Essential Questions for Your Doctor
Navigating through cancer can be challenging. To guide you, we've curated a list of essential questions to ask your Surgeon, Oncologist, Radiation Oncologist, and Reconstruction Plastic Surgeon. Covering everything from appointments to treatments and recovery, these questions aim to illuminate your journey. Armed with these, you can confidently participate in your care, making the unknown a little less daunting. Remember, every question is a step towards understanding and taking control of your health journey.
Surgeon Questions
- Are you certified by the American Board of Surgery?
- Are you a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons?
- Are you trained specifically in your field of breast surgery?
- How many years of training have you had?
- Do you have hospital privileges and at which hospitals?
- Where will you perform my surgery?
- How will you perform my surgery?
- Am I a good candidate for this surgery?
- What are risks and complications of my surgery?
* Adapted from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Surgical Consult Questions
When Scheduling Your Appointment
- At what hospital/facility will I have my procedure?
- What do I need to bring to this appointment (example: reports, documents, imaging)?
- How much time should I allow for my appointment?
- Do you take my insurance? Is there any out of pocket?
- Do you offer payment plans?
During Your Doctor’s Visit
- What are my surgical options? Which is best and why? (Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Other)
- What will happen if I don’t have surgery?
- What are my reconstruction options?
- What medication do I need to stop before surgery, and for how long?
- What medications will I need to take before and after my surgery, and what are the side effects?
About Your Recovery
- How can I expect to feel after surgery?
- Are there any signs or symptoms I should be aware of after surgery that are of concern?
- Will this surgery remove all the cancer?
- When will I be able to return to normal activities, work, intimacy, exercise?
- When can I smoke or drink alcohol?
Oncologist (Chemo) Questions
When Scheduling Your Appointment
- What do I need to bring with me to this appointment (example: reports, documents, imaging)?
- How much time should I allow for my appointment?
- Do you take my insurance? Is there any out of pocket?
- Do you offer payment plans?
During Your Doctor’s Visit
- What is the stage and grade of disease?
- What size is/are the tumor(s)?
- What is the hormone status of my tumor?
- How will we know if cancer has spread?
- Do you recommend genetic testing for me?
About Your Treatment
- Which treatment(s) do you recommend for me? (Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Other)
- What are the risks and side effects of these treatments?
- What is the expected timeline for each treatment?
- Will this treatment affect my fertility?
- When will I be able to return to work and/or my daily activities?
- Do I need a special diet during my treatment?
Radiation Oncologist Questions
When Scheduling Your Appointment
- Should I bring anything with me to this appointment (example: reports, documents, imaging)?
- How much time should I allow for my appointment?
About Your Insurance Benefits
- Do you take my insurance? Is there any out of pocket cost?
- Do you offer payment plans?
During Your Doctor’s Visit
- Are there alternatives to radiation therapy?
- What are the benefits of having radiation therapy?
About Your Treatment
- How many treatments will I need?
- How long will each treatment take?
- What are the potential side effects of treatment?
- Should I avoid certain food, vitamins, or supplements?
- How will my skin be affected?
- Are there skin products that can be helpful during treatment?
- Do I need to avoid or limit sun exposure?
- What are the effects of these treatments on my fertility?
- When will I be able to return to normal activities, work, intimacy, exercise?
- When can I smoke or drink alcohol?
Reconstruction Plastic Surgeon Questions
When Scheduling Your Appointment
- At what hospital/facility will I have my procedure?
- How long have you been doing breast reconstruction?
- What do I need to bring to this appointment (example: reports, documents, imaging)?
- How much time should I allow for my appointment?
About Your Insurance Benefits
- Do you take my insurance? Is there any out of pocket cost?
- Do you offer payment plans?
During Your Doctor’s Visit
- What type of reconstruction would you recommend for me, and why?
- Do you have before-and-after photos of your work that I can look at for this procedure?
- Will my breasts look the same after reconstruction?
- Will I have any feeling in my breast(s) after reconstruction?
- What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
- Will I have surgical drains following my procedure? And if so, for how long?
- Will reconstruction interfere with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy?
About Your Recovery
- How much discomfort and pain will I feel?
- How long of a recovery period can I expect, and will I need help during recovery?
- Will I have limitations or restrictions in my daily activities and when can I expect to return to work?