Depending on the type of cancer you need to treat, the team of doctors who will be monitoring and guiding your treatment will vary. Possibly, you will meet with a breast surgeon, an medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, and a plastic surgeon.
Each doctor should cover most of your questions without you having to ask them, but sometimes they don’t, so you have to prepare your own questions. These are the questions I asked my doctors to help my decision making regarding the treatment I chose.
Breast Surgeon
What stage is my cancer and what is its growth rate?
Is my cancer receptive to hormones (e.g. estrogen or progesterone)?
How long do I have to make a decision about the treatment I want?
If I choose a double mastectomy …
What are my chances of losing my nipples?
How long after surgery are the pathology results ready?
Where will my incisions be placed?
Do I need to remove my lymph nodes?
How are the nodes removed, and what are the chances of developing an infection (lymphedema)?
Do you recommend that implants be placed on top of the muscle or underneath?
What kind of cancer check-ups do I need later: MRIs, ultrasounds, etc?
Plastic Surgeon
If I decide to have one or both breasts removed …
Am I a candidate for immediate reconstruction or should it be in two stages?
What is your experience with UTM (under the muscle) and OTM (over the muscle) reconstructions?
What type of reconstruction do you suggest for my case: above the muscle or below the muscle?
Can my body reject the implants, and what would we do if that happens?
What brand of implants would you use and why?
Can I lose my nipples? What are my options if that happens?
How do my breasts age when I have implants?
Am I a candidate for DIEP flap reconstruction?
What will you do to prevent capsular contracture?
Can you show me pictures of your breast reconstruction work, before vs after pictures?
Do you have patients I can call to ask their opinion and satisfaction with their results?
Treatment (Radiation) Oncologist
What are the short-term and long-term effects on my body, tissue and skin?
What is the recurrence rate for this cancer or a new one over the rest of my life?
How will my body, skin and tissue respond after the treatment completion?
How will this treatment affect my heart health?
How many rounds of radiation will I need?
How will it affect my ability to lead a normal life while I am undergoing treatment?
Medical Oncologist
What type of medication do I require in the treatment you are recommending and what are its effects?
In your career, what experience and preparation do you have: comprehensive oncology, nutrition, etc?
What type of follow-up will I need: MRIs, ultrasounds, etc?