What Questions do I ask

johnboy88, sorry you found yourself here. I would suggest taking someone with you  to your appointment, if you can. Someone that is emotionally stable and able to listen for you. You may want to contact the American cancer society, your surgeons's office, etc., cancer center, to see if they have a patient navigator that can guide you. Some Dr's will take your lead and only tell you what they think you should know. If you feel the need to know more, you may have to ask. When the Dr gives you a plan for surgery, you can always get a second opinion, if you feel the need to. I had my Breast Surgeon take the biopsy results, etc before the "tumor board" and they all agreed that LX would be a good option for me. You may want to ask if they are doing any genetic testing, especially if you have a family history.

Wishing you the best~ 

I just met with my surgeon this morning, I received my biopsy results last week.  I will be having a lumpectomy in a few weeks.  I do not believe that they can tell stage or lymph node involvement until surgery.  I did a little research on my surgeon ahead of time.  You may want to ask how many mastectomies and lumpectomies they do in a month.  I believe that you are looking for someone who does at least 5 Mx and 15 Lx per month.  I'd your hospital does not have a tumor board, you might want to consider a second opinion.  

I also asked how long the recovery from surgery would be, and how long after surgery would I begin radiation if needed.  Other than that, she gave me all the information that I needed.  She said that her office would coordinate appointments with the radiation oncologist and medical oncologist and would be coordinating my care in general.  She also put me in touch with the breast cancer social worker (whom I had already met after my biopsy). What kind of treatment I need will be determined by the tests done on the tumor after it has been removed.  She feels that radiation and tamoxifen are likely (I am pre-menopausal), rest will be determined after surgery.

johnboy88, I also used a nurse navigator from my cancer center.  She anticipated questions.  She helped me formulate my thoughts.  Her services were free.  My case was also taken to a tumor board.