Rama a 46 yr old female presented with breast lump. She was diagnosed to have Breast cancer. Rama had lots of apprehensions and queries but she really did not know what to ask and hence adding to her confusion. So I just decided to compile some pertinent questions that you need to ask your doctor on being diagnosed with breast cancer. October being a Breast cancer awareness month I take this opportunity to educate my readers and make them aware about the questions they need to know on being diagnosed with Breast cancer.

 

1. Doctor clinically are you sure the lump I have is suggestive of Breast Cancer?
2. Is the mammogram/ ultrasound report also suggest breast cancer?
3. How do I confirm it is a breast cancer?https://drsumandas.com/2011/11/27/diagnosis-of-cancer-few-important-things-to-know/
4. Where to get the biopsy done? A good pathologist opinion is most important in making diagnosis of Breast Cancer.
5. Has the cancer localized to my breast or it has spread to lymph glands and other organs.
6. What is the stage of the disease and how do u define the staging in other word what does the stage means?https://drsumandas.com/2013/01/20/cancer-staging-a-brief-guide/
7. What is the treatment option suggested by you? The sequence of Surgery,Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, Targeted therapy are most important. What do you suggest first and please take a multidisciplinary opinion.
8. What is my prognosis and long term treatment outcome?
9. How good is your team (Surgical Oncologist, Medical Oncologist and Radiation Oncologist)  in the treatment of Breast cancer?
10. Is my daughter or any family member at risk of developing breast Cancer?
11. What are the chances of disease coming back after treatment?
12. Will I have normal menstrual cycle after starting chemotherapy?
13. Can I do Breast feeding during the treatment?
14. What is the cost of treatment and will it be covered under insurance or credit as per agreement of the company with hospital?
15. Where will be the treatment done?
16. What are the side effects of the treatment and will I be able to do my regula activity during treatment?
17. Can I attend my office during the treatment?
18. Will there be problems like loss of hair, loss of appetite and how do I tackle these problems?
19. Surgery:

 

• What are the options you suggest Breast conservation or total mastectomy?
• What are options of reconstruction and when will it be done?
• What exercises do I have to do to prevent swelling of the arm?
• Will I have any scar and will there be any disfigurement?

 

1. Should I change what I eat or make other lifestyle changes?https://drsumandas.com/2012/08/16/emotional-outcomes-after-cancer-diagnosis-ways-to-overcome-it/
2. Will I need special tests, such as imaging scans or blood tests, and how often?
3. After treatment what precautions do I need to take?
4. What symptoms do I have to watch for, what are the symptoms of disease coming back?
5. How frequently do I need to follow up with you?

 

https://drsumandas.com/2013/05/07/495/

 

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• October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (theguyfrom4staff.wordpress.com)
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