Appt with onc-advice on what to ask pls

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Hiya,

I have an appt with an oncologist tomorrow to talk about my treatment plan for a local recurrence and wd be interested to hear from anyone for advice on what to ask. So far, I have the following:

How many doses of radiotherapy can I expect and over what time period? I’ve been told that I will be having radiotherapy but I’ve read somewhere that this may be spread over more weeks than normal if it is being administered to a reconstructed breast to prevent damage.

Why was RT not recommended the first time and is there any value in having RT at the site of the original rumours now?

I have read recently that being ‘tamoxifen resistant’, as I appear to be, may be genetic. There is also a history of ovarian cancer in my paternal side of my family. Will you refer me for genetic testing?

An oopherectomy was not recommended initially and I was not offered zoladex injections. How do I arrange for removal of my ovaries (I’m 41, and my periods have been erratic since chemo and I am worried about any genetic tendency towards OC).

I am considering a prophylactic MX (and reconstruction) on my gd side-wd it be recommended?

Are there any tests - such as CA153 - that I could have to better monitor my circumstances.

As you can see, I already have quite a few questions but I do feel this time around I need to be more assertive. Any advice that anyone cd give wd be very much appreciated!

Ta,
Naz

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Naz - sorry can’t think of anything else to add, although i do think the questions you’ve come up with already are very sound. Guess you’ll be writing them down - i’d space them out on the page that way if you get nervous or forgetful they’ll be easier to see on the page.

Good luck with the appointment, and good luck on the assertiveness, odd isn’t it when they take on (or we give them )some god like personna and our ability to communicate with them suffers.

I’d also front it up by saying " i’ve got a lot of questions for you and i’ve written them all down because its really important to me that i have them answered"

Hope it goes well

Lynn

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Hi Naz, So sorry to hear of your plight…Write everything down and do not leave till all questions answered…Do not be fobbed off…First question should be why no Rads first time, that is an Enigma to me, all our gang had them.
You are in my thoughts. I am back on Tam till I see Gp 20th Sep. I am getting as fat as a pig. really must sort myself out.
Love Bobbiexx

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For future reference, you might get more support for the ooph and prophylactic mx from your breast surgeon rather than the onc. My male onc was very ambivalent about me having them done but my female surgeon was very obliging!

Good luck.