What comes next?

[jenkit]

I have already had the Core Biopsy, been diagnosed with two forms of cancer DCIS and IDC and now told I need another surgery to determine the extent of the cancer. Then what?

What concerns me the most is the Breast surgeon that did my biopsy, gave me the new and now wants to do the next surgery isn't someone I want to treat me through all of this. At what point do you get an Oncologist and what else do I need to prepare for?

[japdip]

You could ask for a referral to an Oncologist now if you wish. I wouldn't worry though because no Surgeon is going to treat you after the Surgical procedure except for the usual surgical follow-up as with any other surgery. You would be referred then for certain. No harm in asking for the referral now though if it would make you more comfortable.   Regards ...

[SueYoung55]

I'm sorry you got a diagnosis of breast cancer. I know this is the hardest time of your life but I know you will do fine. Let me say this to you. If you are in a larger area where there are larger facilities you may want to make a few calls and see if there are any breast centers locally. I did not care for the first surgeon I met and went for a second opinion and ended up changing everything to my liking. I had a surgeon, oncologist and radiology oncologist all meet with me at one time and help me decide the best next steps. The better option would to even have a plastic surgeon to consult with should you want to reconstruct or have the option to do so. You have time to make some decisions so learn as much as you can before making those decisions. If you don't feel comfortable, move on! I took a tape recorder with me to my appointments so that I didn't miss anything that was said.

Also, as good as your doctors are or may be, they are only really knowledgeable about their own specialty. So make sure to ask the right questions of the right doctors so you don't inadvertantly get the wrong information. You can also call the American cancer society and they will gladly send you all of their information on breast cancer so you can arm yourself with knowledge.

Best wishes and a quick recovery!

[Louise414]

Here is how things have worked for me.
July 13 Routine mammagram.
July 15 Call back from radiologist for more views and ultrasound.
July 20 Needle aspiraiton biopsy done by radiologist.
July 22 Biopsy results from primary care physician.
July 23 Met with breast surgeon.
July 27 MRI of breast.
July 30 Bilateral mastectomy.  Only one breast was biopsied, but I have had two sisters die of breast cancer.
August 5 Saw surgeon post surgery. Referred to oncologist.
August 10 Met with oncologist
August 20 Appointment with surgeon for post surgery visit.
August 24 Appointment with oncologist for decisions on treatment.
The  primary care physician, radiologist, pathologist, surgeon and oncologist have all had  phone discussions with each other during the process.