My appointment to oncologist Wednesday.

Lisaepstein · January 2012

I had uterus cancer in Oct. had surgery and was early stage so no other treatment was needed. Unfortunately soon after I had breast cancer, once again had surgery a lumpectomy. The results, were clear lymph nodes were negative. The tumor size was 2.1 very early stage 2 and it was grade 3. I was er+ pr- and her2-. I have an appointment on Wed. scared to hear what treatments I will need!!! Can anyone tell me what questions I am suppose to ask the doctor!!!

Thanks,

Lisa

Ritzy · January 2012

Lisa, the best advice I can
Lisa, the best advice I can give is to take someone with you and take a notebook or something to write down what your onco says. My husband also took a tape recorder with us to most appointments, as he knew I wouldn't retain all that was said, and, he didn't trust himself either.

I don't know what treatment will be recommended for you. I will be praying for you and waiting to see an update as to what your future treatment will be.

Sue

debi.18 · January 2012

So Sorry Lisa
I agree with Sue, take someone with you and have them take notes. I was in a total fog for my appt and didn't remember anything afterwards. Each time a questions pops in your head, write it down so you can ask your onc.

My tumor was about the same size as yours (2 nodes were positive) stage II, grade 3, er, pr & HER2 positive.

You'll find this site is full of information and the most supportive group of sisters and brothers possible.

Hugs and prayers, Debi

sea60 · January 2012

debi.18 said:
So Sorry Lisa
I agree with Sue, take someone with you and have them take notes. I was in a total fog for my appt and didn't remember anything afterwards. Each time a questions pops in your head, write it down so you can ask your onc.

My tumor was about the same size as yours (2 nodes were positive) stage II, grade 3, er, pr & HER2 positive.

You'll find this site is full of information and the most supportive group of sisters and brothers possible.

Hugs and prayers, Debi

Sue, I totally agree with
Sue, I totally agree with both sisters. Take notes as the doctor will give you much info. It helps to have someone with you as well.

Hope all goes well.

Hugs,

Sylvia

Megan M · January 2012

debi.18 said:
So Sorry Lisa
I agree with Sue, take someone with you and have them take notes. I was in a total fog for my appt and didn't remember anything afterwards. Each time a questions pops in your head, write it down so you can ask your onc.

My tumor was about the same size as yours (2 nodes were positive) stage II, grade 3, er, pr & HER2 positive.

You'll find this site is full of information and the most supportive group of sisters and brothers possible.

Hugs and prayers, Debi

Any questions you have now,
Any questions you have now, write then down and take them to the doctors. I found that I had a lot and knew I wouldn't remember them. And no question is a dumb question, so, ask anything that you can think of.

Good luck,

Megan

Double Whammy · January 2012

Megan M said:
Any questions you have now,
Any questions you have now, write then down and take them to the doctors. I found that I had a lot and knew I wouldn't remember them. And no question is a dumb question, so, ask anything that you can think of.

Good luck,

Megan

Some questions to ask
Hi Lisa-
Been thinking about you and wondering if you'd had your appointment yet. I volunteer as a peer navigator for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and the following is a list of questions we provide to patients:

• Would you please write down the exact type of cancer I have?
• How does this affect my treatment options and outlook?
• May I have a copy of my pathology report?
• Has the cancer spread to my lymph nodes or other organs?
• What is the stage of the cancer? What does that mean in my case?
• Are there other tests that need to be done before we can decide on treatment?
• What treatment choices do I have? What do you recommend? Why?
• Should I think about genetic testing?
• Should I look into taking part in a clinical trial?
• What are the risks or side effects of different treatments?
• What can I do to get ready for treatment?
• How well can I expect breast reconstruction surgery to work if I need or want it?
• What are the pros and cons of having it done right away or waiting until later?
• What will my breasts look and feel like after treatment?

Good luck and please let us know how your appointment goes.
Suzanne

VickiSam · January 2012

Double Whammy said:
Some questions to ask
Hi Lisa-
Been thinking about you and wondering if you'd had your appointment yet. I volunteer as a peer navigator for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and the following is a list of questions we provide to patients:

• Would you please write down the exact type of cancer I have?
• How does this affect my treatment options and outlook?
• May I have a copy of my pathology report?
• Has the cancer spread to my lymph nodes or other organs?
• What is the stage of the cancer? What does that mean in my case?
• Are there other tests that need to be done before we can decide on treatment?
• What treatment choices do I have? What do you recommend? Why?
• Should I think about genetic testing?
• Should I look into taking part in a clinical trial?
• What are the risks or side effects of different treatments?
• What can I do to get ready for treatment?
• How well can I expect breast reconstruction surgery to work if I need or want it?
• What are the pros and cons of having it done right away or waiting until later?
• What will my breasts look and feel like after treatment?

Good luck and please let us know how your appointment goes.
Suzanne

Suzanne ..
Excellent, excellent set of questions!

Thank you so much for the posting ....

Lisaepstein · January 2012

debi.18 said:
So Sorry Lisa
I agree with Sue, take someone with you and have them take notes. I was in a total fog for my appt and didn't remember anything afterwards. Each time a questions pops in your head, write it down so you can ask your onc.

My tumor was about the same size as yours (2 nodes were positive) stage II, grade 3, er, pr & HER2 positive.

You'll find this site is full of information and the most supportive group of sisters and brothers possible.

Hugs and prayers, Debi

Treatment
Debi, what treatments did you need? Wondering if you know is it better to be Her2- or Her+?

Lisaepstein · January 2012

Double Whammy said:
Some questions to ask
Hi Lisa-
Been thinking about you and wondering if you'd had your appointment yet. I volunteer as a peer navigator for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and the following is a list of questions we provide to patients:

• Would you please write down the exact type of cancer I have?
• How does this affect my treatment options and outlook?
• May I have a copy of my pathology report?
• Has the cancer spread to my lymph nodes or other organs?
• What is the stage of the cancer? What does that mean in my case?
• Are there other tests that need to be done before we can decide on treatment?
• What treatment choices do I have? What do you recommend? Why?
• Should I think about genetic testing?
• Should I look into taking part in a clinical trial?
• What are the risks or side effects of different treatments?
• What can I do to get ready for treatment?
• How well can I expect breast reconstruction surgery to work if I need or want it?
• What are the pros and cons of having it done right away or waiting until later?
• What will my breasts look and feel like after treatment?

Good luck and please let us know how your appointment goes.
Suzanne

Treatment
Hi Suzanne, as I remember you also had uterus and breast cancer around the same time right? How long has it been since you have been cancer free? Do you think the two have something to do with the fact that I am er+? Do you know if its better to be Her2- or Her2+? Since you have been through all this I am sure you have some answers for me.

Thanks,
Lisa

Penny67 · January 2012

Lisaepstein said:
Treatment
Hi Suzanne, as I remember you also had uterus and breast cancer around the same time right? How long has it been since you have been cancer free? Do you think the two have something to do with the fact that I am er+? Do you know if its better to be Her2- or Her2+? Since you have been through all this I am sure you have some answers for me.

Thanks,
Lisa

I was told...
I was told by my surgeon you want to be ER and PR+ and Her2-.

Lisaepstein · January 2012

Penny67 said:
I was told...
I was told by my surgeon you want to be ER and PR+ and Her2-.

I am er positive, pr neg.
I am er positive, pr neg. and her negative. My tumor was a 2.1 and was a grade 3. Lymph nodes we're clear and I had clear margins. Was wondering what treatments I will need.what treatments did you need?

Lisa

Lisaepstein · January 2012

Penny67 said:
I was told...
I was told by my surgeon you want to be ER and PR+ and Her2-.

I am er positive, pr neg.
I am er positive, pr neg. and her negative. My tumor was a 2.1 and was a grade 3. Lymph nodes we're clear and I had clear margins. Was wondering what treatments I will need.what treatments did you need?

Lisa

Lisaepstein · January 2012

Penny67 said:
I was told...
I was told by my surgeon you want to be ER and PR+ and Her2-.

debi.18 · January 2012

Lisaepstein said:
Treatment
Debi, what treatments did you need? Wondering if you know is it better to be Her2- or Her+?

Lisa
I had 12 rounds of taxol, just finished 35 rads and will be on Herceptin until August (52 treatments). Just started taking Tamoxifen (oral pill)- this will be for 5 years.

I have no idea if it's better to be Her2 + or -. I'm sure my onc told me somewhere along the way, but I don't remember. I think the herceptin is for Her2+ only, but not sure. I'm sure some of the other sisters have better and correct information than I do.

Hugs, Debi

MAJW · January 2012

Lisaepstein said:
Treatment
Debi, what treatments did you need? Wondering if you know is it better to be Her2- or Her+?

Lisa...
Ask your oncologist these questions....even though some " sisters" have what sounds like "your type of bc, we're all different and our particular cancers are as unique to us as our DNA.....each cancer requires the expertise of our physicians...what works for some may not for others when seemingly they have the same "kind" .....

As others have said, write your questions down..and take someone with you....can't stress that enough...
Please let us know and keep posting...we care

Hugs, Nancy

Double Whammy · January 2012

Lisaepstein said:
Treatment
Hi Suzanne, as I remember you also had uterus and breast cancer around the same time right? How long has it been since you have been cancer free? Do you think the two have something to do with the fact that I am er+? Do you know if its better to be Her2- or Her2+? Since you have been through all this I am sure you have some answers for me.

Thanks,
Lisa

A little over a year
Lisa - I have no answers for you, because we're all different, but yes, that's me - endometrial and breast cancers at the same time. We have a lot in common. Both of my cancers were early stage, low grade and my prognosis is very good. The reason some say being ER+ is "good" is because we know that ER+ cancer needs estrogen to thrive and there are many ways to deprive the cells of estrogen (Tamoxifen, Arimidex, etc.). My oncologist told me that was actually more important than the chemotherapy, but she still wouldn't let me out of chemo. Remember, ask about the Oncotype DX test.

My schedule from May 2010 to December 2010 was: breast surgery (partial mastectomy), hysterectomy, chemotherapy for breast cancer, and radiation for breast cancer. Quite a whirlwind of activities in 7 months. I'm taking Arimidex for at least the next 5 years. Both cancers have the same risk factors and my endometrial cancer was also estrogen receptor positive. Ask about yours.

I hope your oncologist can spend some quality time with you talking about YOUR cancer. The questions I posted above are good questions. You can rephrase them to fit your situation, but they do a good job of covering a lot. Please take someone with you. You simply can't understand everything or expect to remember it all by yourself. We often shut down and simply don't hear at times like this. Or we misunderstand. I thought I understood just about everything, but there are still things I'm learning about my cancer - and a lot of it I learned right here.

Good luck on your appointment. I know you're getting more and more nervous in anticipation of it.

Suzanne

Angie2U · January 2012

Lisaepstein said:

Good luck today Lisa!

Good luck today Lisa!

Rague · January 2012

We are all different!
I have to agree with Nancy - talk to your Drs. It is great to ask questions and get info BUT the bottom line is we are each unique and no 2 of us will respond exactly the same or need the same TX. Our Drs also do not all think the same when it comes to TX.

As you recently dealt with uterine cancer I'd ask if the cancer in your breast is a met from the uterine cancer or was the uterine cancer a met from you then undetected breast cancer at? Mets from BC as still breast cancer no matter where they are (at least as I understand it). But there can be other cancers that aren't mets.

Susan

Lisaepstein · January 2012

Rague said:
We are all different!
I have to agree with Nancy - talk to your Drs. It is great to ask questions and get info BUT the bottom line is we are each unique and no 2 of us will respond exactly the same or need the same TX. Our Drs also do not all think the same when it comes to TX.

As you recently dealt with uterine cancer I'd ask if the cancer in your breast is a met from the uterine cancer or was the uterine cancer a met from you then undetected breast cancer at? Mets from BC as still breast cancer no matter where they are (at least as I understand it). But there can be other cancers that aren't mets.

Susan

My visit with the oncologist
I went yesterday to visit with the oncologist. It turns out my tumor is( 2.1 mm) very small he said they had to put it on a glass slide to see it. It also turned out I was triple negative. My doctor said all that does not matter because of the size of the tumor and right now its all out. I asked him about the Oncotype test , he said i did not need it because even if it came back with high numbers he still would not give me chemo because it was so so small. I asked him about other tests he said no why expose yourself to any other radiation if not necessary. There is one test he wants me to have the BRCA1 and 2 test which I am going for next week. Right now all I need is radiation and a anti estrogen pill for 5 years. I hope the BRAC1 test comes back negative or he said things may change. I trust him he is a very well known Doctor and comes highly recommended, he is located in east brunswick NJ.

Lisaepstein · January 2012

Rague said:
We are all different!
I have to agree with Nancy - talk to your Drs. It is great to ask questions and get info BUT the bottom line is we are each unique and no 2 of us will respond exactly the same or need the same TX. Our Drs also do not all think the same when it comes to TX.

As you recently dealt with uterine cancer I'd ask if the cancer in your breast is a met from the uterine cancer or was the uterine cancer a met from you then undetected breast cancer at? Mets from BC as still breast cancer no matter where they are (at least as I understand it). But there can be other cancers that aren't mets.

Susan

My visit with the oncologist
I went yesterday to visit with the oncologist. It turns out my tumor is( 2.1 mm) very small he said they had to put it on a glass slide to see it. It also turned out I was triple negative. My doctor said all that does not matter because of the size of the tumor and right now its all out. I asked him about the Oncotype test , he said i did not need it because even if it came back with high numbers he still would not give me chemo because it was so so small. I asked him about other tests he said no why expose yourself to any other radiation if not necessary. There is one test he wants me to have the BRCA1 and 2 test which I am going for next week. Right now all I need is radiation and a anti estrogen pill for 5 years. I hope the BRAC1 test comes back negative or he said things may change. I trust him he is a very well known Doctor and comes highly recommended, he is located in east brunswick NJ.

MAJW · January 2012

Lisaepstein said:
My visit with the oncologist
I went yesterday to visit with the oncologist. It turns out my tumor is( 2.1 mm) very small he said they had to put it on a glass slide to see it. It also turned out I was triple negative. My doctor said all that does not matter because of the size of the tumor and right now its all out. I asked him about the Oncotype test , he said i did not need it because even if it came back with high numbers he still would not give me chemo because it was so so small. I asked him about other tests he said no why expose yourself to any other radiation if not necessary. There is one test he wants me to have the BRCA1 and 2 test which I am going for next week. Right now all I need is radiation and a anti estrogen pill for 5 years. I hope the BRAC1 test comes back negative or he said things may change. I trust him he is a very well known Doctor and comes highly recommended, he is located in east brunswick NJ.

Confused...
Lisa if you are triple negative, you would NOT be going on an anti estrogen medication....triple negative bc is not estrogen driven...so I would suggest speaking with your oncologist again....and triple negative is a very aggressive type of bc...regardless of the size of the tumor....I am triple negative dealing with a recurrence....and I had the full treatment first go round...lumpectomy, chemo and radiation...clean clear margins, no lymph node involvement..... Yet it returned in my lymph nodes...Again, I would suggest you speak with your oncologist again....someone is confused...

Best wishes....

My appointment to oncologist Wednesday.

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