suggestions for what to ask the doctor tomorrow

bethq

Hopefully I will stop being so needy here soon! I see doctor tomorrow for final pathology/MRI results then tumor board Tuesday (I think that is when I get my treatment plan). I am trying to list out questions for her. The center I go to is very new. I have not had good experiences so far with the bx or MRI, actually I already feel like I have PTSD. The breast doc is also very young. I love the doc and office staff but am afraid of the newness. 

Anyway, so far I want to ask about these lymph nodes on my clavicle (I assume the MRI would show that), whether I can have the surgery at the larger parent hospital (U of Md), ask about the types of surgeries available. Ask whether she thinks I can continue my studies. Tamoxifen? Not sure I want to take this....side effects. Can you think of other questions I should ask....we are coming up on a weekend and I will stress even more if I forget something!

Thanks!!

voraciousreader

register on the NCCN's website and read the professionals' version of breast cancer treatment guidelines including footnotes and discussions on the last 50 pages.. I wish you well!

momand2kids

Hi

be sure to write all of your questions down.   I brought a digital voice recorder with me to every meeting--it helped so much and took the pressure of me as well as my husband--- so we could focus on the dr. 

ej01

Beth,   I would ask about IORT ...where they give you targetted radiation during the surgery.   Does your doctor do that, and are you a candidate for that?  If you have a lumpectomy will you need radiation?  If you have radiation and have a later reoccurence, how does that affect your options in the future?  What does she expect the recovery to be like?  Be sure to ask about both a lumpectomy and mastectomy option (even if you already made up your mind) and which your doctor recommends and why.  

I would urge you to have a second opinion, especially if you are not comfortable with the existing staff.    It will either give you more confidence in your original doctor, or give you some additional options.

Good luck!

Bambijello

if you'd like to stay within the U of Md system but want an excellent second opinion, may I suggest my surgeon, Dr. Michael Schultz? He runs the Breast Center within the Cancer Institute at St. Joe's. His entire team is amazing.