Questions to ask surgeon during first visit

Merianneb1

I was just diagnosed with DCIS. I received this news from my PCP last Thursday after 2 mammograms and a mammogram guided biopsy. I have my first visit with a breast cancer surgeon on Friday and wondering what questions I should ask during this visit. We didn't get much information from my PCP mostly by my choice because I want to hear it from someone who is knowledgeable in DCIS.

Moderators

Hi Marianne! We're sorry you have to be here for this reason, but wanted to say welcome!

For helpful information, you may want to check out the article Questions to Ask Your Surgeon, from our main site, where you can also read much more about DCIS.

Hope this helps! Please, let us know what you learn from your appointment.

Best wishes,

The Mods

Fembot

Hi Merianneb1,

I researched the surgical options and made a loose choice before speaking with the surgeon. Then I listened as she presented the options with pro and con. Nothing she said surprised me, because I'd already read about it. You may be overwhelmed by info, so do bring a friend

The only new info was re sentinel node biopsy, and did I want it or not. So I went home, did more reading and called her office after 2 days with my decision to go ahead.

I felt such relief at that point! Like a big weight was lifted. I felt in control.

I can recommend writing down your questions with pen and paper; don't rely on electronic devices which may fail (as mine did) or require WiFi at the Dr's office.

Take a deep breath .... It's going to be alright. : )

Merianneb1

Thank you for your response. Since I posted that I have had another visit with the surgeon to have a punch biopsy done which came back positive for Pagets. Today I return to meet with my surgeon to go over all the results and discuss a treatment plan. I have been doing a lot of reading and research in the past month. My surgeon gave me a really great book about breast cancer that I pretty much read in one evening. I have also connected with another woman that my brother knows that was diagnosed with Pagets a year ago and been able to talk with her along with another friend that had a different form of breast cancer. They have been great in giving me bits and pieces of information but at the same time not overwhelming me. I am going to todays appointment with a notebook with questions but fully expecting I will have more questions after today. I am thankful that my husband and I are on the same page about what treatment choices we are open to and have pretty much decided which way we want to go.

And yes I have been taking lots of deep breaths

Fembot

merianneb1,

Great that you've found support. All the best to you. 👍🏼