what to ask medical oncologist tomorrow?!?

ankledolphin

So I finally have an appointment with a medical oncologist tomorrow to line up my chemo- which is going to be taking place before my lumpectomy and stuff....

so what questions should I ask? I have a bunch already...but if there is one thing you wished you asked, would you be willing to share.

So far my understanding with my treatment is going to be 12 months of herceptin, 4-6 months of chemo, then the lumpectomy, then 6 weeks of radiation.....

thanks,

SpecialK

Since you are having a lengthy course of treatment I would assume that you are having a port placed.  I would inquire about having the SNB done at the same time.  I would want to know what my nodal status is prior to chemo potentially making this unclear.  Since more people are receiving neoadjuvent chemo this combination of port/SNB is becoming more common.  I would also ask why your MO is choosing the particular regimen - you are unable to take advantage of adjuvant hormonal therapy since you are ER/PR-, but you are also Her2+.  Is your doc choosing TCHP for the Perjeta for your Her2+, or ACTH for the anthracycline for the ER/PR-?  Ask for the justification.  Also, just wanted to clarify to anyone new who may be reading your OP - you will have 4-6 months of chemo and simultaneous Herceptin, wait a few weeks and have surgery while still on Herceptin, wait a few weeks and start rads, still on Herceptin.  Didn't want anyone to think that you would be on for Herceptin for twelve months before you could have surgery/rads.