Diagnosed with IDC. Qs to ask at 1st appt.?

try2bestrong

Hi there. My mom was just diagnosed with IDC about a week and a half ago. It is present in her breast and has spread to her lymph node near her armpit. At this point, that's all we know. I am trying to help her come up with a list of questions to make sure to ask when we go in to the appt. with the surgeon this week. 

For those who have unfortunately been there before, what are some questions we definitely need to ask that may not seem obvious? Things you wish you had asked when you went in?

I appreciate the help... I am gathering what I can online but have never been close to anyone diagnosed before. Trying to help alleviate the overwhelming stress she is feeling... much thanks for any insight you can give!

doxie

try2bestrong - It's so good you are there to help your mom.  I found something that might really help on the main page of breastcancer.org . Go to "Featured Content" and My Breast Cancer Cancer Coach" tabs on the right side of the screen.  This looks new and very helpful.  Towards the end, there are questions to ask your doctor.  Good luck.

CelineFlower

1-Get copies of all pathology reports (and ask him to go over them clearly)

2- take notes during appt (you will have more questions after )

3- What other course of treatment would you suggest? (often docs only present one option)

4- What support systems are available for the patient and family (dont forget to take care of you)

5-What stage is the cancer? what grade was the tumor? 

6- Hormone receptor status (er +/- , pr +/-, her2 +/- ) ( this will tell you more about what "feeds" the cancer )

7- What are the chances of reoccurence

8- If you have questions once you leave, who can you call?

I am sorry that you mother has cancer... but be reassured that you have found a good place to find support

be well

flower

try2bestrong

Thank you so much! I appreciate the help.

edwards750

try...good advice from celine and doxie. The questions celine listed are ones I would definitely ask the dr. It is great that you are going with your mother. They inundate you with information and there is no way you can possibly digest all of it. Plus if you are the patient your focus is on the bc itself and the shock of having it to begin with. My BS assistant was really good. I bombarded her with questions which she did a good job of answering. That was the initial appt so a lot of the lingering questions couldnt be answered until after I decided on the lumpectomy and after the Path report came back. The Path report will be key. And remember too the decisions about surgery and treatment plans is your mother's. The drs will advise you but the final decision is hers. My BS was all about saving the breast and since I was dx with early stage cancer which was non aggressive I elected to have a lumpectomy and 33 RADS treatments. There is no one size fits all decision. It is her life. Take care of yourself too. Good luck,..,.diane

try2bestrong

Great advice. I'm so supportive of whatever she decides; I just want to make sure she comprehends all her options and can make educated choices without being confused. Thanks so much. I will update you all on what they say...

SpecialK

Ask for the surgeon to explain whether mastectomy or lumpectomy would be the surgery of choice - and ask why that would be.  Ask about radiation treatment, and what kind (there are several) if a lumpectomy is preferred.  Ask if mastectomy is preferred about whether radiation will still be needed.  I would ask the breast surgeon's opinion about complete axillary node dissection surgery for the positive node(s) versus radiation to the axilla, and ask the surgeon to explain his/her stance on this subject.  Ask the surgeon to explain the risk/benefit involved with either choice.  This is a subject that many women who are diagnosed with positive nodes have conflict about and there is no clear cut answer - it becomes a considered choice, influenced by personal risk tolerance and your physician's viewpoint.  One thing to think about too is to take a small personal tape recorder to the appointment - it helps to be able to play back the conversation, sometimes even if the two of you are there something gets by both of you!  I also built a notebook, with tabs for surgery, pathology reports, chemo, labs, insurance, etc - I have referred back to that binder many times.