quite entitled to ask for copies of your pathology reports.
I have all of mine.
At first they didn't make much sense, so using the Understanding pathology reports and Pathology terminology information download sheets on the main BCNA site here, in the resources section, go to information sheets.
I read them through several times until I started to understand.
I also googled words I did not know ( that is not the same as Dr Google)
This really helped me when I saw the Oncologist as they refer to parts of the pathology report when explaining what course of action they recommend, and the reasons behind it.
If you can understand it a bit, you will feel more in control.
You will also have it written down so you can come on here and ask about certain things you need explained.
Your breast cancer nurse may also be able to go through it with you so you have a better understanding.
The most important Pathology is the one that comes back after the mastectomy.
The biopsy, mammograms and Ultrasounds prior to surgery are only indicators.
Mine were almost completely wrong, by the way.
The Oncologist will work on the Pathology after surgery, even though they may already have an idea of what they are dealing with.
You can also be a bit assertive with the surgeon, you know.
If you think he is being patronising, you can say so.
And if you want to know something you can also be stubborn, cranky and persistent if you want to.
This is your time, your body, your life in danger.
If you can get copies of the reports it would be easier to answer some of your questions,
I hope the Oncologist is easier for you to talk to,
Jennie
I have all of mine.
At first they didn't make much sense, so using the Understanding pathology reports and Pathology terminology information download sheets on the main BCNA site here, in the resources section, go to information sheets.
I read them through several times until I started to understand.
I also googled words I did not know ( that is not the same as Dr Google)
This really helped me when I saw the Oncologist as they refer to parts of the pathology report when explaining what course of action they recommend, and the reasons behind it.
If you can understand it a bit, you will feel more in control.
You will also have it written down so you can come on here and ask about certain things you need explained.
Your breast cancer nurse may also be able to go through it with you so you have a better understanding.
The most important Pathology is the one that comes back after the mastectomy.
The biopsy, mammograms and Ultrasounds prior to surgery are only indicators.
Mine were almost completely wrong, by the way.
The Oncologist will work on the Pathology after surgery, even though they may already have an idea of what they are dealing with.
You can also be a bit assertive with the surgeon, you know.
If you think he is being patronising, you can say so.
And if you want to know something you can also be stubborn, cranky and persistent if you want to.
This is your time, your body, your life in danger.
If you can get copies of the reports it would be easier to answer some of your questions,
I hope the Oncologist is easier for you to talk to,
Jennie