Just Diagnosed - Scared and Stressed about doctor selection

A couple of items to consider. Will they be taking Sentinel lymph node samples during surgery to see if the cancer has spread? This can change the treatment approach taken. Will you need radiation following surgery? Chemotherapy treatment recommended? Will you be meeting with an Oncologist as well who works with the surgeon and radiologist? Follow-up care? Future mammograms or MRIs?

Because of my type of Breast Cancer and size of tumor I'm having Chemo 1st followed by surgery/radiation, then more targeted treatment drugs for my specific cancer. I have a whole team of specialists for each part of the process.

Ask questions and make sure they are up front on everything. Have them provide specifics of the proposed course of treatment. See who you feel most comfortable with, are they trustworthy. Also, make sure they contact you before scheduling any and all appointments. Some don't and you're out of the loop. Some places rely only on the MyCharts program and not everything works so you miss appointments. I told my team every appointment they must contact me to confirm. I have other things going on and I add everything onto my calendar for planning purposes.

Best of luck. It's not an easy journey, but it can be done. We're here for you ❤

Hi BIL621, I just stumbled across your post. I'm not from the USA, so I can't help in doctor advice, but my BC journey is extremely similar to yours, routine mammogram in October, found lump, biopsy resulted in ILC, lumpectomy done, margins unclear, mastectomy in 2 weeks. I'm just here to show you support. It's a shock of course, when your life is going on as normal and this crops up unexpectedly, but if we take it one step at a time, we can do this. Take care.

I meant to say I ECHO your sentiment, rather than send an advisory message, lol. :)

Hi,

I hope you have continued strength and guidance for the decisions needed to be made moving forward.

I’ll say this hasn’t been easy. Luckily, I went out of town per recommendation of someone in medical field, to see another oncology surgeon at a top hospital someone who not only has years experience but that’s all he treats day in and day out. I am so thankful for the person who suggested that well, it was a 3 hour drive so I just stayed up there during treatment as I had family in area.

I had 3 limph nodes removed and they were negative, clear margins, double mastectomy, and it’s hormone postive- 2drains left in for two weeks post surgery is rough, just make sure you get a comfty recliner as I slept in it for two weeks. After drains taken out was able to sleep on bed.

walks daily and arm movement as recommended by physical therapists, eat healthy, for me no sugar no alcohol was recommended by nutritionist from hospital, amongst other dietary changes as I have arthritis/osteopenia .

Walks,

at about 6 -8 weeks light weights, cardio more, balance yoga, all helped also with the anxiety one may feel as visits, tests, more scans and or labs are needed.

now I’m on Anastrozole, 1mg

for min of 5 years as mine was hormone

positive. In my 3rd week and symptom free-

the daily morning and before bed stretches are helping I’m sure.

bloodwork checked every 3-6 months,

so it is important to find out the stage after surgery, the grade, hormone + or neg. , her2 + or neg. , clear margins? Lymph node involvement,

radiation and or chemo needed based on what reasons and getting 2nd opinion seeing if all are saying same things

my first oncologist said oh we can do lumpectomy, radiation and reconstruction, never mentioned going flat is an option to and there are prosthesis bras out there.

as I chose that, as too many I know have to get redone in 10-15 yrs, and or their Bc comes back and the reconstruction material could be in way of actually feeling ones chest.

that of course is a very personal Decision one needs to make not easy at first. But with much talk and prayers, I am where I am, and happy with my choice.

my surgeon did not recommend lumpectomy as he wanted to make sure he got it all out as he did. With clear margins! I went to top hospital. So they do this daily vs a local surgeon wanting to do lumpectomy who might have 10 a week where my surgeon does 5 in one day.

reading and being proactive. Is key. Yet not over reading researching late at night as one can go down a rabbit hole of more and more info and each bc is unique to that person and how they treat it

I hope some of my words provide comfort and

know that you are not alone in this. You have your family, friends, and support of all those going through this very challenging times in our life.

May we all have peace knowing that we are in the best treatment, we can be fine and we do have lots to doing with that with our mind, body. The stronger we remain the easier to bounce back after treatments.

have a blessed day everyone. 🕊️