Breast surgeon questions
I just got my diagnosis yesterday (DCIS, R breast); awaiting a call to schedule the breast surgeon consultation; during the diagnosis call I got a lot of overwhelming info but I think I’m clear on next steps. Since I’m young, 53 and in good health, praying this will be a somewhat routine process - surgery and radiation 🤞(no maternal family history); I know we are all different but being optimistic is the best approach in my opinion. My question is, are there specific questions I should ask the surgeon during the consultation?
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Mine about the same
I had an Onocotype test
And 5 radiation
Lumpectomy both breasts nodes negative I’m a 2 B bc if the size of the one tumour
Your calcifications r cancerous ?
I have calcifications but that’s what they just are - no cancer just calcifications
Yes, my calcifications are cancerous. Did you have 5 radiation sessions or 5 WEEKS of radiation (5 days a week)? How was the radiation? Any tips for skincare?
Those cover the topics that eventually came up on their own in my situation...great resources to have ahead of time! Thank you for sharing.
Kudos to you @whyme2023 for gathering so much info prior to surgery from this great group. I didn’t stumble upon this forum until after my treatment was complete. I had DCIS, stage 0, surgery (twice- two different surgeons/hospital systems) , followed by radiation. I followed similar suggested path to what you are planning.
The biggest thing I would say is, like any doctor, be sure you are 100% comfortable with your surgery team. While I was nervous going into my first surgery, I had a really bad feeling that day about everything and it got worse with each person I met (nurses, anesthesiologist, etc.) I should have trusted my instincts. My sister was with me that day - she said the same thing- everyone (all patients) treated like an inconvenience. We also felt ill-informed and as if they were springing info on us last minute. I know that there is a 10+% chance the margins won’t be clear in any lumpectomy but of course that was me. My surgeon had zero empathy for the situation. I changed hospital systems and surgeons immediately.
Best decision I ever made. I don’t doubt the medical ability of my first team, but the experience was 1000% better in every way at the 2nd system.
I wish you a speedy recovery and peace in all of your decisions. Trust your gut. 🙂
So sorry to hear of problems with your first experience. This is the type of thing that we need to feel comfortable and cared for at every turn. So glad the second go round was much better. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and may you be happy and healthy going forward 🙏🥰
I haven’t gone yet
I have my 3rd appt with the Dr next week. I lost the bld supply to my L breast during surgery; developed a postop infection and getting my areola packed - such a slow recovery
Fr what I understand it’ll be 5 sessions total
It might be an option that The Dr
Just Might do the right breast first?
I have a friend who has a recipe for her cream she used with her radiation
I’ll share it with y when I get it
God bless us
Wishing you all the best on this journey. Stay positive and know that the wonderful women here are super supportive and have already helped me SO much. Take care!
@whyme2023 I did want to mention also that my radiation oncologists suggested combo of clear pure aloe gel (not green) and aquaphor during radiation. I used the gel religiously- aquaphor on my scar (too much else was so messy) - but also Active Skin Repair gel w the aloe. I happened upon this stuff by accident and ended up with no damage to skin during treatment. Hope this helps.
Kellyc14 - THANK YOU!! I’ll stick up on both! I appreciate it 🙏
I used Miaderm on my wife. They also make it with lidocaine. We used that immediately after treatment. she did well.