Virginia covered most of what I would say. One important thing I always suggest is to have a notebook. Write down any questions that you think of before your appointments because once you are in front of the doctor your mind tends to go blank. This is important for all of your doctors. Talking with one tends to lead to questions you may have for your other medical team members so it's good to have it to write those questions down as they occur to you. I was lucky. My Cancer Center provided me with a three-ring binder at my first surgeon visit that had sections for the Nurse Navigator, Surgery, Radiation, Chemotherapy, Reconstruction, Lymphedema, Support, and Nutrition. It had a biography of every doctor that I see, which I really appreciated. They provide a Lymphedema class, support groups, and Nutrition classes based on the treatment, all at no charge. The book contained every phone number I could possibly need and maps to guide my way throughout the Center. I always hope that most of the Cancer Centers/hospitals provide at least some of this information for new patients. But the notebook is definitely handy for gathering your own information.

Thx! I do have a short list of questions and your response helped support my own thoughts.

Bring someone with you to write and take important notes. You need to be listening while they are writing it down. It's hard to do both! So much information, instructions, etc..to absorb at one time! Plus you're really emotional, scared. I was in a state of shock. It felt like I had stepped outside of myself and was looking at it all happening. So surreal! The notes are great to have. I've referred back to them often instead of calling the clinic. I realize how busy they are and this is my way of being proactive for me. Once your doctor has a game-plan things will start to settle down and become a routine of treatments. You should always feel that you can talk to your doctor and medical team about treatment and how you are physically feeling. Some clinics have an in-house psychologist who specializes in treating cancer patients who need someone to help them cope. I've been going to mine for 4 years now.

I love lbbc.org. This is the link from their page about first visits.

https://www.lbbc.org/about-breast-cancer/what-i...

Questions to ask your oncologist about breast cancer | LBBC

https://www.lbbc.org/about-breast-cancer/what-is-breast-cancer/questions-to-ask-oncologist?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22623460933&gbraid=0AAAAAoX38tA0Dgm3-CxWbkntQPl97AADR&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjJrCBhCXARIsAI5x66XsAGu2Bez4_Y_d2cShsibEc1eCtogGOWpKvKfovT6XyJ8Vgwjk4iMaAmBbEALw_wcB