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 everyone, just thought I'd give you an update, as I had my post op assessment today. It was the best possible news I could have had. They took 20 lymph nodes out, none of which had cancer showing. There was no sign of either tumour and no cancer cells in any of the breast tissue. They still want me to have radiotherapy as a precautionary measure and to reduce the risk of cancer coming back. Hope you are all OK. Xx

  • Hi    That's amazing news!  Well done you!  Radiotherapy will be a breeze after everything you've been through.  Do you know how many sessions you will need? 

    All good here thanks.  Had a poorly pup for a couple of days but she seems to be much better today.  My last immunotherapy session is scheduled for 21 November - all being well (e.g. bloods are ok and they can find a vein for treatment!) I will be ringing that bell!  

    I'm meeting up with the "Moving Forward" ladies on Monday evening for dinner and a catch-up.  I'm looking forward to that.  Am also out to dinner tonight lol. Thank goodness for my PT to help me work it all off!  He's gradually increasing what I do and I am definitely feeling better for it.  Yesterday he introduced light weights and I found out I couldn't quite straighten my left arm directly in front of me!  That was a new one lol.  So I'm working on that in between sessions too. 

    Hope everyone is doing well.  

    Carol xx

  • Hi pippin24 mine  has so far been below 50ml but it's only been 1 day yet. 

  • Offline in reply to Pippin24 Unpublished Reply

    Mine has been below 50ml and it's been only 1 day so don't know how long they will keep it in for.

  • Mine has been below 50ml but it's only been 1 day so don't know how long it will be in for 

  • Sorry every time I would post it it wouldn't show so got multiple now on here sorry about this ladies.

  • No worries. As far as I know it has to be between 25-30 ml, but someone else may be able to clarify this for you. As mine was removed before coming home  I didn't take too much notice. Hopefully, you won't have it in for too long. Xx

  • Hi - D Day - arrived at hospital waiting for check in.  Terrified this morning- not about the treatment formalities but what the treatment will do to my body.  For someone reaching the ripe old age of 71 and do not take any medication (except for the odd paracetamol and very rare antibiotic) never had any operations - just given birth to two fine boys) skipped relatively easy through the menopause this is one hell of a day.  Never smoked but do enjoyed nice glass of wine, the odd G &T and of course our sunny holidays   Didn't have the best night's sleep so tired as well today but steroids should keep me going. Anyway no more moaning just need to get on with this and come out the other side.  Update to follow.xx

  • Hi Robin 

    I had a double mastectomy.  For me I had two drains each side and a pump each side do six tubes in total.  Like you my husband had to drain and measure fluid but just once a day.  When my fluid went below 20 for two days they removed drain.  Took 10 days for all 4 drains to come out  xxx 

    It seems every trust / surgeon has their own direction so be guided by yours. 

    wishing you well with your recovery 

    xx 

  • Hi NGS   I had my first session today - 6 planned all being well if no serious reactions.  You have had quite a journey.  I will have my mastectomy after treatment but cannot have reconstruction because it's inflammartory bc so all skin is removed so I will be flat.  Was wondering whether to ask Consultant when we meet if they could make the other boob smaller just to equalise it a bit!!!

Reply
  • Hi NGS   I had my first session today - 6 planned all being well if no serious reactions.  You have had quite a journey.  I will have my mastectomy after treatment but cannot have reconstruction because it's inflammartory bc so all skin is removed so I will be flat.  Was wondering whether to ask Consultant when we meet if they could make the other boob smaller just to equalise it a bit!!!

Children
  • How are you feeling.  One down - keep focusing on that end goal.  I’m sorry to her you can’t have reconstruction.  Being cancer free if the main thing.  But just a thought. I have BRCA1 so had to have all tissue right up to skin removed.  My surgeon did tell me if he couldn’t save my skin or if there was cancer in the nipple there was a way he could make a breast from skin at my back flap and pull it round.  That said my cousin went flat and she absolutely rocks life.   
    I hope side effects are minimal.  We are all here to help 

    I second Pippin - Polybalm was brilliant.  I ordered mine from Amazon.  I also highly recommend look good feel better. You get lots of goodies and it was a godsend - look them up they have lots of courses on hair / eye brows and make up 

    xxx stay positive - you’ve got this 

  • Thank you.   I've had a terrible reaction to the chemo.  Not eaten since Saturday.  Feeling extremely nauseous and finally diarrhoea.  Really no energy and stayed in bed.  Finally called 111 and oncology nurse but just told to take sickness tablets.  District Nurse very helpful when she called today for injections and I maybe turning a corner.  What do you eat because I have tried dry toast and ginger biscuits but can't eat more than a mouthful.  My polybalm has arrived too now.  Hope they can tweak treatment for next session