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What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor About My Future Treatment?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
San Leandro, CA

So far all I know is I have infiltrating ductal carcinoma and it did not spread to my lymph nodes. I have the appointment to discuss where I go from here this Thursday the 16th. The doctor told my mother that even though it did not spread, they want to be aggressive and have me do chemo. I have read that usually after a lumpectomy it is followed by radiation treatments. Just wondering what I should ask?

May 13, 2013 (edited)
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A MyBCTeam Member

I would ask for the OncoType DX Assay test. this test will determine if you truly need chemotherapy. Ask about bilateral mastectomy because even with radiation and chemo the probability of recurrence is good.

May 13, 2013
A MyBCTeam Member

@HCROESSLER you said you had an MRI, I'm assuming bilateral breast MRI. MRI is the most sensitive testing out there. On your mammography reports if the term "microcalcification" is in the report that mean pre-cancerous.

Initially I went lumpectomy but when the pathology came back no clear margins. Then I chose a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy, because as both my breast and plastic surgeon explained its very difficult to make a fake breast look like the real one. If all up to you, if need get 2nd, 3rd, and 4th opinions.

June 3, 2013
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member I disagree with you as well because I reduced/eliminated the probability of recurrence because of my bilateral mastectomy. Its common sense when breast tissue is removed (all is during bilateral mastectomy the probability automatically declines. No, the statistics are not the same. Are you personally reading scholarly journals. I have. Its a personal choice I'm glad I went the direction I went. Individuals who have lumpectomy plus radiation still have a probability of recurrence in 4 years plus you are ruining your skin with the radiation. My breast was caught early, which causes my chances of never having a recurrence very good. Plus you need to exercise and eat an alkaline diet. You need a improve your lifestyle. Use your beast cancer as a wakeup call to improve yourself.

June 1, 2013 (edited)
A MyBCTeam Member

@HCROESSLER, was a breast MRI done? A MRI is more sensitive and you would know immediately if your breast tissue is pre-cancerous. With remaining breast tissue you will always have a chance of recurrence.

May 29, 2013
A MyBCTeam Member

ask as many questions as you can think of. TAKE SOMEONE WITH YOU and encourage them to ask questions too. Take notes or even record the sessions for future reference.

May 16, 2013

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