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Staying positive: How do you do it?
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Oct 18 1:17pm | Replies (51)Comment receiving replies
@annette3
I am sure there are many questions you are wondering about. Nothing has to be decided immediately, so do not rush into any decisions.
Few topics you might want to discuss:
- Ask about margins, does surgeon have any concern about the margins (area around tumor).
- Have you had a MRI?
- Is there family history of cancer? You might ask about genetic testing; some future surgery decisions might be different if you test positive for certain genes.
- You mentioned in a previous post about checking the sentinel lymph nodes. That would be next step to determine if has spread out of breast.
You can always get a 2nd opinion if do not feel you are getting your questions answered or feel pressure to make a decision immediately.
Do you have someone going with you for support and to listen?
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Just saw your response. I never had an MRI - they never suggested it. I do have some history in my family of cancer - an aunt and cousin both had breast cancer (different sides of the family) and other types of cancers. I had genetic testing done on 9/12 and I have a video visit with the Genetic Oncologist on 10/15 to go over the results, then my Sentinel Node Biopsy is on 10/17. I just had my Pre-Op with my doctor today, then spoke with the Oncologist's nurse. I will always wonder if it spread if I don't have the surgery. My mother went with me the last visit with the Surgeon which is nice. I have been having one of my sisters or my mom with me during these visits so they can hear things I may have missed and talk about it. Today I just went by myself for the Pre-op.
For my 9/12 visit I saw 3 doctors - Genetic Oncologist, Radiation Oncologist, and the Oncologist I will see every 6 months - or at least in 5-6 months from now. Sounds like a week after surgery I will see the surgeon to see how I am doing (and can speak w/ the department that handles OT in case I need any exercises if I think I need to). Everyone is very nice and they say to call any time I have a question.