Upcoming consultation with Breast surgeon: What questions to ask?

For me the most important thing was having someone else with me, like my husband. We kind of "practiced" beforehand--writing down questions we had, and getting our styles to work together. (He is a former librarian, so more fact oriented than me!). Some folks record the meeting on their phones, or you can take notes. For me, the surgeon's style was important. Did she slow down and explain things, and ask questions? Or was she dismissive or even bossy? Luckily I felt I could work with her, but remember you can always look for a second opinion. After the meeting, mu husband and I reviewed it. You can always ask follow-up questions, too. I found that practical questions are important, But I was also interviewing the surgeon to see if we could work together. I'm sure you'll some useful answers here, too.

@mir123
thank you ❤️

Hi! My new-found friend @mygoodgirls :

I am so relieved and grateful for you upon reading this post; for your IDC tumor with 5 mm size has been detected early:) Thank God! Hopefully this fact will bring peace of mind for your heart:)

Surely everybody is different; however, the basic principles stay the same. In my first consultation appointment with my surgeon, I concentrated on whatever options that she presented and asked about the pros & cons on each option as follow-ups. With this approach, we build our mutual trust and respect for each other to see whether we may work together nicely as a team for the foreseeable future. In fact, my surgeon - a surgical oncologist - became the "architect" of my caring team to fight this disease of BC and she still sees me every 6 months after my surgery in December of 2023 to make sure that I am still in good progress on this journey.

You are still in our thoughts and prayers, my friend. Wishing you all the best journey ahead!

Thank you friend ❤️

I'm going to say something a little different from everyone else, based on my own experience. I was diagnosed with early (7mm tumor) ILC in August & I was in a panic to get the ball rolling, so I scheduled the 1st available appointment with an oncologist at my usual medical center. He was perfectly nice, but I had an uneasy feeling that I couldn't shake. But I put it aside & rushed through all the pre-op testing, only to be told that because I wasn't "urgent", surgery wouldn't happen for another 2 months. I then made an appointment at Fred Hutchinson, a renowned cancer center which was farther away but still accessible. Long story short, I absolutely fell in love with the oncologist there & she miraculously juggled her schedule & performed the lumpectomy 4 days after our initial meeting! It all went beautifully & I've continued with Fred Hutch for my long-term care. So, my advice is to keep an open mind! You're never locked in to a particular doctor or facility. There are many paths that lead to successful outcomes!

@jmab thank you ❤️

When my surgeon went over my Biopsy results, it was bad news. Aggressive 3IDC ER/PR+/+ and I would need surgery, lymph nodes removed, chemo, radiation and 5 or more years on Anastrozole. She told us she would send my Biopsy sample to Oncotype DX for a more intensive testing which would determine the best treatment plan. Results showed no chemo treatments and 4% chance of recurring in 10 years. Get the Oncotype test before surgery. Also, if you haven't had a chest CT scan recently, get one and possibly a heart echocardiogram. It will establish a baseline in case you unfortunately have lung damage. Good luck and God bless you on your journey to recovery.

@mygoodgirls,
Depending on the surgeon's style, I usually let them discuss/inform me. Then I review my prepared questions to see if everything is covered.

The topics the members mentioned are helpful. Especially having another person present to help listen. You can also ask if the provider is OK with recording the appointment. Most smartphones can record.

The Susan Komen Breast Cancer website has a list of topics and possible questions. The section on "Treatment" addresses questions about surgery.
https://www.komen.org/support-resources/tools/questions-to-ask-your-doctor/
MedicinePlus also has a list of questions:
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000253.htm
Have you had genetic testing? The results may impact the type of surgery they recommend.

One important question to ask is "How (who) do I contact if I have additional questions?"

Not sure if this is on the list of questions on the web page, but I am always concerned about "What's Next?" After surgery, ask what the treatment plan is and who will oversee it going forward. In my case, the surgeon saw me a few times after surgery to make sure of healing, but my oncologist handled all the continuing treatment and rechecks.

Wishing you the best.

@roch
Thank you ❤️

@gerry26
Thank you ❤️