Who's Taking Care of You? Get To Know Your Doctors

Medical Oncologist

A medical oncologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer.

Here are some questions you may want to as your medical oncologist

• Why are you recommending this treatment and what are the risks?
  

• Are there other ways to treat my cancer?
  

• Will I be able to drive home after treatment?
  

• How long will the treatment last?
  

• What are the side effects of the treatment?
  

Radiation Oncologist

A radiation oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer with radiation.

Here are some questions you may want to as your radiation oncologist

• Will radiation treatments affect my fertility or bring on menopause?
  

• What are the risks and side effects of my radiation treatment?
  

• Where will I have my radiation treatments?
  

• How long will each session last?
  

• How many weeks will the treatment last?
  

• What should I avoid during treatment?
  

• Will the treatment affect having breast reconstruction?
  

Breast Surgeon

A breast surgeon is a doctor who specializes in operating on the breast. The breast surgeon may biopsy a tumor and then remove it if cancer is found. The breast surgeon may also perform reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy.

Here are some questions you may want to as your breast surgeon

• Why are you recommending this procedure?
  

• How do the risks of the procedure compare to the benefits?
  

• What should I do to prepare for surgery?
  

• What type of anesthesia will I have?
  

• Who do I talk to about reconstructive surgery?
  

Pathologist

A pathologist is a doctor who specializes in identifying diseases by studying cells and tissue.

Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon

A reconstructive plastic surgeon is a doctor who specializes in the reshaping of breast tissue.

Oncology Nurse

An oncology nurse is a nurse who specializes in caring for cancer patients.

Primary Care Physician

A primary care physician is a doctor who monitors your overall health.