Pease help, Questions for surgeon in follow-up appt?

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rocklizard
rocklizard Member Posts: 45
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

Now that I've had my biopsy and excision and no cancer was found, I have a follow up meeting with my surgeon on Friday.  I'm trying to think of all the things I want to ask her so I don't leave any out, and I'm hoping you guys will help.

So far, I know I want a copy of the pathology report from the excision. I want to ask what the FEA means for the future (higher risk? more biopsies and excisions in the future? more frequent or more detailed mammograms?). My mom swears she didn't take DES before I was born, but she had a miscarraige right before me and I had lots of reproductive problems (which can come from DES).  This would double my bc risk, and I want to know what she thinks of this.  The other thing I want to know is what does she think I should do to cut down on my future risk (something I had never taken nearly so seriously before!).  If I did and didn't do everything that was recommended I'd be a basket case, so I want to know what things have science or logic behind them.  I'm already considering giving up grilled meats, and that sucks because I love to grill and we have been eating grilled fish and chicken several times a week for the last 2 years. (Shouldn't the fish cancel out the grillingSmile Can you think of anything else I should talk to her about?  She is really good but incredibly busy so this is my shot at her.  Anything I listed above that doesn't make sense to mention or ask about?  I want to be really well prepared.

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  • encoremom
    encoremom Member Posts: 186
    edited April 2012

    Hello, Rocklizard.  I'm glad no cancer was found!  I don't know if i can add much but my oncologist told me that the best things I could do to decrease my chances of BC again would be to exercise and maintain a healthy weight.  He said it wasn't really about the tiny details about what we eat, but the overall impact it has on our weight.  My cancer was ER+, so i do try to avoid soy supplements ( a little soy in food is OK).  I have been trying to eat healthier (less fat, more fiber, more fruits and veggies) which also helps with the weight.  Best wishes.

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  • LISAMG
    LISAMG Member Posts: 639
    edited April 2012

    Be sure to ask about imaging follow up and when! Standard of care is to have repeat imaging done 6 months after any type of breast biopsy.

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  • rocklizard
    rocklizard Member Posts: 45
    edited April 2012

    Thanks so much ladies. 

    LISAMG, I was told yearly screenings on the phone  when they gave me my results, but I'll ask again and find out why they want that frequency.

    Encore, I think what your oncologist said is probably what my onc. surgeon will say.  That's interesting about weight being the most important thing to think of.  I'm still overweight by 8 pounds so I should try to drop that, and I'm sure my surgeon will tell me that.   

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited April 2012

    rocklizard, the main Breastcancer.org site's Lower Your Risk section has detailed articles on known Breast Cancer Risk Factors. Of course the leading risk factors are things we can't change, but the section is also packed with information and suggestions for managing those factors we can control.

    The Mods

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