IDC - Just diagnosed from Core Biopsy - Questions for Surgeon?
Hi from Canada! This is my first post! Just diagnosed with IDC, (Grade 2 features) ER Positive, PR Positive, Negative for HER 2 Protein Overexpression by IHC (Score 1+) To be honest not sure what this all means. I have appointment with surgeon Dec. 5th. Would love to have some suggestions for what Questions I should be asking the Surgeon. Look forward to hearing from you and really appreciate your help. Thank you!
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Hello from Northern Ontario. IDC, Stage 2a, Grade 2 HR+ HER-
So much will depend on your cancer and what services are available to you.
Ask your surgeon to explain any terms you don't understand. The surgeon will discuss the options you have available ie. lumpectomy vs mastectomy and may touch on other tests and procedures ie. a sentinel lymph node biopsy. Treatments following your surgery will often be dependent on the type of surgery or what is found. For example, if having a lumpectomy, radiation is usually standard. Being in a larger city, you may have an Oncologist on board ahead of time to discuss treatment and access to a plastic surgeon to discuss cosmetic options and outcomes.
Bring someone with you. Bring a note book and take notes. Don't be shy about asking any questions that come up as you talk. Make sure you get a contact for follow up questions, because there will always be something else that comes to mind later. Ask about related recovery times and physical limitations. Where are post op services accessed and/or what's available. This way you can be prepared if you are going to need help.
I created a binder to keep all the information provided and my notes in one place to refer back on. There is definitely information overload.
I wish I could give you a more fulsome answer. Unfortunately in my case time was of the essence and Oncology and Reconstructive services are not available where I live so my choices were very limited. On the plus side I have an amazing surgeon.
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Hi blueberry76!
I'm in Naramata BC!
First thing to do is breathe… you got this and we are all here to help! You might want to ask the Oncologist about any meds such as Tamoxifen or Femara /Letrozole these are estrogen blockers and I was on both without many side effects these are considered adjuvant therapy after other things like radiation and or chemo and you would be on them for 5 years or more.
If you are on any other meds or want to check interactions once you are prescribed them then an excellent resource is Drugs.com and there is an interaction checker that also gives warning about foods that might interfere with any meds too.
Jill
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@blueberry76 - Hi, and welcome to the community! We’re so glad you found us, although we hate you have to be here for this reason.
Our main site has a helpful article on Questions to Ask Your Surgeon that covers what to ask about surgery options, recovery, lymph node procedures, and next steps. We hope this helps. We’re always here to support you, and we look forward to hearing how your appointment goes.
Sincerely,
The Mods
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