- Get to know the people on your medical team and make every effort to meet them in person. You'll find out who is the best communicator, who can answer which questions, who is available to help you when you need it most.
- Find a doctor who communicates with you who invites your questions and takes your concerns seriously, who gives you as much or as little information as you feel comfortable with.
- Make plans with your doctor about how to receive test results in a prompt way. Try to schedule important tests early in the beginning of the week, so you don't have to wait over a long weekend, when lab work may slow down or doctors aren't communicating with each other.
In this section you'll find the web version of the Breastcancer.org booklet: Your Guide to the Breast Cancer Pathology Report.
Wait for the Whole Picture
Waiting is so hard! But just one test can lead to several different reports. Some tests take longer than others. Not all tests are done by the same lab. Most information comes within one to two weeks after surgery, and you will usually have all the results within a few weeks. Your doctor can let you know when the results come in. If you don't hear from your doctor, give her or him a call.
Get All the Information You Need
Be sure that you have all the test information you need before you make a final decision about your treatment. Also, don't focus too much on any one piece of information by itself. Try to look at the whole picture as you think about your options.
Different labs and hospitals may use different words to describe the same thing. If there are words in your pathology report that are not explained in this booklet, don't be afraid to ask your doctor what they mean.
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