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?

Parents
  • Hi NGS, I was thinking of you today. Hope everything went well with your treatment and that you're feeling OK. Xx

  • Morning everyone. 

    greeny hoping your continuing to feel brighter with every day.  Lovely that your parents are coming to stay 

    In terms of ovary removal I remember the genetics team telling me that removal before 45 added another preventive for breast cancer ( although maybe not successful in my case but they just be because the BRCA1 stacked the odds against me ) 

    pippin - how are you feeling ?   Glad yesterday went smoothly.  

    My treatment went well. Just a long day as had to waited several hours for my take home meds - poor planning by pharmacy at hospital 

    I had reduced dose at 75% and injections now in days 3/5/7/9. Also prescribed muscle relaxants to try and help with bone pain 

    feeling god so far.  Fingers crossed that continues

    i also had call from doctor to say CT results clear - no evidence of blood clot and no abnormality or cancer in chest / heart / lungs which has given me huge positive boost 

    so one more chemo to go   Then surgery 3-6 weeks after bone infusions every 6 months for at least 3 years and bone density scans  and letrazole for at least 10 years 

    I'm meeting genetics on 6 th June for next stage of  cascade testing for my family and I'll be asking about any other tests / trials    The treatment for BRCA1 is imminent in next 5-10 years which is encouraging for my children 

    Carol - lovely to hear your doing well   Good luck with next part of treatment    

    wishing everyone positivity for the days ahead 

    no baby as yet -   Midwife appointment today and likely being offered a sweep as 2 days overdue now   Watch this space 

    xxx 

  • Good morning NGS, so good to hear that your treatment went well and that you're feeling good. Bit annoying having to wait around at the hospital just for the meds, you really don't need that after just having treatment. Brilliant news about your ct scan results, that must be a big relief. Only one more to go, you're nearly there. I still have two more, so not far behind you, I will also then be having my surgery. I too am starting bone infusions in August, for three years. Only dropped that info on me last week, so came as a bit of a surprise. I really hope you continue to feel well this time round, now that they have reduced chemo and injections. Hope all goes well with your meeting on the 6th of June. Xx

  • Meant to add, hope this grandbaby doesn't keep you waiting too long, you must be so excited  

  • Hey everyone,

    @ngs - So glad this round went ok and that they've reduced the dose and you must be so happy only one more to go! Really hope you feel ok this round and that the relaxants help with the bone pain. Also so so happy to hear your CT scans were all clear!! AMAZING!!!! Huge boost i'm sure to hear that...amazing, amazing!....and keep us posted on baby news!! 

    i'm like   and have 2 more to go! Nearly there!!...how are you doing today Pippin? Hope the steroids are working their magic and that you feel ok today..

    I'm feeling much better today which is a relief, i can feel my energy levels coming back which is so nice...so going to try and enjoy it before the next one. Then it will be radiotherapy (hoping to find out more about that in the next few weeks) then it looks like i'll be on Tamoxifen or equivalent for 10 years, Zolendronic Acid and Abemaciclib for 2 years...and maybe ovary removal??...although it all seems to keep changing too so who knows! Like you guys the goal posts seem to change slightly every time I meet my oncologist!...so i'm just trying to take each step at a time..so at the moment just concentrating on getting through the chemo!!

      Hope you're feeling ok after your covid jab. I was talking to my 10 year old son about the fact id be getting a tattoo when they start radiotherapy! I told him it would just be a couple of dots...he said why don't you ask for a fun tattoo if you're going to get one!!!!!!! 

    Have a lovely evening all and rest up for those in the early days of the next cycle! We're nearly there!...with the chemo part at least! xx

  • Hi Greeny80, I'm really doing well at the moment, thank you. I was told on my telephone review to take the lunchtime steroids by 12 o'clock, which I have and sleep has been much better this time. Also had a  lovely walk this morning with hubby.Taste ok at the moment, but last time didn't start until the Saturday. That's when the tiredness seemed at it's worst too, so will have to see how that goes. So glad to hear that you're feeling better today and you have more energy. You can now enjoy your time before your next treatment. Xx

  • Hi  

    I'm doing ok thanks.  I felt really cold in the evening so just took myself under the duvet with a hot water bottle.  Needless to say I woke up too hot later in the night lol.  I'm feeling fine today though, thank you. 

    Re the tattoo, yes, why not give us something exciting lol.  Mind you, I think the pain of 3 dots will be enough for me! lol. 

    I'm glad you're feeling better today.  And you're right, all we can do is take each step at a time and know that each step we take is one closer to feeling better.  So far I've found the chemo bit the toughest - but let's see what radiotherapy brings.  In the meantime, I'm enjoying feeling well and being able to get out and about.  

    Have a good day everyone :) 

    Carol

  • Hi eveyone,

    Just wanted to check in to see how you're all doing this weekend. Hope you're ok and finding rest when needed.

    Just wanted to pop on to say hello really. I'm in my "good" week so not much to report, just always enjoy when energy levels are back! My husband has gone to a wedding in London today, which sadly i said no to going to. In hindsight I probably could have made it but was just slighlty worried about immunity and going on tubes etc before my next cycle...it's a shame though as i LOVE a wedding!!!!!

    Anyway sending hugs and strength for those that need it today xx

  • Hi Greeny80, great that you are in your good week and your energy levels are back. Mine have just started to drop a little and I'm feeling a bit tired. Did get out for a walk this morning, but did struggle a bit today. It's a shame that you missed out on going to the wedding, especially as your feeling OK. Think it was for the best though, going on the tube is probably not the best thing to do. We didn't go to the Ideal Home Exhibition this year, for exactly the same reason. We have a party coming up to celebrate my Dad's 90th birthday, really looking forward to catching up with all the family. It's the weekend before my next treatment  so will hopefully be at my best by then. Hope you continue to stay well before your next treatment. Xx

  • Hey Pippin,

    Just wanted to check in to see how you’re doing? Really hope you’re ok. Xx

  • Thanks Greeny80, feeling a bit better now. I just became really anxious for a little while as everything seemed to get a bit confusing. Hopefully macmillan nurses will phone tomorrow, rather than texting and will be able to reassure me. I'm sure they must be getting fed up with me to be honest. All I wanted was a letter confirming ct scan results. Now it seems I'm getting an appointment with oncologist. Also not sure what BCN meant by they couldn't see my lymph nodes on breast scan. When I got those results over the phone, no-one mentioned that. Have a bit more energy today, but taste gone up the wall. Hope you are feeling ok and sorry for all the moaning. Xx

Reply
  • Thanks Greeny80, feeling a bit better now. I just became really anxious for a little while as everything seemed to get a bit confusing. Hopefully macmillan nurses will phone tomorrow, rather than texting and will be able to reassure me. I'm sure they must be getting fed up with me to be honest. All I wanted was a letter confirming ct scan results. Now it seems I'm getting an appointment with oncologist. Also not sure what BCN meant by they couldn't see my lymph nodes on breast scan. When I got those results over the phone, no-one mentioned that. Have a bit more energy today, but taste gone up the wall. Hope you are feeling ok and sorry for all the moaning. Xx

Children
  • Morning everyone. 

    just catching up on posts. 
    how are you feeling now Pippin.  The waiting worrying and mixed messages can be really hard - I do think communication is key to offering reassurance.  But how good does it sound when you say in 5 weeks chemo will be over.  I agree with carol.  Chemo is the hardest stage. im doing much better this cycle.  I’ve just got 4 injections on days 3/5/7/9 - last one tonight.   The day after I feel rough with lots of bone pain but I’ve managed to keep out of hospital this time.  
    I have Horrible metal taste in mouth and am off food.  Tummy feels quite delicate.  

    but all this is made better by the safe arrival of our beautiful granddaughter Wrenley Robin on Saturday 1 st June at 13:58 weighing a healthy 8 lb 4 oz. 

    I feel so very spoilt having them live with us.  Nanny cuddles are on tap.  

    Wishing everyone a positive week 

    xxx

  • Hi NGS, I'm feeling ok thank you. I did not get a call back from anyone yesterday regarding confirmation of ct scan results.  I've decided to forget about it for now and might speak to the person who phones for my review, before next chemo. It's so good to hear that you are feeling much better this cycle, only one more to go and you're done yay!!!

    I too have had that horrible metallic taste in my mouth for the last couple of days. Last time it only lasted 3 days, so hopefully will be gone by tomorrow. I also had a funny tummy for a couple of days, but seems to have settled down now. 

    Congratulations on the birth of your granddaughter and what a beautiful name. How lovely that they are living with you, enjoy all those cuddles. 

    Hope everyone else is doing OK  xx

  • Hi Everyone,

    For some strange reason i've stopped getting notifications when you post a reply on here so was starting to worry that i hadn't heard from you.It's not like you to be so quiet!...anyway just jumped on here to message again to see how you all were and then saw some missing messages!!...

    The taste thing is very odd isn't it. Mine lingers for ages, i'd say around 10 days or so before it lifts...great that yours was only 3 days last time. let's hope more of the same. Sorry about all the confusion with communication, It's hard when you just want info and to know. really hope you get to the bottom of it and get some clear info soon but hope in the meantime you can try and forget about it. Hope your tummy and other side effects are ok.

    NGS - Ahhhhhh congratulations! Gorgeous name and amazing that you get to give her lots of cuddles! Ah lovely, happy news. Hope Mummy and Daddy are doing well too. Glad the boneo pain seems to be a bit more manageable and no hospital visits this time! AMAZING ONLY 5 WEEKS TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    i've got my penultimate round on Tuesday...and then last one on the 2nd July. Not the best timing as it's my daughters end of year speech day. She leaves her school after being there for 5 years so there's a big leaving party too and i know i'll be feeling a bit rubbish BUT it will mean end of chemo so i'll be celebrating inside!! I've got a meeting with a Dr next Thursday to talk about radiotherapy and how much i have to have and timing etc...feels good to be moving onto the next stage.

    Hope you are ok today and Pippin hope you manage to get out for your daily walk!..and really hope the taste comes back soon both of you.

    xx

  • Hi Greeny80,

    I just saw your comment about not receiving notifications - if you haven't already you can select to 'Bookmark this thread'. You can then go to your notification settings (the bell icon at the top of the page), select 'Notifications', and then ensure that 'Replies are added to threads I'm subscribed to' is checked. You can then choose to receive an email each time a reply is added.

    Hope this helps.

    Best wishes,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi Greeny80, I've had that happen with the notifications on some occasions too. I've had a  couple of bad days with the taste thing, but think it has started to improve now. I found eating salad leaves was awful, tasted really bitter. I've decided to put the confirmation letter about results out of my mind now. They said that all was OK on the phone, so that will have to do. Ended up going yo gp this morning, due to bleeding from back passage. Turns out I have a hemorrhoid, as if there isn't enough to deal with lol! A shame that your last chemo clashes with your daughter's end of year speech. But as you say, you'll still be celebrating the end of chemo. My last one on  the 9th of July is on my wedding anniversary, so I know how you feel. Going to try and go for my walk this afternoon, as missed it this morning. 

    Wishing you all a lovely day. Xx

  • How’s everyone feeling.  Wishing you all the best for treatment this week Greeny.  
    ive still got a horrible taste in my mouth and terrible heartburn. Also feeling incredibly tired again at moment.  
    I have one more week of my PICC line - it will be so lovely to have a proper shower 

    I had my meeting with the genetics team last Thursday which was very positive.  I am being considered for the vaccinations to prevent recurrence and potentially pancreatic preventative testing as well.  
    wishing you all well xx 

  • Hi NGS, sorry to hear you're still having taste issue's, so annoying. Mine seems to last for about 3 days, then goes back to normal. I feel quite tired today too, did have a busy weekend though. Went out for dinner with hubby on Friday evening, which I really enjoyed. We spent Saturday with my daughter, son-in-law and the grandkids. Went to their local fire station open day, which was great fun. Yesterday was a visit to my mum an dad, hubby did a few jobs for them, that needed doing. This morning I went for my covid jab, which caused me a little uncertainty. The pharmacist seemed reluctant to give it to me. First mentioned I wasn't the correct age. I told him it was because of being a cancer patient. He went off for about 1/2 hour to make phone calls. Then came back and was talking about my heart. I told him my heart is being monitored due to phesgo injections, but there was nothing wrong with it. I had to get in touch with chemo unit, who sent text to say I could have it. I ended up in there an hour, but eventually had it. Left feelling a little unsettled though and wondered if I should have left it. Hope you had a nice weekend and enjoy this week before your last treatment. You must be so happy that it will be your last one. Pleased to hear that your genetics meeting was positive, that is good news. Xx

    Good luck for tomorrow Greeny80, hope all goes smoothly. Xx

  • Hey!!

    oh that’s amazing you have your pic line removed in a week! Yay! So nice to be coming to the end of  Chemo! Amazing!! Sorry taste is still off, mine has been pretty bad during chemo, usually it’s bad for about 10/14 days and I still don’t think it’s quite right..I went out for dinner on Friday night to this amazing 8 course taster menu but my husband said one of the courses was really salty and to be it tasted a bit bland!..think my taste buds just seem to dampen any flavour. Hopefully they’ll return after chemo! Sorry about the heartburn too - can you take anything for that??

    Glad you had a good meeting last week though with the genetics team. Keep us posted on the vaccine, I didn’t know such a thing existed for prevention or recurrence. Amazing!


    gearing myself up for tomorrow! But after that I’ll only have one more to go!! Whoop!! Have an appt with radiologist on Thursday so will hopefully find out next steps and timings etc after that!

    Hope the last round goes ok for you!! Just think last one!!!!! Hurrah! Xx

    take care and have a good eve!!  

  • Hey Pippin,

    im not surprised you’re tired! Sounds like a lovey but busy weekend! But so nice doing normal things isn’t it! Going out on Friday was so nice and my parents were staying with us this weekend so that was lovely too! I actually went to London last week too to see my best friend which was really fun and nice to have a change of scene! Took my dog on the train for a little outing!!

    Have been trying to be super productive today before Chemo tomorrow getting all the admin, laundry, errands done before next week when I’ll be feeling below par!! But after tomorrow I’ll only one more to go!..yay!!! I went to get my bloods done today so hopefully tomorrow won’t be such a long day! 

    Sorry you had to wait an hour to get your Covid Jab but glad you got it sorted…Hope you’re not feeling any side effects from it. 

    when’s your next one Pippin? Do you have two more? 

    have a good evening and hope you can have a few restful days after your busy weekend! Xx

  • Hi Greeny80, sounds like you have been pretty busy too, lovely that you got to spend the weekend with your parents. I do exactly the same as you, loads of cleaning on the day before treatment, so I can rest afterwards. Amazing that after tomorrow, you'll only have one more treatment to go. I'll be in the same position next week, it's fanastic that we are nearly through this. I'm feeling fine so far after the covid jab, hopefully that will continue. Will be thinking of you tomorrow. Xx