It's Your Right to be UNDERSTOOD!
One of the most challenging times in a newly diagnosed patient's experience is the initial consultation. Many individuals become anxious and overwhelmed because they don't know what questions to ask; leaving not having a clear understanding of what had been presented to them. Just remember that it is the doctors job to ensure that every patient is clear about everything that he/she had presented to them. Take your time, ask all the questions you want and listen for clarity. If possible, it is a good idea to take someone with you as a second set of ears and another voice to advocate for you. If you don't understand what has been articulated to you don't be afraid to ask the doctor to dissect their explanation down to the most elementary terminology. It's okay to knot know, to be heard and to be understood.
remember doctors work for you!
Questions to ask the Medical Oncologist:
What type of breast cancer do I have?
What are the characteristics of my cancer?
Will I be given a BRACA test?
What treatment plan are you recommending?
What are the risk and side affects of the treatment?
Have you considered all options before recommending this treatment plan?
Will I have to take chemotherapy and/or radiation?
Are there any clinical trials available for my specific breast cancer?
Doctor, if you don't know of any can you refer me to someone who is more knowledgeable in the clinical trial space.
Where do I go for treatment
How long does the treatment last? How many rounds will I need? How didn't you come up with that number?
Are there any trials I should consider? Please discuss?
Should I change my diet or lifestyle?
Will my hair fall out? Will it grown back?
Will I have premature menopause or infertility?
Will I need any hormone therapy treatments?
Do you believe in personalized care? That is an expectation of mine.
How will I know if the chemotherapy is working?
What are the chances that f the chemotherapy will work?
Am I a candidate for immunotherapy?
Please explain how immunotherapy works.
Will I be assigned to a patient navigator?
Who will be assigned to my comprehensive team?
Questions to ask the Cancer Surgeons
Why are you recommending this particular Sugery?
What is the difference between a lumpectomy and mastectomy?
What are the risk and how do they compare to the benefits?
How many times have you successfully performed a mastectomy or lumpectomy?
What are the risk and how do they compare to the benefits?
How do I prepare for surgery?
How long will the Sugery take? What type of anesthesia will I be given?
Please walk me through the procedure. What happens right after surgery?
Should I purchase anything in particular to make my recovery better?
Who do I speak with about breast reconstruction?
How long will I be in the hospital or is this out patient?
What are the potential complications of surgery?
What is lymphedema and am I at risk of getting it?
If I have immediate breast reconstruction after the surgery how will my bre
When will I be able to return to work and resume normal activities?
Questions to ask the Radiation Oncologist
What is the goal of radiation therapy?
Is this process painful? What should I expect?
What are the side effects of radiation therapy?
Where will I be going to receive radiation therapy?
How many sessions will I need? How long does each session take?
Does radiation make me radioactive?
What should I avoid during radiation therapy?
Does radiation therapy affect any breast reconstruction?
Will my skin burn? How can I help with that?
Does radiation therapy affect fertility?
Can I wear deodorant?
Will radiation affect my heart?
Can I wear deodorant?
ASK. ASK. ASK. ASK. ASK. ASK. ASK. ASK. ASK. ASK. ASK. ASK. ASK. ASK. ASK. ASK. ASK. ASK. ASK ASK. ASK.
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