I will be seeing the breast surgeon soon - what to expect?

bestauntever, the BS will probably discuss surgery options with you, based on the size and location of the tumor, your family history, etc. She may or may not order more tests. I had a PEM scan with my BS. Not very many Dr's do it. It is similar to a mammo, but uses dye and is much more thorough. It checks lymph nodes also. If you haven't had a BRCA genetic test done, that may be ordered also. You will be poked, examined many more times, but it's all to get you the best outcome. The facility I go to is a multi-disciplinary group and they have a tumor board, so my BS was able to discuss treatment options with other Dr's. You will have many decisions before you are done, but gather as much info as you can and get second opinions if you need to. Keep copies of your medical records as you go. Good luck!

My BS discussed surgery options, as Keepthefaith mentioned. She ended up contacting my rheumatologist directly to ask him about the possibility of radiation because we discussed that I have connective tissue disease (Lupus-like) that could cause problems with radiation. She gave me a copy of the pathology report and went over it with me in detail. She ordered an MRI to check the rest of the affected breast as well as the opposite breast and to get a look at lymph nodes if possible. (The MRI is how we found the right-side tumor.) She gave me contact info for oncologists so I could set up an appointment. She also ordered a gene test for me and even filled out the paperwork for it herself.

I'm so glad you are able to post questions on this site. You have enough information to HAVE good questions. My best advice: you'll be seeing so many Dr's. Get your notebook out. It gets very confusing with many to consult.

Don't let one medical professional tell you something you don't understand. When you get home and let it all sink in call the office later to verify what is not clear.

Regarding the MRI: mine showed my right breast with the tumor and the left breast clear. Bad margins on lumpectomy gave me option for another one with rads to follow. Because my Mother had IDC earlier and unhappy with radiation burns I opted for bilateral mastectomy with no rads.

Lab results did find DCIS in my left breast post mastectomy. My gut feeling was just get them gone. It was right for me. Since that time 2 cousins and Mom's sister were diagnosed with breast cancer. Negative BRACA gene for me.

MRI was useful but not conclusive. Follow your instincts and research your diagnosis. I was prepared at 51 to lessen my stress with bilateral mastectomy.

You need to get Drs to coordinate their procedures based on what you intend to do. Any doctor that won't work with the group needs to go.

Immediate reconstruction was done. Less that optimum results but I can deal with it. I am ready to deal with new PS and insurance challenges. (That is a whole other topic).

Karen

I understand the desire to get it out quickly but in most cases you have a little time. I personally think the time is necessary to make the right decisions. Sometimes people want it out so quickly they go with the first doctor and make a decision that they later regret. I went to 4 BS's, 2 MO's, 2 PS's because I wasn't comfortable yet and found a team I am comfortable with.