Decision-Making Support

Meeting with your surgeon is one of the most important steps in your breast cancer journey. These conversations can feel overwhelming—you may be hearing new medical words, processing your diagnosis, and trying to make decisions all at once.

Asking questions helps you feel informed and confident. There are no “silly” or “wrong” questions—the right questions are the ones that matter to you. Your surgeon expects you to ask, and you deserve answers you can understand.

At Coastal Hope for Healing, we believe knowledge is power. Here’s a guide to the kinds of questions many patients find helpful when preparing for surgery and beyond.

Tips for Your Appointment

• Write questions down in advance.

• Bring a notebook or ask someone you trust to take notes.

• Ask for plain language— “Can you explain that another way?” is always okay.

• Don’t feel pressured to decide everything in one visit.

Questions About Your Diagnosis

• What type of breast cancer do I have?

• What stage is it, and what does that mean for me?

• Has the cancer spread to lymph nodes or anywhere else?

• Are there genetic or hormone-related factors I should know about?

• Do I need more tests before surgery?

Questions About Surgery Options

• Which type of surgery do you recommend for me, and why?

• Am I a candidate for breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), or do I need a mastectomy?

• Can I choose nipple-sparing or skin-sparing options?

• What are the pros and cons of going flat versus reconstruction?

• How many of these surgeries have you performed?

• What are the possible risks and complications?

Questions About Reconstruction

• What reconstruction options are available to me?

• Can reconstruction be done at the same time as my mastectomy (immediate), or should it be delayed?

• What are the differences between implant-based and natural tissue reconstruction?

• Am I a candidate for direct-to-implant or flap reconstruction?

• How will reconstruction affect recovery time, scarring, and future treatments?

• Can I meet with a plastic surgeon before deciding?

Questions About Recovery

• How long will I stay in the hospital?

• What will my pain be like, and how is it managed?

• How long before I can return to work, exercise, or driving?

• Will I need drains, and how are they cared for?

• What help should I arrange at home?

• What long-term changes should I expect (sensation, scarring, strength)?

Questions About Long-Term Care

• How often will I need follow-up visits or imaging?

• Will I need radiation or chemotherapy after surgery?

• How does surgery affect my risk of recurrence?

• Are there lifestyle changes that can support my recovery and health?

• How will this affect things like fertility, menopause, or hormone therapy?

Questions About Support & Quality of Life

• How will this surgery affect how I look and feel?

• Can you connect me with other patients who’ve had similar procedures?

• Are there physical therapy, lymphedema, or survivorship programs available?

• What emotional support resources do you recommend?

Final Word

Preparing questions for your surgeon gives you more than information—it gives you confidence. These conversations are about more than treating cancer; they’re about your comfort, your healing, and your future.