I have no idea what I'm doing.

lewisray25
lewisray25 Member Posts: 1 *
in Breast Cancer #1

My mom was just diagnosed on Monday with Stage 2 IDC Cancer in her right breast. I have sat with this for pretty much 5 days and I have struggled to truly understand this. She and I are going to her first appointment on Friday Dec. 27th and I cannot think what I should be asking. First as her daughter to understand what is going on with her and what will happen as well as what I need to do as her caregiver.

I would love to hear what questions are great to ask at the first doctors appointment that I should ask. Thank you!

Comments

  • Arx001
    Arx001 Member Posts: 8 Member
    #2

    Hello, you can ask her oncologist:

    • What specific treatment method is proposed as well as other oncological alternatives? It is likely to involve some form of operation, radiotherapy and chemo but in which order and strength?
    • What are the five year survival rates for these treatment options?
    • What damage / side effects will your mother face from the treatment?
    • What will be the treatment regime, how many times will she have to go to a hospital?
    • Where to have the treatment? (If far away then it could be hard on her / you.)

    Furthermore,

    • Could there be a genetic component putting you at risk?
    • Is there sufficient tumor (better to have more for testing purposes) at the pathologist?
    • Will she use a liquid biopsy service? (If so you need more tumor.)

    Best wishes.

    Note: An urgent visit to a dentist may be needed before the treatment.

  • RocDocVic
    RocDocVic Member Posts: 137 Member
    edited 1:19AM #3
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/328820/i-have-no-idea-what-im-doing

    First, ask what subtype of cancer does she have. Is it hormone positive or negative, and if it's Her2 protein positive or low or negative? Or is it triple positive or triple negative? Then have the doctor explain her stage and grade of cancer, and how aggressive is it. Are any lymph nodes involved? If they suspect so, will they be biopsied?

    All of this will determine the best approach to treat her cancer. Some cancers are treated first with chemo drugs and others require surgery first. Some, depending on where it's at, how big is the tumor, if lymph nodes are involve, and what type of surgery will be performed will determine if radiation treatments will be needed. Some types require additional drug treatment after initial chemo and/or surgery. Have your doctor explain everything to you.

    You can read more on the different types of breast cancer and treatment options on the Susan G Komen, MD Anderson Cancer Center and Sloan Kettering Cancer Center websites.

    Best of luck. You can always come back here to get some additional information but everyone has slightly different treatment plans because they're specific for each individual.

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