Questions to ask at first visit

Hi Sparkleandshine 

The main questions I wanted answering were what treatments would I have and when would they start.

Hi Sparkleand shine welcome to the forum..I'm thinking back to when I got my results and they did most of the talking. It's best to take someone with you because when they tell you what's what all listening for us often goes out the window. My son took down details for me as I had many questions after. As my fellow Champ Latchbrook has already said its about what's going to happen next. Hope it all goes well and we will be thinking of you. X

I would second taking someone with you but also record the appointment on your phone via voice memos. When they start telling you the news you may well just see them speaking but not hear a thing… you can listen back afterwards when you’re feeling up to it.

Ask them what type of breast cancer you have and then the path of treatment. Don’t ever be scared to ask too many questions. 
Make sure you are assigned a breast cancer team nurse and ensure you have their number. 
It’s pretty sh*t but once you know what treatment you’re having then it gets a little bit easier to cope with, I promise. I wish you all the luck going forward with getting better. It will feel like you’re about to climb the biggest mountain but all of a sudden you’re at the peak.
I would also suggest going on to instagram for instance and joining groups or finding people who are in the same situation as you. I’ve made some friends for life through taking to like minded people. 
I also go to meet ups with a charity called cancer in common. They’re absolutely brilliant. Depending on where you are, there are a few great charities. For instance if you’re near London, the future dreams house is the most amazing place x

Dear All, thank you so much for your replies they have been amazing. Sending love and hugs to you all xxx

Hi there, lots of great tips in the responses already but I thought this booklet from Macmillan might be useful as well. Best wishes 

Questions to Ask - info link here

Thank you so much that is really helpful xxx

I would want to know the type and grade of cancer, what receptors it has (if any, ie ER+, PR+, HER2+, triple negative); whether they need to perform any more tests to decide whether it has spread. Then the treatment plan, order of treatment, and its aims. If any treatment is tbc at this point, how will they decide? When it will start. 

Thank you so much for your message xxx

I am sorry you are in this situation. I found these early appointments were the most difficult. Whatever you are told at this appointment just be prepared that things may change following surgery. The world of breast cancer I found was like learning a foreign language .

I would ask the grade, the size of the tumour, is it ER and Pr positive and if so what are the levels, is it Her2 positive. If it’s triple negative it means the breast cancer has none of the aforementioned. All of these factors affect the treatment plan. You may be offered a MRI scan, bone scan or PET scan before the final treatment plan is agreed. Sometimes chemo is given before surgery. 

I would take a second person with you. Even though you are expecting a cancer diagnosis, I found it still a shock and I didn’t really hear much after I was told I had breast cancer. I wish you well on your cancer journey, this forum will support you.

Hi, I got my biopsy results last Tuesday and like you was told to be prepared for a cancer diagnosis. I have 2x 2cm cancerous lumps, but luckily it hasn't spread to my lymph nodes as originally suspected. Those were my main questions has it spread and how will it be treated. The doctor explained various treatments but it all depends on further tests being done on my initial biopsies. So untill I get those results I'm still no clearer on what's next. I hope everything goes well on Thursday. Definitely take someone that can help you remember everything that is said. I was bamboozled with all the HER + etc and kind of switched off (probably not the best thing to do!) I will speak to my breast care nurse so I can understand it a bit better, but I've been exhausted dealing with telling family & friends.