DIAGNOSIS, at the time of

• What did the biopsy I did reveal?

• What type of breast cancer do I have? What is his stage? How big is the tumor? Do I have metastases?

• What tests were done on the tumor and what were the results?

• What tests do I need to do before surgery to see if the cancer has spread to other organs?

• Is an Hereditary Breast/Ovarian Cancer Genetic Profile test indicated in my case?

SURGERY, before the

• How long should I stay in the hospital? Will I need someone to help me when I get home?

• What will I feel after being operated on? What will be the restrictions on my routine activities?

• Where will my scar be? How will my breast feel after the surgery?

• Will I use a drain?

• Do I need any special bra?

• What care, with the breast skin, should I have in the days preceding the surgery?

​

SURGERY, after the

• When will I be ready to resume my activities?

• What precautions should I take?  Should I avoid getting injections in that arm and shaving or shaving the armpit on the operated side?

• What are my chances of getting lymphedema since some lymph nodes have been removed?

• What are the special exercises to do with your arms? For how long? What activities and exercises should I avoid?

• Where can I find a group or association for women who have also had breast cancer? Where can I find a psychotherapist who will help me emotionally?

• How will my case follow up?

• How often should I have control tests, lab tests, X-rays?

RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

• What types of reconstructive surgery? Does my health plan cover this type of surgery?

• What is the best surgery in my case? Why?

• What are the chances of infection and/or rejection of the implant that will be done? Are there other risks or side effects to consider?

• When will it be best to rebuild? Immediately after surgery or a few months later?

• How many surgeries will I have to undergo? How many days will I be hospitalized in each of them? And the time for convalescence? Are there any medications I should avoid taking before the operation?

• Will I feel a lot of pain after surgery? What changes will I see in my body?

• Will the implant of the prosthesis make the new breast resemble my healthy breast? What can be done to make the new breast look more like the healthy one?

• Will I be able to identify a possible relapse of the disease after breast reconstruction?

• Not wanting to do the reconstruction, what types of external prostheses can I find on the market?

HORMONIOTHERAPY

• What hormones are indicated for my case? Why?

• What is their effect?

• What are the possible side effects of these hormones in the short and long term?

• How long will I use adjuvant hormone therapy?

CHEMOTHERAPY

• Why is chemotherapy the recommended treatment for me?

• What drugs will I take? Why?

• What are the possible side effects? Will they be permanent? What are the long-term risks?

• What side effects should I urgently report to the doctor?

• When will chemotherapy be started?

• Will I need a special deep vein venous access?

• What is the form of treatment and its frequency?

• How long is it? Should I undergo other treatments as well?

• During the treatment period, can I continue working, exercising, playing sports, etc.? And what precautions should I take while undergoing chemotherapy?

• Would a tumor gene signature test help my case decision?

RADIOTHERAPY

• Why is radiation therapy recommended in my case? Will other therapies be needed?

• How long will it last? When will treatment start?

• Who will be the doctor responsible for my radiation therapy?

• What are the side effects and for how long will they show up?

• What risks can this treatment present in the long term?

• What resources to protect my heart from radiation therapy?

• What are the precautions and restrictions during this period? And after treatment (eg use of creams, lotions, etc.)?

• Will I be able to continue my usual activities (sex, work, sports) during treatment? And after him?

TREATMENT, alternatives of

• What are the treatment options for my case? And what are the recommended procedures? Why?

• What is your opinion about conservative surgery followed by radiotherapy? Is this procedure indicated in my case?

• Will I need to undergo adjuvant treatment (radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy) after surgery? Which doctor is indicated?

• Will the breast reconstruction be done right after the mastectomy or later, at another surgical time? Which plastic surgeon is recommended?

• If I don't want to do breast reconstruction, what are the existing external prostheses and where can I find them?

• Is contralateral prophylactic mastectomy indicated for my case?

• Will there be benefit from preoperative chemotherapy or hormone therapy?