Affected by Breast Cancer
Questions for the Doctor
When you visit your doctor you will probably be given a lot of information, but you may not be able to remember it afterwards. It is a good idea to take someone with you - maybe a trusted friend, husband/partner or other relative.
Many people find it helpful to write down their questions before the appointment time. Ask all your questions before you leave! Perhaps you could ask the person who accompanies you to write down the answers. Some doctors have general information sheets available, some are happy for you to take a tape recording of the conversation. (Ask permission before you switch it on, however.)
Some questions you may want to ask…
Questions about the test results
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What are the test results and what do they mean?
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Your doctor may refer to the stage of your breast cancer. Stages are a way of summarizing some of the information in the pathology report. They are numbered from zero (0) to four (IV).
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Stage 0 refers to pre-invasive breast cancer such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
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Stage I, Stage IIA and Stage IIB (early) refer to early breast cancer
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Stage IIB (advanced) Stage IIIA, Stage IIIB, Stage IIIC, Stage IV refer to advanced breast cancer.
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Questions about breast cancer
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What is early breast cancer?
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Where exactly is my breast cancer?
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Can this form of breast cancer be inherited? Should I be tested for this?
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What are the chances of it coming back in the same breast after treatment?
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What are the chances of getting it in the other breast?
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What are the chances of it spreading to other parts of my body?
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Will it be possible for me to have children and breastfeed after treatment for breast cancer?
Questions about your treatment
Your doctor may fully describe your treatment, but these are some of the things you will want to know:
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What are my treatment options?
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Which treatment do you recommend?
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What are the benefits of each type of treatment?
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What are the risks of the treatment?
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What are the side effects of the treatment?
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How successful is the treatment?
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I’d like to think about it before making a decision – will a couple of weeks make a difference?
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Where do I go for the treatment?
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How long will the treatment take?
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How much will the treatment cost?
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Are there alternative/complementary treatments that might help me?
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Can I have alternative/complementary treatments at the same time as the prescribed treatment?
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Can I take The Pill (oral contraceptives) during the treatment? What are the risks if I get pregnant during treatment?
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Can I take The Pill after the treatment?
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Will I experience early menopause?
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Can I have Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) during or when I’ve finished the treatment?
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Can I work while on the treatment?
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Can I seek another medical opinion?
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What if I decide not to have the treatment?
Source: National Breast Cancer Centre