First oncology appointment

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alegna1065
alegna1065 Member Posts: 4
in Breast Cancer #1

I was just diagnosed with stage 1 triple negative breast cancer. I've already had a lumpectomy and sentinial nodes removal (they were clear margins).I have my first appointment with my oncologist this week what should I expect?

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  • Gm2873
    Gm2873 Member Posts: 65
    #2
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    First oncology appt

    it's always helpful to take someone with you. At first, you're so overwhelmed, it's good to have someone who can hear what the doctor is saying.

  • Puffin2014
    Puffin2014 Member Posts: 531 Member
    edited August 2016 #3
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    first oncology appt

    Besides taking someone with you, I'd also recommend asking the Dr if you can record his explanations and instructions (like on your phone) so you can listen to them again at home.

    Ask about getting a port for your chemo since chemo can really irritate and damage your veins and after having your sentinel lymph nodes removed the veins in that arm really shouldn't ever be used.

    Ask whether you'll be going to a chemo class or what instruction you'll be getting for how to prevent issues, when you should be calling a Dr, what precautions you need to take, how to deal with side effects that develop, etc.

    Write down the names of the drugs you'll be getting, ask if you'll be getting Neulasta to stimulate your bone marrow to keep blood counts up. Be sure and tell Dr about ALL supplements and over the counter meds you take as some can interfere with the chemo. Ask what the plan is for preventing nausea, and remember that if you get nauseated to contact Dr right away (don't wait until the next time you see him) to get something else ordered. Get specifics, not just "drink lots of liquids" but how many ounces per day is the goal (flushes the chemo out of the kidneys).

    Remember, knowledge is power, so arm yourself.

  • caretothepeople
    caretothepeople Member Posts: 18
    edited August 2016 #4
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    Great information has been

    Great information has been shared so far. Take someone with you to the appointment or at the very least have paper and pen to write things down. Take copies of any reports or anything you want to discuss - send them ahead of time if you can.If you dont understand a term, there's nothing wrong with asking the doctor to clarify or explain it in simplier terms.

    To add to the above, some examples of questions to ask the oncologist.

    • What are your qualifications? Are you Board Certified?
    • Will I need a port and where will that be inserted?
    • Will I be given any scans to see if the cancer has spread?
    • Are there any other chemo regimens specific to Triple Negative Breast Cancer that you would recommend?
    • Why will I need radiation treatments?
    • What tests/scans will I be given?

     

  • alegna1065
    alegna1065 Member Posts: 4
    #5
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    Thank y'all
     

    Thank y'all

     

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