Scans, Tests, and Procedures. Oh My!
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🔬 Biopsy
What it is: A sample of the lump or tissue is removed to confirm if it’s cancer and, if so, what kind.
Why it matters: This is the definitive “yes or no” test. It also tells your team the tumor’s hormone receptor and HER2 status.
Types:
- Core needle (most common)
- Fine needle (for lymph nodes)
- Surgical (less common, more invasive)
Ask about:
- Will I be numb? (Yes)
- When do I get results? (Usually 3–5 days)
- Will it bruise? (Yup. Ice helps.)
🧲 Breast MRI
What it is: A super-detailed scan to look for anything the mammogram or ultrasound might have missed.
Why it matters: Especially common for dense breast tissue, lobular cancers, or if they want to check both sides thoroughly.
Ask about:
- Do I need contrast dye? (Usually yes)
- Can I take an anxiety med? (Hell yes, if you’re claustrophobic)
📦 Sentinel Node Mapping / Tracer Placement
What it is: A radioactive dye or blue dye is injected to help surgeons identify which lymph node(s) the cancer is draining into.
Why it matters: This helps determine whether cancer has spread beyond the breast.
Ask about:
- Will this be done the same day as surgery? (Often, yes)
- Will I glow in the dark? (No, but your pee might be blue.)
🧪 Genetic Testing / Oncotype / BRCA
What it is: A lab test on you or your tumor to understand your inherited risk or how aggressive the cancer is.
Why it matters: Some results can influence your treatment plan (e.g., skip chemo, opt for surgery type).
Ask about:
- Should I see a genetic counselor?
- Will this affect family members?
❤️ Echocardiogram (Echo)
What it is: An ultrasound of your heart.
Why it matters: Some chemo drugs (like Herceptin or Adriamycin) can affect heart function, so they want a baseline.
Ask about:
- Will I need more of these during treatment? (Possibly)
🧼 Port Placement
What it is: A small implant under your skin that makes chemo infusions easier.
Why it matters: Saves your veins and avoids repeated IV sticks.
Ask about:
- Can I shower afterward? (Give it 24–48 hours)
- Will it feel weird? (At first, yes. Then you forget it’s there.)
🧍♀️ PET Scan / CT Scan / Bone Scan
What they are: Imaging to check if cancer has spread beyond the breast and lymph nodes.
Why they matter: Usually ordered if you have symptoms or a higher stage cancer. Not everyone gets these.
Ask about:
- Do I need to fast before?
- Will they use contrast dye?
📝 Surgery Consultation(s)
What it is: You’ll meet with a breast surgeon and possibly a plastic surgeon.
Why it matters: They'll explain options like lumpectomy, mastectomy, and whether reconstruction is right for you (or not).
Ask about:
- Can I go flat? And if so, what techniques do you have/tried to make it as aesthetically clean as possible?
- What if I skip reconstruction for now—or forever?
- What's the recovery time like if I choose one option over the other?
🧠 Bonus Procedures to Expect
- Bloodwork panel: Get used to this—tracking liver, kidney, and blood cell function.
- Chest X-ray: Sometimes used to check lungs before anesthesia or treatment.
- Oncology Consult: Meeting your oncologist and getting your full treatment roadmap.
💡 Power Questions to Bring With You
- What’s the goal of this test/procedure?
- Is this standard for my cancer type?
- What will it change about my treatment plan?
- Do I need to prepare (fasting, no lotion, take meds, etc.)?
- When will I get results, and how?