Breast Surgery

A breast radiologist looks at images of the breast in order to diagnose and help treat different breast diseases. The radiologist looks at your mammograms, breast ultrasounds, and breast MRIs. The radiologist can also do breast biopsies if needed.

A medical oncologist is a doctor that treats cancer. There are many different ways to treat cancer including chemotherapy. Your oncologist will talk to you about what kind of treatment your cancer might need.

A radiation oncologist is a doctor that treats cancer with radiation therapy. They work to remove or make the cancer smaller and protect healthy tissue..

A plastic surgeon works to restore the natural shape of your breast after breast surgery. There is more than one way to do this. Your plastic surgeon will talk to you about your options, should you need them.

A nurse navigator helps you understand your treatment plan and connects you with support services and resources. They are here to make your treatment easier to understand and to help you solve any problems that come up.

A genetic counselor helps you and your family find out if certain kinds of cancer run in your family. This can let you know if you or your family are at a higher risk of cancer. The genetic counselor helps you understand ways to prevent cancer, how to find it early and what your options may be for treatment. Genetic testing may also be helpful to other members of your family.

Oncology social workers address the social and emotional toll of being treated for cancer. Parkland social workers can connect you and your family with the resources you need, both at Parkland and in the community.

A physical therapist can help you keep up your physical health and emotional well-being during and after your treatment. Physical therapists also treat swelling of the arm (lymphedema).

A pathologist is a doctor that looks at the tissue taken during a biopsy to see if cancer is present. They can sometimes tell from the biopsy how much the cancer has grown and if it has spread.

A mental health professional helps you cope with the changes that come with finding out you have cancer. They can also help you get through the treatment for your cancer. Our team of mental health professionals includes a psychologist, a psychiatrist, and a mental health counselor.

1. What type of cancer do I have?
2. What stage is my cancer?
3. How long will my treatment take?
4. Can I have breast-conserving therapy?
5. Is surgery right for me?
6. What should I bring to my surgery?
7. Who can help me fill out my forms?
8. Will I be admitted to the hospital, and if so, how long will I be in the hospital?
9. What could make my treatment hard or scary for me?
10. Will I go home after the procedure?
11. How long will it take me to heal?
12. What help will I need at home?
13. When can I go back to work?
14. How can I apply for medical leave from my job? (FMLA)
15. When can I exercise?
16. When can I shower?
17. Are there certain foods I should or shouldn’t eat?
18. Is somebody going to teach me about taking care of my incision (cuts) or drains, if I have them?
19. When do I come back for my next appointment?

Bring your medical records, if you have them.

Bring a list of your medicines.

Bring a family or friend (if COVID policies allow them to come).