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Real members of MyBCTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Suggestions for Reconstructive Surgeon questions

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
East Ridge, TN

I have been diagnosed with triple negative High Grade Invasive Ductal Cancer, Grade 3, Stage 2 on 05/05/2026. I am needing some suggestions for questions to ask for the Reconstructive Surgeon for the meet and greet on Friday. I do not know if I will have a partial, full or double mastectomy. Originally the cancer is only in one breast, but I have felt the pains in the other breast since late last year. I would appreciate any suggestion or advice.🤨

June 2
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A MyBCTeam Member

Thank you for the advice. I was not surprised that I had cancer due to the pains I had been having for two years in my left breast. In March 2026, my GYN felt the lump. In April 2026, the mammogram and ultrasound showed the mass. I was not surprised that I had cancer due to the pains in my left breast. In the late fall last year, I started feeling the pains in my right breast.

June 2
MyBCTeam

First, it's completely understandable to feel uncertain right now — walking into that appointment prepared can make a real difference. Here are some helpful questions to bring to your reconstructive surgeon on Friday:

About Your Options
- What reconstruction options are available to me based on my type of mastectomy?
- Show Full Answer

First, it's completely understandable to feel uncertain right now — walking into that appointment prepared can make a real difference. Here are some helpful questions to bring to your reconstructive surgeon on Friday:

About Your Options:
- What reconstruction options are available to me based on my type of mastectomy?
- What are the pros and cons of implant-based reconstruction vs. using my own tissue?
- Can reconstruction be done at the same time as my mastectomy, or should it be done later?

About Timing:
- How will my chemotherapy (neoadjuvant treatment, which is common for triple-negative breast cancer) affect the timing of reconstruction?
- If reconstruction is delayed, what are my options in the meantime?

About Results & Recovery:
- What will my results realistically look like?
- If I have a single mastectomy, can the other breast be adjusted for symmetry?
- What does recovery look like, and how long before I feel like myself again?

About Risks:
- What are the potential complications specific to my situation?
- How might radiation therapy after surgery affect my reconstruction? Regarding the discomfort in your other breast — definitely mention this to both your oncologist and reconstructive surgeon before Friday. It's important information that could influence decisions about whether a double mastectomy might be worth discussing.

A MyBCTeam member shared that bringing someone to appointments to take notes and ask questions made a huge difference. Don't be afraid to slow things down and ask, *"What would you recommend if this were your family member?"*

You've got this! 💪

June 2
A MyBCTeam Member

Make sure they are aware of the pains on the other side. They (and you) should have the full picture of what is going on, so you can make the most informed decisions. I had cancer on one side, but then later developed cysts (benign) on the other side, sometimes they can be painful, but the size can fluctuate, so the pain is never consistent.

June 2

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