Helpful Hints Chapter

Here are some general guidelines to help make your doctors’ appointments as smooth as possible (your doctors will appreciate it too).

The first time you see any physician—surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, or plastic surgeon—bring with you:

  1. Bring a family member or friend to all of your appointments
  2. All of your current and prior radiology mammograms and reports (two years past);
  3. All of your current laboratory results (e.g., hormone receptors, CBC, chemistry profiles, etc.);
  4. All reports of breast surgery you’ve had;
  5. All of your pathology reports;
  6. The name, address, fax and phone number of every place where you’ve had any tests (laboratory, X-rays, CAT scans, MRI, etc.);
  7. The name, address, fax and phone number of every physician, surgeon, naturopath, and any other healthcare provider you’ve seen pertaining to the diagnosis and treatment of your breast cancer;
  8. A list of all medications you’re taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and vitamins and supplements.  Your list should include:  the name, the strength, how often, the reason and when you began taking the medication (days, weeks, months, years).
  9. Bring your calendar (like the one provided in this planner) to every doctor’s appointment so you can schedule follow-up visits easily.
  10. Bring with you your health history.  This should include your past and present illnesses, diseases, surgeries, allergies, and your family health history

Lastly, make sure you feel comfortable discussing your questions, concerns, and fears with your doctors. Remember, they are there to help you get the best possible care.


 A portion from the chapter Questions to Ask...

Questions to ask Your Surgeon

  1. What does my pathology report mean?
  2. What type of cancer do I have?
  3. Has the cancer spread to surrounding tissue and/or distant tissue?
  4. What type of biopsy are you recommending and why?
  5. What is a needle biopsy? Does it hurt?
  6. Will I be getting local or general anesthesia?
  7. Where will the scar be? What will it look like?
  8. Will the sutures dissolve on their own or will I need to return to the office to have them removed?