Oncologist appointment tomorrow - what questions should I ask?

After being diagnosed on 18th January and going through all the various test, I finally get to see the oncologist tomorrow. Would like to hear from anyone who has any suggestions about what questions would be good to ask. 

Also what are your experiences of how long it took for treatment to start after first oncology appointment. As my breast cancer is grade 3 and fast growing, I'm worried about it spreading, before my treatment even gets started. 

Was it suggested you have a PICC line or port?

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  • Hi everyone, I need of a bit of advice, not sure if I need to go to a & e. Had my port fitted on Wednesday, which has been itchy for last couple of days. Thought it was just due to the healing process. However, last night I noticed what looked like two blisters right next to each other. But they're hard to the touch and really itchy. Also looks like they could have been leaking a clear fluid.  This area is not near the actual wound, but right near the corner of the dressing, which I've now peeled away from this area. Any thoughts?

  • Hi Pippin, 

    Sorry you’re worried and sorry to hear it’s itchy…could you call you BCN? Or do you have a post op number you can call?

    I think if you’re worried you should go in, they’ll know straight away. Better to get it seen to sooner rather than later and will then also stop you worrying..I’m sure it’s nothing and just the port settling, that can take a few days but I think when you’re dealing with Chemo and lower immune it’s always best to get it checked. At least speak to someone over the phone first if you can.

    Are they blisters or part of the scab from the incision? Make sure you keep it clean…

    really hope it’s ok and nothing to worry about..sure it’s just part of the healing process. Do you have a temperature? That’s a good sign of any infection..

    let us know how you get on. Sending positive vibes your way xx

  • Hi Greeny80, thanks for your quick response. I'm wondering if it's some sort of allergic reaction. It's not near the wound site, just near to the corner of the plaster. Will try giving someone a ring, but wasn't sure anyone would be there on a Sunday. I have peeled the plaster away from the itchy area for now. I don't have any temperature, so I'm not concerned that the wound is infected at all. I may well end up popping to a & e, which is annoying as I was hoping for a rest day after a busy weekend!!

  • After reading your post the first thing I thought was it sounds like an allergic reaction to something touching your skin that's the most likely thing in my opinion x

  • Yes maybe it’s an allergy to the plaster? Maybe like you say take that off, clean it and then let it air a bit..have you had allergies to plasters.dressings before? Might just have got a bit sweaty or something underneath so maybe just needs to breath? I know you were saying you have been having hot flushes so that may have reacted with the plaster? 

    Maybe  just keep an eye on it today…if it gets worse then go in but it may clear up by itself..and if not feeling unwell then that’s a good sign. See how it feels this afternoon after taking the plaster off…hopefully it will calm..Hope you don’t have to go in so you can have a relaxing day. If you’re worried though then always best to get it seen to just for peace of mind more than anything..but if not getting worse you might be able to get hold of someone tomorrow. Keep an eye on your temp.

    Hope you had a lovely dinner with your brother and sister in law xX

  • Hi Jenny3109, thanks for your response. I think you're right. Not too concerned as its nowhere near the wound. Really itchy hard lumps near edge of plaster, but think it has been oozing, as skin is broken. But think it might need checking out!

  • I would agree that you definitely need to get some advice today from somewhere x

  • Yes,definitely get it looked at ,sounds like allergic reaction.Get onto Gp and Breast nurses.Keep it dry for now if you can xx

  • Will pop to a & e today, will post update later. Xx

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