Questions to ask my oncoglist

[thejudster747]

This week I will be seeing my oncoglist for the first visit.  I had a mastecomy January 10th with 2 lymph nodes removed (tests showed no cancer in them).  I am  64 years old ---3 years ago had DCIS (stage 0) in the same breast with a lumpectomy (no other treatment).  My markers are all favorable (est, prog., and her-2-NEU).  It's a grade 2 and my plastic surgeon said stage 1.  I am having reconstruction surgery (expanders) so radiation is not a consideration.  Can you give me some idea on some questions I need to ask.  I am reading much and learning on the internet and all this is very overwhelming to sort out.  I have heard that post menopausal women chemo is only effective in 3 out of 100 and that once chemo is used it would not be affective should cancer pop up at a later date.  I don't know if this is true or a myth.  Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Also, my paternal grandmother had ovarian cancer...(don't know if this important to mention)  

[thejudster747]

Thanks japdid for the sound advice---"what's next"?  I recently read a book which I questioned much of the information regarding cancer treatment...  it wasn't specific enough (as you mentioned) ...after reading the author's negative information and thoughts I melted down.  Funny (NOT) that this was in the medical building library for cancer patients.
I really think think that inspite of how terribly painful and devastasting this disease is there are positive benefits which spring forth and we are surviving cancer patients can benefit.  
Blessings

[japdip]

I'm not sure what you might ask except "What's Next ?" I would question Chemo since there were no lymphnodes involved but the Oncologist has all the information regarding your Pathology report and will either make a decision or give you options accordingly. I don't see any connection between being post-menopausal and chemotherapy. There are different forms of Chemotherapy and each can be applied in different situations. If cancer were to recur this could either be a NEW cancer OR metastatic to other organs in the body. Treatment would differ in each case and might not necessarily be Chemotherapy. I would advise you to rely upon the meeting with the Oncologist rather than too much information from the Internet as this info. is rarely case specific. Most Oncologists go over every detail with a patient and may give you more than one option for treatment if any is considered necessary. I stand by my "what's next" as your first question.  Kindest regards ....