Tidbits

Here are some tidbits that I hope you might find useful:

1. Keep a spiral bound notebook to write all your questions in and the answers your doctors give you.
2. Take someone with you to all appointments, so they can write down the answers to your questions, and they can ask questions you may have forgotten to ask.
3. Write out some questions before you go to your appointments.
4. Write down all your doctors names, their phone numbers and addresses for quick reference.  In the beginning you will be talking with them often.
5. Keep a journal of your journey.  Write down exactly how you are feeling, it will help.
6. On the day of your surgery, wear a loose fitting button down blouse or shirt.  
7. Wear loose fitting pants or shorts (sweat pants, elastic pants, gym shorts, etc)
8. Flip flops, if the weather permits. 
9. Get a port pillow for your car seat belt. I wish  I found out about them sooner than I did. I discovered them 2 weeks before I had my expander out. 
10. If you had lymph nodes removed, make sure that you do not have your blood pressure taken on that arm because it could cause you to get lymphedema.

Here is a list of questions that might help you out with the Breast Cancer Surgeon:

1.   What type exactly is my breast cancer?
2.   Should I have a lumpectomy or mastectomy?
3.   Will I need to do Chemotherapy treatments, radiation treatments or both?
4.   What are some of the side effects from doing these treatments?
5.   What is the chance my cancer will come back?
6.   If the radiation kills cancer, why do I need to do both, chemotherapy and radiation?
7.   If you or your daughter had this type of cancer, would you do the same treatment plan you are recommending to me?
8.   If I choose not to do traditional treatments, how long would you give me to live?
9.   Why hasn't there been a cure found with all the money going into research?
10. Are mammograms causing the breast cancers?

This is just a small list of questions to ask.  As you do your own research, I am sure you will have other questions.

Here is a list of questions that might help you out with the Oncologist:

1.  What impact on the nervous system will the chemo pills have?
2.  Will I get brain fog from the chemo pills?
3.  Will I have to take the pills for only 5 years?
4.  What is the percentage of chance of the cancer returning without taking the chemo pills?
5.  If I change my diet and take all natural supplements and don't eat any soy, will that work instead of taking the chemo pills?
6.  Are we born with cancer cells?  
7. What are my chances of having muscle and joint pain from the chemo pills?
8.  By taking the chemo pills, are we taking all the estrogen and progesterone out of my body?