I think they do not give out some information unless asked because some patients simply do not want to know and that is entirely their perogative. This was the case with my mother-in-law who remained blissfully ignorant throughout.
When I was diagnosed, I wanted to know lots but did not want to know their estimation of how long the cancer had been present or percentage survival rates of a person with my specific diagnosis - therefore I did not ask these things and was not told and that's just how I like it.
You are not being "forward" by asking for information pertaining to your case. Please ask as many questions as you need to get the picture that you want - it's your body, your health, your future.
Have you been taking anyone with you to appointments? I just wondered as another set of ears is always handy especially as you mentioned your hearing isn't so good. Prior to each appointment my husband and I typed up a list of the questions to which we wanted answers. We printed off two copies. I used one to refer to during the consultation and I asked the questions; my husband wrote down the answers so that we could refer to them later if required. There is no reason why a friend or relative cannot be present at all types of appointments, although because of radiation risk he/she wouldn't be allowed into the room when/if you have mammogram, CT or radiotherapy or any other radiation-related procedures. I had someone in the same room with me throughout: consultant appointments, ultrasound, biopsies, MRI, chemo suite, waiting rooms for mammography, radiotherapy and CT.
Wishing you all the best.
