Page 94 2023 PAINT THE PAPER PINK Lincoln Daily News Oct/Nov 2023 It’s important to be able to have frank, open discussions with your cancer care team. They want to answer all of your questions so that you can make informed treatment and life decisions. Here are some questions that you can use to help better understand your cancer and your treatment options. Don’t be afraid to take notes and tell the doctors or nurses when you don’t understand what they’re saying. You might want to bring another person with you when you see your doctor and have them take notes to help you remember what was said. Not all of these questions will apply to you, but they should help get you started. Be sure to write down some questions of your own. For instance, you might want more information about recovery times or you may want to ask about nearby or online support groups where you can talk with other women going through similar situations. You may also want to ask if you qualify for any clinical trials. Keep in mind that doctors aren’t the only ones who can give you information. Other health care professionals, such as nurses and social workers, can answer some of your questions. To find out more about speaking with your health care team, see The Doctor-Patient Relationship. Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Breast Cancer When you’re told you have breast cancer Exactly what type of breast cancer do I have? How big is the cancer? Where exactly is it? Has the cancer spread to my lymph nodes or other organs? What is the stage of my cancer? What does it mean? Will I need any other tests before we can decide on treatment? Do I need to see any other doctors or health professionals? What is the hormone receptor status of my cancer? What does this mean? What is the HER2 status of my cancer? What does this mean? What is the grade of my cancer? What does this mean? How do these factors affect my treatment options and long-term outlook (prognosis)? What are my chances of survival, based on my cancer as you see it? Should I think about genetic testing? What are my testing options? Should I take a homebased genetic test? What would be the reasons for and against testing? How do I get a copy of my pathology report? If I’m worried about the costs and insurance coverage for my diagnosis and treatment, who can help me? Continued --
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