I have my first appointment with my surgeon today after chemo - what questions should I ask him!
Hi @suzy72 , I’m sure the nurses will reply, but thought I would too as I had mine yesterday!
My cons told me I would be having a lumpectomy, until I asked what other options there were.
Ask about lumpectomy v mastectomy, what they would recommend and why.
What about nipple preservation
Ask about reconstruction (for both), and if you need/can have it, when it can happen. I have to wait a year.
Look and feel post op
Ask about risks, complications
Likelihood of needing further surgery
Will any further treatment be needed
If any lymph nodes will be removed
Whether it will be inpatient or daycase
Aftercare with drains and dressings etc
How soon surgery is likely to be and what will delay it
Next steps pre op
I had a BCN in with us, and have an appointment with her in a couple of weeks where they go through all the aftercare, bra info etc.
I was also given lots of info to take away.
They recommended lumpectomy to me, but I wasn’t happy to make a decision there and then once we talked through the other options and how they would/not tie in with radiotherapy, so I am taking this week to think it through and going back next Monday with my decision.
Don’t feel you need to decide today. Having the appointment suddenly made it feel real, even though I’ve been thinking about it for a while!
Hope this helps, will be thinking of you today! x
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Hi suzy72,
Thanks for posting.
It’s understandable that you want to know what questions to ask your surgeon at the appointment today. You might find it helpful to read our ‘surgery for primary breast cancer’ information, where we have some suggested questions.
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
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